Chicago rapper Valee and classical composer-turned-Hip Hop producer MVW have demonstrated their effortless chemistry since the release of MVW’s 2021 debut album, CLASSIC$, where Valee appeared on four of the eight tracks. A few years later, the duo has finally come together to create a full collaborative project, *VALEEDATION*.
This whimsical and memorable project fuses their two worlds, with Valee’s humble brags and casual flexes blending seamlessly with MVW’s dynamic production across 14 tracks. The album combines pristine classical instrumentation with pulsating 808s and hi-hats, creating a unique soundscape. Standout tracks include the Tony Shhnow-assisted “Yo Yo,” which features woozy, psychedelic production and a flawless verse from Shhnow, sandwiched between Valee’s easygoing hook. “Shrimp Fried Rice” continues the trend, with Valee flaunting his extravagant lifestyle solo, delivering cool, nonchalant lines like, “In Louis store like employee, $1200 on one product.”
“Pistacchio” stands out as the album’s best-produced track, blending vaporwave and trap elements to create a futuristic yet retro vibe, leaving you feeling like you’re traveling through time and space. ZelooperZ steals the show with a humorous line: “Everytime I text Valee, it’s morse code.” However, the album takes a slight dip in its second half, struggling with consistency. “Tailor Swift,” one of the lead singles, feels outclassed by other tracks, and the album doesn’t reach its earlier highs until the grand finale, “Ain’t Exotic,” which, like “Pistacchio,” merges past and present with funky, disco-inspired production. Overall, as Valee’s fourth project in two years, *VALEEDATION* is a solid collaboration with MVW, further solidifying the Chicago rapper’s recent run. The album also serves as a showcase for MVW’s imaginative production, with each beat offering a unique, genre-blending experience.