ian looks to solidify his spot in the game with “Goodbye Horses.”
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TOP 5
5. On The Floor
“On the Floor” is the kind of demonic track they play at 2:25 AM in Black clubs.
“On the Floor” is filled with pure ignorance, and I absolutely love every second of it! Throughout the track, ian talks pure gibberish about his fancy wardrobe, womanizing, and falling pants. While I’m not a fan of the effects on his vocals or the moments when he sounds on the verge of passing out, I really enjoy the Meek Mill, “House Party”-like beat and the catchy chorus.
I repeat: This song will only go hard in club settings. Don’t expect to enjoy it while you’re mowing your lawn.
4. My Call
Who does ian think he is, Young Thug or Drake?
This song made this list strictly because of how unique it sounds. In an album full of unadulterated trap records, “My Call” stands out because it carries this 808s and Heartbreak-like sound production-wise and a very intoxicating, Drake-like chorus by ian. The Dallas native also delivers punchy raps, which I thought completed the track perfectly. If ian can continue to perfect this bag, watch the hell out!
3. Hate Me (Ft. Lil Yachty)
Can you believe Lil Yachty is a mentor now?
In “Hate Me,” Lil Yachty and ian are on the same page: a braggadocious, rebellious one. Throughout the track, they dismiss their critics, flaunt all the amazing things their music money has bought them, and emphasize that they remain the same genuine individuals they were before entering the game.
This track’s beat is excellent—it’s packed with bass and has a vibrant energy. I also really enjoy ian’s choppy flow and carefree delivery. As for Lil Yachty, even though he sometimes sounds like he’s on the verge of upchucking, there are moments where he really slides. Overall, I’m surprised by how solid I found this joint.
2. Sh*t Sad (Ft. Chief Keef)
If Chief Keef f**ks with ian, we all need to f**k with him.
If you’re a fan of prime Chief Keef, you’ll definitely enjoy “Sh*t Sad.” First and foremost, the track features a beat that fits perfectly alongside the classics from Keef’s album Finally Rich. Plus, the track includes a verse from Chief Keef himself! While I’m not a huge fan of his part-time wacky, part-time repetitive raps, his energy undeniably elevates the track. Ultimately, though, the song’s biggest strength lies in ian’s incredibly infectious chorus and that hard-hitting beat (I didn’t love ian’s sloppy verses at all).
1. Older (Ft. Reign)
ian sounds pretty solid over beats you would hear when the world ends.
In “Older,” we get a very reflective and vulnerable version of ian. In the track, he talks about seeking death, making best friends with sharks, and leaving his mom wondering where he’s been getting all his expensive s**t. My favorite aspect of the track is the beat. It features The Terminator-like synths, combined with subtle trap elements and a dark vibe. ian flows well and raps with urgency over the beat, while Reign shines with a dynamic rap verse filled with pure reckless lyrics. All in all, I think this is one of ian’s better tracks so far.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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RGM RATING
(C+)
I feel like ian is finding his groove more and more.
Production: I’m one of those people who thinks ian’s beat selection is excellent. That’s mainly because I grew up in the mid-2000s mixtape era, which featured Gucci Mane-like trap beats out the wazoo. At the same time, compared to his previous projects, I feel like ian has slightly stepped out of his comfort zone in this department. For instance, in a track like “Goodbye Horses,” he dabbles in some alternative hip-hop, while in a track like “Older,” he toys with a dark, Drake-like beat. When it’s all said and done, I had zero issues with the beats I heard on this album.
Guest Appearances: Only four artists feature on this album, and I don’t recognize two of them (Reign and Eyesis). However, I thought they delivered strong performances. In contrast, Chief Keef sounded so uninspired in “Sh*t Sad” that it felt like he was just throwing ideas at the wall to see what would stick, while Lil Yachty brought some good swagger to “Hate Me.”
The Performances: I don’t think ian is as bad a rapper as he’s made out to be. Sure, there are moments when he sounds like Yeat’s little cousin who has trouble finding the rhythm of a beat, but there are also times on this album when he showcases outstanding confidence, delivers memorable choruses, and throws in some clever punchlines. Overall, his performances are strong enough to make you excited about what’s in store next for him.
What Would I Change About This Album: This is actually a complex question. While I think ian does a lot of great things on this album, I can’t help but feel that if he tightened up a few aspects, it could have been even better. For instance, if he flowed a bit more smoothly over the beats, I would have loved it. At the end of the day, I wonder if that’s part of the appeal for his fans—his somewhat unconventional deliveries.
The Biggest Reason You Should Listen To This Album: I enjoyed this album. I f**k with a bunch of choruses, a bunch of beats, and the confidence ian raps with throughout it. Don’t listen to Tyler, The Creator; the kid is alright!
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
