Built for Whatever
Built for Whatever is the third studio album by American rapper Tee Grizzley. It was released through Atlantic Records and 300 Entertainment on May 7, 2021. The album features guest appearances from the late King Von, Quavo, Young Dolph, YNW Melly, Lil Durk, Lil Tjay, Grizzley's younger brother Baby Grizzley, G Herbo, Allstar Lee, Mu, and Big Sean. Production was handled by Chopsquad DJ, Hit-Boy, and Helluva.[1]
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| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |    [2] |
| Built for Whatever | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | May 7, 2021 | |||
| Length | 53:48 | |||
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| Producer |
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| Tee Grizzley chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Built for Whatever | ||||
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Background
Tee Grizzley stated that "the title of this album is my whole life in one sentence", further explaining that "the songs on the album and the things I refer to lyrically on each track reflect pieces of my real life. The name of this album is exactly what I am – built for whatever". The font of the songs written in the track listing of the album is also the same font that is used in the series of action-adventure game Grand Theft Auto, which Grizzley is an avid fan of, as he created a Grand Theft Auto "Grizzley World" server that he played fans snippets of songs from the album a few days before it was released and also made a gaming team called Grizzley Gang Gaming.[3]
Singles
Tee Grizzley released the album's lead single, "Late Night Calls", on February 5, 2021.[4] He followed it up with "White Lows Off Designer", featuring fellow American rapper Lil Durk, which was released as the second single on March 19, 2021.[5] The third and final single, "Never Bend Never Fold", a collaboration with fellow American rapper G Herbo, was released on April 16, 2021.[6]
Release and promotion
On April 29, 2021, Tee Grizzley announced the album alongside its release date and artwork through social media.[7] The track listing was revealed on May 3, 2021.[8]
Critical reception
DJ First Class from Revolt described the album as "a solid body of work that will indeed silence all haters and doubters" and "the title holds weight as Tee Grizzley lets it be known that he will beat any odds formed against him and continue to cement his legacy and provide for his family.[9]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Grizzley Talk" |
| Jose the Plug | 3:29 |
| 2. | "Not Gone Play" (featuring King Von) |
| Chopsquad DJ | 2:35 |
| 3. | "Built to Last" |
| Jose the Plug | 3:06 |
| 4. | "In My Feelings" (featuring Quavo and Young Dolph) | Hit-Boy | 2:52 | |
| 5. | "Careless" (featuring YNW Melly) |
| Wavy Kid on the Beat | 2:58 |
| 6. | "White Lows Off Designer" (featuring Lil Durk) |
| B. Lewis | 2:55 |
| 7. | "Mad at Us" |
| Chopsquad DJ | 2:37 |
| 8. | "Life Insurance" (featuring Lil Tjay) |
| Chopsquad DJ | 3:53 |
| 9. | "Evictions" |
| Hit-Boy | 2:35 |
| 10. | "Left Wrist Icey" (featuring Baby Grizzley) |
| Helluva | 3:26 |
| 11. | "High Speed" |
| Chopsquad DJ | 2:50 |
| 12. | "Never Bend Never Fold" (with G Herbo) |
| Chopsquad DJ | 2:30 |
| 13. | "Less Talking More Action" |
| Antt Beatz | 1:49 |
| 14. | "White Dior Tee" (featuring Allstar Lee and Mu) |
| Brian313 | 2:51 |
| 15. | "What We On" (featuring Big Sean) |
| Hit-Boy | 3:29 |
| 16. | "Quit Trappin" |
| Helluva | 2:00 |
| 17. | "Change" |
| Chopsquad DJ | 2:52 |
| 18. | "Late Night Calls" |
| Chopsquad DJ | 2:54 |
| 19. | "Free Baby Grizzley (Outro)" (featuring Baby Grizzley) |
| Da Realest | 2:07 |
| Total length: | 53:48 | |||
Personnel
Musicians
- Tee Grizzley – primary artist (all tracks)
- King Von – featured artist (track 2)
- Quavo – featured artist (track 4)
- Young Dolph – featured artist (track 4)
- YNW Melly – featured artist (track 5)
- Lil Durk – featured artist (track 6)
- Lil Tjay – featured artist (track 8)
- Baby Grizzley – featured artist (tracks 10, 19)
- G Herbo – primary artist (track 12)
- Allstar Lee – featured artist (track 14)
- Mu – featured artist (track 14)
- Big Sean – featured artist (track 15)
Technical
- J Lacy – mixing (tracks 1–3, 5–8, 10–14, 16–19)
- David Kim – mixing (tracks 4, 9, 15)
Charts
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian Albums (Billboard)[10] | 46 |
| US Billboard 200[11] | 15 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[12] | 10 |
References
- Marie, Erika (May 7, 2021). "Tee Grizzley Drops "Built For Whatever" Ft. Big Sean, King Von, Lil Durk, Quavo, G Herbo". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- "Built for Whatever Review by Fred Thomas". allmusic.com. May 7, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- FNR Tigg (May 7, 2021). "Tee Grizzley Drops New Album 'Built For Whatever' f/ Lil Durk, King Von, Big Sean, and More". Complex. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- Findlay, Mitch (February 5, 2021). "Tee Grizzley Addresses His Brother's Arrest On "Late Night Calls"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- Cho, Regina (March 19, 2021). "Tee Grizzley taps Lil Durk for new single "White Lows Off Designer"". Revolt. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- Rashed, Ayana (April 16, 2021). "Tee Grizzley & G Herbo Team Up For New Single "Never Bend Never Fold"". Respect. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- Findlay, Mitch (April 29, 2021). "Tee Grizzley Announces New Album "Built For Whatever"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- Walker, Joe (May 5, 2021). "King Von, Lil Durk & YNW Melly Among Features on Tee Grizzley's 'Built For Whatever' Album". HipHopDX. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- DJ First Class (May 7, 2021). "Tee Grizzley is 'Built For Whatever' on his latest album". Revolt. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
- "Tee Grizzley Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
- "Tee Grizzley Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
- "Tee Grizzley Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 18, 2021.