Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here
By Addis Ngo | Top Tracks: “The Black Seminole” and “Drive Me Crazy!”
Let’s Start Here – Studio Album by Lil Yachty
Known for his playful bubblegum trap and SoundCloud rap, Lil Yachty completely reinvents himself with his 2023 album, Let’s Start Here. In this album, Yachty dives into the alternative genre with sounds of psychedelic rock, funk, and experimental pop. If you are a fan of artists like Pink Floyd and Tame Impala, this album is a must-listen.
Highlights:
“The Black Seminole” is the album’s breathtaking opener, a six-minute psychedelic epic that sets the tone for Yachty’s sonic reinvention. With its slow-burning progression and explosive guitar solos, Diana Gordon’s angelic vocals, the track feels like a journey through space. Levitation guaranteed. Meanwhile, “Drive Me Crazy!” is the album’s funkiest moment— a hypnotic blend of groovy basslines, shimmering synths, and again with Diana Gordon’s verse, this track is pure dopamine in audio form.
Production/Writing:
Produced primarily by Patrick Wimberly and Jacob Portrait, the album merges progressive rock, funk, and dream pop into a hazy, live-band euphoria. Warped guitars, punchy drums, and analog warmth give it an organic yet trippy feel. Surprisingly, Yachty himself co-produced 12 of the 14 tracks, proving his hands-on role in this pivot. The star power is undeniable, with contributions from Daniel Caesar, Magdalena Bay, Fousheé, MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden, Alex G, Mac DeMarco, Teezo Touchdown, and Steve Lacy all elevating the project.
Verdict:
In an industry where artists often stick to proven formulas, Lil Yachty’s Let’s Start Here is a rare gamble — one that pays off spectacularly. Genre switches are risky; fans can reject them, and critics can dismiss them. Yet Yachty does not just dip his toes into psychedelic rock and funk—he dives in headfirst, crafting a project that, while not original in sound, feels perfectly tailored to his artistic evolution. The result? His most cohesive, daring, and rewarding work to date. Let’s Start Here proves that sometimes, the biggest risks yield the greatest rewards—and for Yachty, this leap of faith has redefined his career.
