A song like “Her Story” is a good example of what the whole album could have sounded like. YG could have really taken this project as a chance to create a great concept album that not only paid tribute to the legacy of Nipsey Hussle, but also that was just an accurate depiction of what actually happens day to day in Los Angeles. The Spanish guitar sounds incredible and YG and Tyga each deliver solid verses, but the track drags on for too long and the Jon Z verse isn't necessary. An example of this would be the track “Go Loko”, which was released before the album came out.
Something that should be noted about 4REAL 4REAL is that songs are rarely ever bad completely, but they do at times falter near the middle or just become boring at a certain point. He takes this as an opportunity to get more adventurous with his flow and it works to benefit. The aforementioned “I Was on the Block” shows YG teaming up with two of the more unique voices in the industry right now in Valee and Boogie.
Though he is still able to deliver incredible club bangers like “Bottle Service” and “I Was on the Block”, he lets know what going behind his braggadocios exterior. As mentioned before this album was dedicated to Nipsey Hussle, so 4REAL 4REAL really give YG an opportunity to be more personal than he has ever been. These more thoughtful moments on the album prove to be the highlights of the project. The beat is very minimal and and the piano in the background sounds beautiful. There is sort of cut throat yet calm approach to the track that really allows YG’s storytelling ability to shine. “Hard Bottoms & White Socks” is one of the better tracks YG has put out in recent memory. The most difficult part of the album for me as a listener was getting past the first song. The two had grown very close, and because of the YG made sure that his project touched on him and all that he did for the community he loved so much. The album was released in memory of Nipsey Hussle whose untimely passing took a toll on many especially YG. YG will always have a loyal fan base and respect at least on the west coast, but 4REAL 4REAL is bigger than him. 2018’s STAY DANGEROUS had anthems like “TOO COCKY” and “BIG BANK”, but the body of work as a whole was largely seen as a disappointment. Since then he has been trying to regain the momentum he had coming off those two projects, but it has proved to be difficult. He has proved that he can deliver hits for years and with the releases of My Krazy Life back in 2014 and Still Brazy in 2016 he showed that he could also make quality albums. He honors the old G Funks sounds of California that have existed for years and reps his red flag unapologetically receiving love from many for it. He is as LA as it get and it comes through in his music. This is the exact situation YG has been in since he stepped foot in the rap industry. They make music for a certain group of people and if you like it that's great, but if you don’t, thats cool because it wasn't for you anyways.
Some artists are in a lane of their own completely.