Yung Lean has always been known for having a one-of-a-kind style. Birthed from the early innovations of digicore in the initial SoundCloud era, Lean has become an ever-evolving muse for both the new wave and hip-hop’s biggest stars alike.
Looking to bounce back after his fourth studio album Starz (2020) was met with critical disappointment, the Stockholm emcee’s newest offering, Stardust comes off the back of Lean gaining renowned Tik-Tok fame due to his 2013 track “Ginseng Strip 2002.” The sound has accumulated over 13 million videos, as Lean uses his newfound buzz — and co-sign from Kanye West — to revitalize the sound that initially shot him to stardom.
Stardust fully embodies the 25-year-old’s creative vision at this stage of his career. While touting a more cohesive, overall sound than in years past, Lean keeps his latest LP sounding fresh by balancing a mix of upbeat bangers and melodic offerings alike. The feature list feels truly unique as he brings in guests such as FKA Twigs, Skrillex, Thaiboy Digital, Ecco2k and more.
Lean and Twigs lead off the album with the instantly infectious “Bliss.” Backed by a grunge guitars, hypnotic ad-libs and a looped bicycle bell, Lean spits about finding total happiness with his love interest. In between his hunt for satisfaction, Lean also gives greater insight into what gives him joy — whether it be his girl, his ice or his lavish lifestyle. Its accompanying visuals coincide with the track’s stripped-back nature, as both Twigs and the Swedish star “lean” out the side of a blue car with Twigs offering a sensual, ethereally-sung hook that incites pure “Bliss” in listeners.
However, perhaps the album’s strongest track is “Starz2theRainbow” with Thaiboy Digital — featuring droning hums from Lean, booming 808s and a shimmering, experimental beat. Proving itself to be the most ambitious song on the project, Lean looks back on his past while putting things in the rearview — now with a refined focus on the future. Lean’s haunting melodies are backed by an alternating chorus that helps keep the nearly four-minute track engaging from start to finish.
I’ve gotta go forward, they can move back
My life is a fairy tale, it’s unfair
With no drugs around, feel like dying (Dying)
So many snakes, I had to cut the grass
All the drugs out of my system, feel like dying (Dying)
Marry my future, then go fuck my past
Yung Lean, Starz2theRainbow
Ahead of the release, the Swedish-born emcee dropped its lead single ‘Trip’ with pairing visuals that depict the love-torn “trip” he’s gone on.
After teasing the track at a show in Oslo, Norway in February, Lean finally released the track to the mainstream at the end of March — flowing over the electronic beat while nonchalantly spitting about his current love interest. While the beat has a chaotic rhythm, Lean’s consistent flow and lavishly angst-filled bars pulls the track together for a unique sound specific to Lean’s iridescent creativity.
She in the shower getting dressed, she smell like peppermints
Covered in benjamins, so sweet like cinnamon
I feel like 50 Cent I’m hated yes by many men
She look me dead up in my eyes, baby do you love
She in the shower getting dressed, she smell like peppermints
Covered in benjamins, so sweet like cinnamon
I feel like 50 Cent I’m hated yes by many men
She look me dead up in my eyes, baby do you love
Young Lean — “Trip”
“Trip’s” pairing visual employs Lean’s SoundCloud background in full force, bearing an aesthetic reminiscent of home videos clipped together — perfectly going with his image and style. Released this March 25, the visual itself has amassed over 500,000 views on YouTube alone.
As Lean’s resurgence continues in full force, Stardust outwardly shoots the Swedish rapper back to stardom — much like he had once before.
Stream Yung Lean’s latest project ‘Stardust’ below!
