Singer and rapper Tommy Richman returns to musical eminence with the release of his debut album, “COYOTE,” Sept. 27, certifying his place among the music industry’s A-tier. Distributed by Brent Faiyaz’s ISO Supremacy label, “COYOTE” immediately topped Apple Music’s R&B charts, cementing Richman’s prominence — which had come into question after the online success of two of his singles over the summer.
The singles, “MILLION DOLLAR BABY,” released in April and “DEVIL IS A LIE” in June, both became widely used and beloved on online platforms, with the former reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Richman’s music was not received with universal positivity, however, and some of his most notable critics include former rapper and personality Joe Budden and radio host Funkmaster Flex — both of whom knocked the singles and derided Richman for his unconventional style and overnight popularity on social media.
Before the album’s release, Richman confirmed that the two hits would be left off the 11-track, 36-minute “COYOTE,” granting the 24-year-old an opportunity to validate himself as an artist to those who may dispute his internet-fueled gains.
“I’ve been building up my discography for years,” Richman said in a press release for the album. “I’m not a one-hit wonder.”
On the record, Richman showcases his ability to transcend viral hits and proves his artistry beyond social media success. Promotion on TikTok led greatly to Richman’s burgeoning fanbase — and he gives the app credit, while admitting he can understand where the negative perception surrounding his singles comes from.
“When songs blow up on TikTok, there’s a stigma that comes with it, like your song is a ringtone,” said Richman. “That’s not who I am. I’m trying to make living, breathing albums — works of art.”
“COYOTE” proves Richman’s musical talent, rejecting pretenses of dependence on his previous smash hits. Through a blend of funk, R&B and rap, the album solidifies his unique sound while staying true to his roots, only inviting “the people he started out with” to guest feature on the project.
The album’s opening track, “ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM,” establishes a funky, hazy vibe — a feeling that continues on the next song, “WHITNEY,” where Richman launches into romantic lyricism over a scratchy beat and clean drum track. Richman laments a tumultuous relationship that continually seems to disappoint him, singing “Baby, you are not the same in my dreams / If not for anything, for anything.” The song’s quick pace induces a woozy rush for the listener and charts an opportune course for the album’s standalone value.
Richman often includes components of rap in his products, dating back to his oldest releases from 2016 on major streaming services — raw, juvenile tracks of a then Soundcloud rapper attempting to find his style. On “COYOTE,” the fundamentals of rap are especially evident in “TENNESSEE,” a track that lightens the albums’ mood.
Joining alt-rappers and frequent collaborators Trevor Spitta and Zachary Moon, Richman sings a catchy accompaniment in between bars from the features’ respective verses. His part is constructed with repetitive lyrics and a clear command of an already potent beat. “TENNESSEE” is one of the highest streaming songs off “COYOTE" and demonstrates Richman’s ability to curate a sonically diverse project.
Later on, Richman flexes his sharp falsetto on “LETTERMAN,” an easygoing track with uncharacteristically audible lyrics. Richman and guest pop artist Paco reminisce about a series of nighttime encounters with a romantic interest in Washington, D.C., which is right outside Richman’s home city of Woodbridge, Va..
Regret for the relationship’s end stings in the track’s sound, with Paco singing, “Past was something good, but now I'm finding / Reflections in my rearview mirror keep blinding out / Where your eyes they start to well.” The song’s varsity-level quality emanates, and Richman sports “LETTERMAN” with the poise of a star player. This track further solidifies the album's emotional depth and lyrical versatility.
The project wraps up with a flashy feature from fellow Virginia rapper mynameisntjmack on the album’s best and final track, “seems like time moves forever.” The track is intentionally oxymoronic — mynameisntjmack’s first bar is, after all, “The quiet is loud” — as the two sing and rap about heartache and despair over a fast-paced, vibrant beat.
mynameisntjmack’s clever, powerful verse, ripe with rhythm, impressively elevates the track, playing off the dichotomy between his and Richman’s style. The two artists end the album with a satisfying conclusion in “seems like time moves forever” that emphasizes the project’s melancholy messaging.
While Richman does not have the superb intonation of R&B legends or the breakneck pace of rap gods, he still manages to make his music work by fusing genres to generate a unique and addictive sound. A glance at the meteoric streaming numbers the album received when it first dropped will reveal that Richman’s caliber as an artist is extraordinary. Undoubtedly, Richman will look to build off his debut album’s howling success.
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