Album Review: Tory Lanez – I Told You

Click here to view the full, published version of the article.

If you’ve heard or seen the name Tory Lanez in recent times, it has probably been in relation to his radio hits or the supposed feud between him and Drake – which stemmed from the fact both artists are Toronto-born rapper-singers. Despite the media’s newfound interest in Tory, it would be a mistake to think his buzz was created overnight.

Since 2009, Tory Lanez (whose real name is Daystar Peterson) has managed to build an extensive catalogue of music in the form of several mixtapes and last Friday (19 August), the 24-year old added to his discography with his debut album ‘I Told You’. The title of his latest project was inspired by those who doubted his musical capabilities in the past and upon listening to the album, we learn that there were many people who didn’t believe in his talents as an artist. I Told You is a concept album detailing Tory’s gradual come-up and the journey is a rather complicated one. From hardships to high spirits, Tory Lanez’s debut album reflects the several moods and environments he has had to experience to get to the point he is at today. As well as using music to create vivid images, the narrative is also driven via skits at the beginning and end of tracks, very similarly to Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed 2012 album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. While Tory Lanez may have drawn inspiration from Lamar in his approach, I Told You is made up of original, honest material which emphasise Peterson’s authentic character as a result of his upbringing.

Tory Lanez’s struggles and challenges are introduced to us from the onset of the album in the form of I Told You/Another One. “It’s the year 2008, I’m getting kicked up out the crib”, raps Tory Lanez immediately after a skit which recalls the moment his grandmother forced him to move out of her home. This dark period in his life is also highlighted in the aggressiveness of ,not only the instrumental, but also in his tone of voice. While the majority of the track reflects on harsher times, Lanez also uses the introductory track to compare his past to his current status as an artist. This is exhibited in lines such as “Teachers called me stupid, now I’m stupid with the flow”, which is also a direct address to one group of doubters. I Told You/Another One is dominated by a bass-filled production but the sound of organ keys in the background add an element of reminiscence.

The theme of reflection is also alluded to on tracks such as To D.R.E.A.M and Dirty Money. In terms of the narrative, the piano-led To Dream is placed at a time when Tory’s aspirations to become a respected artist are established. On the hook for To Dream, Tory Lanez sings “remember when I didn’t have a thing, all I had to do was dream” and  Dirty Money displays one of the paths many people take when opportunities, funds and guidance are scarce – a life of crime. Similarly to To Dream, Dirty Money begins with Tory Lanez unassertively singing over a serene piano melody. However, the peacefulness is quickly disturbed by the sound of vicious bass, a fast flow and lyrics referring to drug dealing and murders. The contrasting moods featured on Dirty Money demonstrate the conflicted mindset of a younger Daystar Peterson who was caught between the dangerous life he was living and the lavish lifestyle he dreamed about.

In the midst of the madness within the narrative, Tory Lanez is supported by his girlfriend and several of the slower tracks are in relation to his feelings towards her. The first R&B track on I Told You is the composed slow jam Guns and Roses. The track is made up of quiet guitar strings and a steady drum beat which enables Tory’s light vocals to take centre stage. On Cold Hard Love, we see the rapper-singer showcase his range, vocally and as an artist, as he sings in an impressive falsetto for the majority of the song. As well as enabling Tory Lanez to show the softer side of his personality, the R&B tracks provide a refreshing balance on the album.

While the album juggles between sombre and lively tones throughout, the end of I Told You is predominantly vibrant and optimistic. Following a call which revisits the moment Peterson first heard back from Interscope Records (the record label he is now signed to), All The Girls, a track with potential to be a radio hit, begins to play and sets the mood for the remainder of the album. Although his first big record Say It was released over a year ago, it features on the album to mark the moment Tory Lanez entered the mainstream realm. It may not be a brand new track but his modern take on the Brownstones’ 1994 hit ‘If You Love Me’ is just as impressive and enjoyable to listen to as it was when the single was first released. From one popular song to another, I Told You concludes with his most recent hit – the upbeat, dancehall-inspired Luv. Since being released in June, the video for Luv has been viewed over 21 million times, which we can assume is due to the track’s infectious vibe and catchy chorus.

As a body of work, I Told You is a diverse yet cohesive debut project. Some tracks are filled with substance while others are strictly for the radio. However, they all effectively contribute to the narrative based on real life events.

Whether Peterson snaps on a track with heavy bass and forceful drums, or passionately sings over acoustic instruments, he commits himself to giving his all. What’s most impressive about the album is there are no featured artists. It’s likely that this was a conscious decision by Tory Lanez to emphasise the ‘I’ in “I Told You”, thus further embarrassing those who questioned his dream to be an artist. As mentioned above, Say It is still a song which grasps the attention of those who listen to it, despite being played very frequently on several radio stations since its release over a year ago. Of course it would be too early to describe the single as timeless but it does carry an element of longevity, suggesting Tory Lanez is a name that will surely be relevant in the future – and considering the quality and concept behind I Told You, it feels wrong to bet against it.