NLE Choppa kills about 1200 people in his new EP “Cottonwood.”

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TOP 5

5. Untold

“Untold” kicks off “Cottonwood” with grungy energy.

“Untold” boasts a mean trap beat that hits harder than a Mike Tyson punch. As for NLE Choppa, in his verses, he emphatically declares himself as a woman-smashing, gun-toting, and drug-loving individual who couldn’t care less about first impressions. Despite only being 17 when this song came out, I do rock with the conviction and confidence he raps with throughout it.

4. Side

Who said that NLE Choppa couldn’t sing?

Technically, “Side” is the only track on this project in which you get to hear a splash of NLE Choppa’s soft side. Don’t get me wrong; he still talks about shooting people, but because he sings these lyrics, they don’t sound as toxic. He also shouts out his mother. What are the chances she showed this song to her friends?

3. Clicc Clacc

“Clicc Clacc” emerges as an electrifying track, characterized by its exhilarating, dark beat and action-packed verses. The intensity of NLE Choppa’s delivery is so vivid that one could easily envision the track transforming into a movie, with Liam Neeson as a fitting nominee to portray the rapper.

I don’t know about you, but I love it when young rappers spit erratically. In “Clicc Clacc,” NLE spits so erratically that I wouldn’t be surprised if there were actual spit all over the studio after he was done recording the track.

His name is NLE Choppa, so I shouldn’t be surprised that he’s talking about using his chopper every second in this song, right?”

2. Shotta Flow (Remix) (Ft. Blueface)

I actually think the remix to “Shotta Flow” is better than the original…

In his breakout hit, “Shotta Flow,” NLE Choppa proves to the world that he is capable of bullying n***as and slightly riding a beat. In the remix, Choppa collaborates with Blueface, known for his distinctive style that may not align with conventional beat riding. The result is an extended version of “Shotta Flow” characterized by heightened intensity, energetic deliveries, and an abundance of aggressive lyrics. Interestingly, I think the beat that drives “Shotta Flow” complements Blueface’s style more than NLE Choppa’s.

1. Cruze (Ft. Meek Mill)

“Cruze” is a powerful track with a compelling trap beat, a fiery hook by Meek Mill, and verses from NLE Choppa and Meek that are all about violence, competition, opulence, inspiration, and authenticity.

OK, let’s simplify things: Meek Mill is the main reason this song took the top spot; he went the f**k off!

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SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Untold (3.5/5)

2. Step (3.5/5)

3. Side (3.5/5)

4. Clicc Clacc (3.5/5)

5. Matrix (3.5/5)

6. N.W.A. (3/5)

7. Chances (3/5)

8. Shotta Flow (3/5)

9. Shotta Flow (Remix) (Ft. Blueface) (3.5/5)

10. Cruze (Ft. Meek Mill) (4.5/5)

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OVERALL RATING

(D+) (68%)

Disclaimer: In this conclusion, I do not dive deep into NLE Choppa’s rapping skills (I don’t see him as a rapper; I see him as a glorified screamer).

OK, let us carry on with the conclusion!

NLE Choppa is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing young talents in the game. He not only reminds me of a younger YoungBoy Never Broke Again (which sounded a bit odd as I just said that), but I also sense that he possesses a solid understanding of the artist he needs to be for success. In Cottonwood, NLE unleashes a whirlwind of energy!

From the moment you hit play on Cottonwood, you’re greeted with explosive trap beats that seem to fuel NLE into a version of himself that is violent, aggressive, reckless, unholy, and unchained. I understand that some of these descriptors might sound like you’d get a bunch of noise on this album, but in my opinion, NLE accurately portrays the perspective of a 17-year-old from Memphis navigating newfound fame, groupies, and enemies on the album. Honestly, we often expect these young artists to be Jay-Z the moment they touch the mic, but sometimes, we need to let them express themselves at their current ages. In other words, let these young trouble-makers adapt, folks!

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