Fresh off the massive success of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” producer Mustard has dropped his latest body of work, Faith Of A Mustard Seed.
The album finds the west coast representer dissecting the role of faith in his success, as well as overcoming personal trials and tribulations. Boldly tackling subjects many expected him to curve in favor of nothing but west coast bops (of which there are plenty), Mustard vulnerably addresses everything from his health issues to divorce and the passing of beloved family members, and how “the faith of a mustard seed” was all that was needed for God to guide his success through his most challenging moments.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 25: Mustard and Noah Ayele attend Mustard’s “Faith Of A Mustard Seed” Album Release Skate Party hosted by 10 Summers and Flipper’s World at Hollywood Palladium on July 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for 10 Summers Records)
An album full of gratitude and praise, Mustard doesn’t forget the feed the streets, either, making it a balanced listen for open-minded fans looking for more than a one-dimensional take on what Hip-Hop is currently, and what I could be.
As Faith Of A Mustard Seed is a concept album with specifically placed transitions, upon first listen, songs should be consumed in the order in which they are listed. However, being the music lovers we are, VIBE couldn’t help but dive into the record, song for song, and give our ranking of the 14 titles, from good to phenomenal.
Check out our ranking of tracks from Mustard’s latest drop, Faith Of A Mustard Seed, available now.
“One Of Them Ones” Ft. Quavo and Rob49
Image Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
A certified bop that’s sure to do well in the clubs, it also feels almost too expected and a bit blasé. That said, Quavo kills the hook, as usual, and will surely get you ready to throw a few ones.
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“Show Me The Way” Ft. Kirk Franklin
Image Credit: Photo by Carol Lee Rose/Getty Images
More of a quick intro than a proper song, this opener finds Kirk Franklin setting the tone for a record made to emphasize the importance of faith in the pursuit of both joy and success.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh4veoBZIFc?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“One Bad Decision” Ft. Ella Mai and Roddy Ricch
Image Credit: Cassidy Sparrow/Getty Images)
Mannn, Ella Mai be slidin’!
On “One Bad Decision,” the UK songstress and proud 10 Summers signee takes on MJB’s classic hook from Wyclef’s “911” and makes it her own, while Roddy Ricch attempts to convince his woman to stay, despite his own bad decisions.
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“Truth Is” Ft. Roddy Ricch
Image Credit: Prince Williams/WireImage)
Mustard and Roddy Rich give the people a mid-tempo groove with “Truth Is,” which carries a similar vibe to their previous collabs, but in the best way possible. It’s also one of those records that just feels good, particularly when the vocal drop allows for the keys and guitars to truly sing.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bC2TgH9Elw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“Yak’s Prayer” Ft. Kodak Black
Image Credit: Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images)
Kodak Black displays some true maturity on this record, where he confesses he’s “ready for a wife” and knows he needs to remove himself from dark influences, all while making us want to two-step and toast to his growth.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw2_ITlgFKA?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“Parking Lot” Ft. Travis Scott
Image Credit: Mustard video.
Travis Scott impresses on this single that finds him hitting a new flow for the people. It’s a feel-good record we can hear anywhere from the mall to a kickback to a star-studded afterparty in The Hills, showcasing both Mustard and Scott’s ability to infiltrate any scene they choose.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyOcPYeFByA?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“Mines” Ft. Future, Ty Dolla $ign, Charlie Wilson
Image Credit: Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage
R&B entry “Mines” finds Future, Ty Dolla $ign (singing like the RENT IS DUE), and the iconic Charlie Wilson waxing poetic over their partner on this quintessential “song for the ladies” that feels like a droptop ride on the strip with your baby beside you.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2T4zvdXFP4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“Worth A Heartbreak” Ft. Blxst & A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
Image Credit: Maury Phillips/Getty Images for BET
What you know about that World On Wheels, Skate Depot life?
With “Worth A Heartbreak,” Mustard takes us back to rink for this R&B-tinged groove that is sure to get those wheels turning as Blxst and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie keep in 100 with their current paramour.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JocNpmZnQfE?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“7 on 7” Interlude And “A Song For Mom” – Ft. Ty Dolla $ign and Charlie Wilson
If the “If This World Were Mine” sample doesn’t warm your heart, Ty Dolla $ign and Charlie Wilson passionately paying homage to the women who raised them surely will.
While its prelude “7 to 7” helps set the tone, adding a lil something more to the just over 2 minute track (perhaps a heartfelt verse from Mustard himself) would’ve gone a long way to solidify it as a true anthem alongside other classics in the same vein. Still, it moves, and displays a level of vulnerability that’s much needed within modern Hip-Hop.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ohc2UDe5Y0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“Ghetto” Ft. Young Thug And Lil Durk
Image Credit: Mustard YouTube
A song for the hood babies, Thugger provides that signature soprano on the catchy refrain before Lil Durk gives us context into his own “ghetto” story. Mellow compared to most of the album, the song also offers the perfect back drop for Young Thug’s monologue imploring listeners to support one another and “stay pure” with ones intentions, a lesson we could all use right about now.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ugWtSmWOU?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“Pressured Up” Ft. Vince Staples and ScHoolboy Q
Image Credit: Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage
This track feels like a late night in any number of SoCal hoods, with Mustard implementing that G-Funk instrumentation westside millennials grew up on. Vince Staples and ScHoolBoy Q’s charisma shine through as well, cementing the record as a future classic for the Impala-pushers among us.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok2Y5ZfYwBU?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“Up Now” Ft. Lil Yachty, BlueBucksClan And 42 Dugg
Image Credit: Joshua Applegate/Getty Images
Mustard and his collaborators relish in getting it out the mud on this celebratory tune, where Yachty thanks God he didn’t have to “sign to them white labels” to find success. The Atlanta spitter also steals the show with the third verse as he floats over strings that Mustard so expertly placed over those signature Westside drums.
Wrapping up, the producer brings us back to his childhood in a bit reminiscent of Ms. Hill’s The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill intro. Rather than missing the lesson, however, DiJon is present, albeit exhausted and distracted by what lies ahead. Weren’t we all.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGN_J20f0jk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
“Pray For Me”
Image Credit: Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images.
Mustard ends the album with its best and most powerful track, as “Pray For Me” finds the producer covering his loved ones in prayer while thanking family and friends for their own faithfulness throughout his journey to the top.
He also shares that late friend Nipsey Hussle gave him the idea to name his album Faith Of A Mustard Seed, as well as other gems gathered from his childhood in the church and beyond. I wouldn’t dare spoil such a pivotal moment on the album with over-explanation, but know it’s 10 minutes for a reason, and you should be tuned in until the very last second.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhZNaXkC72Y?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=640&h=360]
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