DJ Drama enlists a flurry of hip-hop stars in his latest album “I’m Really Like That.”
Our rating: 9.6/10
DJ Drama has been a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry for over a decade. He is best known for founding Aphilliates Music Group alongside Don Cannon and starting the iconic Gangsta Grillz mixtape series that is still going strong today, 19 years later.
His career has seen him host mixtapes for some of the biggest names in the industry, including T.I., Jeezy, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, and Fabolous. Drama has even released five solo albums to date, with the latest being “I’m Really Like That.”
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Welcome to the ultimate breakdown of DJ Drama’s latest project, “I’m Really Like That.” With features from some of the biggest names in the game, this album is a guaranteed hit.
The album opens with “Legendary,” featuring Yung T, who details the influence that the Dedication mixtape series had on him during his adolescence. The instrumental, produced by Don Cannon, is rich and drumless, allowing Yung T’s lyrics to take center stage. Unfortunately, “Ho4me” by A Boogie wit da Hoodie is a disappointing trap/pop rap ballad about taking it slow, which fails to impress.
“Raised Different” by Jeezy and the late Nipsey Hussle takes a more somber approach, touching on being made in the streets, while “F.M.F.U. (F**k Me F**k U)” by Gucci Mane and Lil Wayne pays homage to Keyshia Ka’oir Davis and Denise Bidot, respectively. This hit track is sure to have you vibing along, despite the Cherish-inspired beat. With lyrics about shooting at haters and “skeet skeeting everywhere,” this track is unapologetically trill. And if you don’t agree, well, as the title suggests, “IT’S F**K YOU!”
“Free Game” sees Uzi and 42 Dugg teaming up to get in their bag over a Detroit trap beat from Helluva, while “350” by Rick Ross and Westside Gunn delivers some fly braggadocio.
“G Herbo & Mozzy” is a lavish trap banger about how they ain’t going anywhere, leading into “No Weakness” by Symba, T.I., and Wiz Khalifa. The latter has a more cinematic groove to the instrumental as they remind listeners that no one is built like them. “Mockingbird Valley” by Jack Harlow is one of the weaker cuts on the album, despite Don Cannon’s smooth production.
Fortunately, “Forever” by Benny the Butcher, Fab, and Jim Jones makes up for it with its victorious trap beat and the razor-sharp lyricism from all three MCs. This track is a true representation of what DJ Drama’s albums are all about – crafty punchlines, street-certified lyrics, and confident deliveries. The infectious hook by Capella Grey will have you feeling like a hood hero in no time.
“Andale” by Moneybagg Yo and Offset is a decently aggressive cut. This action-packed trap beat will have you feeling like you’re on the streets of Atlanta. With ruthless, competitive, and violent rap verses from both Offset and MoneyBagg Yo, this track delivers exactly what you would expect from a DJ Drama project.
“Iron Right” by Boosie Badazz, OMB Peezy, and the late Trouble is another dull moment from the annoying bed-squeaking sounds throughout the slick instrumental. This nostalgic beat will take you back in time, but don’t let that fool you. The infectious hook by Boosie Badazz, along with Trouble’s playful and braggadocios verse and OMB Peezy’s passionate and competitive verse, will have you going crazy in the club.
The penultimate track “I Ain’t Gon’ Hold Ya” by Jeezy was originally first heard on his latest effort, Snofall, and is a welcome addition to this album. The song “We Made It” by CyHi the Prynce wraps things up with a heartwarmingly melodic trap song about success.
And finally, at number one, we have “Raised Different” featuring the late Nipsey Hussle, Jeezy, and Blxst. This track is beyond powerful, with a posthumous verse from Nipsey Hussle that will give you goosebumps. Jeezy pays homage to the fallen and gives us wise street advice, while Blxst blesses us with an infectious hook that will have you appreciating getting out of the hood even more.
As someone who also grew up on the iconic Gangsta Grillz series, I personally found Drama’s last three solo albums to be subpar at worst and mediocre at best. However, “I’m Really Like That” is a solid comeback for Drama and his best full-length release in a while. The guest performances are consistent, as are the production choices, and the theme reflecting on Drama’s journey in the game and the relationships he’s built over the years further reminds us of his legacy as one of the greatest mixtape hosts ever.
DJ Drama: The Unsung Hero of Hip-Hop Mixtapes Takes Over with “I’m Really Like That” – A Studio Album That Feels Like a Glorified Mixtape! From street anthems to club bangers and emotional tracks, the legendary DJ brings together an unexpected but impressive lineup of hard-hitting rappers that will leave you wanting more. And let’s not forget his iconic adlibs that will have you hyped up and ready for anything. DJ Drama is here to take the throne!”
