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This past decade presented us with a number of rap artists who have captured the ears of the public, but few have put together the track record that Future has. First making waves after dominating the mixtape scene, the Atlanta native inked a deal with Epic Records and released his debut album, Pluto, in 2012. Despite producing hits like “Tony Montana,” “Magic (Remix),” “Same Damn Time” and “Turn On the Lights,” Pluto failed to garner the same fanfare of Future’s previous mixtapes and faltered commercially.
Heading back to the drawing board, Future hit the mixtape circuit once again, hooking up with DJ Esco before delving into the recording process for what would become his sophomore album, Honest. Released on April 22, 2014, Honest marked an uptick in Future’s popularity, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and achieving gold certification from the RIAA. While other albums in his discography have received greater critical and commercial acclaim, many fans trace back to Honest as the moment that Future found his footing. It served as the calm before the storm that was his legendary run and it remains invaluable in his catalog.
To commemorate the five-year anniversary of its release, REVOLT looks back at seven of the best songs from Honest that have stood the test of time.
1. “Move That Dope”
In a genre that pays the ultimate respect to the hustler, anthems dedicated to the street entrepreneur are a dime a dozen. Future managed to break up the monotony with this ode to the D-Boy featuring Pharrell Williams, Casino, and rap’s resident lyrical kingpin Pusha T. Produced by P-Nasty and Mike WiLL Made-It, this track was hailed as one of the better songs of 2014 and retains the same luster that initially made it a radio and club staple.
2. “Honest”
Future Hendrix lets his raw emotions spill over somber piano keys and booming 808 drums on this title-track from his sophomore studio album. The second single released from the project, this Metro Boomin and DJ Spinz-produced thumper peaked at No. 55 on the Hot 100 and is viewed as a major turning point in Future’s artistic progression.
3. “I Won”
During his relationship with R&B star Ciara, Future penned this dedicatory ballad to his then-fiancee, which includes a guest verse from Kanye West. Comparing himself to a championship trophy, Future’s flattering appraisal of his former beau is heartfelt in sentiment and makes for one of the album’s more vulnerable moments.
4. “Special”
Southside and TM88 construct this string-driven composition, as Future celebrates unique individuals striving for greatness, while reveling in his own evolution into a boss. Joined by fellow Freebandz member Young Scooter, Future struts all over the track with the air of a made man, sneering at the unambitious on this impressive deep cut.
5. “Benz Friends”
Future doubles back to his roots on this collaboration, as the ATL native trades rhymes with fellow Dungeon Family alum Andre 3000, who takes centerstage as the purveyor of the Dirty Sprite assumes a complimentary role. Produced by Organized Noize, who bring the opera to the trap by littering glorious wails over the track, this jam was an instant fan-favorite.
6. “Sh!t”
Future calls the bluff of halfway crooks and wanna-be thugs on this rowdy cut from the deluxe version of Honest. Peaking at No. 34 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts, this minor hit — produced by J-Bo and Mike WiLL Made-It — set the streets ablaze upon its release and packs enough bass to provoke anyone within earshot to tear the club up.
7. “Karate Chop (Remix)”
In boxing, it’s believed that the opposing fighters’ styles are what makes great fights. This can also be said about collaborations in the realm of rap. On the remix from Future’s 2013 mixtape favorite, he and Lil Wayne make the perfect match, as the pair coexist effortlessly atop boisterous production from Metro Boomin. Bringing the proceedings to a crescendo before Weezy swoops in with an electric finale verse, Future raised his stock in a big way with this addictive salvo.
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