The Backend Child

Somewhere between a Sunday service and a Southern Gothic novel with trap beats, the Mobile, Alabama, rapper makes a strong, soulful impression on the follow-up to 2018’s *Neighborhood Hero*. On *The Backend Child*, NoCap’s twangy, melodic bars are pure heart-on-sleeve candor, wrestling with old problems in the face of newfound fame: “Who would’ve knew that dying was so easy? Who would’ve knew that it’s so hard alive?” he raps on “Demons,” a collaboration with fellow Alabama native OMB Peezy. The highlight is “Ghetto Angels,” a gorgeous gospel number dedicated to the dead homies.

NoCap's 2018 debut mixtape Neighborhood Hero established the core elements of his style; huge beats, catchy choruses heavy on Auto-Tuned crooning and lyrics that wove together the desperation of street life, tireless ambition, and hints of humor.