4eva Us Neva Them

Criminal charges and incarceration have thwarted many a rapper’s career. For 42 Dugg, ongoing issues with law enforcement over the years threatened his momentum on more than one occasion, but none worse than the 18 months he spent in a federal penitentiary at the height of his popularity. On his proper album debut, *4eva Us Neva Them*, the Detroit native finally capitalizes on the mixtapes, singles, and features that propelled him to rap stardom. The impact of imprisonment on his point of view is felt early on in this roughly hour-long effort, beginning with the defensively hardened “Win Wit Us.” On “Fresh From the Feds,” fans get a closer look at his ever-defiant attitude as he navigates relatively newfound freedom. Things get personal on the brooding and mournful “Need You,” while “My Mama” lays out life lessons and experiences that inform his enduring survivor’s principles. Even though the topics can well in dark corners, *4eva Us Neva Them* is hardly some dour affair. On “N.P.O.,” he turns up with Sexyy Red over a booming beat that reliably supports their respectively explicit lyrics. Though inherently menacing, “Catch 1” accomplishes the aims of his aggressive intentions over a rugged trap instrumental that works in the whip as well as the club. Along the way, he’s also joined by friends and frequent collaborators like EST Gee and Lil Baby, who continue to have his back on “Since When” and “No Love,” respectively. A couple of choice cosigns from more experienced street rappers feel like hip-hop coronations for Dugg as well, particularly when going back and forth with Young Jeezy on the slang-heavy “BMF.”