Tyga – Rawwest Alive (Album Review)

Tyga flexes bold new energy on “Rawwest Alive.”

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TOP 5

5. The Feelin

“The Feelin” kicks off with a weirdly intriguing vibe—its production initially feels like some The X-Files s**t. However, as the track progresses, it evolves into a hard-hitting, bass-heavy banger, packed with club-ready energy. The shift in the beat mirrors the switch-up in Tyga’s delivery, which is confident and cocky, alternating between tongue-twisting flows and straightforward cadences that keep the track engaging from start to finish.

Lyrically, Tyga leans into his signature bravado, rapping about his undeniable appeal to women and his success that far outshines his rivals. His swagger-filled verses ride the tough production perfectly. Next time you see the Compton rapper, dap him up for channeling his inner Agent Scully.

4. I $mile, I Cry

Call me corny, but I love tracks like this. “I Smile, I Cry” is a feel-good anthem soaked in sunny, mid-2010s-style production. Built around an infectious beat and anchored by a standout vocal sample from an old man who was probably a master of the grill, the track delivers warmth and triumphant vibes. But nothing too grand; more like conquering a biology test.

Lyrically, Tyga is in his bag. His verses are laced with defiance and pride, as he confidently reflects on his come-up, his loyalty to his circle, and the perseverance that got him here. He’s not just flossing—he’s making it clear that his success isn’t just for him, but for the family and friends he holds down. Dope!

3. Rumorz (Ft. Chris Brown)

Tyga and Chris Brown reunite on “Rumorz,” a sharp, dramatic track that feels tailor-made for fans of their Fan of a Fan era. From the jump, the song leans into tension—a buddy-cop-style instrumental full of cinematic flair, eerie synths, and heavy percussion that builds suspense. Chris Brown sets the tone with a slick, emotionally charged performance, matching the urgency of the production as he addresses the gossip and drama that have followed him. His vocals are smooth yet assertive, adding just the right amount of pressure to each hook.

Tyga steps in with focused, on-theme bars. He tackles the track’s core subject head-on, shutting down rumors that have been swirling about him, including those about owing jewelers. He also leans into rumors about stacking money and pulling women effortlessly. His tone is defiant, bringing balance to the track’s dramatic core. All in all, in an album full of gimmicky tracks, this one is the opposite.

2. Dope’d Up

“Dope’d Up” oozes with that raw, street-hustler energy, built on a gritty instrumental that fuses drowned-out effects, booming bass, and a cold, eerie siren that cuts through like a warning. The production has the feel of late-night drug deals and fast money, setting the perfect backdrop for Tyga’s smooth, finessed delivery.

He sounds completely in his element—cool, composed, and flex-heavy—as he raps about dropping crazy cash at strip clubs and likening his lifestyle to that of high-rolling dealers. His calm swagger brings a hypnotic charm to the track, and the classic, old-school chorus adds a timeless touch that makes “Dope’d Up” feel like both a nod to the past and a statement of current-day opulence.

1. Baller Alert (Ft. Rick Ross & 2 Chainz)

This track easily boasts the best features on the mixtape, thanks to appearances from Rick Ross and 2 Chainz. Honestly, it’s a refreshing change—by this point, I was getting a little worn out from Tyga constantly rapping about his Ritchie Rich lifestyle.

2 Chainz delivers a standout verse here—staying on topic, keeping the energy up, and lacing it with his signature wit. You gotta love how he raps—it’s like he’s in the passenger seat trying to ask for directions from someone in the next lane while both cars are speeding down the freeway.

Rick Ross, on the other hand, sounds half-asleep. His verse feels like it was scribbled down moments after waking up and realizing he had studio time.

The concept of the song is actually pretty clever—it’s told from the perspective of strippers prepping for a night where they plan to cash out on three rappers. That means pulling out the best thong, lotioning up ashy elbows, and taking just enough substances to convince themselves they’re genuinely into Rick Ross for one night.

SONG-BY-SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Dope’d Up (4/5)

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RGM RATING

(69%)

Tyga’s confidence is at 1000 in Rawwest Alive. From the jump, the Los Angeles rapper sounds fully locked in, boasting about his rise from the mud to the marble floors, his designer lifestyle, his women, and the people who’ve come and gone along the way. There’s a sharpened sense of self-assurance here that hasn’t always been this loud in his previous work — and it makes for some of his boldest deliveries yet.

The production on Rawwest Alive leans heavily into villainous, speaker-rattling club beats — the type that feel built to soundtrack bottle service and late-night drama. Yet, now and then, Tyga dials it down with some more delicate, reflective backdrops that briefly peek into his more grounded side. As for his raps, they are catchy, braggadocious, and simple enough to stick. While his hooks aim for the fences with eccentric and often oddly charming flair, the album as a whole feels more like a fun night out than a lasting memory. Entertaining? Absolutely. Essential? Not quite.

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