‘The East Atlanta Santa,’ better known as Gucci Mane, taps South Florida up-and-comer, Lil Pump, for his new trap single, “Kept Back.”

Ah, a veteran and rising star join forces on the single “Kept Back.” That would be East Atlanta vet Gucci Mane, who taps 18-year old Miami fast-riser Lil Pump for the assist.  Ultimately, the results are positive, particularly clocking in at just under three minutes.

“Kept Back” commences with a mysterious intro that sets the tone for this slow, hard-hitting trap banger.  The production is lush and luxurious, featuring the signature hip-hop flute, synths, and a hard-hitting beat anchoring things down.  Gucci Mane kicks things off with the hook, rapped in an undertone.

“Murda on the beat with the murder man / Ben Simmons shake ‘em with the left hand / Steppin’ on his dope like a step dad / Too turnt up, can’t help that.”

If Gucci sounds a bit older despite some fresh rhymes, Lil Pump provides an energetic, more youthful contrast.  He’s more aggressive and exciting than the un-hurried approach of the mush-mouthed ATL rapper.

“Got a lot of ice on my neck man / Damn man, hundred bands hangin’ on my backpack / Wrist so cold need a ice pack / Put four hundred bands in the mic stand.”

Gucci Mane follows up his second hook with a relatively agile verse, still a bit on the low-key side. It’s okay, but “nothing to write home about” per se.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Kept Back” is a respectable collaboration between Gucci Mane and Lil Pump.  Not the most memorable song of the year, but effective overall.

Gucci Mane • Kept Back (Ft. Lil Pump) – Single • Atlantic • Release: 8.9.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic