I love that Lil Baby closed WHAM with “Streets Colder.” The track has a dramatic, uptempo beat that stands out and a catchy, blunt hook that is flames. As for Lil Baby, he keeps it 100 lyrically, sharing his mindset these days, the family and friends he relies on, and the turbulence he sees coming from the streets. The only thing I’d change is dialing back his mumbling a bit.
Little Simz closed her 2024 with “Hello Hi,” a reflective single featuring a melancholic drill beat. Known for her sharp punchlines and meaningful lyrics, the UK rapper tackles themes like personal growth, relationships, and resisting industry constraints, delivering her verses with authenticity and emotional depth. I rock with the song a lot.
I love it when Trippie Redd raps like a maniac; he does just that in “H@E.” His verses are unhinged and toxic, rapping about a wild girl and boasting about his crew. The bass-heavy beat adds to the intensity, and the catchy hook makes it feel like a potential hit.
I just knew this track would sound like some fee-fi-fo-fum s**t. In “Dum, Dumb, Dumber,” Lil Baby, Future, and Young Thug flex with unmatched confidence, bragging about their overflowing pockets, lavish trips, expensive cars, and hood authenticity. The track doesn’t feature a hook (which is surprising, considering Future and Thugger are masters at crafting memorable ones), but instead, it delivers rap verses that hit hard, like body blows. My favorite verse came from Future, followed by Thugger, and then Baby.
Hurricane Wisdom has officially put his name on the map with the remix of his breakout track, “Giannis,” featuring none other than Polo G. The rising rapper from Tallahassee, Florida, pairs his laid-back, slurred delivery with Polo G’s trademark emotional punch, creating a track that resonates with both raw energy and introspection.
Jack Harlow’s new single, “Tranquility,” released on December 30th, marks a return to his darker, introspective roots. Featuring a steady, robotic flow, confident lyrics, and smooth production, the track feels like a spin-off of “Churchill Downs.”
“My Everything” thrives on an elegant, soothing beat that feels like a remedy for heartburn and a soundtrack for clear thinking. Freddie Gibbs delivers an aggressive opening verse, addressing themes of racial tension, candy-painted cars, and his history with drug dealing, even attempting a Mary J. Blige-inspired singing segment that falls short. Paul Wall follows with a slick, polished verse centered on his signature topics—candy-painted cars and his relentless grind. Despite their contrasting styles, the collaboration between these two artists works unexpectedly well.
The track opens with a soft, melodic intro accompanied by smooth vocals that seamlessly transition into a captivating rap section. Lil Sid’s flow is natural and engaging, riding the beat with finesse. The song exudes positivity, touching on themes of hard work, dedication, and “always winning”—a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
One of the most striking moments is the bridge, where slowed backing vocals and a rhythmic shift add layers of texture. The interplay of these elements creates a vibe that feels both fresh and well-executed.
2. Lil Baby – I Promise
In “I Promise,” Lil Baby strikes a balance between complimenting his girl with lines about her pretty toes and boasting about his grind and status. The track has a dramatic feel, thanks to the production, and Baby digs into his emotions with these heartfelt melodic raps that make him sound innocent as hell. Overall, I appreciate the effort and depth he brings to the song.
1. Lil Baby – So Sorry
There aren’t many undeniably great tracks on this album, but “So Sorry” is one. First, the melancholic production resonates with me. Then, I’m drawn to the raw emotion Lil Baby delivers, with his melodic raps that touch the soul. Lastly, his lyrics centered around the complexities of his connection with his woman — the highs and lows — feel heartfelt. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this track.
