I didn’t really have high expectations for Metro Boomin’s new record, Not All Heroes Wear Capes. With all these marquee rappers lining up the features list, one fears an event with the merit as a DJ Khaled record; a hype record that’s here to get streams before immediately fading away from memory. Clearly, I was mistaken.
Metro’s beatmaking is some of the most consistently impressive, and on the second album credited to his own name, he’s able to use a A-level roster of talent to create a solid project that offers some nice surprises.
His intro track with Gucci Mane sets the pace wonderfully, with Guwop flexing over a creeping, string-laden beat that then rises to a stunning sample. It’s striking, and affirms Metro’s talent for creating moods with his beats. “Overdue” with Travis Scott and “Space Cadet” with Gunna are solid early highlights, and while the record peters out over its second half, songs like “Borrowed Love” (ft. Swae Lee & Wizkid) and “Only You” (ft. Wizkid, Offset & J Balvin) keep some energy with their R&B grooves.
Of course, the partnership that works best throughout is with Metro’s Savage Mode collaborator 21 Savage. The two complement each other amazingly, and on “Don’t Come Out The House” and “10 Freaky Girls,” they continue their hot streak. “Don’t Come Out The House” is vicious, with 21 dipping into a menacing whisper as the clanging pianos dip out for the beat. On “10 Freaky Girls”, 21 flexes about his side-pieces over a clattering, chilly beat that moves dynamically with his flow, as horns accent his voice.
Even with some guests playing catch-up, Not All Heroes Wear Capes is a surprisingly impressive effort, further solidifying Metro Boomin as one of hip-hop’s greatest producers.
Score: 💥💥💥💥/5
Raghav is a high school student in Ohio who loves music and writing about it. He also writes music reviews on his Instagram account. Has a soft spot for anything touched by Dan Bejar.