Lil Durk makes waves from jail with the release of “Deep Thoughts.”
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TOP 5
5. Late Checkout (Ft. Hunxho)
In “Late Checkout,” Lil Durk shows us his vulnerable side. In the track, he reminisces about the meaningful moments he shared with his partner, reflecting on how she allowed him to be himself and grow. Featured artist Hunxho also pays tribute to his relationship, highlighting the loyalty and luxury they enjoy together. The song features an uptempo, emotional trap beat, with Durk delivering passionate melodic raps that real ones will appreciate. As for Hunxho, it almost sounds as if he recorded his part underwater. Overall, the track is a solid listen.
4. Can’t Hide It (Ft. Jhené Aiko)
“Can’t Hide It” completely changes the vibes of this album. Over a smooth R&B-infused beat, Lil Durk delivers melodic, introspective verses about his love for his woman, acknowledging how she makes him smile while admitting he can’t always mask his troubled past. Jhené Aiko complements the track with a sensual verse, effortlessly flowing over the beat as she expresses her desire for someone she sees as more than worthy of tossing her.
With its vintage-style chorus, seamless collaboration, and infectious vibe, “Can’t Hide It” gives this album an interesting R&B moment.
3. Vanish Mode
Lil Durk goes off on this track, delivering a raw performance over a menacing beat with a catchy tempo. He raps about everything from popping Adderall and passing women to his boys like Magic Johnson, to praying and going on violent missions. What really stands out is how he spits his bars with this addictive, fast-paced flow that keeps you hooked. The urgency in his delivery makes it feel like he’s racing against time; some s**t you should expect from someone who vanishes.
2. Turn Up A Notch
The first thing that grabbed my attention about “Turn Up A Notch” was the production. It’s hypnotic, reminiscent of the beats Roddy Ricch used to flow over in his early days. Lil Durk really shines here, delivering his signature emotional melodic raps that hit especially hard during the catchy chorus. Lyrically, Durk balances talking about his rough upbringing in the trenches, the lavish life he now leads, and his determination to elevate even higher. Out of all the tracks on this project, this is the one that featured the most dynamic version of Durk.
1. 1000 Times (Ft. Lil Baby)
What I love about Lil Durk and Lil Baby is how well they complement each other when they collaborate. In “1000 Times,” they manage to pick a beat that fits both of their styles perfectly. Lil Durk brings his signature dramatic melodic flow, while Lil Baby comes through with his urgent, assertive rapping style. Together, they dive into themes of loyalty, navigating relationships with baby mamas, ignoring haters, and staying smart in the streets. The track feels like a natural extension of their chemistry, and it makes me think that a The Voice of the Heroes part II project from them would hit hard as hell.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
1. Shaking When I Pray (3.5/5)
2. Keep On Sippin’ (4/5)
3. They Want To Be You (Ft. Future) (4/5)
4. Soul Bleed (4/5)
5. 1000 Times (Ft. Lil Baby) (4.5/5)
6. Turn Up A Notch (4.5/5)
7. Vanish Mode (4/5)
8. Monitoring Me (3/5)
9. Untouchable (3/5)
10. Notebook (No Hook) (4/5)
11. Can’t Hide It (Ft. Jhené Aiko) (4/5)
12. Wonderin’ Again (3.5/5)
13. Late Checkout (Ft. Hunxho) (4.5/5)
14. Thank You Glowed Up (3/5)
15. Opportunist (3.5/5)
16. Alhamdulilah (4/5)
17. Deep Depression (4/5)
RGM RATING
(75%)
Deep Thoughts showcases a significant evolution in Lil Durk’s artistry, striking a better balance between introspective moments and the crash-out energy his fans are used to. While his previous project, Almost Healed, had its transformative moments, Deep Thoughts feels more refined, offering an honest look into Durk’s ongoing struggles with demons, drug and alcohol use, and his commitment to religion despite life’s hardships. His content is raw and vulnerable, capturing the complexities of his journey through loss, relationships, and success.
However, the album’s production, with its standard emotional trap sound, didn’t fully captivate me. Additionally, some of Durk’s singing and rapping styles felt a bit dated, and I wished he’d explored a broader range of sounds. Despite these drawbacks, Deep Thoughts offers a solid emotional connection and provides valuable insight into Lil Durk’s current headspace. It’s a project worth a listen, especially for those interested in his growth as both an artist and a person.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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