Future dropped “Mixtape Pluto” this past Friday to mixed reviews. While longtime fans are enjoying the project, others feel it lacks quality. The album features no guest artists and is executive produced by 808 Mafia’s Southside, with co-production by Wheezy.
According to HDD, “Mixtape Pluto” is projected to move 120-135k units in its first week, putting it in contention for the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200. For comparison, Katy Perry’s “143” is expected to do 37-42k, and Lil Tecca’s “Plan A” is forecast to log 30-35k.
As Future’s third release of 2024, “Mixtape Pluto” is ambitious in its volume but falls short of recapturing the sound that launched him to stardom. With 17 solo tracks, many feel the album lacks inspiration. Standouts like “Ocean” and “Aye Say Gang” shine but pale in comparison to Future’s broader catalog. Critics have called the production middling, the raps uninspired, and the overall effort more like a contractual obligation than a passion project.
Future first teased the project in May but officially confirmed it in September. After wrapping his We Trust You Tour with Metro Boomin on Sept. 9, he wasted no time announcing “Mixtape Pluto” for Sept. 20. The mixtape’s cover art is a nod to The Dungeon, the iconic Atlanta studio housed in the basement of producer Rico Wade’s mother’s home. Wade, Future’s cousin and a founding member of Organized Noize, was instrumental in shaping Atlanta’s music scene, producing for OutKast and Goodie Mob. His passing earlier this year made the cover art a heartfelt tribute to his legacy.
Despite the hype and fan anticipation, “Mixtape Pluto” leaves much to be desired, with critics and fans divided over its overall quality.