Artist 2.0

Photo provided by Flickr.com

A Boogie wit da Hoodie (real name Artist J. Dubose) has been a well known rapper since 2016. Many of his songs show up on Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Jaida Sorensen, Photographer

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie finally dropped his third studio album,Artist 2.0after delaying the release by a whole year from one Valentine’s Day to the next. He gave his fans the perfect anthem to listen to on the special holiday.

 “Artist 2.0is the sequel to his album “Artist,” which was released four years ago on Valentine’s Day. Boogie featured many well-known artists on his album such as: Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, Roddy Rich, DaBaby as well as Summer Walker. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Boogie said that his previous work was “mediocre.” Even though many of Boogie’s hit songs are classics, this proves that Boogie wants to keep growing as a rapper and that he wants to do so much more with his music. Boogie continues to rap about the harsh neighborhood in the Bronx where he grew up, and how he got out. His lyrics are very personal and captivating for that reason. 

The most catchy tack on this album is “Numbers (feat. Roddy Rich),” which in the chorus Roddy Rich raps about how he is ‘running up them numbers,” referencing artists who are making a lot of money. Although, there are moments in the song where it seems like Boogie and Rich think their wealth and high social standing is a game. Both of these rappers make it clear through this song that, just because they made it big does not mean they will stop acting “hood.” 

“Me and My Guitar,” is a very emotional song where Boogie raps/sings about his recent heartbreak. He explains throughout the song about the ending of a relationship and the loss of many close friends. He expresses how he is just happy to be alive because many of his buddies “either died or in the system.” Boogie believes if he didn’t start rapping he would be alongside them. This was a heartbreaking song after understanding the meaning behind his words. 

According to Uproxx, Boogie “undercuts his best rap work with droning, too-similar beats that don’t really require the best of him.” Many of his fans were disappointed with “Artist 2.0because it fell short of what they were expecting. Perhaps if he raps more about who he is or who he wants to be, his songs could end up being more memorable and perhaps less repetitive. “Artist 2.0 doesn’t really seem like an album, but instead a lot of songs that could be possible hits. However, Boogie has a lot of potential to be a great rapper and “Artist 2.0 proves that. 

There is a lot to love on this album, but also a lot to forget. This album definitely portrays Boogie’s strengths but just like any other album, there are a few duds that will, more than likely, be forgotten about. Nevertheless, Boogie gives his fans catchy music and brilliant lyrics that will certainly make the foundation of rap music for upcoming artists to walk on.