In an unprecedented move, Tory Lanez has released a new album titled ‘PETERSON’ while serving a 10-year prison sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. The album, which serves as a sequel to his 2020 project ‘Daystar,’ was recorded entirely from within the confines of his cell, showcasing Lanez’s relentless dedication to his craft.
Lanez announced the album earlier this week, sharing the cover art that features a shirtless image of himself, highlighting his prison physique. He described the project as “the first ever in-real-time prison album,” emphasizing its authenticity and rawness. In a call to the Full Send podcast, he elaborated, stating, “An album that’s recorded in prison, for prisoners, by a prisoner in real time as a prisoner is going through his real-time sentence. And it’s professional. It’s going to sound exactly like a Tory Lanez album.”
‘PETERSON’ delves deep into Lanez’s personal experiences, reflecting on his legal battles, relationships, and introspections during incarceration. The album blends alternative R&B with hip-hop, creating a dynamic and eclectic soundscape. Tracks like “My Shayla” feature AI-generated clips, including one of former President Donald Trump calling for Lanez’s release, adding a controversial and provocative layer to the project.
One of the standout tracks, “9$IDE x Amethyst,” is a poignant dedication to Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, whose birth name is Amethyst Kelly. Lanez openly expresses his longing and regret over their past relationship in this song, rapping about his desire to reconnect. He admits to missing the closeness they once shared and acknowledges his faults, hoping for reconciliation upon his release.
“It be nights I want to talk to Iggy, but she blocked me / Amethyst, if you ever hear this shit, shawty, call me / You know that I’m always makin’ spicy bitches salty / Need to come correct ’cause all that shit I did was faulty / I miss when you wrapped around my body like a tall tee,” he raps.
Lanez and Azalea’s relationship has been a topic of speculation over the years. In 2022, they were frequently seen together, sparking dating rumors. Lanez even praised Azalea’s culinary skills on social media, further fueling the gossip. Their bond seemed to strengthen when Azalea penned a letter to the judge ahead of Lanez’s sentencing, describing him as a kind and gentle person. She wrote, “Daystar Peterson is not the pest you have heard about, he’s a gardener. He helps others bloom.”
The release of ‘PETERSON’ has elicited mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders. While some commend Lanez for his resilience and ability to produce music under challenging circumstances, others criticize him for addressing his legal issues and relationships in his lyrics. The track referencing Megan Thee Stallion has particularly drawn ire from her supporters, who view it as an attempt to undermine her experience.
As Lanez serves his sentence, the release of ‘PETERSON’ raises questions about the future of artists creating and distributing work from prison. It challenges traditional notions of music production and offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the artist’s current reality. Whether this album will pave the way for similar projects remains to be seen, but it undeniably marks a significant moment in the intersection of art and incarceration.
For now, fans and critics alike are left to dissect ‘PETERSON,’ analyzing its lyrical content, production quality, and the implications of its creation. As for Lanez’s plea to Iggy Azalea, only time will tell if the “Fancy” rapper responds to his heartfelt overtures.
