Fast Life

Released in 2009, Fast Life represents Paul Wall's attempt to bridge the gap between his underground Houston roots and the mainstream pop-rap dominance of the late 2000s. Following the massive success of The Peoples Champ, this album sees Wall collaborating with a variety of producers to create a sound that is noticeably more 'hi-fi' and energetic than his previous efforts. The record is characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers and polished drum programming, moving away from the soul-sample heavy production of the early 2000s toward a sound influenced by the burgeoning trap scene and the snap music era. While tracks like 'Bizzy Body' and 'Lemon Drop' were clearly aimed at radio and club play, Wall maintains his 'Swishahouse' credibility through his lyrical focus on car culture, 'grillz,' and regional slang. Critically, the album was seen as a solid, if commercial, entry in his discography, notable for its high production values and the inclusion of more personal tracks like 'Daddy Wasn't Home,' which provided a rare glimpse behind the 'Ice Man' persona.