Emergency Tsunami / NAV / November 6, 2020
- Joshua Yoo
- Nov 12, 2020
- 1 min read
While many artists have eased up in their musical output for 2020, NAV certainly hasn’t. His third album of the year, ‘Emergency Tsunami’ comes by collaboration with well-established rap producer Wheezy, forming a shorter 14-track project that although improves on some fronts, still manages to wholly underwhelm.
Through and through, the production on the album remains mostly solid with a number of highlights, such as “Friends and Family,” a flute/strings-heavy cinematic instrumental that soars behind NAV’s delivery, or the smoother “Vetement Socks” featuring these fun and playful marimba riffs. Many of his YSL label guests also manage to shine on their performances, with Gunna in the pocket with his flow on “Young Wheezy.”
However, these improvements for the most part have little to do with NAV’s artistry itself. Albeit a few hooks and flows dispersed throughout the project, NAV again relies far too heavily on his monotone, one-dimensional vocal delivery that does little to convey any sense of emotionality or vigor. The contrived songwriting and lackluster creativity in his lyricism and depth also still largely appear as they do in his previous work, with minimal evidence of improvement.
Thus, while the final product may appear to make noticeable strides in his artistry, there may be less credit to NAV than what it may seem. Nonetheless, ‘Emergency Tsunami’ proves to be NAV’s most enjoyable project to date.
Best Track(s): Friends & Family, Vetement Socks, Young Wheezy
Lowlight(s): Nasty, Modest, Trains, Do Ya Deed
SCORE: 4/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5bIHc9RK74
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