Meek Mill follows his Grammy-nominated
Championships with
Expensive Pain, a considerably less triumphant set. Simply put, he's never sounded warier.
Meek still thrives in that trance-like state in which he rants and gloats at length (to such an extent that it would be confounding if he didn't exit the vocal booth gasping for air). In a handful of the introspective tracks, he diversifies with a melodic approach that comes across as studied and wholehearted. The influence of
Rod Wave is felt almost as much as the presence of
Lil Durk and
Lil Baby -- the supporting duo on the crossover hit "Sharing Locations" -- or any of the additional featured rappers and singers, from
Young Thug and
Lil Uzi Vert to
Kehlani and
Brent Faiyaz. Whatever his method of delivery,
Meek sounds like he's walking a tightrope with his head on a swivel. ~ Andy Kellman