FatBoy

With runaway chart hits and viral dance crazes baked in, BlocBoy JB came to prominence with the 2018 mixtape *Simi*. In line with that predominantly Tay Keith-produced effort and its handful of follow-up projects, the Memphis rapper’s long-awaited debut album showcases his affinity for unconventionally effective hooks served over spare yet snappy trap beats. Though he easily could have used *FatBoy* as an opportunity to trend-hop, instead he proudly doubles down on his own wave. “Hot” and “Carlton” recall the minimalist keyboard thump and anthemic hustle of his breakout single “Rover,” while cogent cuts like “Do It for Me” and the unexpectedly soulful “Sista” diverge enough from that proven formula to keep the proceedings musically diverse. Not surprisingly, guests including NLE Choppa and Yo Gotti thrive under these conditions, free to be themselves and come correct as BlocBoy so clearly does.