Before PINK FRIDAY 2
I could sprinkle in a plethora of puns to kickstart this review, so let’s dive right in. Doja Cat boldly declared she was painting the town red affirming her genuine rap abilities. Meanwhile “REALLY HER” unveils Bia’s multifaceted artistry as a rap performer, carving out a distinct lane for herself. She effortlessly skates over various beats, showcasing a wide array of flows. The city girls stay true to their brand “scammin’, trickin, p***y rap” keeping it RAW.
The core elements that define a compelling rap song were skillfully employed in both the Scarlet and Really Her albums. Their verses featured themes of cash and contraband, timeless subjects in the rap genre since its inception. Additionally, they bragged about their charting positions, influenced by their individual popularity with fans. Lastly, in the true spirit of rap there were talks of being the best they engaged in comparisons with other artists, maintaining a respectful tone. However, while excelling in skill, the girls fell short in terms of audience engagement.
Doja pulled a reverse Nicki card, this is essentially her PinkPrint. She transitioned from crafting Pop-style melodies to vehemently affirm it’s ‘FTG.’ This marked a determination to establish herself as a serious competitor in the rap game. However, her dedication to creating a fully fledged rap album has been met with a certain mystique – her verses, seemingly lacking depth or narrative. Is it that our familiarity with her pop love ballads makes the exploration of themes like the genuine intricacies of “stanmanship” feel unfamiliar? It remains controversial to challenge the very system that supports your rap journey while still preserving the freedom to pursue your calling.
On the contrary, Bia delves into subjects less explored by other female rappers, with the exception of Nicki Minaj. While many female artists concentrate on body positivity, asserting their dominance, and embracing their sexuality, Bia sets herself apart by also drawing comparisons with the male counterparts and collaborating extensively with them. This dynamic sheds light on why Nicki has dubbed these artists as her “sons,” a recognition evident through prior collaborations.
RAW takes us on an exciting rap journey, kicking off with a clear disclaimer: don’t expect intricate lyricism from these two because they’re here to guide us on “how to get your freak on”. The rap duo excels in maintaining authenticity within the genre, evident in their commitment to their musical DNA showcased in their albums. They refrain from imitation, by staying true to their brand and unique sound that resonates with their audience which has established their long presence in the rap scene. Notable tracks include the melodic “Fancy Ass Bitch” (feat. Juicy J), and JT’s solo debut with “No Bars” and “Good Love” (feat. Usher) – proof that rap and sing collaborations are still thriving. Despite their catchy beats and bars, the rapping duo’s music remains dynamic, and their tracks carry a laid-back vibe.
Whislt Coi album was heavy on “sampling the sample that was already sampled.” Coi unimaginatively spins songs by men into #girlboss anthems. The stand out features include Giggs on Don’t Chat me Up, the single Players, Make my Day and Phuck it, introducing international hits to a new young audience on Tik Tok where she really made her mark. Sexyy Red and Ice Spice’s debut EP spun the summer of 2023.
Nicki is potentially pulling off the biggest rap album one-week drop of 2023, but it’s not just about the numbers — it’s about her evolution. The ones tuned in got to witness it. Despite the constant heat she catches for her moves, Nicki has been consistently killing it for 17 years. Speaking as a fellow Barb, I can objectively say PF2 is like experiencing a matured, finely-crafted, evolved version of Pink Friday in every aspect. In her radio talks, Nicki emphasizes going back to her roots, curating a track from the ground up, influenced by her genuine love for rap and approaching beats with heart. This is evident in the brilliance of her tracklist and choice of features. Similar to her early mixtapes, you can still sense the hunger and passion for the game, yet it’s clear she’s not out here competing for recognition as the best (even though she is). You can tell she had a blast this time around with the clever sampling, diverse flows, and those signature sing-song moments. True to the Nicki Minaj DNA, no doubt.
