I was anticipating the release of Lil Baby’s follow up to My Turn to see how much Lil Baby had grown and see just how much better could be. It's Only Me, unfortunately, I have to say was a bit disappointing.  Lil Baby's 2020 album My Turn was a standout success, showcasing the rapper at his hungriest and earning him a place as one of the biggest names in the industry. His latest release, It's Only Me, however, falls short in comparison. While Lil Baby is known for his ability to manipulate language and turn even forgettable lines into something memorable with his voice, this skill is largely absent on the new album. Instead, his lyrics lack depth and emotion, resulting in a sense of indifference throughout the record.

One of the standout tracks on It's Only Me is "Heyy," which is carried by its catchy and humorous hook. However, other tracks like "From Now On" and "Everything" feels empty and lack emotional depth, with lyrics about buying too many houses or getting new veneers. "Danger" features some of the most routine lyrics of Lil Baby's career, but his delivery elevates the track and makes it one of the more memorable on the album. The intro is also pretty uninspired, and the collaboration with Young Thug feels like a leftover. The instrumentals and production from producers like Murda Beatz and Tay Keith are safe and forgettable. Without standout beats to support the album, the burden falls on Lil Baby's shoulders, and unfortunately, he isn't able to deliver. Despite the shortcomings of It's Only Me, Lil Baby remains a talented and authentic rapper. His flow is characterized by a sense of emotion and vulnerability, even when he is performing at a high tempo and his delivery is unmatched. Other standout tracks include “California Breeze” and “Forever” which both had a kind of melancholic vibe to it with Baby’s storytelling taking the wheel. I also really enjoyed the Pound Cake Ellie Goulding sample on “In a Minute” which is another track where Baby’s flow and delivery carry the song but the lyrics still felt a little empty. 

While Baby has achieved widespread success and is now able to fill stadiums with his performances, he still grapples with the challenges that come with fame. His music reflects his struggles with maintaining genuine relationships and his growing paranoia about increased surveillance. As he continues to mature as a lyricist and stylist, it will be interesting to see where Baby's music takes him next. I would love to hear a project where Baby gets deeper and provides more memorable bars and punchlines a la “Emotionally Scarred” “The Bigger Picture” “Close Friends” “Life Goes On” or another anthem like “Freestyle” or “Oh Okay” where the beat isn’t taking the backseat but is right there with Baby.

Overall, It's Only Me is a step down from Lil Baby's previous work, but that doesn't mean it's a complete failure. While it may not be the album that solidifies his place at the top of the rap game, it's still worth a listen for fans of Lil Baby's style and those looking for a glimpse into the mind of a rapper who is still learning and growing as an artist. Despite its flaws, It's Only Me has some standout tracks that showcase Lil Baby's unique voice and ability to convey genuine emotion through his lyrics. It's Only Me serves as a reminder that even the biggest and most successful rappers can stumble. While it may not be the album that fans were hoping for, it's still worth checking out for its standout tracks and glimpses into Lil Baby's personal struggles and growth as an artist. As a fan, I'm excited to see what he has in store for us next.

Standout Track and What To Add to your Playlist

California Breeze 

Forever 

FR

Never Hating 

In a Minute 

Apex Rating 
2/5