Album Review: Gunna Doesn’t Flounder on 'Drip or Drown 2'

In his second rendition of the Drip or Drown series, Gunna chooses all of the above.

Written by Thomas Galindo

Photo courtesy of YSL Records

A year since the release of his breakout record, Drip Season 3, Gunna has been riding a wave of growing popularity, and the Young Stoner Life rapper hasn’t come close to drowning yet. In the last year, he has not only been a hot commodity for features on albums from the likes of Future, Young Thug, Metro Boomin, and many others, but he also teamed up with fellow Young Thug apostle Lil Baby for the Drip Harder collab album. Sharing similar sounds, it was a match made in heaven for the two new rappers. However, despite having standout tracks like “Off-White VLONE” featuring Nav and Lil Durk and “Never Recover” featuring Drake, the record failed to live up to the hype. Drip or Drown 2 was another opportunity for Gunna to prove himself among rap’s up-and-comers, but he stayed about even-keel with his peers.

“I see you with it, I'm with it, my n----, let's get it,” Gunna says while ushering in his third studio album. From the start, the listener gets more of the trademark, smooth slime that fans go to Gunna for. The first five tracks feel like another win for the rapper. He reeled in the listener with effortless beat-riding, reminiscent of an experienced surfer going on his morning ride — no tricks, no crashing, just gliding.

But, this satisfaction doesn’t last long, as Gunna’s elegance transitions into a simple coast through the motions. After head-bopping tracks like “Outstanding” and “Cash War,” “Yao Ming” kicks off a drowsy and monotonous leg of the album. While each beat changes ever so slightly, Gunna’s flow lacks any variety. This run of five songs, with the exception of “Derek Fisher” featuring Lil Baby, makes the listener second-guess their enjoyment of the first five songs.

The beginning was much more focused and charismatic, and even had a switch of cadence every once in a while. In contrast, songs like “Idk Why” and “Speed It Up” had no business being on the album, because not even Gunna seems enthusiastic about them. It’s frustrating that an album under 50 minutes has so much filler. In “Baby Birkin,” Gunna sounds like he’s trying to use all of his might to break free of his borish tone, but simply cannot.

It isn’t until the godfather, Young Thug, comes in to pick up the tempo on the eleventh track, “3 Headed Snake” that Gunna seems to regain interest. The two bounce off each other well, and Thugger plays a major role in reviving the album. “She say my music art, and love it when I'm rappin' with a guitar,” Gunna proclaims in the track, and the listener would certainly agree with this mystery woman.

From this point on, more of the focus and energy we saw in the first few songs returns. Standout track “On a Mountain” contains the same brags about jewelry and money that all trap fans are used to, but features a high energy beat (for Gunna standards) that matches his energy. Performances like these remind the listener of the talent he brings to the table.

The last two tracks that conclude the album, “Same Yung N----” featuring Atlanta’s Playboi Carti and “Who You Foolin” have some of the bounciest beats on the project. Ending on a high note saved Gunna from dropping yet another disappointing project. Although the record didn’t elevate Gunna’s status in the rap game, it certainly kept him from plummeting (and he has his features to partially thank for that). Lil Baby and Gunna bounce back, Thugger reminds us why he's the originator of this rap style, and Playboi Carti’s deviation from this album style’s norm brings more interest to the tape. Although Gunna provides much of the same drip that is synonymous with his aura, Thugger plays lifeguard in saving Gunna from drowning on the project, and resuscitates him accordingly.