YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s Until Death Call My Name didn’t arrive with the type of push that’s typically associated with a major label debut album. Instead, Atlantic Records quietly dropped the LP after some delays due to the Baton Rouge native’s indictment on charges of aggravated assault and kidnapping.
The LP’s release being thrown into disarray by an arrest was fitting. The 18-year-old rapper’s career has been mired in legal woes.
Throughout Until Death Call My Name, YoungBoy is keenly aware of his troubled circumstances. Unlike many of his teen rap peers, YoungBoy is consumed with reality instead of trying to escape it. Pain is a central theme of the album.
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On “Preach,” YoungBoy openly admits to crying while he was behind bars and seeks forgiveness from his mother over the keys of DJ Swift. Although he can’t seem to detach himself from the behavior that landed him in prison, there’s contrition within him. “Gotta pray before I sleep, the devil talk to me/ Gotta get ’em out my dreams ‘fore he take over me,” he raps on “Traumatized” before jumping into a tale of regret on “Worth It.”
The hard-living youngster’s speedy entry into parenthood — spurred on by fathering multiple children before even being able to legally drink alcohol — is one reason for his search for atonement. He references his kids multiple times on the album, often imagining a world where they’re left alone because he’s either dead or in jail. It’s a grim but real possibility when he shares his willingness for violence, not to mention his looming domestic abuse case.
The melodic abilities of YoungBoy serve him well in creating catchy cuts, each tailor-made for today’s rap landscape. The hook on “We Poppin” is particularly infectious and meshes seamlessly with Drumma Boy’s bouncy production. It has all the makings of a summer hit save for the albatross that is Birdman’s guest appearance.
The LP’s other major collaboration, “Right Or Wrong,” is also a misfire. Future’s verse is completely disconnected from the actual subject matter of the song and the sparse production from Big Korey and DJ Montay are equally out of place.
While YoungBoy does well with the “sing-song” style, his most impressive performances come when he ramps up the ferocity and spits straight bars. “Overdose” works perfectly as an opening salvo, displaying his command and presence on a Bighead instrumental that pummels listeners over the head with thunderous bass. “Diamond Teeth Samurai” is the album’s crown jewel though, implementing Lil Wayne’s classic “Tha Block Is Hot” hook for an updated rendition.
The Weezy parallel is hard to ignore; he was also a teen rap sensation from South Louisiana when he made the song almost 20 years ago. But what makes “Diamond Teeth Samurai” work beyond nostalgia and its connective tissue is YoungBoy’s wordplay.
“Whole lotta killing, Helter Skelter like I’m Charles Manson/ These niggas hating, I keep that hammer, all these diamonds dancing/ Me and Meek Mill watchin’ movies in Rick Ross’ mansion/ You disrespect, I up the TEC and let you niggas have it/ 23 shots, Lebron James, I shoot the Cavalier/ These niggas speaking on my name, I’ma get it clear,” he raps on the first verse.
Until Death Call My Name, much like its creator, has its issues but beams with promise. YoungBoy is extremely polished for his age, which would normally bode well for a burgeoning artist.
Instead, his inability to stay out of trouble casts doubt on his future in Hip Hop.
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Actually went in this expecting to hate it but it’s not so bad at all. Too many songs tho
Trouble, right that’s how i also would define being a monster and beating the hell out of a woman. You guys are disgusting.
Wordplay?
“Me and Meek Mill watchin’ movies in Rick Ross’ mansion/ You disrespect, I up the TEC,” lol.
Doesn’t take much to impress you guys…oh look, a squirrel…
You literally just picked one line to fit your narrative.
Very good album. Kid has a lot of potential and skill. Wish the best for him
I like it
4.1
I think this kid stands out among the newer rappers simply because he can REALLY rap! He’s got a great flow and along with the melodic hooks, makes bangers to ride to. The wordplay is impressive at times too, the beats bang, and there is substance in his rhymes as well.
An interesting new talent who should not be overlooked.
I feel the music causes he real and he tell the truth about his life he don’t need someone to write his music causes it comes natural cause it’s the truth people always want to judge u on the cards u was delt in life he got it out the mud Louisiana love u YoungBoy u are very talented and u are the next young Super Sart in this rap hate it or love. The song Nicki Minaj go hard as fuck i can’t lie u did that also the coldest Young Boy???????
man he did his things ppeople still look up to him let him do him a youngboy
My favorite rapper
Best album out only behind Nipsey’s.
The album is fire across the board you don’t have to support his actions but that shouldn’t effect your opinion on his music his personal life aint all business anyway
Best Ive heard expecting more heat in the future
Overdose, preach, villian, outside today. Best songs
3.8 ??♂️??♂️??♂️ Stop it hottest album in YEARS #Facts
Hottest Album
Album of the year
awful
this is bad
Yeah
Fire ass album
I thought maybe this site would have an unbiased review of the album because, you know…that’s professional. But…nope. I had no idea of this kids troubles before I heard the album…and I thought this was one of the best bodies of work I’ve heard in YEARS from ANYbody. Smh.
Fuck your criticism, why can’t you rap if you can then. Homosexual.
One of the hottest out right now and he’s young. So many different vibes and moods on this album, I can go back to it for any situation I’m in. Play this album daily.
Actually a really good album, I can listen to the whole album without skipping, that’s hard to do with today’s albums…
This is album is better than most modern rap albums