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NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, just dropped his new studio LP, MASA (Make America Slime Again), which features 30 tracks including pre-released singles like Diesel, Where I Been, Kickboxer, and more.
NBA YoungBoy's new album MASA
He made the decision to drop it on the same day as the announcement of his 13th child — his third with his wife, Jazlin Hayes. The 25-year-old has also featured collaborations from artists like Playboi Carti on Fire Your Manager and Mellow Rackz on Cold World on his 8th studio album.
Here are all 30 tracks ranked from best to worst:
Finest
More than anything else, this beautiful track really makes you listen to what the rapper is trying to say.
“They tellin’ me I’m that guy, while off inside I’m still holdin’ all the feelings of a child,” he cries.
And,
“Pray on my knees at night so the angels see I am not who they said I am,”
As he absolutely pours out his heart on this song.
Shot Callin
Sounding as feral as ever, this high-energy song perfectly balances YoungBoy Never Broke Again's usual delivery with some interesting piano chords, making the song very authentic.
Diesel
Diesel is just a good time in the form of a song. With its funky beats, you can tell that he was also bouncing around and having fun while spitting. There is a really interesting blend of smooth flow and rapid delivery that NBA YoungBoy manages.
Kickboxer
As you will see going down this list, it is one of the few fun, surprising listens on the LP. It is a compilation of a catchy beat, smooth flow with clear enunciation by NBA Youngboy and rapid delivery that showcases his talent.
Fire your Manager ft. Playboi Carti
A collaboration, Fire Your Manager, features Playboi Carti, and it is quite visible as it seems to be more of a Carti track than showcases NBA Youngboy as an artist. Though it might be commercial, the track does have a fun, unique blend of the two.
Where I've Been
This track can only be described as one of the most emotional and deep tracks on the album, as it details NBA Youngboy's life experiences. He raps,
“Grandpa, how you been, man?/Made twenty-five doin’ time, I’m a grown man/Stare inside my eyes, tell no lies, I was fumblin’/I was totin’ that fire, rollin’ hard off of one Xan’/Tryna find my way without no compass.”
Priorities
With a more 80s vibe to it, the song has an amazing background track and is a visible distinction from some other tracks on the record where NBA YoungBoy is doing his usual rapping. The soulful background music also assists in the smooth flow of the lyrics.
Top Tingz
Uplifting and bold, this track stands out like a mixtape favourite, where confident braggadocio meets a smooth, catchy flow and infectious beat.
MASA
In the best way, MASA proves why it is the right title track for the album, Make America Slime Again, as it covers various themes, such as partying and exorbitant displays of wealth, without sacrificing the flow.
Cold World ft. Mellow Rackz
Cold World, featuring Mellow Rackz, just proves that these two singers' distinct sounds work well together and create a musical symphony. Their voices act like Yin and Yang on this track.
Alter
Another ballad-style ode, Alter, depicts NBA YoungBoy's salvation, as he delivers heartbreaking lyrics to his mother for not being a better son. He leaves behind his tough street persona for a moment and sounds like he's tapping into something genuine and raw here.
I'm Ready
With a French intro, the song leaves an impact from the get-go. The track is the first reflective point in the album, and represents what he has experienced these past few years as he raps,
“Who the f—k these people making the comment or even get inside my business?/ You ain’t here right now, I’m f—ked up stranded/ You wasn’t even out there when I was spinnin’/ Me and Big B, twin 223’s, hanging out that window, I landed in prison/ Slept with my brother, no mattress, no cover/ Grew up in the gutter, I had to go get it."
If You Need Me
MASA also has a heartfelt and deep aspect to it, and this song is the perfect representation of it.
"You need me like I need you/When I'm distant, baby, it hurts too/Let me know that you care as much as I do"
Slimretta
This song is all about its vibes. It is a quite soulful song that you can nod your head along to. It has this low lighting, evening mood visual to it.
BIG
Big can be described as just a way for the young rapper to flex his wealth and prosperity, and it doesn't leave much to aspire to.
Games of War
In one line, this song would have been a better fit as the Intro to the album, as yet again, he tiptoes the line between singing and rapping.
Burn
Burn is another beautiful ballad by the Baton Rouge rapper, and it serves as another opportunity for him to reflect on how he wishes to support his partner. However, it still sounds like YoungBoy is playing it safe and, at times, seems bored.
Morocco
Morocco does a full 360 compared to the rest of his songs, as it has a softer, more soulful quality to it, again representing his versatility.
Peepin
Though NBA Youngboy did try to create an impact with this song, it felt as if there was a lot of back and forth happening, leaving the point amiss. Compared to the other songs in the album, which have much more meaning, "Peepin" has become skippable.
When Time Pass
When Time Pass can only be described as a "Dear Diary" style entry by the rapper. There is a motivation behind the lyrics, as represented in,
“That life get bad, you might get sad, but when you stay up on it, come with bands/And when it come with setbacks, you just sit back and dissect that/And when things don’t work out, you accept that.”
F*ck The Drugs
Though the song itself is laden with deeper meaning and themes, the tone and lyrics might not have translated the message quite well. The song represents NBA YoungBoy's past troubles with drugs and how he is trying to rise above them, but maybe this was not the best way to go about it.
No F*ck
This song was a fun switch-up on NBA Youngboy's part as it not only showcases the artist's range and versatility, as it switches from rapping to singing, but it also shows that he does have the capability to step out of his comfort zone. Most of all, with success, it could also encourage him to do this more often.
Get Up With Us
The only way to describe Get Up With Us is as a filler song, as in itself it doesn't say much and also doesn't quite represent the sound of NBA Youngboy. Though it speaks of important topics like sex, violence and drugs, the high-octane shouting of the song diminishes the seriousness of the themes.
Combat Boots
The 16th track on the album is the perfect midpoint to the album, as it isn't good or bad; it just represents the rapper doing his own thing, and that would work well for die-hard fans.
Wine & Dine
A fun and refreshing new beat, the song depicts a calmer tone as compared to the rest of the album, which features an NBA Youngboy with a higher, louder and faster pitch. However, towards the end, he does end up transitioning back to his usual shout rapping.
Myself Pt. 2
Another track on the album that feels dated or something that was created back in the day but never released. However, if you have been a longtime fan, then you would surely enjoy the flow.
Cash Shit
A slightly different vibe than the rest of the LP, the song starts out fine; however, the continuous vocal riff in the background grows to be annoying after the first 30 seconds. The song also feels like a compilation of pop culture references.
Lo
The biggest issue with Lo is that it isn't quite clear what the song represents or, in fact, what it means. Given the dark themes in the album, it can be described as an unnecessary track.
My Sh*t
The opening track of the album, My Shit, feels quite unevolved as compared to the rest of the music on the album and possibly represents NBA Youngboy's older work more than what he is trying to say in this record.
XXX
Possibly the most problematic song on the album, especially according to fans, as XXX features a shout-out to the president and not in a satirical way. President Donald Trump granted YoungBoy an unexpected pardon and freed him from prison.
"Whatever Trump doin', b***h it's good for the youngins," he raps.
The song also starts with the tune of the Star Spangled Banner.
The album, though, does show the growth of NBA Youngboy as an artist; in simpler words, it did not need to be this long, as the point he was trying to make has essentially gotten stretched out.
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