2018’s Beerbongs and Bentley’s was a coming-of-age album for Post Malone, elevating him in stature above the Soundcloud rapper generation from where he came from. It broke Spotify streaming records for an opening 24 hours (47.9 million) and also broke the record for most songs simultaneously in the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the USA. If you’re interested, the latter record was shared by the bizarre pairing of J Cole and The Beatles!
Post Malone’s once-detested face tattoos and rockstar image gave way to superstardom, and as a fan of his music and a massive advocate of going for a pint with him, I think this is good news. My favourite song off the album is a weird one. It’s not Rockstar, it’s not Better Now, it’s the more niche 92 Explorer. The song is named after a $1700 1992 Ford Explorer that he bought and had customised with West Coast Customs, adding spinning alloys, sub-woofers, and even gull wings. The song is a monument to the decadence the New York native enjoys following his meteoric rise, and his pimped out ride is a rolling advertisement for that.
Produced by London On Da Track, the beat oozes LA; slow cruising and palm trees. It reflects the titular car and as the signature trap elements come in then it adds to the grandeur and outlandishness Post is trying to capture. Outside of the beat, Post shines in his performance. It’s one of the best examples of his flow to date and, in the hook, brings out a solid singing voice that has clearly been chiseled, moulded and influenced by the likes of Kurt Cobain who he idolised as a kid.
Despite the song being an extended brag about how Post Malone can spend more on Rodeo Drive than I can (not entirely sure I needed reminding), it is a good piece of work. Production quality is high, as you’d expect from a producer of London’s quality, and Post really ups his levels from White Iverson and his debut album Stoney. All in all, a track well worth listening too, especially if you have a 1992 Ford Explorer with a gold tooth. Or are planning on a lazy Sunday drive around Calabasas anytime soon. Or both.
Spotify Playlist Link: https://spoti.fi/2CKuVex
A Song A Day 