A Track-by-Track review of Lil Baby's fourth studio album 'WHAM'

Lil Baby's fourth studio album, WHAM, was released last Friday (January 3) and is currently pulling in major numbers across streaming platforms.

The Atlanta rapper's latest project was distributed to all DSPs via Quality Control Music and Motown Records and is projected to sell over 100,000 album-equivalent units in its opening week.

Lil Baby announced the album's release with an Instagram post. In it, he narrates his thought process on creating WHAM (Who Hard As Me) over an emotional piano melody. The visuals feature several BTS shots of his day-to-day lifestyle as he speaks about his desire for success.

Alongside the album, Lil Baby, born Dominique Armani Jones, released the official music video for F U 2x, directed by Shaq Simmons, generating over 500,000 views since its upload on January 3, 2025.

Lil Baby's WHAM officially follows up on 2022's It's Only Me, which debuted at No.1 on Billboard 200, marking his third consecutive chart-topping album.

Breaking down Lil Baby's latest album 'WHAM'

Lil Baby's fourth studio album is a monster hip-hop project, kicking off 2025 with a 15-record tracklist. WHAM hosts guest appearances from major rap hard-hitters like Future, Travis Scott, GloRilla, and more.

A notable appearance that had the hip-hop community buzzing was the inclusion of frequent collaborator Young Thug on a record titled Dum, Dumb, and Dumber, which marks his first official drop since he was released on probation from the YSL Rico trial in November 2024.

Notable themes Lil Baby's fourth studio album explores throughout its 41-minute runtime have been listed below:

Success
Legacy
Growth
Wealth
Business
Love
Relationships
Family
Representation

Disclaimer: This review is rated explicit. Reader discretion is advised.

Listen Up

(Production Credits: London on da Track, Nick Lee, and Aaron Paris)

Lil Baby kicks off WHAM with a deep introduction that references his recent successes and more mature state of mind.

From referencing the acquisition of sports apparel company Mitchell & Ness for $250 million, of which he owned a small percentage, to speaking on the people still supporting him from the trenches, Listen Up acts as a reflection of Baby's desire to provide for those around him.

"No more spendin' more than I'm savin', lettin' this sh*t pile (Pile up) / Livin' kiddy, that sh*t was corny, I had to switch styles (Styles up) / Eight M's on the crib come from Section 8, man, this sh*t wild (Wild) / I took the lil' bros and I mold 'em, they know to hold it down (Hold this shit down) / I got lots of dollars and yens, and a whole lot of pounds," Lil Baby raps on 'Listen Up'.

Dum, Dumb, and Dumber (feat. Young Thug and Future)

(Production Credits: Wheezy and Juke Wong)

A massive ATL collaboration draws listeners in on track 2 titled Dum, Dumb, and Dumber, with Lil Baby hosting guest verses from Young Thug and Future.

The up-tempo hip-hop cut features infectious drum loops and melodies, building a highly enticing trap production, credited to Wheezy, that allows each rapper to deliver braggadocious verses for close to four minutes straight.

"Shawty mad, ain't goin' back and forth (Uh) / Never heard a rich n***a fuss (No) / Heard these n****s going out sad / 'Rari truck came with a bag / Only fu*kin' overseas sh*t / These U.S. b***hes kinda bad / College b***h, I made her leave a frat," Young Thug raps on 'Dum, Dumb, and Dumber'.

F U 2x

(Production Credits: DJ Champ)

Lil Baby opens on F U 2x with a bouncy melodic flow, supported by his catchy cadence and elevated rhyme schemes. The record is fueled by themes of excess, drug abuse, success, wealth, and legacy, as seen in lines like:

"Real livin' legend, I had million dollar spots (You want) / Cocaine water, baking soda in the spot (Whip up) / Whole lot of pounds, we ain't never runnin' out / Goin' Baby land crazy, six thousand a pop (Come trim) / Whole lot of hatin', n****s hopin' that you flop / Ol' broke a** n***a, you need to go and get a job (Broke)"

I Promise

(Production Credits: Wheezy, Southside, Frankie Bash, Thank You Fizzle, and Dez Wright)

One of the more emotional cuts on WHAM appears on I Promise, where Lil Baby delivers two deep verses that reference troubling relationships and early-day struggles, supported by a melodic hook that keeps listeners entertained throughout the track's runtime.

