Polo G makes a powerful comeback with “HOOD POET.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
Honorable Mention. Detox
Polo G released “Detox” before Dr. Dre (OK, I am officially sick).
In “Detox,” Polo G meticulously crafts his flow, delivery, and lyrics, achieving perfect synchronization. He also paints a nuanced picture of himself, balancing themes of seeking revenge and showing a hardened side with reflections on personal tragedies and lost friends. Despite the range of emotions in his lyrics, he maintains a neutral tone throughout the track, neither overly exuberant nor too subdued.
5. We Uh Shoot (Ft. Lil Durk)
Lil Durk’s verse is excellent.
In “We Uh Shoot,” Polo G and Lil Durk reinforce what we already know: if you put a gun in their hands, they will likely use it. They also touch on their journey from rags to riches, the idea that Clubhouse can be a setup for those facing trials, and the lessons learned from PnB Rock’s tragic situation.
Initially, this track didn’t quite move me; it sounded a bit outdated. However, once Lil Durk started spitting with his passionate, non-autotune style, I began to really vibe with it. Whatever the case, I think you’ll enjoy the back-and-forth between the two artists, Polo’s relentless hook, and the overall urgent feel of the track.
4. Distraction
This track came out in 2022.
“Distraction” aligns perfectly with the kind of music that fans have come to love from Polo G. The track boasts an emotional beat with enough impact to keep you engaged and melodic raps that resonate deeply. Lyrically, Polo G portrays himself as someone grappling with a fiery temperament and lingering ties to street life, despite his efforts to move on. Overall, the song hits all the right notes.
3. G63 (Ft. Offset)
Polo G and Offset in “G63” = Steph Curry and LeBron James vs. Serbia.
Polo G has faced off with many rappers over the past few years, but his connection with Offset might be his strongest yet. In “G63,” the two trade bars effortlessly, both locked into the same dark, braggadocious, and relentless lyrical vibe. Offset’s dynamic flows blend seamlessly with Polo G’s punchy delivery, creating a smooth track from start to finish. With a catchy hook, top-tier rapping, and a menacing beat reminiscent of Metro Boomin’s style, “G63” stands out as a powerful collaboration.
2. Thorns
Holy s**t, Polo G has a heart?
There’s a lot to appreciate about “Thorns.” For starters, it features the album’s standout chorus—gentle, infectious, and deeply authentic. Additionally, Polo’s vulnerable side shines through as he reflects on his reluctance to dive into a serious relationship. The raw emotion in his voice is truly soul-piercing. Overall, it’s a high-quality track that I overlooked during my first listen.
1. Barely Holdin’ On
Polo G has been barely holding on for a while now.
“Barely Holdin’ On” delves into the weighty struggles Polo G has faced, recounting the challenges, confrontations, and losses he’s endured in recent years. The track also hints at his battle with depression, shedding light on his emotional state. Departing from his usual gritty rap style, Polo opts for emotional melodic raps that harmonize seamlessly with the poignant, piano-driven trap beat that underpins the song.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(C) (75%)
Why does each Polo G album give the impression that it might be his final one?
Polo G will always be connected to the streets, and I expect his content to reflect that. In HOOD POET, he continues his career-long pattern of balancing his portrayal of the harsh realities and violence of street life with reflections on the people he’s lost and the PTSD he endures. Before labeling him a hypocrite, consider that both aspects of his experience can be genuine. The aggressive, confrontational raps he delivers when he’s on his “bully” tip feel authentic, just as the emotional, melodic raps he uses to express his vulnerability do.
The beats on HOOD POET often feature moody, tension-filled elements that create a dark, gritty atmosphere, fitting well within the emo-trap subgenre. This “dramatic trap pocket” emphasizes heavy basslines, eerie melodies, and sharp percussive hits, which can evoke the feel of a high-stakes, urban narrative similar to what you’d expect from a show like Law & Order: Chicago. Since Polo G is one of the best emo trap rappers out there, he fits the beats fantastically.
The guest appearances on this album were just okay for me. While G Herbo and 42 Dugg didn’t stand out, I thought Lil Durk, Offset, Future, and The Kid LAROI delivered outstanding verses.
Polo G probably needs to change his flow. It feels like I’ve been hearing the same rap flow from him for years now. While I’m all for the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality, it seems like Polo might be overusing it. Another thing that stood out to me was the audio quality attached to the project. Is it just me, or did some of the tracks sound a bit off? The production didn’t seem as sharp as it could be.
I think this album is just good enough. If you’re a fan of Polo G the person, you will find a way to appreciate 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.
