New York rapper, singer-songwriter, producer, and Galactic Records founder Lil Tecca returns with his third LP, “PLAN A.” Rising to fame in 2018 with his viral single “Ran$om,” Tecca’s debut mixtape, “We Love You Tecca,” garnered a lukewarm reception at its release but has since grown on many listeners, myself included. His first full-length album, “Virgo World,” released during the pandemic, is often viewed as the weakest entry in his discography. However, his recent project, “Tec,” a worthy sequel to his debut mixtape, showcased a maturation that challenged the notion of him being a one-hit-wonder. Now, nearly a year later, Tecca is celebrating this growth with “PLAN A.”
The album opens with “Taste,” produced by Taz Taylor, Rio Leyva, and Vendr, featuring a laid-back, cloudy trap instrumental that sets the tone as Tecca explores his appeal to women. In “Bad Time,” he incorporates hi-hats and horns to express his frustrations with certain relationships. The track “120” features a futuristic atmosphere, reinforcing his longevity in the industry, while the intense “I Can’t Let Go,” featuring Don Toliver, delves into the ongoing hustle of street life.
and playfully invites others to share their locations. The skeletal production of “24HRS” captures his attempts to keep a significant other in his thoughts, while “2” addresses a side chick’s desire to elevate her status in his life. Following this, “Never Last” reveals Tecca’s perspective on past relationships, indicating their replaceability.
The first half of the album concludes with “Homebody,” which confidently asserts his intentions, contrasting with the moody “Self2Self,” where he discusses the complexities of wealth and relationships. The cloudy “Separate Ways” questions whether his absence is due to choices made, leading into the synth-driven “Time & A Place,” which emphasizes the importance of not wasting time.
In “4U,” Tecca expresses a dreamy sentiment toward a woman, highlighting how fortunate she is that he carved out time for her. The acoustic trap hybrid “Flowers” conveys his surprise at betrayal, while “Cold Girls” features a blend of synths and hi-hats that address dishonesty in relationships. The spacious “Mama” reflects on the risks he faced when considering a move out west, and “D1” playfully calls out those who shy away from facing their challenges. Finally, “All the Time” wraps up the album with a reminder to maintain boundaries.
Rather than presenting “PLAN A” as a culmination of his career thus far, Lil Tecca uses this album to reflect on his journey. The production from Internet Money Records evolves his signature sound, and the overarching theme of pursuing music without a backup plan is both inspiring and motivating. In an industry often dominated by discussions of “plan B,” Tecca’s commitment to his craft is a refreshing and bold statement.
