Unbothered Explained

Unbothered
Type:studio
Artist:Lil Skies
Cover:Lil Skies - Unbothered.png
Recorded:2019–2020
Genre:
Length:42:00
Producer:
Prev Title:Shelby
Prev Year:2019
Next Title:Out Ur Body Music
Next Year:2024

Unbothered is the second studio album by American rapper Lil Skies. It was released on January 22, 2021, by All We Got Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa and Lil Durk. The deluxe version was released on May 14, 2021. It features additional guest appearances from Trippie Redd, Zhavia Ward, and Drakeo the Ruler. It follows Skies' previous album, Shelby (2019).[1]

Background

In an interview with Complex, Skies elaborated on the album, explaining:

I just hope people take away from my album—just from me in general—is to just chase your dreams, and don't let nobody tell you what to do. I'm learning that still myself. I got a lot of people around me in my life tellin' me what I should do, what I shouldn't do… Do what you love, man. Life is too short.[2]

The title of the album is a self-analysis of Skies, that nothing can distract him from doing what he is doing. The cover art depicts him in a room that is filled with items that are distracting, in which he sits down in a chair, thinking about his ideas. He chose Wiz Khalifa and Lil Durk to appear on the album as they are some of his most favorite artists. As with Shelby (2019), the project that was released before Unbothered, it only contains a few features for Skies to showcase his own talent.

Release and promotion

Skies announced the album along with its title, cover art, and release date in an Instagram post on December 16, 2020.[3] The track listing was revealed three days before its release, on January 19, 2021.

Singles

Skies released the album's lead single, "Havin My Way", which features fellow American rapper Lil Durk, on March 4, 2020.[4] It was followed by the second single, "Riot", which was released on May 14, 2020.[5] The third single, "On Sight", was released on November 6, 2020.[6] "Ok" was released as the fourth and final single on December 16, 2020.[7] The lead single of the deluxe edition of the album, "My Baby", which features American singer Zhavia Ward, was released on April 29, 2021.

Critical reception

Writing for Clash, Robin Murray felt that "every element on the album feels exact, placed with real precision"; Murray specifically praised the singles "Ok" and "Havin My Way", the latter of which features Lil Durk, opining that the album is an "inward journey" and the two singles exemplify that, while complimenting the songs "Trust Nobody", "Riot", and "Think Deep Don't Sink".

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[8]

Musicians

Technical

Charts

Chart (2021)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[9] 48
Lithuanian Albums (AGATA)[10] 60
US Billboard 200[11] 50
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[12] 29

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Listen to Lil Skies' Album 'Unbothered' f/ Lil Durk and Wiz Khalifa. Complex. Mahadevan. Tara C.. January 22, 2021. January 22, 2021.
  2. Web site: Lil Skies on New Album 'Unbothered' and Lil Wayne Supporting Trump. Complex. Espinoza. Joshua. January 20, 2021. January 20, 2021.
  3. Web site: Lil Skies on Instagram: "My new album "Unbothered" is out now for pre-sale! New single "Ok" for you guys being patient with me!❣wouldn't be shit without you guys!!!!!! LOVElink in bio let's go up1/22. https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CI4AaVkAiCS . 2021-12-24 . registration. Instagram. December 16, 2020. December 16, 2020.
  4. Web site: Lil Skies And Lil Durk Earn Their Freedom In 'Havin My Way' Video. Uproxx. Okon. Wongo. March 4, 2020. December 16, 2020.
  5. Web site: Lil Skies Is Ready To "Riot". HotNewHipHop. Lilah. Rose. May 14, 2020. December 16, 2020.
  6. Web site: Lil Skies - "On Sight" [STREAM + VIDEO]]. Rhyme Hip Hop. Pickus. Brandon. November 6, 2020. December 16, 2020.
  7. Web site: Lil Skies Releases New Single "Ok" And Announces "Unbothered" Album. HotNewHipHop. Zidel. Alex. December 16, 2020. December 16, 2020.
  8. Web site: Unbothered / Lil Skies - TIDAL. Tidal. January 22, 2021. January 22, 2021.
  9. Billboard Canadian Albums Chart: February 6, 2021. Billboard. February 2, 2021.
  10. Web site: 2021 4-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100). lt. AGATA. January 29, 2021. July 2, 2021.
  11. Billboard 200: February 6, 2021. Billboard. February 2, 2021.
  12. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart: February 6, 2021. Billboard. February 2, 2021.