Gunna – A Gift & A Curse

A work of rap paranoia, fuelled by defiance...

These are hard times for Gunna. The Georgia rapper rose to fame as a key part of YSL, before police pressure essentially shattered the label. Rumours that Gunna had cooperated with authorities – or even named names – were rife, sparking untold pressures for the artist. Recent single ‘Bread & Butter’ set the tone for what is to follow – Gunna isn’t going down without a fight, lashing out at authorities and those around him in equal measure. Out now, full album ‘A Gift & A Gift’ is a dose of icy paranoia, the work of a damaged soul who wants to even the scales.

At 15 tracks and 45 minutes ‘A Gift & A Curse’ is succinct, finessed, and packs a punch. Opener ‘back at it’ is a statement of intent, the autotune moving between glossy arena filter and a ghostly, haunting effect. ‘back to the moon’ is a trap heavy-hitter, the squealing guitar in the background carrying an 80s appeal.

Gunna’s machine gun flow is evident throughout, his ongoing travails failing to blunt his unique abilities. ‘idk nomore’ grapples with feeling overwhelmed, the confusion that comes from alienating circumstance. ‘paybach’ is sonically one of the record’s most beautiful moments, Gunna’s voice sitting against a child-like melody.

But then, he can also do direct. ‘fukumean’ pushes back on the haters, while ‘go crazy’ is framed by paranoia. ‘turned your back’ explores the friendships ruptured by his legal issues, while ‘bottom’ examines the delicate nature of fame. What is it all worth, after all? Closing with ‘alright’ he seems to find the answer. Locating solace in his craft, Gunna pushes himself to the limit on an album that somehow finds focus amid the chaos. ‘A Gift & A Curse’ dials into his abilities, fuelled by a unique sense of defiant purpose. 

7/10

Words: Robin Murray

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