Gunna is a 26 year old rapper from College Park, Georgia that got his start in 2013 with his debut mixtape Hard Body. He would eventually catch the attention of local phenomenon Young Thug in 2016, who take Gunna under his wing & sign him to his 300 Entertainment imprint YSL Records that same year. However it wasn’t until the release of Drip or Drown & Drip Season 3 in late 2017 & early 2018 respectively where Gunna’s profile increased significantly. Last we heard from him was a little over a year ago with the disappointingly mediocre full-length debut Drip or Drown 2 but after doing a shitload of features since, he’s ready to deliver a sophomore effort.
The album kicks off with “Argentina”, where Gunna tells the story of 2 women following him to the studio over an acoustic-trap instrumental from Wheezy. The next song “Gimmick” speaks on being loyal over a slow yet intoxicating beat while the track “M.O.T.W. (Money On The Way)” talks about his new lifestyle over a piano & some snares. The song “Feigning” talks about partying over a Tay Keith instrumental with some orchestral loops while the track “Dollaz on My Head” with Young Thug sees the 2 getting materialistic over a cloudy beat from Mike WiLL Made-It.
The song “Addys” with Nechie is a tedious tribute to the drug adderall with a decent instrumental from Turbo & while I wasn’t too crazy on the vaportrap-flavored lead single “Skybox” at first, it has slightly grown on me in the context of the album. The titular song is a boring sequel to “Speed It Up” off of Drip or Drown 2 while the track “Blind Fold” with Lil Baby sees the duo flexing over a nightly instrumental.
The song “Rockstar Bikers & Chains” talks about what it’s like for him being on top over an incredible trap rock instrumental while the track “Met Gala” talks about having the finest clothing & I absolutely love how kaleidoscopic the beat is. The song “Nasty Girl / On Camera” is a raunchy 2 parter that works into one another fantastically while the track “Cooler Than a Bitch” with Roddy Ricch sees the 2 talking about how awesome they are over a Tre Pounds beat with a nice guitar loop.
The song “I’m On Some” opens up about people trying to leach him for his wealth over a spacious beat while the track “Top Floor” with Travis Scott is an infectious party starter with an instrumental kin to “Hot” off of Young Thug’s So Much Fun. The song “Don’t Play Around” talks about how he doesn’t have time for B.S. over an electronic-tinged beat while the penultimate track “Do Better” is a emotionally profound motivational anthem with a beat with a trippy atmosphere to it. The album finishes with “Far”, where Gunna & Thugger discuss how they didn’t think they’d get to the point where they are now over a woozy beat.
This is A LOT better than Drip or Drown 2 was & I’ll even say it’s the best thing that Gunna‘s put out since Drip Season 3. Couple of weak features, but most of them come together nicely. However, what I really enjoy the most about this album is how it sounds much more focused & consistent than it’s predecessor from the catchy songwriting & performances to the vigorous production.
Score: 3.5/5
Legends Will Never Die 