Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

Yo Gotti, Rake It Up © EpicMemphis rapper Yo Gotti enlists Nicki Minaj for another infectious, irresistible banger, “Rake it Up.”

The profile of southern rapper Yo Gotti has only risen over the last couple of years.  His big hit came with the infectious, Instragram anthem, “Down in the DM.” The song was the jam! For the remix, he enlisted Nicki Minaj.  Amazingly, for his new single, “Rake It Up,” guess who makes an appearance? Nicki, of course! Clearly, “Rake It Up” looks to reap the benefits of the catchiness of “Down in the DM.” As ridiculous as it is, it successfully executes its plan, without a hitch.

From the jump, “Rake It Up” gets stuck in your head.  As much as you try to avoid this, it’s just not possible.  Yo Gotti knows exactly what he’s doing – hit-making 101.  The sound is clearly sleazy AF, but its sinfulness draws you in.  Likewise, Gotti’s rhymes are “not that innocent” either, yet, irresistible.  The key is the hook:

“I tell all my hoes: rake it up / Break it down, bag it up / F*ck it up, f*ck it up (f*ck it up, f*ck it up) / Back it up, back it up (back it up, back it up).”

Nicki Minaj arrives on the second verse, as risqué and unapologetic as ever.  She provides us with an obligatory reference to the Rolls-Royce Wraith, as well as sex. She definitely matches the intensity and tone established by Yo Gotti.  Collaboratively, Minaj and Gotti make a formidable pair.  Not to be outdone on his own song, Gotti drops more bars on the third verse. Smart man.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Yo Gotti scores another smash with “Rake It Up.”  It goes hella dumb, but hella dumb streams and sells. Again, Nicki Minaj is a great collaborator for him, matching his own trash talking masterfully. “Rake It Up” is a winner.  Flex on Yo, flex on!

Yo Gotti • Rake It Up (ft. Nicki Minaj) – Single • Epic • Release: 6.23.17 
Photo Credit: Epic

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's 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 freelance music blogger. 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.