DRAM, ILL NANA | Track Review 🎵

DRAM returns with another exuberant new single, “ILL NANA,” assisted by Trippie Redd.  Unfortunately, “Broccoli” it is not.

If one were to look up infectious in the dictionary (or online), surely there’d be a picture of DRAM.  The rapper/singer has one of the best personalities in the game.  The world got a  glimpse of his lovable nature with the Grammy-nominated “Broccoli.” His debut album, Big Baby DRAM, was no slouch either.  Also, he dropped another infectious single post-debut album with “Gilligan,” enlisting A$AP Rocky and Juicy J.  Now he returns with another new single, “ILL NANA,” featuring Trippie Redd.  The big question is, can he keep the momentum going on “ILL NANA.”  Well…

The best part of “ILL NANA” is DRAM himself.  He delivers lovely, harmonized backing vocals, which create good vibes.  Furthermore, his pop-rapped second verse is solid.  Another pro is the production, which is bright, enthusiastic, and sensually charged.  Summing up the goodness, there’s the vibe, DRAM, and solid production.

There are also cons, though not related to the star himself.  Trippie Redd is really tripping – it’s a messy first verse.  The autotune is abundant, while the lyrics are shallow to the nth degree.  Furthermore, aside from the so-so performance by Redd, the song just fills meh.  There’s not much to grab onto in regards to subject matter or lyrics.  It’s okay, but “nothing to write home about.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “ILL NANA” is forgettable DRAM continues to shine, but the song itself is forgettable.  Living up to “Broccoli” is definitely a tough task, but “ILL NANA” doesn’t even match the out-of-character trap sound of “Gilligan.” The lovely vocals benefit the joint, but Trippie Redd and lackadaisical songwriting don’t.

DRAM • ILL NANA – Single • EMPIRE • Release: 9.29.17

Photo Credit: EMPIRE