Offset’s latest project, ‘KIARI,’ is a confident reminder that he has the charisma and skill to thrive as a solo artist.
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TOP 5
5. Pills (Ft. YoungBoy Never Broke Again)
Offset was probably one of those kids who couldn’t wait to eat his Flintstones vitamins at the end of the night when he was a kid.
You could argue that “Pills” has the best beat on KIARI. It flips Nina Simone’s haunting “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” into a bass-heavy, atmospheric trap backdrop that immediately stands out. Offset rides the instrumental with a cool mix of calmness, confidence, and carefreeness, flexing about his dominance, his artillery, and his willingness to check anyone who steps out of line. The hook he lays down isn’t the strongest, but it’s undeniably sticky and works in the song’s favor.
NBA YoungBoy comes in with the opposite approach, turning the energy up with raw aggression. He raps about women, war, and street readiness with an urgency that contrasts Offset’s composure perfectly. There’s even a subtle shot at Du’see (a nod toward Jay-Z?) tucked into his verse. His contribution injects fire into the track and balances out the moody production.
Together, the contrast between Offset’s measured tone and YoungBoy’s ferocity makes “Pills” one of the most compelling moments on KIARI.
4. Love You Down
An Offset love song isn’t supposed to hit like this, bro.
“Love You Down” might be one of the more questionable picks in the top five, but I’ll stand on this one. It’s Offset by himself — no R&B assists, no features — just him paying homage to a woman he’s feeling heavy (and no, it’s not Cardi B).
The song kicks off a little corny, with an old-school sample leading the way and Offset crooning like a dude who just fell in love outside Yums in DC next to the National Guard. But once the raps kick in, everything shifts. Offset unleashes his signature tongue-twisting flows, then circles back to the hook with a confidence that makes it groove-worthy.
What makes it work is the balance between playful melody and sharp delivery. Even if the intro raises eyebrows, by the second verse, you’re nodding along, caught in the rhythm.
In the end, “Love You Down” sneaks up on you. It’s the type of track you don’t expect to revisit much, but end up running back more than you realize.
3. Checkmate (Smooth)
Did Offset have Alfred Hitchcock in the booth when he made this s**t?
“Checkmate (Smooth)” might feature one of the most dramatic hip-hop beats I’ve ever heard. The production feels straight out of a 1950s horror flick — the kind of music that plays right before the killer sneaks around the corner to off the main character’s wife.
Offset doesn’t flinch, though. Instead of matching the darkness, he flips it into flex mode. He’s talking about snatching women, flaunting his money, and blowing through cash like it’s nothing.
What makes the track pop is Offset’s delivery. He mixes in just enough melody with his raps to give it that smooth-but-gritty energy, almost like he’s sticking his chest out while sliding on the beat.
Bottom line: the beat sets the stage like a thriller, but Offset makes it his playground. Frfr, he slides all over this track.
2. Bodies (Ft. JID)
JID has no shame when it comes to bodying people on their own s**t.
Bro, “Bodies” features a choir, feels like some s**t that you can do a workout to, and features some horror movie-like moments. With this setup, of course Offset and JID go off! The former brings out his competitive side, bringing up all the people he’s down to shoot and finding ways he can spend money to make sure he’s always lapping you. JID, using his creepy voice, breaks down in a very intricate way on how he gets his revenge, cops following him or not. I just love how he turns up his flow as the song goes on, eventually blacking out on the mic. His verse is f**king unbelievable.
1. Different Spaces (Ft. Gunna)
Gunna and Offset’s chemistry is on point.
Offset might have outdone Gunna while playing Gunna in “Different Spaces.” He sets the tone with one of his most infectious melodic rap performances on the entire album, delivering a smooth chorus that feels effortless and memorable. Offset flexes about the luxury he can shower his girl with while also flossing his own lifestyle, and it comes across as natural and charismatic.
Gunna slides in with his signature slippery flow, adding his own laid-back flair. Instead of competing with Offset, he almost feels like the perfect complement, bringing extra chill to the record—at times, almost like a background vocalist accentuating the vibe.
The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and the balance of Offset’s melodic energy with Gunna’s easygoing delivery makes the track feel seamless.
Isn’t it funny how this track follows the one where YFN Lucci said he’s going to take care of a rat?
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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Check out the individual track ratings we gave—these are what we used to calculate the overall score!
RGM RATING
(83%)
One thing that makes Offset stand out is his ability to pick production that fits him perfectly. On KIARI, he doubles down on dark, bass-heavy trap beats that carry a hypnotic rhythm while maintaining a level of grit you don’t often hear in mainstream rap. While many artists chase experimental sounds, Offset stays in his pocket, and that should be applauded.
Lyrically, Offset is at his most braggadocious, but it feels different this time around. No longer a married man, his bars about women and indulgence hit with more authenticity and freedom. You can tell he feels unfiltered throughout this project, letting his personality seep through in both wild flexes and moments of honesty. While some tracks lean a little excessive, like “All Of My Hoes,” they still highlight a side of Offset that thrives on demon time.
The features on KIARI add depth and variety to the album. YoungBoy Never Broke Again and YFN Lucci meet Offset on an emotional level, Gunna gives him room to experiment with melody, JID pushes him into rapid-fire territory, and Teezo Touchdown and John Legend help unlock a more vulnerable side, and Ty Dolla $ign allows him to have some fun. Offset proves he knows how to pick collaborators who complement his style rather than overshadow it.
Still, the album isn’t without its shortcomings. Despite its title and pre-release teasers hinting at something deeply personal, Offset doesn’t dive too far into vulnerability. Songs like “Prada Myself” show glimpses of introspection, but they’re scattered rather than consistent. Even so, KIARI cements Offset as more than just a former Migos member—he’s a solo act with the ear, the flow, and the versatility to hold his own lane in today’s rap landscape.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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