There is no one that would debate Brent Faiyaz run since his platinum-earning feature on 2016’s “Crew Love” by GoldLink. Since then, the R&B star has cemented his name in the music business. He has reached impeccable heights by remaining consistent as he has released either a studio album or an EP every year since his iconic feature.
This year, 2023, has proven his consistency as Brent has released his first mixtape, Larger Than Life.
Fiayaz agreed with UnitedMasters on a distribution deal in May. In August, he teamed up with Coco Jones for “Moment of Your Life” while following up with “WY@” in September. Staying true to momentum, Brent Faiyaz released the mixtape in October.
The album boasts features such as the iconic Missy Elliot, Coco Jones, A$AP Rocky, Babyface Ray, and more. However, the standout name on the entire project is the living legend Timbaland.
It’s Timbaland’s voice that starts the mixtape on “Tim’s Intro.” Then Brent Fiayaz dives into the beat, opening with a 2k reference before flexing what his presence does to women. He’s down for the company but he maintains control. “Last One Left” showcases his attempt at control as he gives his partner an ultimatum. The latter’s friends disrespect the relationship with Brent, while he provides reasons why their opinions or fueled by jealousy. Lil Gray lists how he wants to elevate his partner while Missy Elliot lends her vocals to the entire track.
In “Forever Yours,” Brent comes to the realization that the woman that he’s with deserves more from him so he makes her a promise. He also takes time to shout out the women he’s encountered in “Best Time.” The song also establishes that those same women tend to be in relationships and that their partners should do a better job of maintaining their relationships. “Big Mad Skit” doubles down on this message.
The first single of the project, “Moment of Your Life” features the incredible voices of Brent Faiyaz and Coco Jones serenading each other with lust-filled lines. As “Outside All Night” fades in, Brent is left looking for love or answers to why love is missing. A$AP Rocky provides a verse of wanting to flex with his partner, what it means to him, and what it would look like without her. N3WYRKLA provides the alternate perspective as she asks what else can be provided outside of material objects.
“Wherever I Go” is grief-ridden as Brent sings of a love lost. In his sadness, he realizes the worst part of the loss is that he is constantly reminded of her. Over time his grief has evolved into regret. “Upset” reclaims a cool demeanor. As the beat bounces, Brent, Tommy Richman, and FELIX!, discuss how stress isn’t even worth a second thought.
“On This Side” strays away from talks of love and stands as a flex by Cruddy Murda and A$AP ANT. Brent provides the chorus to the song but it is really tailored for the rappers to show off their skills. “Dawged Em Skit” features TTM Dawg simply venting and flexing about what it’s like in the industry and what it provides.
“Belong To You” is a confession to the woman Brent lost. He pinpoints where he went wrong as him being too nonchalant in the relationship. Babyface Ray adds that he too reminisces about his lost love. In “WY@,” Brent focuses on temporary pleasure while ignoring the toxic state of his relationships. He blames himself for being stuck but can’t deny his lover.
Brent Faiyaz closes the mixtape with “Pistachio.” He sings to a woman but unlike previous tracks, he is bold in nature. He closes by flexing his wealth and status. Brent sings knowing that these are the things that will impress his audience. Fiayaz sings knowing that he is the pinnacle. Brent Faiyaz sings knowing that there is no one like him.
Be sure to stream Larger Than Life and stay tuned to Respect My Region for more pieces like this.
