DaBaby is looking to get back to his winning ways with “Baby On Baby 2.”
5. BOOGEYMAN
DaBaby’s bombshell about Megan Thee Stallion is what makes this song a standout.
Oh, DaBaby wants to smoke smoke. In “BOOGEYMAN,” he immediately admits punching Megan Thee Stallion the day she told the world Tory Lanez shot her, calling her current boyfriend a coward in the process. From there, DaBaby challenges his rap haters over and over again. While I wouldn’t say the song is the best thing in the world, it’s definitely the second juiciest thing in the world (Behind muthaf**kin Gushers).
4. WHITE (Ft. Anthony Hamilton)
DaBaby does some great storytelling in “BLANK.”
DaBaby’s first verse in “BLANK” contains random lyrics; it is his second that moves the needle. In it, he says that he was confronted by the boyfriend of a girl with whom he jokes. While he appears relaxed, understanding, and thoughtful, guest star Anthony Hamilton (who I believe plays the angry boyfriend) actually comes across as unhinged and very soulful (who would have guessed). All in all, “BLANK” is an intriguing listen.
Do you know what is ironic? This song about a tangle features a performance by Anthony Hamilton who is August Alsina-esque.
3. GO AGAIN – Introduction
DaBaby opening this album with an intro like “GO AGAIN – Intro” was instrumental.
If you’re someone who gets triggered by DaBaby’s cocky behavior, you might want to close your ears to this one. In “GO AGAIN – Intro,” the North Carolina rapper reminds the world that he’s got guns in his arsenal that he’s ready to shoot, that he really likes courtside seats, and that he is unperturbed by everyone’s thoughts about him. What I love about the song is that it features this heart-pounding beat that has an understated nasty streak. I also love how DaBaby practically walks in from start to finish, showing absolutely no mercy for the pacing.
2. DELETE DAT DISS
DaBaby fires into “DROP DAT DISS”.
Even though “DROP DAT DISS” is one of the shortest songs on this album, it still packs a punch. In it, DaBaby blesses us with spirited deliveries, fast-paced flows, and rebellious lyrics that highlight his extravagant libido, quick temper, and competitive nature. The way his feverish raps combine with the song’s fast/pounding/spellbinding beat will grab your attention.
1. THIS IS WHY I SLIP
There is an authenticity in “THAT’S WHY I CREEP” that I really like.
“THAT’S WHY I CREEP” is by far the most dynamic track on this album. It features a highly infectious melodic hook, vulnerable lyrical content (DaBaby raps about his fall from grace and how he handles the pressure) and a beat you’ll definitely feel in your soul. Overall, I just think this song feels like an organic hit.
1. LEAVE – Introduction (4/5)
2. DELETE DAT DISS (4/5)
3. BOOGEYMAN (3.5/5)
4. SOCKS (3.5/5)
5. NO CONDOM (2.5/5)
6. SUMMARY DATA (3.5/5)
7. ALWAYS (3/5)
8. ACT AS STRONG (3.5/5)
9. KEEP IT CUTE (3/5)
10. AN ARMY MAN (3.5/5)
11. CALL OF DUTY (3.5/5)
12. THIS IS WHY I SLIP (4/5)
13. WHITE (4/5)
14. DON’T LET THEM LIE (3.5/5)
(VS)
One of the biggest things DaBaby had when he was poppin was charm. No matter how blatant his raps were, people were all ears when he was talking. For some reason, her charm just isn’t the same. From his lyrics on this album, it’s clear he doesn’t care what we think.
Production: I think the production of this album is pretty good. Through Baby on Baby 2, DaBaby is working on all sorts of flavors of his favorite type of beat (you know, the ones that sound like they were made on a Casio beatmaker). This keeps it sounding in its element throughout. He also freaks out a few beats that force him to bring out his melodic side, a critical side that he will develop later in his career.
Guest appearances: One person is on this album: Anthony Hamilton. I’m not going to lie, at first listen, I didn’t like his contributions to “BLANK” at all. After fully understanding what the song was about, I got carried away with it. Anyway, DaBaby is an artist I prefer to hear working on his own, so I appreciate that he didn’t load this project up with a group of people.
The performances: I learned a few years ago that DaBaby was going to DaBaby. What that means is he’s still gonna rap about things like shooting people and smashing monsters, and he’s gonna hit us with the same flows. Ultimately, I think it’s his emotion and animation that will always make him appealing. DaBaby is definitely DaBaby on this album, and that’s okay.
The most important thing I would change: I wish DaBaby would dive a little deeper into his introspective bag. While he does touch on his canceled status a bit on this album, I think he relied a little too much on bluster lyrics. I would also change some of the songs in which DaBaby tries to sing like crazy. While I enjoy his melodic raps from time to time, big bits (like how we get into songs like “NO CONDOM”) just don’t sit well with me.
The main reason why you should listen to this album: DaBaby is still a polarizing figure in hip-hop. In this album, he entertains by being a lovable villain who is overly emotional, animated, and anti-cancellation.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on the beaches and spaghetti that repel him.
