Urban Music Enthusiast

Sugar Honey Iced Tea, Album Review

Early Impressions

I first heard Grammy-nominated Latto, previously known as Mulatto, during the pandemic. “He Say She Say” was on a playlist of music videos while I was mindlessly watching. Instead of just letting it play in the background, I paused what I was doing, focused on it, and rewatched the video multiple times. This interest led me to explore more of Latto’s earlier music videos, and I quickly became a huge fan.

Rise To Stardom

Latto released her debut album Queen of Da Souf in 2020, followed by her second album 777 in 2022. Building up to the release of Sugar Honey Iced Tea, she dropped three singles: “Put It On Da Floor,” “Sunday Service,” and “Big Mama.” The album trailer for Sugar Honey Iced Tea took me back to the movie ATL, featuring the iconic skating rink Cascade and Atlanta rap legends T.I. and 2 Chainz.

Volumes 1 and 2

Sugar Honey Iced Tea is Latto’s third studio album, with Volume 1 boasting 17 tracks and Volume 2 including four previously released tracks like “Put It On Da Floor,” “Put It On Da Floor Again,” “Sunday Service,” and “Sunday Service Remix.” The first volume features talents such as Yung Nudy, Hunxho, Coco Jones, Megan Thee Stallion, Ciara, Mariah the Scientist, and Teezo Touchdown. Volume 2 includes Cardi B, Flo Milli, and Megan Thee Stallion. The singles “Put It On Da Floor,” “Sunday Service,” and “Big Mama” all ranked in the Billboard Top 100 when released.

Standout Tracks

Standout tracks from the album include “Intro,” “Georgia Peach,” “Big Mama,” “Copper Cove,” “Good 2 You,” “Look What You Did,” and “Prized Possessions.” “Georgia Peach” and “Good 2 You” featuring Ciara, a fellow Atlanta native, perfectly capture the album’s vibe, celebrating Atlanta culture and Southern rap and pop fusion sounds. Listening to them together on a track honors Atlanta’s old and new artistic styles. Much like Latto’s feature on Usher’s latest album, “ATown Girl”.The most personal track is the outro “S/O to Me,” where Latto talks about her rise in the rap industry and the challenges faced navigating the music business:

“I knew I was destined to be somebody with diamonds and wealth
Not one of these girls that they sign and keep on the shelf
If nobody wants to hear Alyssa, I’m signing myself
Talking in positive affirmations, reminding myself.” “S/O to Me”

This track harks back to her early days in rap and serves as a reminder that Latto is a skilled lyricist who has been working in this industry for more years than her supporters have seen her on the big screen.

The album also has more melodic tracks compared to her past works, possibly influenced by her rumored relationship with rapper 21 Savage. You can sense Latto’s stable and safe intimate partner space in songs like “Settle Down,” “Copper Cove,” “Good 2 You,” and “Look What You Did.”

“He don’t play ’bout me, damn right
He turned a player to a wife
A real one will put you on game
A lame one will cheat and lie
A real one will lead and guide
Make a real woman swallow her pride”-”Look What You Did”

Analytical View and Counterpoints

While Sugar Honey Iced Tea may not be considered Latto’s magnum opus, it represents a successful return to her gritty Southern rap roots, enhanced by melodic elements that evoke a sense of emotional stability and deeper connection.

Some critics argue that her previous album 777 lacked cohesion and sounded too experimental. However, Sugar Honey Iced Tea restores this balance, combining familiar Southern rap sounds with new melodic tones. The wide array of features adds diversity and depth to her music, offering varying styles and flows.

Final Thoughts

Latto’s Sugar Honey Iced Tea is a testament to her musical journey and growth. As she prepares for her upcoming tour, it’s evident that Latto continues to solidify her place in the rap industry, commanding respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.