In the bustling realm of modern trap, where reinvention and innovation consistently reign, Yo Gotti and DJ Drama again join forces for a sequel that takes us down memory lane. I Showed U So, the successor to their acclaimed 2006 collaboration, “I Told U So,” dropped this past Friday. The project is a compact offering that attempts to recapture Memphis hip-hop’s golden era. However, upon diving into I Showed U So, it becomes apparent that while it treads well-traveled ground, it may struggle to stand out amidst the noise.
Emerging from the streets of Memphis, Yo Gotti provides his seasoned experience to I Showed U So, a ten-track endeavor that runs under a half hour. The album notably features two guests, as Moneybagg Yo and Rich Homie Quan inject their respective flairs into their collaborations. Gotti and Drama created the project in one week, which could account for some of the album’s hit-and-miss qualities.
Yo Gotti & DJ Drama
From the get-go, DJ Drama’s raucous yells infiltrate the album, infusing it with an unapologetic sense of grandiosity. This boisterous energy effectively transitions from track to track, underlining Yo Gotti’s aura of confidence. As the album unfolds, it becomes evident that the dark and brooding 808-heavy production is this record’s standout aspect. The prevalent low-toned bell chimes and hard-hitting snares harken back to a distinct Memphis sound.
While Yo Gotti has long been associated with tales of street wisdom, I Showed U So departs from his typical path. Rather than offering profound insights into his way to success, this album leans heavily into entertainment. The listener is invited to indulge in the more carefree aspects of Yo Gotti’s persona, a change of pace that suits the summertime release. However, this lyrical change may come at the cost of substance.
A sense of familiarity permeates the album, revealing a certain reliance on well-established themes. Yo Gotti, it seems, is content to rest on his laurels, delivering songs that feel more like a comfortable reiteration than anything close to a daring progression. This inclination towards comfort is most evident in a one-note song like “Ha Ha,” which, while palatable, lacks the element of surprise that propels albums into the realms of memorability.
Listen To “I Showed U So” Here
Amidst the ocean of predictable moments, one standout track emerges, shedding light on the potential within Yo Gotti’s repertoire. “1st Hunnid Bands,” the album’s second song, proves to be the zenith of I Showed U So. Here, Yo Gotti peels back layers, diving into his more introspective side. The ethereal beat is the perfect canvas for Gotti’s recollections. As the midwesterner walks us through his first experience acquiring a hundred thousand dollars. This glimpse into his past carries a weight that is missing from much of the album, with lines like “My first hundred P’s in the whip, can barely fit in there” landing with a sense of nostalgic accomplishment.
Admittedly, I Showed U So disappoints as the groundbreaking sequel die-hard Yo Gotti fans may have hoped for. While it nods to Gotti’s evolution since the 2006 prequel, it doesn’t break free from the shackles of the ordinary. I Showed U So is a passable entry in Yo Gotti’s discography. Still, it’s unlikely to find a permanent home in the rotation of listeners.
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