Fly Anakin – ‘(The) Forever Dream’ [Album Review]

Hip-Hop music has embraced and occasionally criticized artists who chase the familiar, as nostalgia is seen as a schtick among some purists. Fly Anakin gently leans into this concept on his latest album, (The) Forever Dream, with the Richmond, Va. native harkening back to the days before Hip-Hop notoriety and the joy of spotanenity.

Executive produced by rapper and producer Quelle Chris, an innovative artist in his own right, the Detroit mainstay’s inventive bent is felt throughout (The) Forever Dream. As the concept of the album seemingly unfolds, Fly Anakin’s usual sharp rapping ability doesn’t have that same whipcrack intensity as heard on his earlier releases on his own or alongside his Mutant Academy collective.

With this album, there’s fluidity in Anakin’s flow that he’s always possessed, but much slinkier as production from Shungu, Quelle Chris collaborator Chris Keys, The Alchemist, and Quelle himself all open varying runways for the artist born Frank Walton.

The widest of those runways is the spirit of the impromptu studio session, and that tone is set early with album opener “Good Clothes” featuring Demae. Anakin’s double-time flow pairs perfectly with Chris Keys’ dreamy backdrop, and as the track builds, so does Anakin’s comfort in the moment. As a warmup, Anakin allows himself a moment of braggadocio but never overdoes it.

Hopping ahead to “My N*gga,” Shungu’s hulking production allows Richmond’s $ilkMoney, and Anakin’s Mutant Academy colleague Big Kahuna OG to set the stage for a strong closing verse for Anakin. Quelle provides the bouncy hook for an early highlight. In the background of the track, you hear laughter, adding to the mystique of the album, and the conditions that inspired its direction.

Micall Parknsun provides the track for “Lil One,” one of (The) Forever Dream’s more inward-looking songs, and Quelle joins in on the mesmerizing hook and outro. August Fanon, a producer with several placements in the sprawling independent Hip-Hop scene, delivers the somber and soulful “Check On Me,” featuring a memorable verse from Philadelphia’s lojii.

The fun starts picking up on “NOTTOOSHABBY” with verses from Quelle Chris, $ilkMoney, and Richmond legend, Nickelus F. The beat from Child Actor sounds like something Quelle would produce himself, hence why he sounds so at home on the track. Anakin and Nickelus both take off on the track as well, even with Anakin missing a lyrical cue, but telling the engineer to keep the session going.

This is what makes (The) Forever Dream the most inviting of Anakin’s releases. There is a vision of relaxation, hazy clouds of good greenery, maybe some libations, and a bunch of friends, new and old, attempting to capture those sparkling moments on wax. Yes, this all existed before, but it is greatly expanded here.

“Lord Forgives, I Hold Grudges,” takes its title from a line from Anakin’s verse and just when it appears he’s going to let us in more into who he is, the lyrics trail off into sincere but largely general sh*t talk. This isn’t a critique, but it’s something that he routinely does across the album. Quelle’s Crown Nation partner, Denmark Vesey, who produced the track, delivers an amazing performance, and Anakin’s FlySiifu collaborator Pink Siifu lends his consistent free jazz-styled lyricism.

All through the album are moments of pure, unbridled joy. This shows up on songs like the summery “The Times” with a beat from frequent Homeboy Sandman collaborator Mono En Stereo, and “Corner Pocket” with The Alchemist on the production and a scene-stealing verse from bbymutha. Quelle’s hook is also another winner.

(The) Forever Dream isn’t a gigantic departure from Frank, Anakin’s 2022 studio album debut. However, it stands apart due to the freedom of taking chances outside the typical lanes Anakin is known for. As a complete listen, the album easily showcases Fly Anakin’s formidable ability, but highlights that he can veer off the typical paths and achieve his dreams in the process.

Check out the album below. Find the album at your preferred DSPs here.