Gunna - 'Drip Season 3'

Young Thug ain’t so young anymore. Actually, many ATLiens might consider him the “big homie.” Atlanta’s burgeoning rap scene is a hub of new talent waiting to be discovered; and Thug is like a big brother surveying the current landscape.

Up-and-coming acts like Lil Baby sound like disciples of Thug. Still, Gunna is Thug’s true protege. He first made waves on Thug’s “Floyd Mayweather” record. Coming out of Atlanta himself, he’s signed to Thug’s YSL imprint and already has two mix tapes under his belt.

'Drip Season 3,' his latest mixtape, finds him basking in his newfound notoriety and dripping in luxury fashion. He’s secured features from Hoodrich Pablo Juan, Nav, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby, Metro Boomin, and even Thug himself.

If you listen for nothing else, you must tune into this project for the collaborations. Gunna seems to shine the most when he must exercise brevity. The presence of one or more artist(s) forces him to dig for catchy cadences, and diversify his portfolio of “dripping” brags.

It’s this delivery that makes “Oh Okay” a standout performance. It’s why his contributions to this track are more memorable than Young Thug and Lil Baby. Baby and Thug could have distinguished themselves more on this record; Baby’s verse bleeds into Thug’s as if the two were one rapper.

And while it’s evident that Baby and Gunna have taken cues from the Young Thug-manual, it’s clear that the former took more notes than the latter.

So while it’s easy to hear Thug’s style in Gunna’s music, this nuance doesn’t override what he brings to the table as an MC. His subject matter isn’t very versatile so this mixtape’s collaborations add supporting ingredients; but Gunna can stir the pot on his own too.

“Top Off” finds him rapping over a slick riff and colorful chord progression. Play this before and after you purchase that new car. Elsewhere, “Mistress” finds him reveling in the “sidepiece” archetype. Except, this stranger happens to be “independent” and have “long hair.” The song’s hook is lustful and nothing short of catchy.

Ultimately, this project’s faults are a product of its length and Gunna’s dedication to a few topics. After seventeen tracks (some of which are forgettable, like “Pedestrian”), I still know next to nothing about Gunna. This project would’ve benefited from a flare of transparency and personal narrative every now and then.

Because consequently, this mixtape revolves around fashion and swag. There’s very little to suggest that Gunna can—or will deviate from this. After all, his last few tapes were called 'Drip Season 2' and 'Drip Season'respectively.

If he churns out a 'Drip Season 4,' he should attempt to be a little more different. Because let’s face it: there are numerous Thug and Future disciples in Atlanta that are emulating this crooning, melodic-trap sound. Gunna is unique for the moment, but for how long?

Essential Tracks

• “At The Hotel” ft. Lil Uzi Vert & Young Jordan
• “Lies About You” ft. Lil Durk
• “Mistress”
• “Car Sick” ft. Nav & Metro Boomin
• “My Soul”
• “Oh Okay” ft. Young Thug & Lil Baby
• “Spending Addiction”
• “Top Off”
• “King Kong”

The Verdict

Gunna displays hit-making ability on his latest effort. As a cunning hook creator, and a crafty collaborator, he will continue to garner more followers and attention off the strength of his tunes. Even though Young Thug’s style has rubbed off on him, it hasn’t smeared his creative identity. With colorful, vibrant production, Drip Season 3 rains style and flavor. I look forward to seeing if he can expand his sound.

'Drip Season 3' is a B.