BROCKHAMPTON, I Been Born Again | Track Review

L.A. based hip-hop collective BROCKHAMPTON make a triumphant return with “I Been Born Again,” the promo single from their fifth album, GINGER.

According to Kevin Abstract, a key member of the ever-intriguing hip-hop collective BROCKHAMPTON, their fourth album, iridescence, “Didn’t get the reaction we wanted”. After debuting at no. 1 on the Billboard 200 with respectable numbers, iridescence took a free fall to no. 88. The good news is that BROCKHAMPTON, following a one-year hiatus, has a chance to redeem themselves with their fifth studio album, GINGER.  Whetting the listeners’ eager palates is single “I Been Born Again.” One word: Hallelujah!

From the jump, “I Been Born Again” is nothing short of captivating.  The minimally-produced cut begins with an intro courtesy of bearface.  From there, Kevin Abstract drops a sick rap verse, kicked off with the line, “It’s better if I try not to talk about the shit that’s always on my mind.” Perhaps he avoids some of his most personal lines, but he does reference his parents and a prevalent topic, sexuality (“Mama in the south still, gold all in my mouth still / Rappin’ ‘bout dick still, and I lease a house still”).  Also, he alludes to the song title a couple of times, namely “Pullin’ triggers in the ‘Lac / Made ‘em pray, stay bad” and “Hope the good Lord catch this, I ain’t tellin’ backwards.”

Two unique verses follow by Merlyn Wood and Dom McLennon respectively.  Wood plays off of Abstract’s final line (“Expressin’ for myself, like I’m fuckin’ Dennis Rodman”), delivering a drippy verse that ends memorably: “She’s so bad, I let her touch my butt / Merlyn, what the fuck?” Dom is tough, playing up the ‘bad’ aspect of the record, asserting at the end, “Tell you basic bitches, ‘I know I’m a nuisance.’” Joba delivers the other lengthy verse, which encompasses drugs, sex, individuality, and being proud of his Texan roots.  Like Abstract, he also references the spiritual aspect:

“Number six, been through hell, think I’m heaven-sent
Ask the preacher man, said I need Jesus, like I ain’t know
Guess I found him, I am blessed, man…”

Following a colorful bridge, Matt Champion hypes things up at the end on the outro: “S-s-send ‘em out the door / They ain’t knockin’ no more.”

Final Thoughts 

Well, the big takeaway from “I Been Born Again” is the BROCKHAMPTON are back in all their glory.  This is quite a captivating promo single to say the least.  The best verses? Kevin Abstract and Joba.  Maybe the most fun part? Matt Champion’s ending.  Regardless, we are blessed by the gospel of this hip-hop collective, amen.

BROCKHAMPTON • I Been Born Again [Single] • Question Everything, Inc. / RCA • Release: 8.1.19

Photo Credits: Question Everything, Inc. / RCA