Will EST Gee walk out to applause with his performance on “EL TORO 2?”
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TOP 5
5. MORE BLOOD
EST Gee sounds like a remorseful dude with a t-shirt soaked in blood in this song.
Fun fact: One of my favorite EST Gee tracks is “BLOOD.” Initially, I thought “MORE BLOOD” was a part 2 to “BLOOD,” but I don’t think it is. The latter is a part-time emotional, part-time grungy banger that has Geeski switching between a sappy singer and a ruthless rapper. While I don’t love the rap verses he hits us with, I can’t get enough of the hook he delivers.
4. TURN THE STREETS UP
“I believe in dope dealers, not the tooth fairy” – EST Gee.
“Turn The Streets Up” is hard as hell. In the song, EST Gee promotes violence, drug dealing, and overflexing. The grungy demeanor and steady flows that he raps with perfectly blend with the scary-ass trap beat (Something about those synths in the beat makes me believe that Michael Myers is at the stoplight around the corner). I also think the hook EST hits us with is catchy as f**k.
3. BAD GUY
It’s funny how EST Gee sounds like an emotional guy in “BAD GUY.”
Can’t bad guys have emotions too? In “BAD GUY,” EST showcases his most dramatic vocals to persuade the world that no one else is as sinister as him. What also stands out is his captivating melodies and random reggae-infused inflections.
2. ANOTHER MOMENT WITH GOTTI (Ft. Yo Gotti)
Gotti won MVP of this album.
Gotti’s in two songs on this album: “A MOMENT WITH GOTTI” and “ANOTHER MOMENT WITH GOTTI.” In both pieces, he puts up 60 points. The reason I chose to talk about the latter is because of this: I love the soulful, booming beat that powers the song, how EST Gee talks his s**t when it comes to making major boss moves, and how Yo Gotti, fresh out of a six-month retirement, schools folks on how he became a boss and rich. Overall, the cocky lessons that Gee and Gotti dish out will strike a chord with you.
1. I THINK (Ft. Lil Baby)
I will renew my Lil Baby subscription if he continues to rap how he does in this song.
Lil Baby puts up 55 points and zero turnovers in “I THINK.” In the song, which is powered by this emotional trap beat, Baby passionately raps about staying away from drugs, wanting to run up on folks, and dealing with leeches. I love the urgency he shows throughout his verse. As for EST Gee, I do rock with the grungy energy he raps with and his vulnerable lyrics. I also think his mumbly hook is surprisingly enjoyable.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. TUSCAN PERFUME (4/5)
2. XXL (3.5/5)
3. TURN THE STREETS UP (4/5)
4. TOAST (3.5/5)
5. I LIKE (4/5)
6. THE BIGGEST (3.5/5)
7. PERSONAL (3.5/5)
8. MORE BLOOD (4/5)
9. A MOMENT WITH GOTTI (Ft. Yo Gotti) (4/5)
10. IT IS (Ft. Rylo Rodriguez) (3.5/5)
11. MEECH (3/5)
12. FREE DOGGY (Ft. 42 Dugg) (3.5/5)
13. ONE CALL (3.5/5)
14. A MOMENT WITH GEE (4/5)
15. BAD GUY (4/5)
16. NOBODY ELSE (Ft. Static Major) (3.5/5)
17. I THINK (Ft. Lil Baby) (4.5/5)
18. DON’T FORGET (3.5/5)
19. BACK TO A TIME (3/5)
20. ANOTHER MOMENT WITH GOTTI (Ft. Yo Gotti) (4.5/5)
RGM RATING
(C)
I’ll be the first to tell you that EST Gee’s music hasn’t clicked with me. He has an acquired taste style that I don’t think is for everyone. With that being said, EL TORO 2 does have some highlights that everyone can enjoy.
When it comes to production, this album deserves a chef’s kiss. Throughout EL TORO 2, EST Gee does work over everything from soulful to nostalgic to club-ready trap beats. While I don’t prefer the sluggish rapping style that Gee uses over them, I do appreciate how the beats get to play front and center. Rappers should do that more; allow their beats to play front and center (BTW, I f**king love the “IT IS” beat, but I hate what Rylo and EST did over it).
EST Gee might be the grittiest mainstream rapper in the game today. In EL TORO 2, his demeanor on tracks makes it seem like he’s too gangsta to be making music; his content tackles street s**t in one of the rawest ways possible, and when he decides to sing a little, it’s usually on some “I feel remorseful for killing you” type s**t. I’m sure folks in the bando can relate to his style, but regular joes with 9-5 jobs and Costco accounts will struggle to.
Some of the guest appearances on this album moved the needle (notably Lil Baby and Yo Gotti), and some sounded awkward (particularly Static Major and 42 Dugg). At the end of the day, I’m just glad they were there to counterbalance EST Gee’s sluggish verses.
I think this is a solid album. I didn’t need 20 tracks from EST Gee, but it flows so well you can live with that. I believe one day EST’s music will fully click with me. Until then, I’m going to keep finding ways to enjoy it.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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