Nardo Wick shows some growth as an artist in “WICK.”
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TOP 5
5. Glitchin
This is the second-best “Glitchin” I heard this year (Check out SAINt JHN’s).
Nardo Wick sounds like Freddy Krueger in “Glitchin.” In the track, he finds numerous ways to describe how he plans to terrorize his opps while expressing his love for guns and spinning blocks. What I like about the track is the dark, eerie production, Nardo’s extra raspy rap style, and the catchy “gli gli glitchin” part.
4. Hello
Yo, who the hell wrote “Hello” for Nardo? This s**t is lowkey beautiful.
I love the beat that drives “Hello”—it blends soulful elements with dark trap vibes and a smooth tempo. Over it, Nardo Wick delivers a more subdued performance than usual, opening up about loneliness, standing out from his competition, and impressing women with his gangsta lifestyle. I definitely didn’t expect Nardo to drop a track like this.
3. HBK (Ft. 21 Savage)
These two demons shouldn’t be allowed to collaborate.
Nardo Wick and 21 Savage could be twins. They both rap with demonic energy and talk about loving their guns more than Jesus. Because of this, sadly, their chemistry is undeniable in “HBK.” In the track, they are on the same murderous, heartbreak page, hitting us with verses that sound colder than Chicago in the winter. My favorite things about the track is 21 Savage’s very efficient verse, Nardo’s very catchy chorus, and how both rappers ride the beat excellently.
2. Back To Back (Ft. Future & Southside)
Anytime I hear the words “back to back,” I think of dead rappers.
Oh s**t, y’all tricked me. “Back To Back” starts off sounding like a slow jam from the ’90s but quickly morphs into a menacing banger from the 2020s. The main body of the track boasts a booming, frantic trap beat that will make you think evil thoughts. Nardo Wick, with his signature low-toned voice, barely rides it, while an exuberant Future rides it well (No Diddy). As for lyrically, the two rappers are on the same page. In their respective verses, they talk about being ready for smoke, spending money recklessly, and having more shooters than the Indiana Pacers. Though Nardo establishes the tone for the song, Future takes that s**t and never looks back.
1. Hot Boy (Ft. Lil Baby)
You aren’t a Hot Boy unless you’ve been cheated by Baby.
“Hot Boy” is a high-energy homage to Cash Money’s golden era, blending New Orleans-inspired production with hard-hitting bass and street-ready lyrics. Nardo Wick sets the tone with a fiery chorus that instantly grabs attention, while his verse flexes wealth, power, and influence—complete with dancing diamonds and a crew of loyal shooters. Lil Baby follows up with a slick verse, effortlessly brushing off haters while boasting about his fleet of Maybachs. Overall, I think “Hot Boy” is the strongest track on the project.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
1. Glitchin (3.5/5)
2. Hello (4/5)
3. Gangsta (3.5/5)
4. I Don’t Think (4/5)
5. HBK (Ft. 21 Savage) (4/5)
6. Don’t Stop (3.5/5)
7. Get On My Nerves (3.5/5)
8. Ain’t No Lettin Up (3.5/5)
9. Beatbox (2/5)
10. A Lil Different (2/5)
11. Back To Back (Ft. Future & Southside) (4/5)
12. Goodboy vs Badboy (3.5/5)
13. Drew (3.5/5)
14. Have All of Me (3/5)
15. Why Hate (3/5)
16. Hot Boy [BONUS TRACK] (Ft. Lil Baby) (4.5/5)
17. Somethin’ [BONUS TRACK] (Ft. Sexyy Red) (3.5/5)
RGM RATING
(69%)
Nardo Wick’s place in today’s hip-hop landscape remains uncertain, but his career trajectory bears a striking resemblance to 21 Savage’s early days. Much like 21’s raw and menacing debut, Nardo initially embraced an unfiltered, street-focused style. However, with WICK, he broadens his range, blending introspection, hood romance, and club anthems alongside his signature gritty sound. Tracks like “Goodboy vs Badboy” and “Beatbox” showcase his willingness to experiment with unexpected instrumental choices. While WICK highlights his evolution, some fans may find his numb vocal delivery and lack of dynamic rap appeal as barriers to mainstream superstardom. The question remains—does WICK push Nardo Wick to the next level, or does he still have more to prove?
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
