Review: Chris Brown X Tyga – ‘Fan Of A Fan: The Album’ (Deluxe Edition)

Half a decade after the release of their 2010 collaborative mixtape ‘Fan Of A Fan’, 25-year-olds, Virginia-born vocalist Chris Brown and LA rapper Tyga, reunite for a brand new studio album of the same name.

Capitalising on the twosome’s combined chart appeal, ‘Fan Of A Fan: The Album’ is a collection of non-life changing – but very likeable, worthy hip-hop/pop hybrids.

It’s hard not to appreciate the immediacy of album opener ‘Westside’, lead single ‘Ayo’ and ‘Remember Me’.

The latter sees Brown playing impressively on both sides of the fence – delivering some lively rap bars before testing the limits of his renowned falsetto.

Although there are a handful of cuts on ‘Fan Of A Fan: The Album’ more stimulating than ‘B****es N Marijuana’ – which boasts an appearance from California hip-hop artist Schoolboy Q – the album’s second single is one of the sharper efforts on the spontaneous-sounding LP.

Featuring an attentive verse from GOOD Music's Pusha T, Tyga confidently kicks off the twangy ‘D.G.I.F.U.’ (Don't Get It F**ked Up).

Alongside 50 Cent on ‘I Bet’, the boys collectively shake their heads at ladies who seek to hook-up with big-time celebs like them for a taste of the good life.

Hip-hop heavyweights Pusha and 50 fail to ignite with their presence, that being said, the actual tunes on which they feature are passable.

Incorporating a music sample from TLC's ‘Take Our Time’, the reflective ‘Better’ soulfully depicts the boys’ regretting the poor treatment of their ex-lovers.

Preceding the Boosie Badazz featured cut ‘Real One’, Tyga and Maybach Music‘s Fat Trel boldly back up steamy, sexually adventurous lyrics from Brown on the serene slow jam, ‘Lights Out’.

Sounding much like ‘Rack City’ – Tyga's biggest solo hit to date – bonus track ‘Banjo’ provides some not-so-subtle insight into the kinds of sexual activity the rapper likes to indulge in.

Deeper into ‘Fan Of A Fan: The Album’, Chris Brown doesn't hesitate to further flex his rapping abilities.

Though Brown's lyrical content rarely strays from a select group of topics – his favourite being how easily he can draw the females – the R'n'B star doesn't embarrass himself.

That being said, there are moments on ‘She Goin’ Up’ when Brown makes it easy to appreciate Tyga’s unselfconscious and seemingly impervious bravado.

One or two songs on the album don't succeed in creating enough room for both Brown and Tyga.

The elbowed-out artist is then either forced to take a back seat or interject the other – making certain cuts feel disjointed and uneasy as a result.

In spite of all that, there are several breezy, spacious bonus tracks towards the end of the LP’s deluxe edition that drip in a warm, summery, west coast vibe.

While T.I. squeezes the most from his agile Southern drawl, LA rapper Jay 305’s delivery is stress-free over the buoyant tones of ‘Bunkin’’.

‘It’s Yo S**t’ featuring Wale, is a smooth R’n’B effort that's easily enhanced by Brown’s formidable vocal presence and melodic sense.

Though Wale makes no lasting impression on the tune, the soft keys that emerge behind the song’s chorus graciously elevate Chris Brown’s bad romance.

Verdict: *******7/10