New Jersey’s Ant Clemons dropped the first single for HAPPY 2 BE HERE, which was also his first single ever, with a feature from the legendary Timbaland. “4 Letter Word” was released around the same time as his multiple appearances on Kanye West’s Jesus Is King. Clemons, who is also apart of the Sunday Service Choir, went on to release “Excited” and “Beep” as singles before releasing his debut project on February 28, 2020.

While Ant is not signed to Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music, this project is similar to Kanye’s recent tracklist length and overall length. This is not a coincidence, as Clemons was the person that gifted us with the chorus on “All Mine” from ye. HAPPY 2 BE HERE has eight tracks and sits right at twenty minutes. He’s emphasized that this is his debut project, not his debut album. We’ll have to see if he sticks to the short formula once we’re given his debut album.

Who Was Involved With This Project?

Artists featured on the project are Ty Dolla $ign, Timbaland, and Pharrell Williams. Production is handled by Timbaland, Bongo, Some Randoms, The Stereotypes, Triangle Park, The Roommates, Jack Rochon, Capi, Angel López, Capi, Needlz and Travis James of House of Vibe.

What I Like

There’s a lot to like. The project is just overall really happy energy. If you’re not on a happy or fun song, it’s because he’s pulling on your heartstrings while either talking about his family or a past relationship. “Mama I Made It” is such a good intro track, and it also could’ve been a great outro track. The touching track was released on Ant’s YouTube channel in May 2019 in the form of a nostalgic video. The song is a message to his mother about his success and features a phone call telling her that his vocals landed on Kanye’s album.

The short songs work very well with Ant. Each song leaves me with a complete feeling, no more or less of the song would’ve sat well with me. There isn’t much repetitiveness, and that makes the entirety of the project much more enjoyable.

What I Don’t

I’m not sure I would like any of Ant’s rapping if it wasn’t so playful. His singing voice is nearly perfect, but it just doesn’t fit the rapping style that he is executing. But the instances throughout the project, like on “Excited” and “Beep,” are very playful verses and his voice does fit that energy. I’m glad that he was very selective with the features on this project and that the features he did pick fit perfectly. Although I would’ve liked to hear a strong rap verse or two from someone and Ant on the chorus.

With that being said, this debut is extraordinary. Ant obviously didn’t take the average path that a solo artist normally does. That definitely shows with this project. You don’t hear an artist with such an established sound on their debut project that often. I’m interested to see how Ant’s music will sound following HAPPY 2 BE HERE and who he will work with in the future. I mean he’s worked with some of the most talented and biggest artists in the world, what surprises could he possibly come out with? Whatever it is, I’m excited. I’m not trying to sound like I’m ready to move on from this project, because I’m not. This project will be in my rotation for a long time.

What are your thoughts on this project? Let us know in the comments below, and listen to HAPPY 2 BE HERE on all platforms now!