YoungBoy Never Broke Again – ML2 (Album Review)

A messy but compelling return from one of rap’s most unpredictable voices.

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TOP 5

5. Nussie

“Nussie” will remind you that NBA YoungBoy is a modern-day Dennis the Menace. No reasonable person will talk about s**ting in drug tests and unaliving people the way he does here.

Of course, he brings that unpredictable, almost unhinged energy he’s known for, but what really stands out is the confidence behind every line. He raps like someone fully locked into his worldview, almost embracing the craziness he’s describing.

4. Out The Window

What the f**k was that intro? Anyway, “Out The Window” immediately stands out because of its heavenly trap production. The beat has the kind of uplifting energy that sounds like something a church would play right before a guest pastor walks on stage.

NBA YoungBoy leans into that energy, delivering vocals that sound like he’s fully possessed by the emotion of the track. His singing is passionate, while his rapping feels scattered and unpredictable.

Lyrically, this is definitely one of those YoungBoy records where you’re trying to piece together exactly what he’s saying. But even through the confusion, the energy and personality make the track memorable.

3. I Forgive Them

You get a few different versions of NBA YoungBoy on “I Forgive Them.” At one point, he brings out this Great Value reggae-inspired voice, then switches into sounding like a calm killer, before showing a more vulnerable side.

The track balances the danger of street life, his obsession with revenge, and the importance of finding real love. It’s another moment where Top gets to do some deep reflecting, which I think he’s very damn good at.

Have you seen those clips of YNs going crazy in the movie theater during YoungBoy’s documentary? This is one of the tracks they were probably listening to.

2. Searching For You

The first thing that stood out to me about “Searching For You” is the incredible production. The beat feels cinematic and stirring while still retaining enough trap energy for the streets to appreciate.

Over the production, NBA YoungBoy switches things up with a more Uzi-influenced performance. He sounds edgier and more animated than usual, telling the story of being entangled with a woman who may threaten his peace of mind.

I was impressed by how different this record feels. It’s the type of song that catches you off guard and has you pressing replay before it even finishes.

1. Shark

On “Shark,” NBA YoungBoy sounds comfortable over a beat that mixes a hard-hitting knock with unexpected synths and a smoother, more melodic feel. He delivers his verses with the nonstop intensity that makes his style stand out, while the chorus adds a passionate vocal performance with just enough grit to give it personality.

Thematically, YoungBoy focuses on his wealth, his lifestyle, spoiling women, and celebrating the success he built for himself. What I really enjoy about the track is how dynamic it feels. Every element works together to create a record that hits from multiple angles.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Ganja (3.5/5)

2. Over (3.5/5)

3. Shark (4/5)

4. Switches (3.5/5)

5. Creep on Ya (3.5/5)

6. So Not Sorry (3.5/5)

7. Nussie (3.5/5)

8. I Forgive Them (4/5)

9. BossManeDlow (4/5)

10. Zero IQ Freestyle (3.5/5)

11. Out The Window (4/5)

12. Calling From Rio (3.5/5)

13. Hold It (3/5)

14. One Night Later (3/5)

15. Highly (3.5/5)

16. Green Boy (3.5/5)

17. Highlights (4/5) (#4)

18. Searching For You (4/5) (#2)

19. With It (3.5/5)

20. On A Jet (3.5/5)

RGM RATING

(C)

I never thought I’d say this, but I actually missed NBA YoungBoy. After spending the last few weeks listening to rappers who somehow make him seem sane by comparison, going back to his music felt weirdly refreshing.

At this point, I know YoungBoy’s formula by heart. Roughly 65% of his music is straight-up Grim Reaper material. About 25% is introspective and reflective. The rest feels completely improvised, like he walked into the booth and decided to figure things out on the fly.

What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed his aggressive content. There’s something fascinating about an artist who seems fully committed to being exactly who he is. Whether he’s talking about violence, breaking rules, or women, there’s a level of conviction that oddly works.

The production also deserves some credit. While there are still plenty of Louisiana-style Grim Reaper beats associated with him, a few tracks branch out. Usually, YoungBoy adjusts to the beats, but here it feels like the beats are forced to adjust to him. He bulldozes through everything in his path.

The reason I couldn’t give the album a perfect score is simple: YoungBoy still lacks polish. Some songs sound unfinished, a few could have used better structure, and the depth isn’t always there. Even so, I genuinely enjoyed More Leaks 2. In fact, I think it’s better than a good number of NBA YoungBoy’s previous projects.

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