If you happen to be a sensible person, you see an album of 36 songs with an almost two-hour runtime and counter that by closing whatever app you were about to listen on. However, if you happen to be anything like me, you recognize the talent QC has on roster, so you bite the bullet that is throwaway Migos features, in hopes of finding a few gems.
Lucky for you, the bullet has already been bit by me, and I can now guide you to the gems without having to waste hours of your life. Listed below are the songs you should save to a playlist, play once or twice, or altogether skip. If a song isn't listed below, it's a skip.
Tracks to Save
Baby(ft. Lil Baby & Da Baby)
Lil Baby was easily the best performer on this project, as each appearance breathes life into a project filled with forgettable tracks. He and Da Baby, two of the hottest artists active right now, make a great duo on what I'm sure won't be their last collaboration.
Again, Lil Baby was easily the best performer on this project. Of the 105 minutes of the album, "Back On" provides arguably the most enjoyable two minutes, as Lil Baby effortlessly flows through his verses.
Memorable production paired with memorable verses usually makes for a good product. Offset sets the bar early, flowing like he wants another solo album, and Da Baby and Gunna reach that bar.
Regardless of serving size, Playboi Carti is ridiculously good.
Leave Em Alone(ft. City Girls, PNB Rock, Lil Baby & Layton Greene)
This one was already a certified hit. The early 2000s vibe mixed with modern elements makes the track enjoyable for anyone.
Due to the lesser known features, this track probably won't get much attention, but the artists deliver some of the most personal verses on the entire project. Meek Mill's feature would have served much better on this song.
It's impossible to not nod your head to this song; this coming from someone with four different prescriptions for migraines.
Good production, creative flows, funny verses and a memorable hook. "Shoulder" has all the components for quality aux-material.
If a song makes you interested in an artist, chances are it's a pretty good song. "Testament" made me interested in Jordan Hollywood.
Songs Worth the Play
Intro(ft. Lil Yachty, Migos & Gucci Mane)
Lil Yachty's jewelry rant was the most enjoyable part of a slightly above average song.
Based on their verses on this project, my guess is that at least one third of the next Migos project will be based on jewelry.
This listen is worth it strictly to get used to hearing it out at future parties. If you listen to this in a private setting, please stay away from me.
Experimental Yachty will always be the best Yachty.
How does a song called double trouble with a hook that mentions having a threesome with a main girl and her friend not have a female feature? Dear QC, let me A&R volume three. Nevertheless, Meek Mill and Quavo make for a solid duo on the track.
The production and Travis Scott appearance make the track borderline aux-material.
Despite the clear ripping of New Orleans artists and sound, the song is still worth a listen for the Stefflon Don feature and for the fact that it'll be played in every party setting for the next few months.
Stripper Bowl(ft. Migos)
A quality song from the Migos is always worth the listen.
Young Thug and 24Heavy compliment each other nicely and make for a track that keeps you on your toes.
The song isn't incredible by any stretch of the imagination, but Tay Keith's production matched with Duke Deuce sporadically flashing potential makes it worth the listen.
Each verse went hard on a hard beat. This track is a borderline save, but it at least deserves a listen.
Overall, Control the Streets, Vol. 2 was a solid collection of good music, but QC could have easily cut 15 tracks off the final product for a much more enjoyable listening experience.
Along with being too long, some different artist placements could have made the project way better, like having another artist put down verses with Duke Deuce sticking to the hook on the Tay Keith produced song, or putting Meg on "Double Trouble", or not leaving off Meek Mill on a song like "Ride" that screams Meek Mill. Again, QC, I am available for future A&R'ing.