American rapper Gunna has released a new album to mixed reviews. If one is not a fan of modern-sounding rap, then this album is definitely not for them. However, those who are fans of the new age of “mumble rap” will most likely enjoy this album. In this album, Gunna addresses a RICO charge that he and his friend, a fellow rapper, are facing. Gunna also gives his take on the current feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
Gunna has previously stated that he resolved his RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges in May 2022 with a plea deal. The indictment alleged that Gunna and others were involved in criminal gang activity. In December 2022, Gunna entered a negotiated guilty plea, known as an Alford plea, to a racketeering conspiracy charge. This plea allowed him to maintain his innocence while accepting that it was in his best interest to plead guilty. This development led to significant public scrutiny and speculation about his involvement and cooperation with authorities.
His fans remain skeptical, with rumors circulating about what information he may have provided to the authorities to have the case dismissed. This rumor is a significant issue with fans because a friend and fellow rapper is still entangled in the case. Gunna addresses this speculation in the song “Prada Dem” through the lyric, “I’m not a rat, still getting cheddar,” indicating that he did not provide information and is working through the allegations while still finding success in life. Despite Gunna and his legal team denying that he cooperated with authorities in a way that harmed others, the stigma and perception persisted, leading to intense debate and division among fans and peers in the industry.
Additionally, on the new album, Gunna gives his perspective on the ongoing conflict between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. These two rappers have been exchanging insults through their recent song releases. Their feud has been making headlines and capturing widespread attention. Gunna expresses his view in “Collage” with the line, “Thank God I didn’t need a writer,” seemingly calling out Drake for using writers without proper credit. fans believe Gunna may have subtly weighed in on the Kendrick Lamar and Drake dispute through these and other lyrics.
Regarding the album review, the music on this album is often repetitive, overshadowing the few standout tracks like “Prada Dem,” “Neck on a Yacht,” and “Whatsapp.” Aside from these tracks, the album as a whole felt redundant and uninspired, resulting in a forgettable listening experience. The album, in my opinion, warrants a rating of 5/10 due to its repetitiveness and lackluster lyrics.
In summary, Gunna’s album release has stirred controversy due to his discussions about the RICO case, the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and the overall quality of the album. While my personal enjoyment of the album was limited, I acknowledge that there may be listeners who will appreciate it more and encourage them to give it a listen and form their own judgment.
