Review: After the Rain x Yung Baby Tate
Personally, I have been a fan of Yung Baby Tate since stumbling across her years ago on SoundCloud. Orange from her 2015 project ROYGBIV and Roxanne were instantly added to my likes and in my daily rotation. A refreshing and fun artist, anyone who listens to Yung Baby Tate is sure to notice her witty rhymes, but what has stood out since her arrival to the music scene is her unique creativity. YBT could teach a class on how to do concept albums, she has repeatedly done them so well with fresh narratives and themes.
Listening to After the Rain the growth and magic of Yung Baby Tate shines bright. Her pen game is sharper than ever, and she hits her stride getting into her R&B bag (something she seemed to be avoiding in recent projects). After the Rain is victorious in being a cohesive concept album without being as overt and direct as previous albums like BOYS or her 2018 EP Cuddy Buddy. In contrast to her 2019 Girls album (I have no regrets about blasting that album on road trips several times) which was more upbeat and rap focused, this album is much more R&B centered and reminiscent of her 2016 single Rainfall (add it to your sex playlist, thank me later). YBT successfully bounces between energetic rhymes and her smooth r&b vocals.
Flipping between the two sounds is a talent that should not be overlooked, it is a skill that not too many of her peers possess. In a genre where samples are used constantly, especially for pushing women rappers into the spotlight, YBT’s originality takes center stage on Rainbow Cadillac showcasing her ability to flip the unforgettable Danity Kane hook from Show Stopper. YBT does not rely on the sample, creating an entirely new song by making it her own. Reimagining a sample so well is rare. She links up with Flo Milli for I Am, the prefect manifestation anthem (seriously! write it down, recite it in the morning). On I Am YBT’s confidence and ladies first sentiments push through in alignment with previous tracks like That Girl and Pretty Girl.
After the Rain is the best of both worlds from Yung Baby Tate. She has unlocked the perfect balance/blend of R&B and rap in a feminine and fun way. A star in the making, none of Yung Baby Tate’s projects sound the same. This is what makes her an ever evolving and multitalented queen. Whatever is next from Yung Baby Tate is sure to keep pushing boundaries and authentically ooze originality like only YBT does.
Favorite Tracks:
I Am (feat. Flo Milli)
Baecation
Let It Rain (feat. 6lack)
Lesson Learned.
