Album Review: Saweetie, 'High Maintenance'

Budding rap star, Saweetie, dropped her debut project, High Maintenance, last week. Her debut song, a freestyle over Khia’s “My Neck, My Back,” called, “ICY GRL,” went viral when posted to YouTube last October.

Across the EP, Saweetie’s influences are clear: Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Kim. What sets Saweetie apart from other contemporary female rappers is her emotionless tone. Where Nicki has a plethora of alter egos and Cardi’s tone is exclusively in “turn up” mode, Saweetie exudes a calm cool, that isn’t easily replicated.

With crisp production from Zaytoven and Cash Money AP, Saweetie flexes are main strength across the EP: her hooks. From “B.A.N.” to “Too Many” to “Good Good,” Saweetie has an impeccable ear for hooks, she knows her audience well and tailors her hooks and verses just for them. “Got some big plans, you no longer in that vision/You need to take a good look at what you’re missin’/Ever since I left your dumb ass I’ve been winnin'” The simplicity of these lines perfectly encapsulates the essence of Saweetie, she doesn’t need a man to achieve her aspirations, and neither do you.

This was a solid debut project, and I’m excited to see what Saweetie will come with next.

KEY TRACKS: “ICY GRL,” “B.A.N.,” “High Maintenance”

SCORE: 60