FLANNEL ALBERT and Filthy The Kid return with an LL Cool J style love lament. “Front & Center” is the love song we didn’t know we needed.
This is how I know I will forever give my cause to FLANNEL ALBERT and Filthy The Kid as unit DIRTY LAUNDRY. The cover for their latest single, “Front & Center,” is quite literally a riff on the “videos” for the ever-popular “chill beats” channels on YouTube. These guys are the epitome of everything that I adore about contemporary artists. Namely while they are serious about their skills, they never take themselves too seriously. (The early-’90s infomercial style “music video” they released is testament enough of that.)
That being said, there’s nothing silly about the level of talent this duo has. With their powers combined they create music that’s both fun to listen to and quietly some of the best wordplay. The song is as simple as the actual beat itself. Unrequited (possibly misplaced) love is a popular subject. Let’s be honest. About 90 percent of those reading this article right now are going through it at this exact moment. Probably for at least the third time this year. (Of course I wouldn’t know anything about that. What are you talking about?)
It’s precisely this simplicity that makes “Front & Center” so damn catchy. DIRTY LAUNDRY has found a winning combination of pop and hip hop. It allows them to thrive among many who do the same thing. Certainly Albert’s sublime lyrical wordplay and Filthy’s frighteningly spot-on delivery have much to do with that. You’ve all heard me wax poetic about my absolute ardor for Albert’s pen.
I’ve not had the pleasure of doing that much for Filthy. A shame, because he continues to surprise me with his versatility. One moment he can be sugary-sweet and forlorn, as in his protagonist in “Front & Center.” Then he’ll turn right around and take you out at the kneecaps with his sharp tongue. (Check out his verse on this homage to the explosive “119 Remix”). His flow hits like a hammer regardless of his mood. Even in something as deceptively cloying as “Front & Center,” Filthy can’t help but exhibit the rugged delivery that has made an undeniable impression on me.
Still, “Front & Center” has an edge to it that’s easy to miss. The quirky beat has more in common with current pop trends than hard-edged hip hop. Ultimately, however, the reality of longing for someone is a painful one for many of us. Especially when that longing might have been mostly self-induced. Albert proclaims in a voice that almost sounds defeated he needs the object of affection in his life. Filthy then opens with a line reminiscent of Drake’s own lament (“You never hit my celly anymore”). It speaks to just how clever this seemingly simple track is.
In fact, the entire makeup of the song has shades of “Hotline Bling.” It does more work in painting the picture of desperation. A need to convince a love interest she’s the one and only. Filthy even proclaims, “I try to cater to you.” (A gesture Destiny’s Child would be proud of.) The cadence of the line itself suggests at any time Filthy might bust out ballad-style while singing in the rain.
Really, “Front & Center” is entirely too much fun for its own good. The “I Need Love” of 2019. It’s the love-lost-then-found-then-desperate-to-keep song we didn’t know we needed. I’m 100 percent here for it. Especially if this is the precursor to more from the Dirty Duo.
