A GANGSTA'S PAIN X MONEYBAGG YO

 

And we are back with another official review! As promised, the below are our metrics for our reviews. To see our previous review of SLID THRU PART 2 X ROCKIE FRESH, click here.

 

FEEL- What type of feelings does the music evoke? What does it make you want to do?

LYRICS- Are there bars?

PRODUCTION- Does the artist ride the beats? Does their cadence match the production? Does the production fit well with the project?

OVERALL- How many tracks do we like compared to the number of tracks on the project?

 

Feel free to use the above for your own reference as you go through the music and let us know what you think! 

 

A GANSTA’S PAIN X MONEYBAGG YO

Release Date: 4.23.21

Number of Tracks: 22

Duration: 51 MIN 30 SEC

Favorite Track: CERTIFIED NEPTUNES

Rotation Tracks: Time Today, Free Promo, Projects, One of Dem Nights, Change Da Subject, Least Ian Lie

 

The year was 2016 and The Square was at the height of their powers. Often passing around music announcements, one member alerted the group that Yo Gotti dropped the night before. Being someone that always checked for his drops, I vehemently rejected the claim. Turns out he had dropped, but as part of a joint album with his artist, Moneybagg Yo. As I let 2 Federal play I realized that Bagg had talent for sure, but was not quite sold on his ceiling.

 

Several projects later, Moneybagg Yo was arguably one of the hottest artists out of Memphis, and The Oracle has been a fan since. With an aggressive cadence and a noticeable accent, Bagg’s delivery is riddled with conviction. Making an appearance on a few of last year’s top ten lists, we were excited to hear his latest drop. Clocking in at just under an hour, A Gangsta’s Pain is up next for review.

 

Feel

A Gangsta’s Pain feels like what we would call an emotional album. Do not know what happened to Bagg, but whatever it was, it has him feeling some type of way. It could be that his versatility was challenged, as critics are quick to label all of an artist’s work as “sounding the same,” but you all know how WE feel about this. Initially, I was disappointed with the album, as I do not typically turn to Moneybagg Yo when I am feeling emotional. But after several play throughs it has steadily grown on me. Now able to take it for what it is worth, an emotional feel does have its place, even on a rap album.

 

“Tell everybody I’m good cuz what you gone do if I’m not?” – Moneybagg Yo, Change Da Subject

 

Lyrics

The upside of an emotional album is that Bagg has clearly taken some strides lyrically. His content on the tape recounts a lot of what has happened to him, and deviates from the typical money, clothes, and hoes raps. The album features Polo G, Pharrell, and Jhene Aiko just to name a few, with the top spot going to any of the three.

“Got enough Cubans on me now ain’t tryin to link wit no nigga,” Moneybagg Yo, I Believe U

 

 

Overall

A Gangsta’s Pain is an album that will take a few spins for those a fan of Bagg, and does require patience. As for the average listener understanding that each record has its place, and that artists are allowed to experiment in a hyper information driven era is key. While the album is not his best, it is not devoid of rotational tracks, though we do not expect them to make any top tens this year. Take the project for what it is worth, and I personally hope whatever Moneybagg Yo is going through works out for him in the end.

 

The album in a word: Emotional

 

4.28.2021 – The Oracle