Over a year ago, My brother and I went to a Schoolboy Q and Joey Badass concert. Schoolboy Q is one of my brother’s favorite artists, and I couldn’t pass up a chance to see him live. Before Joey or Q even got on stage, there was an opening act that caught my eye. I figured it was some local kid trying to get some buzz in the streets by opening for two big rappers. To my surprise, this artist was already getting serious buzz. The crowd already knew the words to his songs, while I was just enjoying the vibe. After he got off stage, he said “for those who don’t know me my name is A Boogie wit da Hoodie!”
Eleven months later, he has dropped his debut album “The Bigger Artist”. It has been a historic climb for the man named Artist (seriously, that’s his first name). He has been doing interviews with major radio stations, his singles are going viral, etc. A Boogie has set himself up to become one of rap’s biggest stars. The melodic style of rap he has adopted is fresh air to the game. Hearing an artist that can melodically rap without any autotune is a talent that not many artists have. A Boogie showcases his skills of his style of rap across the album but also gives you those fire bars.
Best Songs
I had a hard time debating which songs were the best off the album. I reached out to the Per Sources team for their opinions and Uncle Mike said that “Drowning” and “Say ‘A'” are the two best songs. Both of these songs are fantastic, but I think the clear cut choice is “Drowning”. The single that features Kodak Black has been blowing up the past couple months, and I think it stays as the album’s best song. Other songs such as “Undefeated” featuring 21 Savage are also highlights of the album. When 21’s verse came in, I freaked out, because it didn’t have him credited at first. Another song could be the intro track “No Promises”. This track really showcases A Boogie’s distinct style of rap along with playful lyricism that gives us the fire bars that are easy to digest.
Features
A Boogie does a great job with the usage of features. The 21 Savage verse is one of the highlights of the whole album and both of them really showcase their ability to spit on the track. Don Q, who is a fellow Highbridge member, does his thing on the two songs about money on the album “Somebody” and “Money Sprung”. Don Q is an underrated emcee and with the exposure of mainstream media, he’s going to be the next up in the group to showcase his talent to the mainstream. The Kodak Black feature on “Drowning” is a playful verse that is catchy and easy to repeat in the car with the homies. I could’ve lived without Robin Thicke and Trey Songz on “Bad Girl”. I think A Boogie held his own on the song without needing their help on the hook or the Trey Songz verse. The track “Beast Mode” is a track that I think will grow on me. I’m still not a fan of PnB Rock, and YoungBoy’s verse didn’t stick out to me, but a few more listens to the track could change my opinion.
Final Verdict
Overall, A Boogie has put out his best work by far. This album is the first full length project he has, but it blows the two mixtapes out of the water. The production is fantastic which includes Metro Boomin, Southside, NAV, Cardo, Scott Scortch, etc. The great production, along with the growing maturity of A Boogie’s music has created one of 2017’s best albums. I was impressed with the range of A Boogie’s voice. It shocks me that there isn’t any autotune drowning out the songs. The balance between rapping and singing has been difficult for artists to do at times, and A Boogie uses his delivery to mix the two perfectly together, creating a sound that not many artists can produce. Don’t be surprised to hear others try to join the trend. “The Bigger Artist” will be the soundtrack to your fall and winter woes.
Thank you for reading! Happy Music Monday!
JTA (@jtapersources)