Still Brazy - YG

Although this was nowhere near my first time listening to this album, revisiting YG’s 2016 record Still Brazy never fails to make me smile. All aspects of this album, like the flawless gangsta rap and the perfectly executed and persistent g-funk instrumentals, combine to make a cohesive, story rap album. I had a fantastic experience listening to this criminally underrated album during my most recent run.

Throughout the album, YG covers all the bases in terms of subject matter. Stories of his troubled past, details of being shot at his LA studio by a mystery attacker and moments of social consciousness are all included. During my run, it was easy to push myself forward to the tune of smooth west coast rap instrumentals and YG’s powerful charisma.

Of the 17 tracks included in the deluxe edition of this project, the track “Gimme Got Shot” is easily my favorite, and potentially my favorite storytelling rap song of all time. Produced by Inglewood, California native DJ Swish, YG keeps listeners intrigued, comically retelling a story about someone who constantly asks for handouts, despite doing nothing to deserve it. Throughout the track, YG seamlessly paints pictures of his experiences as well as the environments in which they take place in.

As mentioned earlier, YG delves into many parts of his psyche throughout the album. To close out the project, YG delivers his opinion about recent acts of police brutality in the USA on the track “Police Get Away wit Murder”. The Hit-Boy produced instrumental contrasts with the rest of the production on the album, allowing YG to effectively call attention to the issue at hand.

Overall, I truly believe YG delivers a flawless storytelling rap album with Still Brazy, one that I continuously come back to for a refresher from the current state of hip-hop. Running to YG recounting various tales over expertly crafted instrumentals motivated me to keep going like nothing else.