Yo Gotti Takes Aim At His Label on ‘The Return’

Yo Gotti has mastered the ins and outs of the hip-hop game during his 15 years in the game, encompassing a hustler's mentality that’s pretty much unbeatable. As fans continue to anxiously await his next studio album, The Art Of Hustle, his second for Epic Records which has yet to be released, Yo Gotti unveils yet another mixtape, The Return, during the waiting period, again taking aim at his label for keeping his LP on the shelf.

In true Gotti fashion, the project kicks off with clip from the film Blow, in which Johnny Depp spews core instructions to live by when dedicated to the hustle. The Boi-1da-produced track “Set The Record Straight” follows, immediately confirming that the Memphis rapper has not yet worked out troubles with his label. Throughout the track, the rapper speaks on a variety of topics that have rubbed him wrong over the years before ultimately rapping, “Fuck the label, they’re going to try to finesse you/So, I told them ‘Fuck them’/I hope they get the message.” On “Oh Well,” the third track in, the Southern MC retraces the course of his transition from the streets, chronicling the game he’s learned along the way. At this point, it becomes clear that Gotti is focusing on more emotional material on the project, later following the turn up formula that has churned out some of his biggest singles like “Act Right” by adding new dance-driven records to his catalog, such as “Down In The DM,” “Tiffany,” “I Got U” and more.

Gotti presents an all-star line-up of producers on The Return, leaving many to believe that the production on his upcoming LP will too be top notch. Boi-1da's “Set The Record Straight” is a stand out, while Metro Boomin contributes another solid beat with “Rich Nigga.” Zaytoven is also credited on one of the more favorable efforts, whipping up “Tell Me,” a cut cultivated strictly for the ladies. Ben Billions and Marvel Hits each carved out several cuts on the body of work, mixing in both dance records like “I Got U” and more street-geared additions.

As far as features, Fetty Wap is one of the more memorable contributions, crooning the chorus on “Tell Me,” a track destined for radio play. French Montana appears on “I Got U,” another favorite heading straight for the club. Boosie BadAzz is heard on “Good Die Young,” a more solemn track that raises awareness on the cautions of the fast life.

All in all, the 22-track effort is a solid one from Yo Gotti and serves its purpose in raising anticipation for the CMG rapper’s next studio album, The Art Of Hustle. Assuming that the recent project consisted of records that didn’t make the album, and are still really strong, it’s a wonder what the approaching album holds. Things are looking awfully hopeful. —Miranda J.