From Day 1

It’s a long ride from the Atlanta strip-club scene to the mainstream charts, but the hip-hop act Travis Porter makes the trip with surprisingly few bumps on its debut album, From Day 1. The project—delayed several years due to label troubles—serves up the trio’s Dirty South–influenced rap with a fusion of shamelessly catchy hooks and cheerfully lustful content. Avoiding gangsta posturing, TP members Ali, Quez, and Strap are out for a good time and won’t stop till they get it. “Make It Rain” and “Bring It Back”—the hits that defined their sound—give a taste of their nasty-but-nice appeal. “Pu**y Real Good” (featuring guest rapper 2 Chainz) and “Ayy Ladies” keep the momentum going with infectious beats and chant-along lyrics. Moving beyond booty calls are instantly likeable pop-oriented tracks like “Party Time” and “That Feeling.” Input from such A-list producers as Mac Miller (“Bouncing Like (Whoa)”) and Diplo (“Wobble”) gives From Day 1 welcome sonic variety. In the end, Travis Porter puts its own stamp on the album with an easygoing attitude, bad-boy humor, and enough street cred to sustain the trio all the way to the top.