I GOT ISSUES

Whether condemning cops on the ruthless “FTP” or bragging about wealth on the outsized “BIG BANK,” YG always comes correct and direct. The bluntness of his delivery lends itself well to deathly serious topics as much as minor personal gripes, making the Compton rapper one of the most relatable figures in the game today. Largely a respite from the bleak themes of 2020’s *My Life 4Hunnid*, his follow-up *I GOT ISSUES* captures a comparatively lighter side of his engaging essence while simultaneously grappling with the tougher lessons gleaned from his lifestyle. Not surprisingly, YG’s views on women and relationships past and present proves one of the album’s most reliable recurring motifs. From the embittered finger-pointing tell-alls of “No Love” to the stressed-out grievances of “Baby Momma,” he offers up scathing and remorseless accounts to justify his perspectives. Buoyed by a throwback Mary J. Blige interpolation, “Toxic” leads to explicit situations amid a gruff assessment of contemporary hookup culture, while “Sober” gets him reflective and romantic opposite Post Malone and Roddy Ricch. Elsewhere on the guest front, he taps quirky alt fave Cuco and Latin trap spitter Duki for “I Dance,” his latest in a run of team-ups with Spanish-language collaborators.

The veteran West Coast rapper toggles between kickback anthems and pertinent reflections on his life and growth, but he’s missing the hunger and innovation of his best work.

Compton rapper YG flits between a few different forms of expression on sixth studio album I Got Issues, with moments of infectiously funky West Coast gangsta rap sitting beside R&B excursions and attempts at crossover pop.

If we’ve learned anything, it’s to never second guess YG. The Compton rapper is capable of moving from the most crass word play possible through to

YG’s ‘I Got Issues’ finds the Compton rapper getting defensive before the first track’s drum kick even drops. Read our review.