At a time when unorthodox methods of attaining buzz are embraced more than ever, Gunplay’s shenanigans have nearly overshadowed his music. While he’s still a niche artist on Def Jam, few modern stories compare to his controversial highlight reel. Given the chance of a lifetime, Maybach Music Group’s most deranged member has been unafraid to tow the line between industry success and trouble with the law. Amidst his edgy living, a show stealing appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s “Cartoons & Cereal” expanded his audience and showed potential for him to escape a dead end path. Three years later, his long awaited debut Living Legend has been met with waning interest as he hopes to sustain his career just a bit longer.
The bizarre mythology surrounding Richard Morales’ stage name includes a swastika tattoo, a well-publicized fight with members of G-Unit at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards and a similar skirmish where he became a meme for being carried out of a nightclub by security. Over the course of 11 songs, Gunplay attempts honoring the brash legacies of Trick Daddy, Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Tupac, the three emcees he’s gone on record idolizing the most. Not one to shy away from other influences, the opener “Tell ‘Em” has him borrowing from the self-descriptive rhyme style once popularized by fellow loose cannon Mystikal. Over crunk percussion and apocalyptic bells Gunplay says “I’m the dirty lace in the sneaker/And the bass in the speaker/I’m next/I’m the Pyrex printed on beakers,” a welcome updated spin on classic No Limit verses.
While Gunplay is a magnet for shock value and horrific drama, it becomes evident he doesn’t have much of an alternative perspective to give the world. Placing himself amongst the ranks of go-getters and felons, “Only 1” takes a perverse pride in hood stripes and the fast life. Long time friend and boss figure Rick Ross shows loyalty appearing on the frenetic adrenaline inducing “Be Like Me,” but unfortunately, it sounds like a throwaway with the exact tempo listeners are already accustomed to from the MMG captain. Even less original, the single “Wuzhanindoe” has tried putting the magic combination of YG and DJ Mustard to use. For marketing sake the song makes sense as it matches Rap’s recent prevalent sound, but technically speaking it’s a near replication of My Krazy Life’s highly regarded “BPT.”
As realism meets entertainment, Gunplay sets a precedent where arguably less charming acts like Stitches can follow his blueprint and go viral. Living Legend is an uncomfortable look into the walk of a one man freak show but it isn’t without redeeming value. “Dark Dayz” has him warring with his spirituality, caught between the worlds of the trap and going straight and “Leave Da Game” attempts explaining the rough upbringing that threatened to destroy his adolescence. A high school dropout who has spent time in and out of jail and props himself up by disrespecting others, it’s difficult to distinguish if this is a role where art imitates life. Gunplay’s repetitively destructive themes come as no shock given his stage name. While his long journey has finally paid off, Living Legend lacks it factor to have listeners clamoring for a follow-up anytime soon.
Another great example why hiphop is dead. No skillz, no lyrics, no beats nothing.
Another example of a internet need writing A comment Bc he has nothing else to do. You didn’t even hear the album just read the review and act like you listened to his music. Stop it!!
More dumb /mindless noise for the listening public … Stop it exactly !!
Only blacks glorify killing each other in their “music” .It’s no wonder US blacks are getting killed by civil servants/cops who are paid by the tax paying public and no one gives a fuck and everyone blames the victim’s not the perpetrators .
Good luck with the rap career your gonna need it
3 people have voted ….0 is the most popular ranking ….Makes sense
Garbage
Shit’s garbage son..straight doodoo.
Bumplay – Living Loser
Straight trash
He missed the mark slightly. Sad
Should have been at least 3.5. The people commenting here haven’t even listened to the album…probably too busy imagining how they’d fit 50 Cent’s cock all the way down their throats if ever given the opportunity. Oh well, you’re only missing out on a great album.
I imagine it’s thick as a coke bottle and tastes salty and pissy.
He called it a great album .HA HA HA HA HA HA
THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD WILL CURSE YOU FOR THESE WORDS. MAY THE FLEAZ OF A THOUSAND CAMELS INFEST YOUR UNDERGARMENTS!!! ALLAH FUCKBAR!!! ALLAH FUCKBAR!!! ALLAH FUCKBAAAAARRRRRR!!! (fart)
dope album!!
#repeat
#TRASH
I was a little disappointed, it’s pretty decent but I know if Gunplay had the right promotion and production he’d be capable of making a classic. His wordplay is clever and unpredictable, probably the most talented crack head of our era.
beats are dope. so album is dope for me. its all about beats.
0.0 starz is about right fo dis piece of shit album
I think he’s dope. I don’t get all the hate aside from the sound/content being dated.. Regardless it sounds solid, his wordplay and lyricism are tight and have solid concepts delivered. I don’t think it’s amazing but it’s definately a solid project and not 1.3 or even 3 imo. I gave it a 5 to off set the hatery.
thrash
*trash
Dope