In “Evolution,” Joyner’s maturation as both a person and a rapper is evident.

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TOP 5

5. The Problem

Joyner Lucas pours tons of confidence, honest thoughts, and solid melodies into “The Problem.”

“The Problem” boasts an impressive buildup, a booming beat that will have you nodding your head intensely, various shifts in rap flow, a captivating hook, and lyrics that only people confident enough to stick their chest out, like Janet, can relate to. While I love about 80% of the song, I’m not entirely sold on the ending…

4. Str8 Like Dat

Joyner Lucas keeps it real in “Straight Like That.”

“Straight Like That” is the definition of an emotional rap banger. The song is powered by a trap beat that you might hear in an episode of New York Undercover, and features bars by Joyner Lucas that listeners who have lost loved ones, been doubted, or refuse to be taken advantage of by a woman or a record label can relate to. I actually enjoy how chill Lucas sounds throughout, only choosing to hit us with a dynamic flow here and there. Cool s**t.

3. Zim Zimma

Joyner Lucas talks major s**t in “Zim Zimma.”

I like it when Joyner Lucas raps about some meaningful s**t in his music, but I absolutely love it when he brags his ass off! In “Zim Zimma,” the latter happens, as, throughout the song, Joyner Lucas gloats about his boatloads of money, his women who are down to do something strange for a piece of change, and his impressive come-up.

Joyner Lucas switches between a few flows, a few aggression levels, and a few subject matters on “Zim Zimma.” Jamaican food would give you superpowers like that.

2. Snitch

“Snitch” will give you “Guilty Conscience” vibes.

Do you hate the battles that go on in your head throughout the day? If so, you gotta feel for people who are pressured to tell on folks. In “Snitch,” Joyner Lucas tackles the topic of snitching rather uniquely.

I love it when Joyner Lucas raps with a purpose. In “Snitch,” he does an excellent job of exposing the good, the bad, the ugly, the shameful, and the scary aspects of tattle-telling. He relies on a riveting, two-sided rap style that fits perfectly over the dramatic backdrop that drives the song.

1. Evolution

“Evolution” is simply some real s**t.

The first time I listened to “Evolution,” I skipped over it because the instrumental felt too funky for my taste. However, I fell in love with the track after hearing it in the background while barely paying attention. In that moment, I connected deeply with Joyner’s reflections on growth and the soul-searching he’s done over the years. As for his rap style, it struck a perfect balance—intense enough to make an impact but laid-back enough to feel like a personal conversation. Ultimately, this track resonated with my soul, earning it the top spot on my list.

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SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. When I Grow Up – Intro (N/A)

2. Evolution (5/5)

3. On This Way (Ft. The Game & Iyla) (4/5)

4. Zim Zimma (4.5/5)

5. Tattle Tales (Skit) (N/A)

6. Snitch (4.5/5)

7. Str8 Like Dat (4/5)

8. Fall Slowly (Ft. Ashanti) (3.5/5)

9. The Problem (4/5)

10. Legend (Ft. Rick Ross) (3.5/5)

11. Father’s Day – Skit (N/A)

12. Like A River (Ft. Elijah James) (4/5)

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OVERALL RATING

(B) (82%)

First and foremost, I have to say this: The acting on this Evolution album is horrible. Whoever played young Joyner and his teacher needs to be fired immediately. I swear, I’ve experienced better acting on Fresh Off The Boat. My apologies, I had to get that out of the way…

Joyner Lucas has always been a knowledgeable rapper, but I think that he took things up a notch in that department on Evolution. Throughout the album, he sounds like an individual who is content with his standing in the hip-hop game, his financial status, and the relationships he has been able to harbor these past couple of years. He also voices his frustrations about America’s troublesome ways and how he hopes to be an example to the youth. As someone who is the exact same age as Joyner, I connected with the place he claimed to be in on this album.

There aren’t many rappers that rap as passionately as Joyner Lucas. That said, in Evolution, Joyner does a fantastic job of keeping listeners on their toes. Not only does he switch gears on the album fantastically, but his rap deliveries sound clear, and his lyrics sound both honest and raw.

Personally, I love how Evolution flows. Throughout the album, Joyner raps over dramatic beats that you can still nod your head to. Even when a song sounds like it’s about to turn ferocious, he finds a way to calm things down. It’s clear Joyner wanted Evolution to feel like a therapeutic hip-hop album.

I am very impressed with what Joyner Lucas was able to do in these past three years. While he has found a way to compete with the top rappers in the game, he has also found unique ways to separate himself from the brain-dead rappers that we tend to f**k with. Joyner is literally creating his own lane, and I think Evolution makes that lane he’s trying to create clearer than ever.