Album review: Gunna ‘a Gift & a Curse’
Sports and Music Editor Will Lyons takes a close look at the latest release from Atlanta rapper Gunna. Following the YSL trial this looks to be one of his most interesting bodies of work to date.
Five months after his release from prison Gunna is back with his fourth studio album ‘a Gift & a Curse’. After being labeled a rat and supposedly being black listed by the many “street” dudes in the industry Gunna went 2016 LeBron James in the booth with a 15 track album with no features and an even more impressive stat with zero skips.
Since he hit the scene with his debut album in 2019 Gunna has steadily improved and climbed to the top of the trap scene. His affiliation with YSL boss Young Thug and other stars like Lil Baby quickly put Gunna near the top of the game after many standout verses and hit songs. Lyrics filled with flash, money and power have become the norm for Gunna but social media seemed to turn on him after he signed a plea deal to distance himself from a RICO case. I can understand the discourse if you are really in the field but I cannot wrap my head around it as I am a civilian. Now back to the music.
This project has great production and Gunna really went in his bag giving fans his most personal album to date. He speaks on people changing up on him, being labeled a rat and even the loss of his brother. He gives fans that Wunna flow that he is known for with rapid fire verses over hard hitting beats tied together with melodic choruses in a way only Gunna can.
Standout Tracks
‘Fukumean’/’Rodeo Dr’ — I had to pair these songs together as the transition from Fukumean into Rodeo Dr is truly special stuff. They must’ve had to spray Gunna with a fire hydrant after he got finished recording these songs.
‘Bread and Butter’ — Transparency and vulnerability all in one track. Gunna even gets personal on those speaking ill on his name and how he was portrayed as a rat when others are in fact the informants. One of Gunna’s best tracks in my opinion.
‘Turned Your Back’ — Gunna was singing his heart out on this one. “I’m out here on my own, they throwing stones everyday.” A closer look into how others switched up to include a special lady in his life based on this song.
‘I Was Just Thinking’ — Another one of them ones. This is one of the most introspective songs on the album as Gunna reflects on his life.
Conclusion
Music is similar to sports and there’s no better way to get the people back on your side than to have a great game. ‘a Gift & a Curse’ is Gunna’s signature moment following up on the all the drama surrounding the YSL trial. 15 tracks of consistency and fire is a tall task especially after the entire world seemed to turn on you. I can admit that it’s a sad reality that we’ll probably never hear another Young Thug and Gunna collab but it is what it is at this point.
Gunna did what needed to be done and proved to the world that he doesn’t need high profile features from his former friends to return back to the top of the game. Wunna season is back just in time for the summer with a 10 out of 10 score on the album.
