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Atlanta native and member of Young Thug’s YSL, Gunna has always been one of the most polarizing artists in trap. He wears Thug’s influence on his sleeve, while also adopting a more vibey sound and lacking the ridiculous vocals. Some have found it to be boring, but many consider Drip Season 2 and 3 to be among the very best albums out of the scene with their unique energy and earworm hooks. Fans grew a bit concerned after 2020’s Wunna, which while enjoyable, took the lowkey, vibey sound even further. Thankfully, Drip Season 4ever, the final installment in the series, is a balanced and intentional project – making it one of the very best trap albums of its magnitude in recent memory.
I’m just kickin it with a baddie, smoking on exotic
Ain’t it ironic, look at me now, I used to sell narcotics
Couldn’t sell it whole, had to break it down, but now it’s all profit
DS4 opens with “Private Island”; Gunna smartly opens with a very emotional and lowkey acoustic beat over which he reflects on his come up. In fact, Gunna shows much more maturity across this whole project. He obviously has the typical trap and sex talk, or some of his more random funny lyrics, but there are some standout moments. “Livin Wild” has an old school vocal sample on a light beat which matches Gunna’s themes about his dangerous lifestyle. He discusses a hospital stint, his addictions, and judgement from the public despite his dedication. But its not just some introspective bars where Wunna has improved; He has also matured musically. In fact, DS4‘s greatest strength is how well constructed and balanced it is for a trap album. The variety of beats and sounds and the star studded features make for a really strong listen.
Apart from slow cuts (including the beautiful hook from Chloe on “You & Me”), there are of course plenty of fun bangers on here. “Thought I Was Playing” features a crazy Mike WiLL Made-It beat full of video game sounds and flutes which 21 Savage floats over. Mike WiLL definitely needs to make a comeback soon. “Too Easy remix” is probably the album’s big hit so far; With a plucked guitar beat, Gunna delivers a nice hook while Roddy has a super fun and memorable verse, full of hums and stops. Future flows perfectly on it too. There’s also “South to West” which has an epic and subtly western vibe where Gunna does his thing. There are more amazing guest verses from G Herbo and Kodak Black (“I’m gonna wanna fuck her too”). All these different sounds add up to the big finale, “So Far Ahead > Empire”, where Gunna gets emotional once again: Happy to have made it, but with plenty of adversity to come.
Pointers in the Patek and my piece, I’m pushin P…
Purple pint, pussy pink, bitch, I’m pushin P
Overall, Drip Season 4ever probably won’t change your mind on Gunna; He’s never gonna be a super technical or commanding MC, but he makes for fun bangers and good vibes. Dig deeper on here and you’ll find some improved lyricism and emotional moments as well. Most importantly, DS4 is just so well constructed and full of standout verses from your other favorite trappers anyway.
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