4batz’s Still Shinin is as much a stylistic experiment as it is an R&B album, blending gimmicks, vocal pitch shifts, and nostalgic production.

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TOP 5 SONGS

Honorable Mention. act ix: too dam young

This is an outstanding intro.

I love the tone that “act ix: too damn young” sets for the album. Despite being only one minute long, the track features a dramatic, stripped-down instrumental that I adore and one of the album’s most memorable melodies, lingering long after the song ends. I also appreciate the subject matter—4batz calls out a girl who seems only to be interested in grown men with money and fame. Does he make the cut? Who knows. But hearing the power struggle makes for an interesting listen.

5. act x: n da morning

Do you know what I hate? When people at work ask if you can see their screen?

I bring that up because I’m guessing 4batz is tapping a woman with a teleworking job in this track. The vibes are incredibly sensual—like a scene where you can imagine a stripper slowly removing a dusty headwrap. Using one of his higher-pitched voices, 4batz delivers a vocal performance and melodies that fully immerse him in the track. He also paints a vivid picture of his intentions and the intense connection between them. Expect some funk, because, well… it’s morning, which is when people’s breath smells and armpits stank.

4. act xv: could we last 4ever?

I think I’m more impressed with this track than find it enjoyable.

4batz sounds thirstier than a Naked & Afraid contestant in “act xv: could we last 4ever?” He openly admits that he wants to feel on his girl’s ass while putting her on a major pedestal for how deeply she affects his emotions.

Interestingly, the track features a smooth instrumental that I can easily imagine New Edition absolutely slaying. As for 4batz, he delivers a vocal performance that matches his desperation and urgency, creating a track that feels like an enjoyable plea. Though the song might come across as repetitive to some, it’s definitely one you won’t forget.

3. act xii: big on u

Man, I wish 4batz tossed Ginuwine on this track.

Ok, so I don’t know if 4batz is trying to be clever here. In one sense, I think he’s trying to say he’s big on his girl, as in he enjoys a lot about her. But on the flipside, he could mean that his johnson gets big anytime it sees her. The plot thickens (even that sounds pause-worthy).

“act xii: big on u” features a beat that sounds like it was taken directly from Timbaland’s playbook. It has that quirky R&B sound with a drum pattern that includes both gentle and playful moments. 4batz also employs a melody on his verses that gives me “4 Page Letter” vibes, while delivering a bouncy, repetitive verse with the main goal of getting stuck in your head. I think the track is pretty legit.

2. act xvi: twentyfoe7 (Ft. FLO)

Damn, it feels like heaven even when they are sleeping? That’s some good rigor mortis right there!

“act xvi: twentyfoe7” samples the classic beat from Ready for the World’s “Tonight,” a track that’s been flipped countless times—my personal favorite being Twista and Trey Songz’s “Girl Tonite.” On this track, 4batz and featured guest FLO trade bars about how amazing they make each other feel, and their chemistry is undeniable. Their voices mesh seamlessly, creating a sense of pure bliss, while the chorus delivers a nostalgic, feel-good vibe that’s genuinely ear-pleasing—a vintage vocal performance our grandparents would nod at in approval.

1. act xi: she ain’t no angel (Ft. Leon Thomas)

It’s always interesting to listen to 4batz go toe-to-toe with an actual singer (Is that harsh?).

In “act xi: she ain’t no angel,” 4batz and Leon Thomas emphasize that you can’t judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to stunning women who come with more problems than even Jay-Z could manage. The track features an angelic instrumental layered over a ’90s R&B drum pattern, creating a smooth, heavenly vibe. The chemistry between 4batz and Leon Thomas is impeccable, making the transitions between them seamless. They glide effortlessly over the track, delivering their verses with a fluidity that makes it feel like they’re floating. Overall, it’s an easy and highly enjoyable listen.

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SONG BY SONG RATING

1. act ix: too damn young (4.5/5)

2. act x: n da morning (4/5)

3. act xi: she ain’t no angel (Ft. Leon Thomas) (4.5/5)

4. act xii: big on u (4.5/5)

5. act xiii: my lil shootah (3.5/5)

6. act xiv: twerksongggg (4/5)

7. act xv: could we last 4ever (4/5)

8. act xvi: twentyfoe7 (Ft. FLO) (4/5)

9. act xvii: done sippin (Ft. Maxo Kream) (3.5/5)

10. actxviii: getUwet (4/5)

11. act xix: yo typical lovestory (3.5/5)

12. act xx: u (3/5)

*13. act xxi: can u? (3.5/5)

14. act xxii: ms. walker (Ft. Zillionaire Doe) (3/5)

15. act xxiii: let’s press play (3.5/5)

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RGM RATING

(76%)

Still to this day, I don’t know what the hell 4batz sounds like in real life…

So, I’m going to be completely honest with you: it’s very difficult for me to review 4batz’s stuff, mainly because he piles on the gimmicks whenever he releases music. For Still Shinin, the gimmicks run rampant: all the song titles start with “act,” they’re in lowercase, and he messes with his vocal pitches on every single track. And he does all this while looking like the ultimate street ninja. For me, it’s a package that just feels a little too inauthentic, making it hard to fully take seriously.

That said, I do want to give him credit. Throughout Still Shinin, 4batz delivers some very memorable, sticky choruses that I think any R&B singer could sound great over. I also really dig the instrumentals he raps and sings over—they hit on old-school ’80s and ’90s R&B vibes, often giving me Timbaland or New Edition energy.

While the topics he covers are on some real romantic s**t, I do feel like his lyrics can be a little basic and predictable at times. To start the album, everything sounded dope, but by track nine, I just felt a little bored, to be honest.

Nonetheless, there’s a mix of good and bad on this project. How much you enjoy the album will probably depend on how seriously you can take 4batz’s whole aesthetic and approach.

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