REVIEW: NOW OR NEVER WITH YUNG FUME

Yung Fume is recognised for his auto-tuned melodies, a discography laced with memorable anthems and spearheading the UK’s trap-wave movement amongst others. Upon the release of his brand-new ‘Now Or Never’ mixtape, I hit Fumoss up for a deeper understanding of his quarantine project.

After our brief introduction, we got right to it. Rather than casting my own verdict, I asked the very artist how he would introduce his new project.

“This project was having 100 songs made and being ready to drop the biggest album of my career (before corona). Out of the 100 songs, I ran with a theme and put this out for the fans. As in, ‘now or never’ because we might not get the chance to drop this music again. That’s how I was feeling at the time. I had to get the music out!”

Sure, it wasn’t the rapper’s original plan but neither is it a ‘throwaway’ tape. Fume reassured me and explained that the release of his forthcoming album is one that he believes will redefine his career. Until then, he has packaged and gifted a 14-track, whilst-we-wait project for his fans. Much like the vehicle on the cover design? Get in because we’re in for a ride!

‘Now or Never’ takes you on a rollercoaster that weaves in and out of the life of Yung Fume. He does it independently, providing a full body of work with no extra features. It kicks off with a flex-heavy soundscape which is nothing new to the artist who often takes on a rockstar energy. His charged-up records such as, ‘High In The 6’ and ‘Movie’, prove it with a display of his signature cadence and lit ad-libs!

By track 6, ‘Akuma’, the booming production meets its end and blends seamlessly into a more melodious selection of tracks. All done intentionally. Fumoss moves into the more reflective and sentimental part of his artistry, growing deeper with moving records: ‘You and I’, ‘Feel My Pain’ and ‘Issues’.

He showed awareness and involvement when it came to discussing his sonics. Knowing what he wanted to achieve with this mixtape, Fume told me:

“Whatever sound I start the tape on, I wanna show different sides. A body of work shows real potential. You need to start a tape hyped but sometimes you have to slow it down and catch a different vibe.“

Making the most of his crossover potential, the South London native spoke on his relocation to ATL, home to the likes of Young Thug, Lil Baby and Gunna. I was pleasantly surprised at such big news and listened in, over the phone, as he beamed when recollecting his recording experience over in the States.

“Creativity! I recorded that in the A… in my home studio… off the Henny. When you’re in Atlanta, recording, it’s different. Every time that song plays, the first thing I think of is Atlanta.”

Being an artist in this current climate has thrusted the talent into adapting his rollout and being more creative than ever. We discussed his plans around pushing ‘Now or Never’ even under government rules to stay at home but Yung Fume was and is unfazed — excited, even.

“I’ve got a crazy surprise, I can’t even announce it. Just know you’ll be getting visuals and way more! I’m stepping out of my box – it’s something I’ve never done before.”

Stream Yung Fume’s ‘Now Or Never’ mixtape here.