Key Glock delivers familiar Memphis trap sounds while showing flashes of growth on “PROJECT X.”
STREAM
TOP 5 SONGS
HONORABLE MENTION. REMINISCING
With all the bragging and chest-puffing that Key Glock does throughout this project, I like that he chose to close it with “REMINISCING.” On the track, he reflects on missing his brother, coming from nothing, and, somewhat randomly, his experiences with popping pills. While Glock sticks to his usual unbothered delivery, the production carries the emotional weight, pairing a haunting sample with a heavy, reflective backdrop. It’s one of the few songs on the album that genuinely hits on an emotional level.
5. HARDKNOCK
My favorite thing about “HARDKNOCK” is how Key Glock flips Gucci Mane’s “Wasted” chorus into something much more laid-back, reminding the world that some of us are chill when we are drunk as hell. The production stands out too, leaning into a smooth trap sound layered with subtle organ textures that give it a slightly divine feel. Overall, this comes off as one of the more replayable tracks on the project.
4. WORK IT
Do you know what “WORK IT” reminds me of? “NOKIA.” It has a similar rhythm built to get women in baggy jeans twerking their asses off. I wouldn’t call it my favorite beat on the album—in fact, I kind of hate it. But the chorus, which isn’t even Key Glock’s, is undeniably catchy. I also respect Glock for experimenting a bit and trying a more playful flow.
3. FADED
I think I’ve officially decided that I like Key Glock the most when he’s rapping over soulful production as he does on “FADED.” The beat blends a smooth, melodic backbone with a steady trap bounce, giving him plenty of room to operate.
Lyrically, he balances introspection with his usual carefree attitude, reflecting on making money while also indulging in habits that probably aren’t doing him any favors. What really stands out is how lost he sounds in the production. You can hear him exploring different pockets and emotions, finding creative ways to cut through the beat. This is a great listen.
2. BIG 5
Goddamn, “BIG 5” features one of the coolest beats I’ve ever heard. It still carries traditional trap drums, but it’s layered with this dramatic, almost cinematic sound that feels like something out of a rain-soaked movie scene. I keep picturing a guy on a payphone in the storm, telling his girl he just handled something violent and he’s on his way home to plow her. Even though I’m not fully sold on Key Glock’s verses, the pocket he finds on the hook is damn-there legendary.
1. LOCO
What stands out most to me about “LOCO” is how much personality Key Glock brings to it. He sounds confident, charismatic, and completely in control throughout the track. His flow is especially impressive, as he slides across the production with a soft, almost robotic consistency that keeps everything locked in place.
If you’re looking for a song that captures what Glock does best while still feeling dynamic, “LOCO” is a strong candidate.
SONG BY SONG RATING
1. MANNISH (3.5/5)
2. 50 HOES (3/5)
3. HARDKNOCK (4/5)
4. FACE DOWN (3.5/5)
5. BIG 5 (3.5/5)
6. 6AM (3.5/5)
7. DUMMY (3.5/5)
8. DRUG LUV (4/5)
9. WORK IT (3.5/5)
10. FADED (4/5)
11. SICK (3.5/5)
12. SRT MUZIK (3.5/5)
13. BENZO (4/5)
14. MANNIE FRESH (3.5/5)
15. CHERRY ON TOP (3.5/5)
16. LOCO (4/5)
17. GO (3/5)
18. SEEING RED (4/5)
19. HOUSTON FLOW (3.5/5)
20. REMINISCING (4/5)
RGM RATING
(73%)
To say Key Glock doesn’t reinvent the wheel would be an understatement. At the same time, there’s a thin line between being repetitive and being consistent, and I think he walks that line throughout PROJECT X. The album delivers everything fans have come to expect: smooth Southern, Memphis, and trap production, plenty of flossing, trash talk, and Glock’s signature laid-back, unbothered delivery. As expected, there are no features, and the project flows seamlessly from start to finish.
One thing that stood out to me was Tay Keith’s presence on several tracks. With news of his passing breaking today, hearing his producer tags hits differently and gives those songs a little extra weight. I also appreciated moments like “WORK IT,” where Glock steps outside of his usual comfort zone and experiments with a different approach.
When it’s all said and done, though, PROJECT X doesn’t offer much that longtime Key Glock fans haven’t already heard before. It’s solid, familiar, and well-executed, but it doesn’t do much to push his sound forward.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
