Photo courtesy of The Buku Project

Lango: Joyboy (Independent)

Baton Rouge-based rap artist Lango, best-known for tracks such as “Lango Jon Wikk” and “New World/Eenie Meenie,” has officially released his newest album Joyboy on all streaming platforms. Featuring singles such as “walk on water” and “laugh tale,” which were released in March and April, respectively, the 14-track LP combines elements of trap rap, rage music, and gospel samples to create a sound reminiscent of artists such as Travis Scott, Kanye West, and Playboy Carti. 

Lango’s entrancing, melodic raps flow effortlessly over trap drums and guitar samples on tracks like “bulletproof.” At the same time, “walk on water” (for which he released a shortened music video on YouTube) displays more braggadocious vocals over epic trumpets as the artist creates a diverse sonic universe for his listeners to delve into. Lango showcases his impressive artistic versatility throughout the project as he switches between energetic bangers and intimate R&B tracks, including a sample from Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 hit song “Dreams” on “laugh tale.” The LP features multiple up-and-coming Louisiana-based hip hop and R&B artists, including Kiana Tenille, BLÜ, Three65, and glbwrmng’s own Dominic Scott.

While rolling out the album, Lango created an intimate visual experience for his audience on social media through a series of short, beautifully directed skits filmed by Lyle Turner, often filled with humor as his friends and family demand he finally releases the highly anticipated project. Joyboy is Lango’s first full-length project of 2023 and his first LP since 2022’s Speedin’ Through Life. The album was officially released on all streaming platforms last Friday, May 12.