"I iced you out and had you shinin', but you really shady / You brought it up a couple years ago, we still debatin' / We barely know each other names, how you gon' keep the baby? / I can't believe you ungrateful, I paid off your Mercedes / You came around a couple times, but we ain't never dated," Lil Baby raps on 'I Promise'.

Redbone (feat. GloRilla)

(Production Credits: King LeeBoy and T9C)

One of the more interesting features on Baby's latest album appears on Redbone, where the Atlanta rapper teams up with Houston rap star GloRilla for a hard-hitting trap banger that explores themes of s*x, relationships, and wealth.

While the hook on this track doesn't stand out, the vocal performances and Glo's ad-libs elevate Redbone's listening experience.

"Hold up, stop the beat, Lil Baby, let me talk my sh*t / Ayy, my ex say I've been sh*ttin' on him, I'm genuinely poppin' sh*t (Ugh) / All my opps still broke as hell (Ugh), ain't that 'bout a b***h? / I don't do no young n****s, my youngest ho like thirty-six (On God) / Actin' stingy with the di*k, he must don't think that I'm a wh*re (Huh?)," GloRilla raps on 'Redbone'.

By Myself (feat. Rod Wave and Rylo Rodriguez)

(Production Credits: DY Krazy, DJ Moon, Williskeating, and Phil Cronin)

Another deeply emotional cut on WHAM appears on By Myself, where Baby teams up with Rod Wave and Rylo Rodriguez for a more introspective record fueled by melodic vocal performances.

This record primarily explores themes of betrayal, loneliness, self-reliance, struggles, and success, as seen in lines like:

"I ain't never scared to take a risk, I know life is a gamble / Can't believe they turned they back on me / Now my life in shambles / I got money, thought they'd be happy for me / They'd rather see me in shackles / Startin' the gas, I can't go backwards / Fifty mill' a year my average"

Due 4A Win

(Production Credits: Hurtboy AG, BEATSAINTFREE JG, Emildollaz, That Boy Daymon, and Elementry)

Fueled by a menacing bell-loop trap production, Lil Baby goes solo on Due 4A Win which is memorable for his fast-paced rhyme schemes that draw listeners in as he delivers lines like:

"Turn my lessons to losses, I'm due for a win / Say I got lucky, I'm doin' it again / Take this sh*t over, I gave 'em a chance (Gave) / She know I'm him, had a few of her friends / 'Rari on 'Rari, that's me and Lil Dann / She was a seven, I took her to ten (Go) / Too big for the States, so I took her to France (Let's go)"

Stiff Gang

(Production Credits: Wheezy, Southside, and Juke Wong)

Rapid hi-hats and thick drum patterns create a perfect environment for Lil Baby's braggadocious performance on Stiff Gang, where he delivers effortless bars that reflect on his life and career over four separate verses.

Several bars on Stiff Gang finds Lil Baby reasserting himself as one of hip-hop's most influential rappers, exploring themes of loyalty and status, as seen in lines like:

"We can't be all on the 'Gram, don't post us (Don't post us) / Motherfu*ker in my hand, no holster (No holster) / Turnt up, young n***a, I'm the most (I'm the most) / Twenty vibes T'd up on the boat so I (Ski) / Puttin' it down for Atlanta like I'm Soso 'nem / I know how to hit the gas when the coast is clear (I'm gone)"

So Sorry

(Production Credits: DY Krazy, B. March, and OB MUS1C)

On So Sorry, Lil Baby speaks to his love interest highlighting the various aspects of his lifestyle that cause her distress.

From referencing shows and travel requirements to expensive luxury purchases, Baby cites his intention to create more time and space to distance himself and his partner from the limelight, as evidenced in the song's hook:

"I know that you're so tired of my apologies, but, baby, I'm so sorry / Baby, let's get fly and go to a new planet, we won't see nobody / I'm with some known killers, and that sh*t on paper, brodie, like four bodies / Remember my nose snotty, now I do two shows and go cop a Bugatti / I know that you're so tired of my apologies, but, baby, I'm so sorry"

Stuff (feat. Travis Scott)

(Production Credits: Wheezy and Juke Wong)

Lil Baby teams up with longtime collaborator Travis Scott for an interesting trap cut titled Stuff, where both rappers deliver melodic performances delving into their affinity for a luxury lifestyle.

