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The trap music phenomenon has become one of the biggest eras in the history of the hip-hop genre. Whether it’s the bass heavy production, catchy and simplistic lyrics or the party atmosphere the sound promotes, the idea of trap music has almost become its own genre within another. This layer in rap culture has forced rap critics and artists of all backgrounds to at least acknowledge the artists who continue to star using this sound as their platform. The current sound is much different than the original version of trap music that began in the early 2000’s, headlined by veteran MC’s such as T.I., Gucci Mane, Jeezy, then later Yo Gotti and Future. Trap music today is more the norm and not just a fun alternative. Young hip-hop stars such as Migos, Young Thug, Young Dolph, Lil Baby, Gunna, 21 Savage, A Boogie wit da Hoodie and Rich The Kid have all launched to star status, due in large part to multiple hit songs with that popular sound. Now that the trap sound has made it to everyday mainstream popularity, with hip-hop stars such as Drake, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross and Wiz Khalifa often teaming up and the elevating those young stars to newer heights in the rap game. And now may be the time to see if any artists from that side of rap music can become one of the top rappers in the game, regardless of sound, substance or style.
Out of this new wave of MC’s, there is probably no one more underrated than Memphis, Tennessee’s own Moneybagg Yo. The one time Yo Gotti Collective Music member has been one of the most productive artist’s in hip-hop since his mainstream debut back in 2016 In that short amount of time, he’s developed a catalog that many young stars would love to have. He’s had a high volume of projects, both solo and collaborative, that have produced tracks so well received that he’s built one of the most loyal fan bases in hip-hop today. His projects and songs featuring the likes of fellow young stars such as Youngboy Never Broke Again, Quavo, Lil Baby, Kodak Black and YG, has turned Moneybagg Yo into a staple amongst the newer crop of young, talented MC’s. His most recent effort, the 2018 commercial debut titled Reset, was his most star-studded and compete project to date. Headlined by the hit song Say Na featuring hip-hop heavyweight J. Cole, the project was well received and joined previous releases Federal 3X and 2 Heartless on the Billboard 200 charts. But even with a successful run to begin his career, the 27 year old MC seems even more focused than ever, and his newest album confirms that.
On May 24, 2019, Moneybagg Yo released 43VA HEARTLESS, his second studio album under Interscope Records and the third installment of his original “Heartless” mixtape series. On the intro track Relentless Again, the tone is strong, the aggression is focused and the message is clear as Moneybagg takes aim at critics, doubters and anyone who isn’t completely thorough around him as he demands the respect for his hard work in the game. He also promises fans that this album would be the return to the form and hunger he has when his career began. That competitive and brash attitude reflects throughout the album.
While Moneybagg is known for his trap anthems and braggadocios lyrics, many of the highlights on the album come courtesy of the records that are more serious in approach and tone. Part of da Game is a question of the integrity of people involved in the street lifestyle who seem to fold on the people they’re supposed to be loyal to. The lyrics come off as almost instructions on how to function and how to show proper respect. The Lil Durk assisted On My Soul is a short but strong track built around the concept of devotion to the core values of the street life and respecting the ties and bonds made because of that devotion. Commotion finds Moneybagg Yo checking the credibility of some of the closest people
In his life. Whether an inner circle member or a close female friend, he can’t allow disloyalty or disrespect from anyone ruin the progress he’s made. He also recognizes that money and fame will never stop those problems from taking place. Headstrong is another track preaching about the values of loyalty and the negative aspects of being the person everybody depends on to elevate their lives. Highlighted by a quality Kevin Gates hook and verse, the song stands as one of the better collaborations on the album. The outro track Word For Word is a reflection of the journey to this stature in life, as Moneybagg rhymes about still being alive, his growth in fame and popularity and perseverance in overcoming the odds to become a success. It serves as an appreciate capper to an album with such a strong focus on the less glamorous side of fame that many people don’t think about.
However, despite the album carrying a more serious and reflective tone, it wouldn’t be a Moneybagg Yo album without its share of fast paced, fun and flashy trap anthems that his fans love every time. Whether it’s describing his wild Las Vegas nights in Drais, comparing the perks of the rapper lifestyle with up and coming star Gunna on the standout track Dior or engaging in a fun battle of the sexes with City Girls on 4 da Moment, the album has a song that can played in almost every causal setting and for almost every mood. This versatility only enhances Moneybagg Yo’s profile, showing he can hold his own on different types of songs. The highlight of the album can be found in the most fast-paced and carefree song of the entire project. The trap anthem Style Ain’t Free is almost self explanaotry, with a guest appearance from famed Migos member Offset setting the stage as the two MC’s trade verses about jewelry, women, street ties and the high profile lifestylthey lifestyle their rap careers have brought them. The song’s replay value is unquestionably high and the track stands to be one of the best and most underrated collaborations of the year so far.
As the second half of the year has gotten well underway, the first half of 2019 has seen its fair share of projects fly under the radar. This isn’t a negative look for the artists releasing these projects, but just more representative of how much music is being released and how much time fans have to sit and enjoy a project. 43VA Heartless is without a doubt a project that hip-hop fans need to go back and listen to. Moneybagg Yo elevated his focus, writing, attention to detail and ear for production in order to deliver his best project to date. As he ventures forward, it will be interesting to see if he can bridge that gap from being a “trap artist” to simply being considered one fo the best rappers in the game, period.
Top 5 Songs:
1. Style Ain’t Free
2. Drais
3. Part of da Game
4. No Filter
5. Relentless Again