Atlanta rapper Gunna returns with his newest hit album “DS4Ever.“
With the release of Gunna’s latest studio album, DS4Ever, the 28-year-old completed his long mixtape series with the fourth installment. DS4Ever encompasses Gunna’s evolution into a trap music mastermind and reminds us that he is all about using music to dictate a feeling.
“There were a few good songs on the album and with such high anticipation and expectations, I think that Gunna delivered. There were strong features from Drake and Young Thug which I personally enjoyed, but in terms of the other solo songs, they were mediocre at best. Overall, though I think that the album was a solid 8/10. But I can see how Gunna’s audience would give this a better rating,” said Faizan Khalid ‘22.
Gunna has made a big name for himself in the music industry, building off of the friendship he created with Young Thug as a member of the Young Stoner Life Records roster. Once a background artist in Atlanta’s booming hip-hop scene, Gunna has grown to become one of the most popular rappers out there.
Gunna makes everything he does look easy and effortless, and part of that has to do with his consistently sleek, sonically-satisfying production choices. Many have tried to recreate his sound, but there are not too many artists on the planet who can rap about designer clothing and expensive trips while still keeping the attention of an audience.
One of the best songs in the album is called “Pushin P” which went viral and made blue P’s appear all over social media. The Atlanta rapper features well known rappers Young Thug and Future for an endeavor similar to their 2019 collaboration “Unicorn Purp.” The trio raps about them “Pushin P” as if someone is repeatedly asking them questions they have no interest in answering. This is humorous considering how often people ponder what the phrase means, and Gunna’s answers leave the audience even more confused.
The album, however, suffers slightly in the sense that there aren’t enough truly memorable or hypnotic moments. Some songs such as “alotta cake,” closely resembles structure of Gunna’s older songs. He also repeats mundane themes such as drugs, partying, etc, which are heard consistently throughout the rapper’s career.
Despite a lack of clear artistic growth, there are a few standout moments that will drive the listener back to DS4Ever. “south to west” is one of the most exciting solo songs from the album, resembling the same old trap melodies that Gunna explored during his old albums.
Without taking any significant risks with his sound, Gunna managed to create an entertaining album with multiple songs that will grow on the listener after the first listen. While the quality is what we have come to expect from Gunna, it is perhaps this same quality that we are growing weary of; and so it might be time for Gunna to explore new boundaries and push his own melodies even further if he wants to continue to evolve as an artist.
