After delaying Mr. Davis by a month, Gucci Mane drops the fourth single from the project, “Curve,” featuring The Weeknd.

The bug has hit Gucci Mane.  The ever-prolific Atlanta rapper was set to release his new album, Mr. Davis, September 15, initially.  Unfortunately, Mr. Davis was delayed until October 13.  Despite the disheartening news for fans, Gucci dropped his fourth single from the album, “Curve” featuring The Weeknd. Anytime The Weeknd appears, isn’t it good news?

The brief “Curve” opens mysteriously, which can mean only one thing – it sounds faded.  This plays to the strengths of The Weeknd without question. After initial instability, a slick, trap beat anchors the enigmatic synths, painted over by distinct vocals of The Weeknd.  There’s a clear vibe, which bodes well in Gucci’s favor, even though he doesn’t appear until a minute-and-a-half into the song! When Gucci Mane finally arrives, he’s sound. He doesn’t deliver anything particularly groundbreaking, but his flow is rock-solid.

While there are pros about “Curve” – The Weeknd, the production, and the chorus among them – there are some cons.  A solid song, there’s just not enough Gucci Mane.  He’s the lead artist, but this feels more like The Weeknd is the lead.  That shouldn’t be.  There are a number of ways that this could’ve been fixed.  One is to simply include more rhymes.  Another verse wouldn’t of killed Gucci, would it? Another solution would be to have Gucci kick things off, followed by the Weeknd.

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Curve” is good.  What “Curve” isn’t is great.  Arguably, this is a step above what Gucci Mane has rolled out so far from Mr. Davis.  But, this doesn’t feel like a surefire hit.  The Weeknd delivers, but he’s also packed a bigger punch elsewhere.  Gucci has a great flow, but he doesn’t rap enough, nor say enough.  Good, but still leaves more to be desired.

Gucci Mane • Mr. Davis • Atlantic • Release: 10.13.17

Photo Credit: Atlantic