Lute's story is probably the coolest yarn in hip hop and after serving up West 1996 and then being signed to Dreamville records, Lute is back with West 1996 Pt. 2. There's no need for me to harp on about Lute's history, not when Dreamville - as they do so well - dropped a video to provide the backdrop to Lute's album:

Pt. 2, features 'Still Slummin' from Dreamville's label mixtape 'Revenge of the Dreamers II' but with a few upgrades, other than that this is all fresh(ish) content from Lute following on from the first installment. The timeline stuff is important here as well thanks to much of Pt. 2 being completed before Lute got signed to Dreamville a few years back, so in following on from West 1996, Lute offers commentary on the period after dropping a low key monumental project and then simmering back down to the realities of life.

Everything about Lute's work is relatable to you or I and that vibe is evident in all of Lute's work, yet in Pt. 2 more so than West 1996. Of course, Lute's story-telling and irresistible flow (anti-flow sort of flow) draws you in on his first project, but this is inter-twined with the introduction of Lute; Lute announces his arrival with technical ability, along with story-telling. In Pt. 2, there's much more story-telling with an introspective personal vibe and the vivid pictures Lute paints of that time period have you feeling as though you're there in Charlotte, battlin' away with Lute.

Starting with 'Morning Shift', Lute gives the listener not only an introduction into the vibe of the album but also an introduction into Lute as an artist. I don't have a favourite track because every jam packs a different punch and gives you a different slither of Lute's insight, or a different reason to rewind. 'Morning Shift' is however the ideal starting point for new listen, from his manager calling him to come into work which immediately gives the listener something to relate to, to Lute then going absolutely bonkers as he settles into his groove:

"Fruity Pebbles in the morning with his daughter, she a star
Reminiscing on the days when her mama had his heart
Ain't no time to dwell, it's like the people grow apart
Spend all your time and thought then it's back to where you start
I can't comprehend what I can not understand
I'm only human, never defined by circumstance
Fuck this rap facade, let's talk about real life
How many of y'all niggas real niggas in real life, rhetorical
Partner but who are you to be judge, they dap you up, call it love, like, who the fuck can you trust?
Double edge with the blade, so you embrace for the cuts
Disguised by words, like my nigga, good luck
"Hope to see you do well," translation hope that he fail
Like fuck these niggas I'm ill, real recognize real
Like fuck these niggas I'm here, headstone for these rappers
I just might tat a tear
Trying to be to my city, perhaps what Cole to the Ville
West Charlotte legend, ain't drop a tape in five years
So redefine what's great, but he ain't got what it takes."

From there Lute goes in a variety of directions with each song, although each song maintains consistent themes that feature throughout. Lute's daughter is an obvious one as she graces the cover of the album, Lute also outlines the struggle of fighting against what keeps most people consigned to their routine life, as well as love, homies and social commentary. Apart from the inspiration offered by his daughter, the most notable theme and what I took away from Pt. 2, was the inspiration offered by Lute himself.

The mere idea of not being defined by your circumstance as Lute raps in 'Morning Shift' is reason enough to charge forward and Lute then goes through the various gears on this idea throughout the album. 'Still Slummin' (my favourite song ever) and 'Home' follow 'Morning Shift' and this is a phase in the album when Lute reflects on reasons to strive forward, while using the situations back home as motivation. 

The middle phase of the album consisting of 'Ambitions', 'Git Up' and 'Juggin' move towards the practical aspect of striving forward. The album's last section has Lute touching on the negatives of being in such a position, or perhaps the pitfalls of the mindset of others on 'Crabs in a Barrel' and then with EarthGang and Cam O'bi, they get bigger picture on 'Premonition'.

The last jam 'Livin Life' rounds off the album with a content perspective and this links back to the introduction, which sums up the whole overall vibe of the album. That's a super brief break-down of the tracks that doesn't include 'Ford's Prayer' and 'Birds & Bees', but the point being that the general arc and narrative of Pt. 2 is in itself a story of inspiration and motivation, rooted in gratefulness. 

Being content and having gratitude are there in the opening and last tracks, which left me with nothing but good vibes as I entered and left the album. In-between, you're given Lute's perspective and stories from his experience which offer all sorts of gems in terms of wisdom gained. Musically, Pt. 2 doesn't break crazy new ground but it does emphatically put Lute near the top of the hip hop pile. The way Lute effortlessly glides over mellow production and production with a slightly more aggressive tone, or higher tempo can only leave your head noddin' and body groovin', while mentally stimulating you at the same time.

West 1996 Pt. 2 is a piece of work that resembles that of hip hop's great street poets, but with Lute's unique twist. Many of us can't relate to what it's like on the streets, hustling away and that's why those street poets are so appealing because they take us there. Lute blends street poetry with the mundane nature of day to day life, the mental battle of striving for more and working that job that you've simply got to work. There's no other perspective like this in hip hop and West 1996 Pt.2 will be a timeless body of music, transporting us back to when Lute truly introduced himself to the world.

Peace and love 27.

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