While “4 Phones” isn’t bad, Rich the Kid seems content to play up clichés rather than exhibit innovative spirit and develop his own artistic identity.

Rich the Kid released his debut album, The World is Yours in 2018.  The album had some respectable moments, but the rapper didn’t necessarily separate himself from a crowd of southern, trap-oriented rappers. Vocally, he has a unique instrument, but his bars leave more to desired.  Honestly, the case is the same for Rich on his latest single, “4 Phones,” which definitely doesn’t reinvent anything.

“4 Phones” finds Rich the Kid rapping over a super-smooth backdrop, anchored by a trap beat.  Nothing wrong with that.  However, he remains an acquired taste, with his distinct tone of voice, overall flow, and the way that he pronounces his words in general. The flow on the verses is broken. There’s a toughness, mind you, and plenty of swagger and flexing, but the execution isn’t smooth or characterized by its finesse.  As for the chorus, it can’t be described as catchy overall. There are some catchy lines, but it’s wordy, and doesn’t come off as memorable per se.

“They know I got cash, I ain’t gotta brag no more

I’m playin’ with the money, I might just snatch the boat

I run through the check, but fuck it, the bag is close

I don’t want the bitch, but fuck it, I had the ho

I made a hundred thousand in the same clothes

I drop a whole quarter, now my neck froze

Rich Forever, put my team on

Think I’m still trappin’, I got four phones.”

Essentially, thematically, Rich the Kid raps about his drip – he’s got plenty of money, others can’t ‘do the damn thing’ like he does, etc.

Final Thoughts

The big issue with “4 Phones” is its total lack of innovative spirit. Rich the Kid seems content to play up clichés and fails to evolve ultimately.  The question is, how many times do we have to hear about having multiple phones in rap music?  It’s old at this point.

Rich the Kid • 4 Phones [Single] • Interscope • Release: 3.1.19

Photo Credit: Interscope