A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie sounds like his old self in “Better Off Alone.”
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TOP 5
Honorable Mention. Body (Ft. Cash Cobain)
“Body” might make A Boogie Wit da Hoodie’s music end up in clubs again.
I really like “Body” for one simple reason: it has universal appeal. The track stands out with its memorable hook, infectious melodies, and emotionally charged Jersey club production that’s easy to soak up. While I don’t love Cash Cobain’s contributions, I appreciate how he matches A Boogie’s tone and energy. Overall, this track is an effortless hit.
Honorable Mention. Spotlight (Ft. Lil Durk)
I wish we lived in a world where A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and Lil Durk were both in their primes.
Kanye West recently mentioned that he thinks Drake and 21 Savage make good music together, and I agree. Similarly, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie and Lil Durk make a great duo, which they demonstrate in “Spotlight.” Over borderline feel-good production, the two rappers reflect on their days in the mud, emphasize the importance of loyalty, and revel in their current success. A Boogie delivers verses that feel like an award speech, while Durk uses a laid-back style that makes his confident words stand out. Overall, this track showcases strong chemistry, a memorable hook, and great passion.
5. No More Questions
“No More Questions” is my favorite track from “ALONE.“
I really like the pep to his step that A Boogie Wit da Hoodie raps with in “No More Questions.” I also like how he’s honest with his chick in his verses, even bringing up the dirty s**t he’s done to her in the past. The song’s icing on the cake is the homage A Boogie pays to his fallen friend PnB Rock by reciting his hook from “Questions.”
4. Booby Trap
A Zaytoven/London On Da Beat beat on an A Boogie Wit da Hoodie song? Huh?
In “Booby Trap,” A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie talks his s**t in the sliest way possible. Over hard-hitting, dramatic production with your typical Zaytoven elements, he raps about f**king with two chicks simultaneously, having a cold heart, and not needing a stylist to prove that he’s fly. Though he does do some dramatic singing throughout, he displays a level of coolness that tells me he still believes he runs New York and every chick that is not his.
3. Dark King
This negro is still drowning, bro.
Seriously, “Dark King” feels like a darker rendition of A Boogie wit Da Hoodie’s hit “Drowning.” Both tracks feature a delicate, spellbinding sound that captivates listeners. However, in “Dark King,” A Boogie raps with more urgency, exudes greater confidence about the violent things he will do to his haters, and comes across as more accustomed to his daily struggles. To me, this is what a more mature A Boogie would sound like if he decided to remake “Drowning.”
2. Did Me Wrong
Ex anthems be hittin’ like shots of Everclear.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie is fully in his bag in “Did Me Wrong.” Throughout the song, he seamlessly transitions between various flows, calls out those who imitate his style, and dismisses his haters and past lovers who have wronged him. I don’t want to jump the gun, but you know what, I’m going to say it: These are the songs that signal A Boogie Wit da Hoodie’s triumphant return.
1. Need You Around (Ft. Fridayy)
A Boogie’s performance in this track is so impressive that he relegates Fridayy to a mere background singer.
A Boogie Wit da Hoodie does a lot of whining on this album, so it’s refreshing to hear him sound upbeat in “Need You Around.” Powered by a vibrant beat, this track showcases his passion for his girl and his appreciation of all the good things in life. Overall, I love the song’s positive vibes, the “My Way” sample, and the hypnotizing hook.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Better Off Alone (4/5)
2. Dark King (4.5/5)
3. Let’s Go Away (Ft. Young Thug) (4/5)
4. Body (Ft. Cash Cobain) (4/5)
5. Somebody (Ft. Future) (3.5/5)
6. Steppas (3.5/5)
7. Headaches (3.5/5)
8. Spotlight (Ft. Lil Durk) (4/5)
9. Need You Around (Ft. Fridayy) (4.5/5)
10. One Shot (4/5)
11. They Shooting (3.5/5)
12. Feel Like Dying (3.5/5)
13. P&E (Ft. Mariah The Scientist) (4/5)
14. Tiffanys (4/5)
15. No More Questions (4/5)
16. How to Love (3.5/5)
17. D.T.N. (4/5)
18. Did Me Wrong (4.5/5)
19. Her Birthday (3.5/5)
20. Booby Trap (4.5/5)
21. I Already Know (3.5/5)
RGM RATING
(C+) (77%)
In Better Off Alone, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie rarely steps outside his musical comfort zone. He consistently focuses on themes like the complexities of dating a rap star, the street codes he lives by, and loyalty to his crew. He also ensures that the beats he raps over match his intense emotions. While some tracks might sound a bit outdated, his compelling performances often make you overlook that. Personally, I would’ve preferred that A Boogie experimented a little more, like he did in tracks like “Body” and “Need You Around.” At the end of the day, he knows what the customer wants, and that’s emotional hip-hop music, and he delivers just that.
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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