Protect Tierra Whack | “Whack World” Should And Will Never Die
Viewpoints on Philly Native, Tierra Whack’s new album “Whack World.”
With so much new, yet mediocre content out in the musical stratosphere, it’s pretty hard to be easily impressed. Subjectivity involves a level of critic from the masses if and when it reaches us, that’s where the impression begins. Luckily enough, Hip Hop never ceases to deliver jaw dropping music just when you need it. Setting my opinionated thoughts into overdrive, I am usually left with no choice but to passionately chime in. Sure this comes a bit late (trust that makes this all the much more sound), but this particular “visual and auditory” project, “Whack World”, by Philadelphia’s own Tierra Whack; should, and will never die.
As monumental as it may be to drop an entire project where all 15 songs last 60 seconds, I found it more powerful that I didn’t even notice. I first caught wind of “Whack World” via twitter on release day. Already familiar with Tierra Whack from her initial start under the moniker Dizzle Dizz, she reammerged under my radar last year with the release of her “Mumbo Jumbo” video. If you were already a fan of this colorful young star, it came as no surprise witnessing the level of creativity via a bizarre trip to the dental office ending in destruction by virtue of a melodic song entirely about nothing. Literally mumbo jumbo. Anxious to see where the eclectic songwriter could possibly go from there, Tierra, last name Whack (this is possibly the best government issued name ever), drops both audio and visual gold.
Refusing to take one without the other, I quickly go for the full experience. In no time, I’m completely blown away. “Whack World” starts off with an introverted confidence. “Black Nails” melodically dons Whacks’ effortless patterns alongside accurate hooded-face and descriptive nail visual representation. Every transition mischievously smooth, Tierra captures every definition of genius as she gets her point across without you ever feeling cheated.
A psychedelic thriller being the only means of description, “Bugs Life” captures my mind and ear with lyrical prose — “I probably would’ve blew overnight if I was white …” — accurately hitting feelings of poise, tenacity, loss, and pain (Just look at her face!!). Whether through rap or infectious melody, Whack masters the art of song, serenading her way through “Flea Market”, and a comedic favorite, “Cable Guy” (just watch the video please!).
“My city needs me I promised I wouldn’t fail ‘em, If you love somebody I promise that you should tell ‘em. ”– “4 Wings” takes a concentrated turn as Whack uniquely bars her way through darkness. Theme still intact, “Hookers” gives a magical Daft Punk-esque disco bop, while the songstress lavishly flexes the thin lines between her love and money. Tierra’s obvious star power seduces through her metamorphosis, providing a deep contrasting lyrical bounce on “Hungry Hippo”. Completely sucked in by its symphonic empowering nature, the video feels as good as the song, dubbing it an easy favorite (Can we please give a round of applause to the teams’ vision?!).
If you pay close attention, Whack creatively and cleverly masks gloomy themes of hurt, loss, and pain, alongside upbeat piano chords assisting her welcomed therapy. Making it halfway through the album, awkwardly good feelings arise through the pain and high pitched vocals on “Pet Cemetery”. Whack creates an ambiguous version of sesame street, in a cemetery, while puppets join in on a rare sing-along — “They took my dog away, they treat him like a stray / I talked to God today … All Dogs Go To Heaven”. By track 9, “F**k Off”, my theory begins to unravel as she playfully sings — “Well honey I’ve been so sick so sad, whenever I’m happy it makes you mad / I hope your a** breaks out in rash … you remind me of my deadbeat dad” — all the while cutting symbolic ties weighing down her ascension.
Nothing short of fun, “Silly Sam” & “Fruit Salad” live up to their titles in every way possible. I can’t help but to think how massively talented Whack is, perfecting brainy concepts and puzzle piece word play. “For the dough I go nuts like Krispy Kreme. Music is in my Billie genes.” As exceptional as the lyrics are, “Imma need a boo when the summer come. Need a fine brother like my mother son … That’s Diddy I’m Cassie, Free sample you can have me,” the visuals consistently keep you fixated on Whack. Transitioning from a rapping corpse (“Sore Loser”), to slowly busting out the confines of a miniature house, she thoroughly executes her sometimey distorted vocals on “Dr. Suess”.
Closing out, “Whack World” showcases just that. As the turbulent trip comes to a beautiful arioso ending, Whack revisits feelings of introverted resentment and contentment, ultimately finding herself through the ups and downs. Truly amazed, the album only leaves me wanting more when the 15 minutes fade, every song serving its short but sweet purpose. Visually and sonically structured to precision, Tierra Whack sets a new creative precedent that’ll etch her name in the Hip Hop history books forever. I clearly witness the aura of boosted confidence track by track, video by video. With the welcomed push from her industry contemporaries she’s received thus far, it’s safe to say that she’ll morph into the star she’s destined to become. This is what the game’s been missing, and we all must protect Tierra Whack.
