Goat

Released just a few weeks shy of a year after his brilliant debut Die a Legend, Chicago melodic rapper Polo G's second album, The Goat, continues the unbroken and virulent hot streak that began with his first songs. The combination of emotional vulnerability, lyrical depth, and technical dexterity that locked into place on Die a Legend takes on new forms over the course of The Goat's 15 songs. There's still a fair number of tracks built around instrumentals led by sad piano loops and melodic sung/rapped flows about pain and tragedy. In addition to this well-worn style, however, Polo G collaborates with NLE Choppa and Stunna 4 Vegas on the breathlessly frenzied "Go Stupid," all three rappers in a state of violent overdrive as they plow through a Mike WiLL Made-It beat. A posthumous feature from Juice WRLD adds even more gravity to the emotive pop beat of "Flex," and unexpectedly devoted and romantic lyrics give "Martin & Gina" an uncharacteristically lovestruck feel. When Polo G's controlled melodic approach is paired with Mustard's masterful production on "Heartless," it results in one of the album's most immediately powerful songs. The Goat is full of daring approaches, intense performances, and skillfully constructed songs. Its best tracks give a sense that Polo G, already a captivating talent, is capable of even greater things. ~ Fred Thomas