Stepping into the next phase of his career, GRiZ continues his Funk-a-delic roots with his latest album. Evolving as every great artist should, Future Funk Volume 1 delivers groove-heavy bass, funky basslines, and hard-hitting drops laced with ProbCause swagger. Teaming up with industry heavyweights Effin and Big Gigantic, this new body of work only further cements the fact that GRiZ has gotten his second wind and is ready to reach new heights.
Opening with “Outlaw,” this funky groove-laden track eases the listener into the journey of the LP. With hip-hop attitude and that delicate GRiZ touch we know and love, this one is a head-bobber. Intertwined with engulfing wubs, I love these salon-esque samplings draped within the background. These first two tracks really set the tone for the new LP.
Following the opening track is “Rump Shaker,” a much-needed, up-to-date Big Gigantic collab the world has been waiting for. Starting as a slow burner, the intro delicately builds pressure as the hypnotizing saxophone fades. This one cooks into a massive sax drop as the track explodes around the 40-second mark. Designed for peak festival moments, the boys clearly went all gas and no brakes on this one! One part that really sticks out to me is the playful sax interlude near the middle of the track, before a massive second drop.
“When It Rains, Baby, I Don’t Mind”
Then comes “Rainbow Machine” laced with western undertones. ProbCause graces us with his vocal chops on this track. Like a breath of fresh air, this track screams backyard vibes with the homies. I absolutely love the vibe of this track. A cross between spoken word and singing, it’s unique in every way. Driven by GRiZ’s groove-filled bass lines, this one is sure to be on everyone’s summer playlist at their next cookout. The world needs more ProbCause singing tracks, that is for certain.
His next three tracks, “BBFL,” “Funk You Up,” and “Found Your Love,” are current singles you know and love. Continuing the foundation of GRiZ’s new sound, “BBFL” and “Funk You Up” deliver dome-splitting bass lines, funk-driven wubs, and sax grooves that let you know exactly who the f*** you’re listening to!
Next is his much-anticipated Effin and ProbCause collab. This one goes balls out! Using Effin’s textures and jarring bass design, this one is purely heavy bass and is not playing around. Undeniably the hardest track on the album, this one is packed full of attitude and hard-hitting wubs that will leave you scratching your head, wondering what just happened.
Heroes Get Remembered, But Legends Never Die
Rolling into another ProbCause collab, “iLLest in the Game” brings that fresh hip-hop attitude of “I’m here to stay, whether you like me or not.” Known for his multifaceted approach to sound design, his production on this album is beginning to come into focus as it progresses. A hip-hop attitude, laced with funkadelic vibes, hard-nosed bass drops, and pure, unapologetic basslines that let you know GRiZ is here to stay and doing things his way. It might not be what you know and love, but it’s the direction we’re headed, bish. Get in or get out the way!
Next is the surprise single he dropped a few months back, “555.” Again, I feel a very hip-hop style attitude with this one, with the “gangster til I f**kin’ bleed” samples and heavy bass lines. This is a great driving song, seat laid back, sunglasses on, blaring through the speakers as you screech up to the stoplight like a G. Chock-full of poise, this one has been on my playlist for months already and needs no further description.
Closing out this new era of GRiZ is “Back To Me.” A spacey curtain close, this one feels like a vintage GRiZ track, some long-lost single from Mad Liberator. A total vibe of its own, this one brings you back down from the supersonic journey and eases you back to reality with its delicate melodies. Soft vocals and calming, funky, groove-driven beats drive this track home. An immaculate way to close out the album, “Back To Me” is the perfect temperament.
With this new album, it is clear GRiZ is back on his game after his hiatus from touring. From what we heard on Future Funk Volume 1, one can only hope we don’t have to wait too long for Volume 2!
