Steve 'Flash' Juon“I done paid my dues, ain’t got no mo’ to give”
Accurate statement is accurate. The Mobile born and Sacramento based OMB Peezy has been rapping since the 2010’s and turned 29 last month. He’s neither new at this or young in this game. He’s also not new to drama as the rap star was accused of firing shots at others and in turn has had his van shot up. Thankfully no lives were lost in either case. It’s frustrating that rappers talked about stopping the violence in the 1980’s and not only have things not progressed it feels like they’ve actively regressed. Are there not enough positive role models? Is it easy and affordable to get guns both legally and illegally? Is the endemic of poverty and disenfranchisement in America’s inner cities making shortcuts more attractive? Is it jealousy of the haves from the have-nots?
“At night, I can’t sleep
I’m weighed down by the shit that I did”
“Better and Better” is not here to provide the answers to those questions (spoiler – it’s ALL of those things, and so many more). I do notice a difference about OMB Peezy compared to his rap-singing peers though. It may be subtle, but it feels important to me. Peezy is not proud of any bad things he did in his past, and on songs like “Rolling Stone” his bars seem defensive as opposed to offensive. He just wants to keep things moving but the haters are constantly trying to derail his train. It’s not that he wants the smoke. The smoke keeps coming his way regardless.
“I ain’t got shit to my name, what the fuck they want from me?
I don’t know if they hear passion or they hear pain when I speak”
Even his song titles suggest Peezy is conflicted. He says “Thugs Don’t Cry” and the implication is that not showing emotion is toxic masculinity. You might assume “Thug Me Like Dat” contradicts that idea unless you listen to the song. It’s actually the woman in his life who is asking why he’s treating her so bad. Let’s stop here and consider this for a moment — when was the last time you heard somebody rap about their partner being mad without spending most of the same song cancelling her, sleeping with her friends, physically assaulting her or all of the above? Peezy is liberal with his use of the word “bitch” but the context is what’s interesting. He tells her side of the story and his. You could almost call it empathy. He’s still a bit controlling and manipulative but at least she’s a person with real emotions and not just a ho for him to fuck and dispose of. You might even say he cares that she’s mad at him.
Peezy continually walks that fine line throughout his latest album. He has to show out for his peers so they don’t doubt his credibility, and he has to flaunt for his fans so they respect his hustle. Little by little though the vulnerability and insecurity that makes him relatable leaks out though on tracks like “I’m Always Wrong.” I counted over a half-dozen producers throughout his album so shouting out individual names feels counterproductive, but the light touch of pianos and drums on “Make It Forever” gives it the feeling you could learn the song and sing along with him. “Thaddy” (Thug + Daddy) could easily make the drive-time mix on your local FM channel with minimal edits. I do mean “drive” too. This is enjoyable to listen to when you’re on the go. It’s super chill.
Let’s call it what it is here. “Better and Better” doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it didn’t stick a bunch of nails in it and keep riding it until the tire deflates and the tread shreds on the rim. OMB Peezy is not going to the top of the list as a humanitarian or role model, but he comes across as less interested in beefing and more interested in chilling and having a good time. He’s also not selfish. He wants his friends and lovers to have a good time too. As I said before these may be subtle differences but when so many sing-rappers are cookie cutter carbon copies of each other, little things like this add up and make OMB Peezy’s album easier to recommend to you.