Lil Yachty changed the game w/ Lil Boat, the mixtape that contained viral numbers like "Wanna Be Us," "Minnesota," and "One Night." The unfiltered, super melodic and unapologetic approach to hip-hop was exactly what the youth had been searching for, and his music, combined w/ his attitude and instantly recognizable look, created a colossal wave that demanded attention from even the staunchest of rap purists. Yachty is no longer in his teens now, and he has a well received full-length under his belt. He is also rich af, presumably, and that very fact forms the gist of the content for his second LP, Lil Boat 2. The method of his delivery is different this time around; instead of sing-along melodies, Yachty is actually rapping more now, perhaps a response to those that have taken shots at his credibility as a "rapper." And he's not bad. Yes, somewhat repetitive in his boastings about wealth and lashings at haters, but his cadence, energy, and flow work well over the darker, sparse trap beats provided by Southside, Pi'erre Bourne, DJ Durel, 30 Roc, and more. Also, notice how he spits slightly off beat and out of the pocket. Traditionalists might gasp at the very concept of that, but this seems to be a thing for the younger generation, and we're not mad. Stellar guest list including Ugly God, 2 Chainz, PnB Rock, NBA YoungBoy, Tee Grizzley, Quavo, K$upreme, Lil Baby, Lil Pump, Offsett, Trippie Redd, and Jban$2Turnt… Check out "NBAYOUNGBOAT," "BABY DADDY," "66," "she ready," and "Count Me In."

• music label: Quality Control 2018

reviewed by pocari papi 07/18