Tee Grizzley sounds like he’s in a very good place in “They Forgot.”
STREAM
TOP 5 SONGS
5. No Effort 2
We can all agree that Tee Grizzley is one of the top 10 trash-talkers in the game, right? On “No Effort 2,” he keeps the disrespect coming. Over my favorite beat on the project—a menacing instrumental that sounds made for a high-speed car chase—Tee talks about keeping his killers on speed dial, taking women who are already spoken for, and spending money without a care in the world while his opps watch jealously.
What makes the track work is how natural he sounds. Tee completely overpowers the beat, raps with fire, and throws more punches than a drunk Adrien Broner.
4. Orphan
On “Orphan,” Tee Grizzley is dunking on his competition like prime Stromile Swift. The production is ridiculously dramatic, carrying the kind of tension you would expect during a mobster’s last meal before somebody gets spanked.
Tee uses that backdrop to explain how far ahead of his opps he remains, the plays he continues making, and how recklessly he moves when necessary. His lyrics are calm and unbothered, but his delivery sounds like someone just told him the entire world has a problem with him. Somehow, that combination makes the track even harder.
3. Robbery 10
Tee Grizzley turns “Robbery 10” into another street thriller. The production sounds scary as hell, creating the perfect backdrop for a story involving gunplay, revenge, survival, and the terrifying realization that someone is actively hunting you.
What makes the track work is Tee’s ability to make every detail feel immediate. His delivery is riveting, his pacing keeps the story moving, and the tension never disappears. Even after 10 installments, he finds another way to keep listeners invested. “Robbery 10” ranks among the strongest entries in the series.
2. Rain (Ft. Skilla Baby & Ashanti)
“Rain” takes Ashanti’s “Rain on Me,” adds trap drums, and gives Tee Grizzley and Skilla Baby enough space to act financially irresponsible around exotic dancers.
Ashanti’s chorus and ad-libs provide the song’s backbone, while Tee and Skilla deliver slick verses about spending truly flabbergasting amounts of money. Their chemistry is effortless, their deliveries remain sharp, and both rappers understand exactly when to step forward or get out of the way.
Although Ashanti does not contribute a new verse, her sampled vocals give the record its identity. The combination of a familiar hook, polished production, and two charismatic performances makes “Rain” sound 1,000 percent like a hit.
1. Hard Times (Ft. Hurricane Wisdom)
Man, Hurricane Wisdom is the truth. He sounds like Fridayy under the influence of Percs, and I am completely fine with that.
“Hard Times” is powered by production that combines cinematic drama, menacing energy, and hella bass. Hurricane delivers a passionate, highly infectious hook that immediately stands out. To me, he is the main reason the track feels special.
Do not sleep on Tee Grizzley, though. He balances Hurricane’s melodies with a slick verse about dismissing his opps, proving he is a boss, and vacationing comfortably with women. I love how action-packed the track sounds without sacrificing its overall appeal.
SONG BY SONG RATING
99 Ovrall (4/5)
Back Ina Yams (3.5/5)
How (4/5)
Locked Up In Mexico (4/5)
Orphan (3.5/5)
Snow Grass Leaves (3.5/5)
Detroit Public Schools (4/5)
Hard Times (Ft. Hurricane Wisdom) (4.5/5)
Survival Skills (3.5/5)
Grizz They Need You (3.5/5)
No Effort 2 (4/5)
Holding On (4/5)
It’s A Privilege (4/5)
Robbery 10 (4/5)
Rain (Ft. Skilla Baby & Ashanti) (4.5/5)
Finally Made It (3/5)
RGM RATING
If you have heard one Tee Grizzley album, you probably know what to expect here.
The production sounds like something that will have you checking over your shoulder and considering whether hiding underneath your bed is a reasonable decision. Tee still raps with tremendous hunger, flows effortlessly, and turns up the aggression whenever necessary. He discusses overcoming trials, surviving the streets, investing money, and making smarter decisions. Tee Grizzley is basically a more aggressive Larry June: both prioritize growth and financial responsibility, but Tee always sounds prepared to whip somebody’s ass.
His storytelling remains fantastic. Songs such as “Robbery 10,” “Locked Up In Mexico,” and “Detroit Public Schools” allow him to revisit his come-up, deliver vivid street tales, and remind listeners why his narratives remain among his greatest strengths. The soulful moments, including “How” and “Holding On,” also show how effective Tee can be when he softens his sound.
What is crazy is that Tee does not make bad music. His usual formula still produces fire. However, the album becomes more interesting whenever he enters unfamiliar territory. “Rain,” featuring Skilla Baby and Ashanti’s sampled vocals, offers the kind of reckless, polished energy I would love to hear him explore across an entire project.
They Forgot is not a reinvention. It is Tee Grizzley delivering what he does well while sounding older, angrier, and slightly more focused on growth. Business as usual? Absolutely. Fortunately, Tee’s usual business remains pretty damn good.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
Discover more from RGM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
