By: Brooke Smith
Online Editor
YG’s latest album, “4REAL 4REAL” is a compilation of repetitive, harsh lyrics that meet the negative stereotype attached to rap music instead of providing audiences with meaningful songs.
“4REAL 4REAL” is composed of a mixture of instrumental music such as guitar and violin, while also maintaining funky, electric beats. Although, most songs keep the listener entertained with creative sound, the lyrics are anything but stimulating. YG repeatedly uses derogatory language in the album’s songs that is unappealing to hear.
Keenon Daequan Ray Jackson, professionally known as YG, which stands for Young Gangster, grew up in Compton, California. His career took off after releasing the 2009 single, “Toot it and Boot It” with Ty Dolla $ign. After this success, he signed with Def Jam recordings. He is best known for the West Coast hip-hop style of his music.
“4REAL 4REAL” was the fourth studio album released by the American rapper, YG. The fourteen songs were released on May 24 by 4Hunnid Records and Def Jam Recordings. YG intended to release, “4REAL 4REAL” at Coachella 2019, but delayed the debut because of the death of his close friend and rapper, Nipsey Hussle. The album uses featured rappers including Tyga, G-Eazy, Ty Dolla $ign and more.
YG maintains his same style from previous albums, successfully tying his works together. The eleventh song on the album, “Do Yo Dance (ft. Kamaiyah, RJ, Mitch, Ty Dolla $ign),” has a similar tone and the repetitive lyric, “Do yo dance” as his hit song “Twist My Fingaz” in his album called “Still Brazy.” “Do Yo Dance (ft. Kamaiyah, RJ, Mitch, Ty Dolla $ign)” is one of the strongest songs on the album, making the listener want to dance along to the upbeat track.
The songs, “Bottle Service” and “Stop Snitchin,” are some of the trashiest songs on the album. They continuously repeat very harsh lyrics and possibly offensive profanity. YG’s use of tasteless, vulgar words can easily make the listener uncomfortable depending on the individual’s opinion of rap music’s stereotypical word usage and imagery.
YG’s fifth song on the album, “Keisha had a Baby” is a catchy song, musically and lyrically. The featured artist, Rose Gold, adds a pretty feminine voice to contrast YG’s rapping. Although catchy, the lyrics are repetitive and provide no deeper meaning or substance to “4REAL 4REAL.” This song’s overall message is disrespectful to women by shallowly describing a woman’s appearance and bashing her opinions.
The twelfth song on the album, “Her Story” mellowly begins with a long violin introduction. As soon as YG and featured artist Day Sulan start rapping, the calming tone of the track is disrupted. This song’s main focus is slighting the subject of young pregnancy. This track feels out of place on this album and is not enjoyable to listen to.
The most popular song on this album is, “Go Loko (ft. Tyga, Jon Z).” The lyrics in this track are backed with a unique mexican style with strong trumpet and harmonica solos. Some of the lyrics are in Spanish and they manage to blend in well with the English lyrics. The rap lyrics still are slightly dull, but the musical aspect of the song is interesting and unique.
The second to last track on the album is called, “My Last Words- Nipsey Tribute.” This track is not a song, but a message to YG’s close friend and rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was fatally shot right before the scheduled release of “4REAL 4REAL.” The track reflects on their friendship and past memories together. This is one of the few raw, emotional tracks on the album. YG’s vulnerability as he reflects speaking about his “brother” is touching.
Overall, “4REAL 4REAL,” stays creative with the composition of the music style, but provides audiences with little meaningful content. Although this album has a few solid tracks, YG’s past works have been substantially more impressive. YG is lacking in the relatable aspect of his music which is important for grabbing listeners’ attention
“4REAL 4REAL” was released on May 24 and can be streamed through Apple Music and Spotify or purchased on iTunes for $9.99.
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