Album Review: Mixtape Pluto by Future

Future’s latest release attempts to rekindle the passion of his earlier tapes through aesthetic choices, but he doesn’t rap with the same hunger as before.

Courtesy of Wilburn Holding Co./Epic.

At the beginning of the year, I shared a bold opinion on my group chat: I didn’t particularly enjoy Future’s polished style, especially when he collaborated with Metro Boomin during his blockbuster phase. The success of albums like We Don’t Trust You and We Still Don’t Trust You challenged my view. These could have been Future’s peak period if he hadn’t been overshadowed in the major clash between Drake and Kendrick. However, he probably isn’t concerned with impressive sales figures and “Like That” still dominating the charts. Interestingly, it seems Future himself might align with my initial thoughts. Why else would he choose such a different direction six months later with Mixtape Pluto?

This mixtape lacks the glamour of the previous two albums, and the title reflects that shift. It’s enjoyable to see Future returning to the DatPiff era, where snare rolls overpower the mix, eerie samples wail beneath MIDI keyboards, and critics of mumble rap have reason to be uneasy again. Despite this cool aesthetic change, it doesn’t fully make up for the inconsistent quality of the songs.

The project begins on a promising note. “Lil Demon” hits hard, with Southside producing a beat driven by a powerful, repetitive synth. Its stubborn and abrasive sound allows subtle melodies to shine through. “Ready to Cook Up” is a highlight. Wheezy’s production showcases his skill in creating striking contrasts. The aggressive, whirring synth pedal that drapes over the track imparts a dark, psychedelic trap-house atmosphere. Stylistically, it resembles something Peak Gunna might rap over but with a meaner, colder vibe.

“Surfing a Tsunami” continues this approach. Wheezy’s rich sound composition complements Future as he moves through the tracks with steady triplet flows. He raps lines like, “All these millions out the trap feel so amazing/I can surf on a tsunami when the wave hits.” The flows are monotonous yet methodical. Chains of rhymes propel the momentum, allowing energy to shift naturally. Nowhere is this more evident than in “Plutoski,” where he sounds on the brink of collapse. It’s a divisive track, but its absurdity makes it memorable. The mixtape wraps up with “Lost My Dog,” another highlight where he fully embraces his trap blues persona more intensely than he has in a long time.

Despite the steadiness found in Mixtape Pluto, the project spans seventeen tracks, which can be a challenging experience. Promised features like Travis Scott on “South of France” are missing, leaving only the pure essence of Future’s music. It’s undeniable that some filler tracks disrupt the flow. The second half often feels hollow. Songs like “Made My Hoe Faint,” “Told My,” and “Oath” plod along, causing the momentum to wane. While the highlights could have supported a shorter project, the fifty-minute runtime introduces notable pacing issues.

Perhaps it’s clear that this album and its predecessors share a common flaw: Future doesn’t rap with the same hunger as before. Even though he operates on a strong autopilot, it’s noticeable that many verses this year feel mechanically produced. Mixtape Pluto seems like an attempt to rekindle the passion of his earlier tapes through aesthetic choices. Yes, it’s raw—the snare overwhelms the mix, and there are no features—but rough production wasn’t why he rapped better in the past. Simply replacing gloss with a crafted lo-fi vibe doesn’t automatically enhance his performance. Mixtape Pluto is a solid effort, but it’s unlikely to rank among his best works.

Above Average (★★★☆☆)

Favorite Track(s): “Ready to Cook Up,” “Plutoski,” “Lost My Dog”