"Bought her that ice and I know she still lyin' / Bought number one on the plane 'cause she fly / Bought number two on the whip she got drive / Bought number three of new Guc', she suck di*k / Bought number four and new stick 'cause she fire / Bought number five Chanel five, number five"

Say Twin

(Production Credits: BeatsByTaz)

On Say Twin, several fans were seen suggesting that lines on this record seemingly target Gunna, who was Baby's frequent collaborator and former friend. According to social media reports, the two rappers allegedly parted ways following Gunna's release from the YSL RICO trial.

"Me and my bros identical, all of us that, we been this / All of these hoes be lyin' for somethin', weak a*s b***h ain't gave up nothin' / I set the tone and I raised the bar (I did) / New Bugatti my favorite car / Diamonds goin' up my sleeve (Sleeve) / Ridin' 'round, pistols, ARPs / I don't fear nothing that bleed (On God)," Lil Baby raps on 'Say Twin'.

Free Promo

(Production Credits: Getro and Andyr)

On Free Promo, Lil Baby introduces listeners to an anthemic production that draws listeners into an enticing performance that celebrates his legacy, hard work, and dedication to his craft, that resulted in him attaining massive success in modern hip-hop.

"You ready to go war about her, you can keep the b***h (Go 'head) / First to push the Spectre through the hood, I'm pushin' leadership (Right on) / Stand up on they a**, can't fu*k around, not even a little bit (I wish I was) / Bottega her down, she run her mouth, she won't get hit again (I'll block her)," Lil Baby raps on 'Free Promo'.

Outfit (feat. 21 Savage)

(Production Credits: Peeb, Haze, Splited Stupid, and Josh Taylor)

One of the most talked about tracks on WHAM is the thick trap collaboration between Lil Baby and 21 Savage titled Outfit.

The track garnered significant attention online over 21 Savage's verse, with several fans and social media users suggesting the rapper was referencing the 2024 Rap Beef, seemingly taking shots at Kendrick Lamar, as seen in lines like:

"I'm a player, I'll run through the whole crew / Brought Drac' with me and it know kung fu / If I hit him in the jaw, then he gon' sue / Colored diamonds in the Richard like Hi-Chews / She like, "How the car barkin'?" Ain't no roof / When you suck me, I don't wanna feel no tooth / N***a, fu*k your big dog, say you know who"

Drugs Talkin

(Production Credits: ZtheSavage, 9Jay, and Dez Wright)

Lil Baby gets romantic on Drugs Talkin, speaking to his love interest, citing the various luxuries he wishes to bestow on her.

The track is notable for how the rapper taps into a more emotional tone as WHAM reaches its final stretch, with Baby delivering memorable bars that explore themes of relationships and love, as seen in lines like:

"Handle me with care, I'm damaged (Damaged) / Respectful always, I got manners (Let's go) / Audemar on, she so fancy (You trim) / His and hers, we both got Pateks / Keep my guard up, I can't chance it (Stop it) / Birds fly, but ain't no landin' (Landin') / Glock on me, protect the brand (The brand)"

Streets Colder

(Production Credits: DY Krazy, B. March, and BlayzeBeats)

Lil Baby closes out his fourth studio album with a trap banger titled Streets Colder, where he alludes to the various legal troubles rappers have been facing over their affiliations to gangs and street members.

From Young Thug's lyrics being played in court as evidence of his connection to street gangs to family members facing financial and career disabilities, Baby's final record is a reflection of how much life has changed over the years.

"It's hard as hell tryna make it, even hard to save me / Started off in the trap house and took it major / Got a gang task' tryna fu*k us off, switched up my whole entourage / Puttin' all my hundreds up, only using my company card / Shawty spread her bullsh*t, won't speak about the better part / Took it from a block to a two hundred foot yacht," Lil Baby raps on 'Streets Colder'.

While Lil Baby's signature cadence and flow are yet to see a noticeable transformation, the rapper's decision to tap into his emotions and speak on topics besides excess and philandering, albeit only seen on a few tracks on WHAM, is clear evidence of his growing maturity as an artist.

Edited by Perrin Kapur