Future is an artist that needs little introduction. The Atlanta rapper is a pioneer, tastemaker, and a major part in why hip-hop sounds why it does today. But let’s not pigeonhole him to his already legendary legacy just yet. Because he’s back, with a 9th studio album on the way, and a new single in the form of ‘Worst Day’.

This new track is signature Future. Slightly melancholic synths linger, hi-hats rattle, and bellowing 808s. He croons over the top with his autotuned, croaky cadence; a staple to the soundtrack of these past 10 years. It’s familiar, yet still refreshing thanks to the honesty in the lyrics, as the rapper delves into substance issues, relationship problems, and the overarching sense of toxicity that follows his fast-moving life. When he sings “Valentine’s Day is the worst day”, you believe him.

The versatility that exists within a Future song is a common thread throughout his illustrious career. Is it trap? R&B? Is this song for the club? Or is it a ballad? You can’t box his style into the confines of one genre. This began all the way back in 2011, with mixtapes such as Dirty Sprite flooding the playlists at legendary Atlanta strip club Magic City. In 2012, coming off the smash hit that was the Drake-assisted banger ‘Tony Montana’ and ear-catching ‘Turn Off The Lights’, he released his debut album, Pluto, polymerising hard-hitting trap with off-kilter serenades. Reviewing the album, Pitchfork’s Jordan Sargent wrote “Though it will sound instantly recognizable, his personality, voice, and skewed take on pop-rap make it instantly different.”

Future’s sophomore project Honest was a continuation of his unique sound, dropping in 2014 and spawning stand-out tracks like ‘Move That Dope’ with Pusha T, Pharrell, and Casino, as well as a Metro Boomin orchestrated title track. While the project was both critically and commercially successful, on October 28th the same year it became almost instantly overshadowed by the instantly acclaimed release of his mixtape Monster.

Monster is very much a pivotal part in the sounds of hip-hop today; just as important as a project like Young Thug’s Barter 6, or Travis Scott’s Rodeo. Metro Boomin and Southside occupied most of the production, creating eerie yet hard-hitting beats for Future’s turn-up energy, and vulnerable confessions. Tracks like ‘Codeine Crazy’, ‘F*ck Up Some Commas’ and ‘Throw Away’ have since been regarded as classics, and still, roar throughout clubs and parties today. Monster marked the start of a run that’s still lauded as the prime of his career, with 2015 seeing the release of the Zaytoven produced mixtape Beast Mode, the DJ Esco-hosted 56 Nights, his third studio album DS2, and his collaborative project with Drake: What a Time to Be Alive.

This run is particularly important in Future’s role as a pioneer because it put an end to his attempts to fit his oddball approach to music into the mold of the mainstream, choosing to go back to freely being himself. The prolific output that followed would signify that he isn’t one that’s afraid to try new things. 2017’s Hndrxx engrossed in the sounds of alternative R&B, becoming a favourite amongst his cult-like fanbase. 2018’s Wrld on Drugs was a collaborative project with the late, great Juice WRLD, signifying the combination of a veteran and a prospect. He’s appeared on songs for contrasting artists like Calvin Harris, Taylor Swift, and FKA Twigs, showing that his adaptability is limitless.

So how can we expect any difference from his 9th studio album? He’s been in the game for over a decade, hasn’t he done everything there is to do? Well, doing the same thing isn’t in Future’s pedigree. There’s always the constant of a track like ‘Worst Day’, which is classic Future, but each album from the rapper marks a different point in his life, that leads to different perspectives explored. The video for this new single begins with him speaking to dating expert Kevin Samuels, breaking down the meaning behind some of his actions, and struggles within relationships. While vulnerability is nothing new to Future, this marks the first time we’ve seen him delve into the possible resolutions, opposed to accepting the impending doom on tracks like ‘Throw Away’. Like Jay Z with 4:44, this rollout is shaping up to be the beginning of Future’s grown man album, and he’s no stranger to taking his worst days and turning it into another win in his monumental career.

Stream Future’s new single ‘Worst Day‘ and keep it locked to Acclaim for more.