Lil Baby brings the heat with new album ‘My Turn’

Photo by Genius.com

Atlanta rapper Lil Baby began his career after serving two years of incarceration beginning in 2014. Afterward, withthe encouragement of fellow rap superstar Young Thug, Lil Baby has since prevailed to the top of the hip-hopgame in a mere few years, and his most recent project only solidifies his rising standing.

In his new project “My Turn,” rapper Lil Baby shares stories about his rise in the rap industry, emphasizing how he will never throw away his past despite the fame and fortune he has attained. He reminisces about his youth in Atlanta, where he dropped out of school in 10th grade and turned to a street life to make money before his rap career took off.

The rapper, now age 25 , has consistently put out well-received singles including “Woah” most recently, which is his third No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. “My Turn,” his second studio album, boasts 20 songs. It starts off slow with more dreary beats but quickly picks up in a collaboration with another rap superstar, Future. 

In addition to Future, “My Turn” features a number of other prominent rappers, including Gunna, Lil Uzi Vert, Young Thug and Lil Wayne. However, there are plenty of songs where Lil Baby  shines on his own. His trademark auto-tuned voice gracefully switches between calm trap beats and explosive rhythms. Many of the songs are rather fast-paced, and Lil Baby impressively shows off his ability to flow on beat. 

The track provides songs that a variety of people can enjoy in different scenarios. Songs like “Sum 2 Prove” and “Woah” are ideal hits for people to blast in their car while driving around town. A more romantic song, “Catch the Sun,” appeals to those experiencing relationship troubles of their own. Songs like “Gang Signs” would fit well in a club. 

The album is also packed with renowned producers including Budda Beats, Tay Keith and Wheezy. Their beats highlight Lil Baby’s exceptional lyricism and delivery. 

One problem with this album is that it is somewhat repetitive. The choruses are all very catchy and songs like “Same Thing” and “Emotionally Scarred” flow right into one another. But this means that some songs sound similar to each other. With 20 songs in total, some of these similar songs could have been cut to no ill effect.

Lil Baby is clearly motivated to elevate himself to a new level in the rap game, and a hard-hitting sophomore album has established him as one of the leaders of the new school of rap. The project effectively highlights his skills as a rapper and his unique sound will undoubtedly keep propeling the album to the top of the charts.