The surge of chatty patties and BBL chasers making music lately had me thinking the motivated and aggressive rappers that once inspired my gym playlist were on vacation, retired, or on the Will Smith plan somewhere trying to get the acting bag.
Then, there was BabyDrill. His latest album, MadMan, will certainly make hip hop fans think he’s some kind of industry plant. There’s no way that an independent Georgia rapper in his early twenties with a history of single releases and only one other full album, Drill Season, could be this good already! But, this is what happens when the hungry go into their lab and practice, practice, and practice without so much of a mainstream nod or alley-oop. By the time it’s their time and they’re on your radar, their preparedness is on an impressive level usually exuded by veterans.
At first listen, MadMan cuts through the pleasantries with a straight to the point strategy as BabyDrill introduces his alter ego on “BabyDrill vs. MadMan,” a relatable angel versus devil toggle of the conscience, reminiscent of DMX’s “Damien” or T.I.’s “T.I. vs. Tip.” It’s a tactic used throughout the 17-track project, which surprisingly comes with only one song containing features.
The eerily produced “Slight Dub” features Young Nudy and 21 Savage and is the second single off the album with an official music video, post the release of “Woke Up” which dropped May 4. As can be expected, the concoction of jewelry, cars, smoke, and references to drills are essential aesthetics of BabyDrill’s presentation.
However, BabyDrill presents something different even as he takes advantage of the status quo often required by the subgenre. There are no actual guns in the video and a group of neighborhood kids are featured hanging out, while others play basketball. It’s evident that BabyDrill may be a product of his environment, yet there’s certainly a hunger for more in life.
That sentiment is further realized in the final act of MadMan where BabyDrill cyphers his own version of a “Dear Mama” on the 16th track titled “Mommy I Luh You,” a sentimental ode to the woman that raised him. He ends the album with the song “Blood Bath” using a sample of Beanie Siegel’s “Feel It In The Air” as he raps about the trap of a violent environment and his motivation for his decisions.
The songs with Definite Replay Value (DRV) include the murderous “On My Conscious” where BabyDrill plays with a cadence known to be the residual signature of Houston artists such as Sauce Walka. BabyDrill continues to apply pressure, alternating his vocals on the awakened “Back From the Dead.”
Listen To “On My Conscious”
While some music projects tend to simmer down with filler tracks by the time the second act arrives, BabyDrill has no such intention. He keeps his foot on the gas with songs “Mad As F**k,” where it seems MadMan has returned and taken over on a song with simple but superb production, and “Send Deposit,” another track with an aura of revival and true awakening when it comes to prioritizing oneself. BabyDrill doubles back with another heavy bass hitter in “Load Up Hop Out,” using his signature alternate cadences on a slow-tempo grinder.
Listen To “Send Deposit”
MadMan proves to be yet another solid entry from BabyDrill. Although the verbiage is consumed with talk of murder, if listeners can get pass that and appreciate MadMan for its art as they would a Scarface or Boyz In The Hood, then they can see the true value of BabyDrill’s commitment to his craft. Now, I can only hope that BabyDrill doesn’t get caught up like so many others who have manifested adversities simply through the music they make.
MadMan is available now on all music streaming platforms.
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