YoungBoy Never Broke Again – DESHAWN (Album Review)

Just days after dropping ‘MASA,’ NBA YoungBoy is back with another project that blends soulful warmth with his signature menace. While the production shines, the album risks feeling like more of the same.

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TOP 5

Honorable Mention. Trap Out (Ft. Kevin Gates)

A Kevin Gates and NBA YoungBoy reunion deserves to be talked about.

Louisiana folks have to stick together—and the state needed this one. In “Trap Out,” NBA YoungBoy and Kevin Gates prove their chemistry is still as strong as ever. The track rides a melancholic instrumental that’s bound to put you in your feelings, with the two artists trading verses that blend emotional melodies and bursts of relentless rap.

Lyrically, they reflect on losing people to the streets and being Gorilla-glued to the trap. The execution isn’t flawless, but the raw emotion behind it makes the song hit in a way that sticks with you. It’s not perfect, but it’s powerful.

5. AI Marley

Once AI starts shooting people, I’m out of here.

My favorite thing about “AI Marley” is the production from Mally Mal — it’s soulful yet hard-hitting, setting the tone for the project right from the start, especially with DJ Khaled opening things up. The instrumental feels alive, giving the track both grit and emotion.

NBA YoungBoy shines as he switches between a passionate, borderline Jamaican-inspired singing voice and his raw, gritty rap delivery. He opens up about resilience and caring less about what his peers are doing. My only gripe? I wish he locked into the beat a little more consistently. Still, this is one of those songs that hits you in the chest and makes you feel something.

4. Lord Forgive Me

This is one of those tracks where NBA YoungBoy sounds like he has rabies…

In 2025, who’s still playing with NBA YoungBoy? In “Lord Forgive Me,” for what feels like the 10,564th time, he reminds us that he’s ready to die over respect—or really, anything worth killing for in his world, which might even be a single Oreo cookie. The man just likes killing.

The track features a classic, menacing NBA YoungBoy beat, the kind that sounds like criminals sprinting through dark alleys with cops on their heels. YoungBoy attacks it with explosive, unhinged energy. The best part? His flow. Between his lyrics, the instrumental, and his delivery, everything locks together perfectly.

3. Blazers

It’s rare to hear NBA YoungBoy sound this chill.

“Blazers” feels like it was meant for Luh Tyler, not NBA YoungBoy. The track rides on an extra sly beat with a subtle knock and bass that creeps up on your speakers. YoungBoy approaches it like he’s moving in slow motion, delivering his bars with a slick, almost sedated style, yet still finding pockets to fire off relentless lines.

Despite the chill backdrop, we still get a version of NBA YoungBoy who’s both proud of his ice and ready to kill everything on sight—including Bill. The contrast between the laid-back production and his lethal intent makes for an interesting listen.

2. This Month Confessions

Who the hell is cutting Flamin’ Hot onions in the trap?

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I really only play the tracks where NBA YoungBoy pours his heart out—and he does precisely that in “This Month Confessions.” The song rides over an emotional trap beat, the kind that could soundtrack a modern remake of 7th Heaven. YoungBoy delivers his boldest vocals on the chorus, letting the emotion bleed through every note.

On the verses, he raps with a dark, anti-social tone, reflecting on his rough come-up and the loyalty he feels toward someone who’s been by his side through it all. The track closes with DJ Khaled paying homage to YoungBoy, adding a heartfelt stamp to an already personal record.

1. Pants Down

Yes, unfortunately, the best track on this project is called “Pants Down.”

This is classic grim reaper NBA YoungBoy. “Pants Down” features a menacing New Orleans beat with plenty of bounce, and YoungBoy rides it with precision—animated, violent, and unapologetic. He raps about shooting people like a modern-day Elmer Fudd while also indulging in everything a woman has to offer. The result? A track that flows well and stands as a solid listen.

SONG-BY-SONG BREAKDOWN

1. AI Marley (3.5/5)

2. Free Vea (2.5/5)

3. By The Gate (3/5)

4. Trap Out (Ft. Kevin Gates) (3/5)

5. Ms. Gaulden (3/5)

6. My’ya (3/5)

7. Pants Down (4/5)

8. Blazers (3.5/5)

9. Lord Forgive Me (3.5/5)

10. La Vida Loca (3/5)

11. Hustler (3/5)

12. Raq Shit (3/5)

13. This Month Confessions (4/5)

RGM RATING

(60%)

There’s no way in hell that DJ Khaled actually listened to this project…

It’s been a very NBA YoungBoy couple of months. Just days ago, he dropped MASA—a massive 30-track release—and now this new album follows in its footsteps. Once again, we get a version of the Louisiana rapper who’s unchained when he wants to be, digs deep into his emotions, and reflects on both the highs and lows of life in the limelight.

One of my favorite elements of the project is the production. Soulful beats like “AI Marley” give it warmth and texture, while his signature “grim reaper” instrumentals keep the menace alive. From a rapping standpoint, YoungBoy sometimes veers off course with his flows—which is nothing new—but when he locks in, it’s dope to hear. His singing moments also stand out, adding another dimension to the record.

Lyrically, he touches on meaningful themes: embracing the hate that comes with fame, unpacking his relationship with violence, and speaking openly about sex and money. DJ Khaled’s contributions add a burst of hype energy, reminiscent of DJ Drama’s mixtape days, even if it’s a return to form for him. That said, the album doesn’t feel particularly special—it sounds like much of YoungBoy’s recent output. And honestly, I might just have NBA YoungBoy fatigue.

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