SPEAK NOW relates to a type of reinvention, as 2023’s Hard to Love left Moneybagg Yo deep in contemplation and frequently exploring the darker themes of trap. The Memphis rapper focuses more on the joys than the suffering in this scene, which is clearly indicative of the project’s hypersexual theme. After taking the lead with the thunderous opening duet, “ALL YEAR,” and “SPEAK,” he goes on to seek extravagances with “TIC TAC TOE” and “TRYNA MAKE SURE.”
With lyrics as shamelessly honest as ever in his extensive record, “BUSSIN” and the club-ready “TABOO MIAMI” make it evident that he has been out hunting for someone to match freak. Lil DURK keeps it raw on the street feast “GANGSTAS RELATE,” while Chris Brown puts his swarthy R&B touch on “DRUNK OFF U,” a figurative mixology lesson where the lust is as powerful as top-shelf liquor. Subsequently, Morgan Wallen—a fellow Tennessee native of Moneybagg—applies that rustic syntax to his verse and hook contributions on “WHISKEY WHISKEY.”
Moneybagg Yo delivers 45 minutes of music that will for sure keep your head bopping. From the very beginning of the album to the very last song. It is kind of difficult to say it is not a good album from him.
