Reading Time: 4 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

YG, 4REAL 4REAL [Photo Credit: Def Jam]Compton rapper YG returns less than a year after releasing ‘Stay Dangerous’ to drop his fourth studio album, 4REAL 4REAL.

In 2018, YG returned with his third studio album, Stay DangerousStay Dangerous was a respectable project, though it failed to surpass the superb Still Brazy (“Who Shot Me?” and “FDT”) that preceded it.  It’s surprising that the rapper is back so soon with the follow-up, 4REAL 4REAL.  Like Stay Dangerous, there’s plenty to like about 4REAL 4REAL, but it by no means is a game changing LP.


“Hard Bottoms & White Socks”

“Hard Bottoms & White Socks” commences 4REAL 4REAL with a combination of smoothness and bite.  While YG is backed by chill, soulful production work (produced by Lil Rich), he still delivers rhymes that are profane, tough, and characterized by their bite. “Bottle Service” is more energetic, featuring banging production by Mustard and CuBeatz.  One of the highlights of the record are the interludes courtesy of a feisty, profane female.  The rapper seems to play off of these interludes, backing up and touting his drip.

Mustard remains on the boards on the skeletal, tough-minded “In the Dark.” Here, the flow is relatively relaxed yet quite appealing.  The rhymes aren’t profound in the least, but “In the Dark” is catchy and definitely a vibe.  On “Go Loko,” Mustard and GYLTTRYP eliminate predictability bringing a Spanish flavor to the album.  Samples and interpolations help to fuel the fire for “Go Loko,” alongside the anchoring hip-hop beat.  YG gets some help from Tyga and Latin rapper Jon Z, who raps in Spanish.  Both successfully contribute to this standout.


“Stop Snitchin”

“Stop Snitchin” opens incredibly aggressive with the repetitive, profane chorus: “Bitch nigga, snitch nigga, ho nigga, bitch nigga.” A minimalist, rhythmic backdrop fuels YG’s ‘fire’ though ultimately doesn’t bring anything new to the table. Since “Stop Snitchin” is a diss track (purportedly against rapper 6ix9ine), he mostly insults “bitch niggas” in every offensive way possible. On the first verse, he asserts, “You’s a bitch, your mama know you a bitch / Your girl even know you a bitch / I don’t know how she suck your dick, pause.”  On the second verse, the insults continue: “No testosterone, you scared to catch a fade / I got in a fight and you ain’t fight / You ran off, so next time I see you, I’ll knock you out on sight…” At the end of the album, there is a remix of the single featuring DaBaby.

“I Was on the Block” benefits from a hard-nosed beat, another product of Mustard. This record has ‘banger’ written all over it.  Like the aforementioned “In the Dark,” “I Was on the Block” is characterized by its minimalism as opposed to being fully orchestrated, etc.  YG is joined by Valee and Boogie on the second and third verses respectively.  Notably, YG gets the best part of the record all to himself – the catchy chorus:

“I was on the block when the homie sack flipped

I was right there when he got his new whip

I was with a six-piece, he had a cool bitch

I was righter there when the homie got rich…”

“Keshia Had a Baby” follows in much more melodic fashion, enlisting vocals from Rose Gold on the choruses and outro.  For the most part, YG is the main attraction, imparting a narrative with characters Keshia (“Everybody knew she was the one / She ain’t fuck with lil’ boys since dun-dun-dun-duns”) and Chris (“Chris a first round draft pick, he ‘bout to blow up”).  If nothing else, it’s certainly interesting.


“Heart 2 Heart”

Rose Gold remains aboard for “Heart 2 Heart,” which also enlists Meek Mill and Arin Ray. “Heart 2 Heart” benefits from its bold West Coast sound and vibes.  YG nails the pre-chorus (quite catchy), as well as the first verse.  Arin Ray and Rose Gold amplify the greatness on an equally memorable chorus.  As for Meek Mill, he shines with his commanding presence on the second verse. “Play Too Much” featuring Safe thrives off of its beat/backdrop, arguably the best characteristic of the record.  The flow as well as the rhymes are respectable, with Safe complementing the rapper well. “Do Not Disturb” brings in West Coast standouts Kamaiyah (performs the choruses and first verse) and G-Eazy (third verse).  Ultimately, “Do Not Disturb” is a good banger, but doesn’t move the needle.  Arguably, G-Eazy has the weakest verse.

Groove continues to be YG’s best friend on the catchy, infectious “Do Yo Dance,” featuring Kamaiyah once again, as well as RJ, Mitch, and Ty Dolla $ign.  The biggest rub regarding “Do Yo Dance” is length – maybe four-and-a-half-minutes’ worth of dancing pushes it.  Still, hard to knock the jubilance of the record. Day Sulan feature “Her Story” keeps things short and sweet, while backed by gorgeous, lush production.  Interestingly, the penultimate, “My Last Words (Nipsey Tribute),” isn’t a song but YG paying ode to the late Nipsey Hussle.  As aforementioned, “Stop Snitchin (Remix)” concludes 4REAL 4REAL.


Final Thoughts

All in all, 4REAL 4REAL is an enjoyable fourth studio album by YG.  There are plenty of worthwhile moments over the course of 14 songs.  Does the rapper reinvent the wheel? Nope, not by any means.  Nonetheless, this is still very much a ‘YG’ album and that’s what the fans want, right? Right. 

Gems: “Hard Bottoms & White Socks,” “In the Dark,” “Go Loko,” “Stop Snitchin,” “Heart 2 Heart” & “Do Yo Dance” 

3.5 out of 5 stars


YG • 4REAL 4REAL • Def Jam • Release: 5.24.19
Photo Credit: Def Jam

 

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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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