Money Can't Buy Happiness

Since his 2016 breakout, Fredo’s professional fortunes have trended in one direction. Intertwined with that positive trajectory, however, is a more complicated personal story of struggle, prison stretches, and contending with his own definition of success. This second studio album sees the North-West London rapper unfurl fresh perspectives and sensitivities with a flair and maturity befitting the record’s executive producer, Dave (credited by his Santan alias). An unguarded Fredo reflects on survivor’s guilt (“Blood in My Eyes”) and family (“Aunt’s Place”), while international flavor comes via Summer Walker’s vocals on “Ready” (featuring a timeless Fugees sample) and the late Pop Smoke—who brings the woo alongside Young Adz for “Burner on Deck.” Bravely bearing the mental scars of a life lived on the edge, Money Can’t Buy Happiness is a portrait of an artist making a definitive break for freedom and peace of mind.