Gucci Mane has proven time and time again that he is one of the most consistent figures in hip hop music, and the newest entry into his discography, “Woptober II” does not stray from that ethos whatsoever. A sequel to 2016’s “Woptober,” Gucci Mane comes back with the second edition in his album series to deliver the same charismatic and head-bopping energy he did with the initial entry three years ago.
Featuring an impressive list of collaborators including Youngboy Never Broke Again, DaBaby, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby, Kodak Black, Quavo and Kevin Gates (amongst others), “Woptober II” shines due in part to Gucci Mane’s tactically placed features, mostly all former collaborators whose energy matches and reflects that of Gucci Mane, creating timeless tracks.
The album overall is exactly what would be expected from the Atlanta rapper, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. The constant quips and clever comments he makes throughout are on point with some of the most prolific ad-libbers in the game, such as Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz and Young Thug.
The intro track, “Richer Than Errybody” is the perfect intro to the project, with Youngboy Never Broke Again trading hard-hitting lines with Gucci Mane. DaBaby’s sharp interjection at the end helps set the tone as well, proving that Gucci Mane and his cohorts are still as on point as they were when he emerged on the scene back in 2005.
Other standout tracks on the album include “Tootsies”, a back to back effort with Lil Baby that makes copious references to Kanye West and Kim Kardashian throughout. Aside from that power duo, tracks such as “Big Boy Diamonds” with Kodak Black thrive not only in lyrical content but in production, with impressively layered synths and samples dancing in the background behind the southern Florida and East Atlanta rappers.
Coming in just above a half-hour long, Gucci Mane proved through “Woptober II” that aside from just his consistent work ethic, he is still able to create cohesive and enjoyable projects for his legions of fans without making his discography seem oversaturated to any extent whatsoever.
4/5 stars
cbarilla@ramapo.edu