Album Review: "Culture III" by Migos

Today (June 11), rap group Migos dropped off their fourth studio album, Culture III, after a long delay and multiple singles. The project includes features from the likes of Drake, Cardi B, and more. I have been waiting for this album for a considerably long time, and I'm excited for new Migos music. Will it live up to the hype, or is Culture III a heavy miss from the consistent trio? Let's find out.

1. Avalanche

This was a really solid intro for the album. All three members of the Migos delivered, with Takeoff surprisingly having the best verse. The beat was also very laid back and reminded me of jazz music. I'm giving this track a 7.5/10, and I'm excited to see what the Migos have in store for us with this project.

2. Having Our Way (ft. Drake)

I like this track a lot. Drake commanded the first half of the song with a catchy hook and a fire verse, and the three Migos swooped in on the second half, with each of them delivering hard-hitting bars, before Drake closed it out with the hook. I also really enjoy the instrumental, as it suits all of the artists really well. Migos and Drake really make some magic together. I'm giving this track a 7.5/10, too.

3. Straightenin

This was the second single released before the album, and I thought it was a good comeback track. The hook is extremely catchy, and all three of the Migos flow well over a beat from their go-to producer DJ Durel, who rarely ever misses. This track is easily a 7.5/10, and it seems like this album is on a very consistent streak. Solid three-track opening.

4. Type Shit (with Cardi B)

Although all three of the Migos delivered like usual, Cardi B came in and DESTROYED her verse, and Offset also closed out the track with lots of energy and lots of bars. The Tay Keith production was also nice, and I hope this is another hit for him. This track gets a 7/10, and I'm really happy with the album so far.

5. Malibu (ft. Polo G)

I really like the beat on this track and everyone who rapped on it, even if the track itself is too long for it to be a hit (then again, Bad and Boujee clocked in at over five minutes and went number one). This track is not as good as the previous ones on this album, but I still like it. I'm giving it a 7/10.

6. Birthday

This is a club banger right here, thanks to a catchy hook and smooth verses from the three Migos over a Smash David instrumental, which is sure enough to warrant it being played in strip joints around the country. I believe this track could be really huge. I'm giving it a solid 7/10.

7. Modern Day

This is the best track on the album so far. This song actually had a lot of hype around it, as people were anticipating it to be the third single from the album. And boy, did it live up to the hype. The beat is immaculate, and all three of the Migos spit FLAMES. I'm giving this track a high 8/10, and this only warrants better things to come from the album.

8. Vaccine

This track isn't anything too special, but I really like the hook. It's pretty catchy, and Quavo does his thing yet again. The other two Migos also deliver, with Offset having the last verse and spitting an array of hard bars. The beat is pretty basic, but it suits the Migos well. I'm giving this track a 7/10.

9. Picasso (with Future)

This is yet another hit on the album, and even though the Migos all spit fire like usual, Future is the clear highlight of the track. He delivers a great hook and takes full advantage of the wonderful instrumental. I hope the album keeps on this pace, because long projects like these tend to degrade during their second half. Anyways, this track gets a 7.5/10.

10. Roadrunner

This track was overly long, almost to the point where I might've actually gotten bored. However, it was saved by the Migos' rapping, with Offset delivering the strongest verse (he almost always does). The instrumental is also perfect, with Zaytoven using his gold touch and upping the track's likability even more. That Zaytoven tag at the beginning is also fun to hear, and it sets in the listener for a ride. This track gets a 7/10.

11. What You See (with Justin Bieber)

Although Justin Bieber's addition on the track was kind of unnecessary, he actually had a good and catchy hook. The three Migos also brought good energy, even though I don't really like somber tracks like these. Still, I'm giving this song a solid 7/10, and I'm surprised at how good this album is.

12. Jane

Wow, this track is good. I mean, SUPER good. I didn't think anything could top Modern Day, but this song goes much harder than it should. The hook is catchy, all three of the Migos perform above expectations, and the beat is infectious. With all that said, this is now the best track on the album so far. I'm giving this an 8.5/10, and I'm going to be revisiting it all the time.

13. Antisocial (ft. Juice WRLD)

This track may not be that great, but Juice WRLD delivers a typically fire hook, and all three Migos deliver fire, although underwhelming, verses. My enjoyment decreased slightly from the last few tracks, but I'm still giving this track a 6.5/10, which is good.

14. Why Not

We have yet another catchy hook from Quavo, and standard verses from the Migos, which are still hard, though. The album is kind of getting repetitive, but I think it can pick back up and finish out strong. I'm happy enough, anyways. I'm giving this track a 6.5/10.

15. Mahomes

I really enjoy the Migos' verses and the instrumental, but this track is WAY too long for me to include it in any playlist, and it doesn't have hit potential. I think this album can finish out in a good way, and I don't think this one track is going to ruin it. I'm giving it a 6/10, however.

16. Handle My Business

This is yet another long track, but this time, it works. The beat is wavey, and all three Migos deliver fire verses, even if the hook is way too long, and the interludes in the hook unnecessary. I'm giving this track a solid 6.5/10.

17. Time For Me

Other than Quavo ripping off Roddy Ricch on the hook, there is nothing that stands out about this track. It's just an average Migos song, which I don't have any problem with. The beat is really nice, though, so I'll give this track a 6/10.

18. Light It Up (with Pop Smoke)

This is a solid collaboration with the late Pop Smoke. All three Migos delivered hard-hitting verses, and Pop Smoke had something to add, bringing his signature swagger and brash talking. The beat was also produced by 808 Melo, alongside others. Melo is a drill producer, suiting Pop Smoke's style well whilst also giving the Migos a chance to rap over something new. I'm giving this track a 7.5/10.

19. Need It (ft. YoungBoy Never Broke Again)

This track came out a while ago, and I'm surprised it was even on the album. Considering it technically is a bonus track, it is a nice closer for the album. The three Migos and NBA YoungBoy flow smoothly over a beat that is one of the best on the album. I give this track a solid 7.5/10.

FINAL RATING: 7.4/10

BEST TRACK: Jane

WORST TRACK: Time For Me

SUMMARY:

It gets a bit repetitive at times, but Culture III is a largely consistent album filled with hits for days and guest features that add something to each track. The project proves that Migos can still make magic, even though their heyday might be over. The album also proves that long is not wrong, and that longer albums can tend to be better than shorter ones. All in all, Culture III is the embodiment of what every Migos fan has dreamed of as a comeback.