Rap? Pop? R&B? - Tierra Whack (2021)
Although she has only ever released one full album, Whack World, rapper Tierra Whack has frequently mentioned the sheer volume of music she has under her belt. With her new trilogy of EPs, Rap?, Pop?, and R&B?, Tierra effortlessly proves not only the volume of music she can create, but just how skillfully she can blend genres with her clever and unique style of rap.
Tierra’s trilogy takes listeners on a journey through many emotions, but the main feeling found on Rap? could be best described as confidence. Its opener “Stand Up” is bold and demands that any “fakes sit down”, allowing Tierra to rightfully “hold [her] crown”. “Meagan Good” calls out a partner who takes advantage of Tierra, even after she was there for them through multiple troubles including jail time. The choir belting in the background of “Millions” give it a particularly endearing layer of soulfulness.
Next, we travel with Tierra through Pop?, which contains refreshing diversity within its three tracks. “Body of Water” is brisk and audacious, with heavy drum beats and Tierra’s hurried flow emphasizing her desire to start fires and riots. “Lazy”, with its country rock-esque guitar riffs, chastises a lazy partner who mooches off of Tierra’s success. “Dolly”, though, with its plucky folk-sounding instrumentation, reveals a much more vulnerable, tender side of Tierra and is a welcome addition to the EP.
Last is R&B?, which, of course, lives up to its title. The emotional content on this EP is much more somber. “Heaven”, instrumentally, is a very traditional R&B track, though its lyrics are ethereal and otherworldly. “Cutting Onions”, possibly the most melancholy track in the entire trilogy, details the passing of Tierra’s beloved grandmother and Tierra’s struggles with grief. “Sorry”, as its title suggests, follows Tierra as she apologizes for and acknowledges her romantic mistakes — possibly even asking for forgiveness from the same partner she previously scolded.
Overall, releasing a trilogy of EPs was an incredibly creative move on Tierra’s part. Although their lyrical content may vary in tone and topic, Rap?, Pop?, and R&B? are all authentically Tierra Whack, and serve as only a few examples of her versatility and proficiency across any genre.
