Gunna “The Last Wun” Album Review

How far does the ceiling attain for Gunna? The Atlanta rapper’s skilled a resurrection of a profession that, in most different instances, would’ve resulted in both consequence of the YSL RICO case: keep down with the staff and take it to trial, as he as soon as rapped alongside Younger Thug, or cop a plea that will compromise his integrity and depart him labeled a rat. As a lot because the latter turned the narrative in sure circles, it turned more and more apparent that he found out easy methods to drown out the noise. He misplaced respect in some corners, turning into a punchline in avenue rap akin to Tekashi 6ix9ine when betrayal and loyalty are in query. However avenue codes apply to the streets, and Gunna’s been transferring like somebody bored with preserving the narrative that first catapulted him to fame. He’s overwhelmed snitching allegations earlier than, so this new section of his profession feels much less shocking than it does overdue.

As a lot as he’s floated by way of the business post-incarceration comparatively unscathed—save for a couple of pictures from Younger Thug and friends—the enterprise facet loomed over him. The Final Wun, his third album since launch and first since Younger Thug’s, seemingly resolves this because it reportedly marks his remaining album underneath YSL. Although nonetheless backed by a serious label, his pull inside hip-hop has been restricted. With out Thug, Lil Child, Future, or Drake, he’s needed to rebuild from the bottom up—leaning on the identical basis that made his sticky melodies and sing-song murmurs gospel for all issues fly. Turbo’s hand in many of the 25-song tracklist roots Gunna within the very sound that made him thrive in streaming, proving the lane he started carving underneath Thug’s wing has solely widened.

The dearth of street-centric content material has aided his return, particularly as he’s distanced himself from these narratives. It could’ve been straightforward—and disastrous—to attempt to reassert avenue credibility. As an alternative, he understands that the present hip-hop demographic consuming his music probably cares much less about what he says and extra about how he makes them really feel. There’s defiance on the plaintive “many nights,” the place he weighs rebuilding what he misplaced through the YSL trial in opposition to fractured loyalty. However these themes are extra foundational to sharper information like “simply say dat,” the place he fires again at rappers who discounted him, or “biting my recreation,” a basic Gunna glide over woozy steel-string guitar, pairing Maybach pillows and chinchilla rugs with $100 million ambitions and haters within the rearview.

For each shot at detractors, The Final Wun additionally performs like a victory lap. On “at my purest,” he and Offset toast European luxuries and actual property over crystal-clear manufacturing; “sakpase” compares a yacht’s drift to his Wraith over shiny textures. These moments really feel larger than business makes an attempt to blackball him—helped by a fanbase that leans closely feminine. “gp” retains his hedonistic flexes and “pushin p” ethos intact.

Maybe most telling, Gunna’s accepted that the hitmakers as soon as in his nook are gone. Exterior of Offset, the one rap characteristic comes from YSL signee Nechie on “i can’t really feel my face.” As an alternative, he’s burrowed into a global pocket. Burna Boy’s verse on “wgft” drapes moody sensuality over the beat; WizKid’s “without end be mine” blends seamlessly with Gunna’s romance-heavy mode. Not all crossovers land—Asake’s “satisfaction” layers tribal choirs in ways in which really feel outdoors Gunna’s lane—however they work as a rule.

Nonetheless, the album isn’t all bottle service and passport stamps. “made for this sh*t” traces goal by way of Atlanta come-up to international rap star, even at the price of his mentor’s tutelage. “cfwm” sees him swatting away doubters, with what seems like a refined jab at Thug. Right here, ache, betrayal, and false narratives fade in favor of his personal peace.

At 25 songs and over an hour lengthy, The Final Wun can really feel overextended. Gunna’s music works as ambient luxurious—straightforward to let play with out a lot thought—which has been each his present and limitation. There’s little progress past his well-worn strengths, even when his private life has developed.

In three post-release albums, Gunna’s confirmed he hasn’t misplaced his footing. He’s not attempting to win again naysayers—solely to gasoline his base. Internationally, the place avenue codes carry much less weight, he has the room to pivot. However the lingering query is how lengthy he can repackage the identical flexes, the identical tales, earlier than the viewers calls for extra.