Lil Tecca leans into his signature sound on “DOPAMINE” and makes a strong case for future stardom.
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TOP 5
Honorable Mention. Favorite Lie
Is this negro Michael Jackson now? How the f**k was he able to do this? Seriously.
In “Favorite Lie,” over a funky beat that sounds like something that would’ve had Michael skipping down a road with light-up floors back in the day, Lil Tecca gets his groove on—finding moments to sound like a crooner, while also coming across as a bottle popper who just happens to know how to rap. Lyrically, he keeps things pretty clean, bragging about all the luxurious items he likes to rock while also enjoying entanglements with women who prefer private sessions. I think this is as universal as a rap song can get.
5. Tic Tac Toe (Ft. Ken Carson)
Let this sink in: if you combine Ken Carson and Lil Tecca’s ages, they still don’t add up to Kanye West’s. That fun fact alone shows you the YNs are officially taking over hip-hop. And their latest collab, “Tic Tac Toe,” is an addictive, high-energy anthem that sounds exactly like the future.
Set over a frantic, trippy beat that hits like an adrenaline rush, Tecca and Carson trade bars about living the fast life—popping pills, blowing cash on designer fits, women, and turning up at mile-high altitude. What makes the track work isn’t just the flexing—it’s the chemistry. Both rappers glide over the production with effortless swagger, balancing hard-hitting flows with floaty, hypnotic vibes. I’m a little surprised I liked this collab this much.
4. On Your Own
There are two reasons I really f**k with “On Your Own.” First, it gives me flashbacks to Lil Tecca’s heyday with its nostalgic vibe. Second, the track borrows elements from the kind of s**t Gunna does well—blending a turned-up sound with a laid-back, chill energy. The icing on the cake is Tecca’s trill lyrical approach — he comes off like someone ready to take over the game with zero help. I mean, this album only had one feature.
3. Boys Don’t Cry
First and foremost, major kudos to Kassgocrazy and 17evo. I absolutely love the action-packed, ‘80s cartoon-inspired production that powers “Boys Don’t Cry.”
The rest of the credit goes to Lil Tecca. The chorus he lays down is nothing short of elite—emotional, catchy, and full of intention. He opens up about wanting a modern-day Bonnie, someone who can ride with him, but also respect that he’s not trying to get too serious.
Tecca’s lone verse is solid as well. While his flow is a bit more scattered, it works—it adds to the track’s carefree tone. He sounds unbothered and raw, which reinforces the “I don’t want you to be completely mine” message perfectly.
This is one of the tracks I will replay a lot.
2. Dark Thoughts
One of the standout elements of “Dark Thoughts” is its production, which channels old-school The Neptunes vibes, reminiscent of tracks where Pharrell effortlessly stole the show. While Pharrell isn’t featured, Lil Tecca holds his own with an appealing performance, blending melodic raps with effortless swagger. Lyrically, he leans into his signature smooth-talker persona, boasting about his ability to make a girl loosen up around him. Though the verses feel somewhat blah, the chorus is where he truly shines, delivering a hook that’s both catchy and memorable.
1. OWA OWA
“OWA OWA” is easily one of my favorite tracks of the year. The standout feature? The sample—pulled from the 1979 classic “Video Killed the Radio Star”—is masterfully woven into the dreamy, atmospheric production. The result is a track that feels borderline euphoric. Honestly, I don’t even remember where I parked my car after listening.
As for Tecca, he floats through the chorus like he’s tiptoeing around fire—delicate, melodic, but intense. In the verses, he gets calculated and slick, calling out someone who seems obsessed with him. It’s fitting, because the track itself feels just as addictive.
Between the nostalgic hook, the dreamy vibe, and Tecca’s sharp delivery, “OWA OWA” is one of those songs you run back immediately. Pure heat.
SONG BY SONG RATINGS
1. Dark Thoughts (4.5/5)
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RGM RATING
(79%)
I might be tripping, but I truly believe Lil Tecca has superstar written all over him. Why? Because he’s carved out a sound that sets him apart from his peers—and on DOPAMINE, he leans all the way in, and the results are electric.
There’s a refreshing wave of rappers tapping into early 2000s nostalgia, and Tecca rides that wave in his own style. Throughout DOPAMINE, he raps and croons over Neptunes-style production, and in certain moments, even channels Michael Jackson-inspired beats. But don’t get it twisted—Tecca also feeds his Gen Z base with trippy, rage-ready production that still feels modern.
Now, let’s be real: Tecca’s lyrical bag isn’t all that deep. Across the project, he focuses on women, splurging on luxury, and staying on his grind. But here’s the thing—repetition works if you’re creative with it, and Tecca is. He doesn’t repeat scenarios in the same way, and he delivers everything with charisma. There’s something intriguing about hearing a youthful voice that somehow sounds like it’s mastered the art of getting money and playing the game.
The one drawback? His verses can sometimes feel mumbled and unorganized. But where Tecca shines is in his melodic instincts. His hooks are sticky, elite, and undeniably catchy. He knows when to dial up the energy and how to keep you locked in. While his verses could use sharpening (seriously, let’s bring great verses back), the overall performance on this project proves that he’s leveling up.
Lil Tecca is nice, y’all—and DOPAMINE might be his best work yet.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
