Lil Baby has quickly become one of the defining voices of modern rap, with his smooth, confident delivery and introspective, yet streetwise lyrics. His latest album, “WHAM,” cements his place as a force to be reckoned with in the rap world. The album presents a refined and evolved sound, building off his previous work while still pushing the boundaries of what’s expected in mainstream hip-hop. “WHAM” is an exciting blend of hard-hitting bangers, emotional introspection and sharp social commentary that feels both timely and timeless. “WHAM” in just its first two weeks of release has already hit number one on Billboard Top 100.
Just from the opening couple songs of “WHAM,” it’s clear that the production is top-tier. The beats are produced by a roster of in-demand producers (including Wheezy, ATL Jacob and Southside), and there are features from artists like Young Thug, Future, Travis Scott, 21 Savage and more. The sound ranges from the aggressive, bass-driven tracks like “Due 4A Win” and “Stuff” to more atmospheric and introspective moments such as the moody “So Sorry.”
There’s an attention to detail in the layering of sound throughout the entire album. Subtle effects that enhance the song’s production without fully overshadowing the star of the show: Lil Baby’s raps. The three producers who worked on this album did a phenomenal job. “WHAM” plays with the confidence of an artist who knows the power of simplicity, and it rarely feels like he’s trying too hard when it comes to the production.
Where “WHAM” truly stands out is in its lyricism, specifically from Lil Baby. While Lil Baby has always been known for his quick raps, here, he expands his scope to touch on themes of nostalgia, his growth as an artist and more. On tracks like “I Promise,” Baby reflects on the challenges of staying grounded while navigating fame, fortune and constant scrutiny. Lil Baby showed that despite his success, the pressures of the game weigh on him.
Despite Lil Baby’s newfound fame and fortune, he hasn’t forgotten his roots. “WHAM” is also brimming with that hard-hitting street energy that made his early mixtapes and albums so memorable. Songs like “Stiff Gang” and “Streets Colder” offer a balance of celebratory trap anthems. Songs like these reaffirm his ability as a superstar rapper.
“Due 4A Win” is classic Lil Baby, it possesses hard-hitting production and a catchy hook that will definitely encourage you to keep listening. Lil Baby throughout the songs, raps about his newfound success, boasting about his wealth and his status in the rap game. The track feels something like a victory lap.
“So Sorry” is a standout for its introspection. This song sees Lil Baby reflecting on his isolation and the personal toll that fame has taken on him. Despite the upbeat nature of the song, it has subtle instrumental touches that elevate the somber vibe. It’s a side of Lil Baby we don’t often see, and it adds depth to the album.
“WHAM” represents a new chapter for Lil Baby, where he skillfully balances street anthems with reflective, personal content. The album plays like a narrative of triumph and struggle, showing that Lil Baby is no longer just a rapper, confined into one genre, he’s an artist who has reached his full potential. His evolution is clear, and “WHAM” feels like an album that will resonate not only with his core fans but with a wider audience as well.
With his signature style when it comes to experimenting with sound, Lil Baby has once again proven that he’s not just a moment in hip-hop, he’s here to stay. “WHAM” is a statement album, and it will likely define his place in the 2020s rap scene for years to come.
