Jahron Brathwaite's second release for
Drake's Warner-supported OVO Sound label offers more explicit, low-key R&B that blurs the line between narcotic and drab. Like his first release,
PartyNextDoor Two is close to a one-man show with the lone guest appearance courtesy of
Drake (on "Recognize," the only cut with a little oomph). There's little in the way of development; it's another set of songs that is predominantly slow and deeply rhythmic, full of lyrics that are nonchalantly frank and boastful. Brathwaite's forte remains slinking backdrops, not songwriting. One chorus rhymes "Lindsey Lohan" with "Lindsey Lohan," the last eight lines of "Options" end with "and shit," and "bad bitch" remains the primary and most flattering description of his targets. As with Brathwaite's debut issued the previous year, this was available only as a digital download and through streaming. ~ Andy Kellman