So many rappers are locked up that I forgot YNW Melly was still in jail.

Will YNW Melly ever get out? Honestly, I’m not holding my breath. He’s been locked up since 2019 and still hasn’t gotten a verdict in his double-murder case. A retrial is expected, but the legal process surrounding him has moved at a snail’s pace.

Somehow, Melly has continued finding ways to stay relevant, whether through random features like his appearance on Trippie Redd’s NDA or through new music. This past Friday, he dropped Collect Call II, a nine-track project.

The guest list is pretty strong, with appearances from Ty Dolla $ign, King Von, Fredo Bang, and Hotboii. More importantly, Melly sounds locked in. Collect Call II leans toward his grittier side, with beats that knock harder than landlords when your rent is overdue. The trap-heavy production pairs well with his more aggressive rap performances.

Still, I think Melly is most interesting when he gets into his R&B bag. “Switcharoo” and “My Love” give us those moments, and they’re easily among my favorite parts of the project. That melodic side is what made him stand out from the pack.

I don’t know what the future holds for YNW Melly, but this project keeps his legend alive. It’s also another frustrating reminder of how much potential he had.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.