Quavo & Takeoff - “Only Built For Infinity Links” Album Review
Beginning with Migos breakup rumors in May, Quavo and Takeoff released their collaboration, “Hotel Lobby (Unc & Phew).” The duo has since released four more songs leading up to the release of their album “Only Built For Infinity Links'' on Friday.
This album leaving out Offset was expected to produce a new sound from the uncle and nephew pair, however fell short.
“Only Built For Infinity Links” is an 18 track hip hop/rap album with a run time of 59 minutes and 14 seconds. This is also Quavo and Takeoffs duo debut. With notable features such as Mustard, NBA Youngboy, Young Thug, Gunna, Summer Walker, Birdman and Gucci Mane this album has a wide variety of sounds catering to most audiences.
After promising a new sound apart from “Culture” and various Migos albums the two recycle the same producers resulting in a sound Migos fans know all too well. Producers such as Buddah Bless, Zaytoven and Murda Beatz create a tone very similar to past Migos albums making it hard for these two to create their own path.
A lingering question apparent in the album: “Where’s Offset?” Fans and other critics have questioned if there is beef going on between the group and their fellow member, Offset.
It was never made clear what the issue or if there is an issue going on between the group mates however in the song, “Two Infinity Links” Quavo is thought to have touched on their “beef” with Offset by saying, “Just put lil' bro on somethin' (Yeah), just put lil' bro on somethin'” (Two Infinity Links) he is making it seem that the beef isn’t anything serious and it might be resolved.
At the end of the day, the group is family and fans shouldn’t expect any serious issues within.
Something the producers did that was semi-new to their work is sampling. The first track, “Two Infinity Links” stands out for many reasons. Initially they sample Jay-Z’s “1-900-Hustler” adding a nostalgic vibe to the debut that’s happening.
Secondly, the lyrics themselves give a look into the lives of Quavo and Takeoff along with their relationship with their family. They start by stating how strong their bond is with an emphasis on family, “An Infinity link/See that's the strongest link in the world/By far stronger than the Cuban/It runs in the blood” (Two Infinity Links).
Opening the song by defining what an infinity link means to them they then go on to talk about times they shared together before they made it big, “Before the cake, before the stage, we split up honey buns”. By shining a light on their family values they provide a different lens for the audience and showcase their values in a new light.
Although the beats sound similar to past songs released by Quavo and Takeoff this provides them a type of home team advantage. With experience performing on these beats the duo is able to maintain a good speed and harmonize well with the familiar genre. Many notable bangers on this album include the likes of, “Hotel Lobby (Unc & Phew),” “Nothing Changed”, and “Us vs. Them (feat Gucci Mane)”.
Even though they do well sticking to their usual recipe of sound on the track “Mixy (feat. Summer Walker)” Quavo plays his cards at a different type of melodic rap. This melodic rap prepares a perfect intro for a Summer Walker feature, one that stands out on the album.
“Only Built For Infinity Links” has many notable songs filled with great lines that are likely to chart while giving fans a familiar Migos vibe which is long overdue. While audiences would most likely still like to see Migos back together in the future, this album fills the void since Culture III.
Rating: 8/10
Reviewer’s Favorite Songs: “Two Infinity Links,” “Us vs. Them (feat. Gucci Mane),” and “Mixy (feat. Summer Walker)”
Reviewer’s Least Favorite Songs: “Tony Starks,” “Big Stunna (feat. Birdman),” and “Hell Yeah”
Vanessa Wasden is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email vaw5153@psu.edu
