DaBaby – ‘KIRK’ review: 2019 neophyte showcases versatility and reflects on the past

If you’re a hip-hop fanatic, you’d be aware that one of the biggest songs 2019 was DaBaby’s “Suge”, from his debut album, Baby on Baby. After a prodigious year for his career and collaborating with some huge names (Gucci Mane, Post Malone, J Cole), he blessed his fans with a second project.

DaBaby’s popular for his braggadocio and cheeky, playful rhymes, and he keeps this up throughout the album. However, his emotions are far more prevalent with KIRK. We learn a little more about him, his journey and rise to mainstream fame.

The opening track INTRO pays homage to his late father, as does the album artwork and title. He relives the day he received the news of his death; which came moments after he’d been informed that his debut album reached number 1. This is the first time we hear a different DaBaby – one that’s less comedic and cocky, but actually a little vulnerable.

After this, he’s pretty much back on his bullshit. The rest is DaBaby rife with an appealing arrogance that we’ve all grown to know and love. His flow is consistent throughout, but somehow never gets boring or predictable. The trappy beats of “BOP” and “VIBEZ” make great club-bangers and dance anthems.

The album also features various artists and DaBaby somehow manages to pick the perfect people for each song. GOSPEL, featuring Chance the Rapper, Gucci Mane and fellow XXL Freshman, YK Osiris, actually sounds like a Chance the Rapper beat and song. RAW SHIT almost sounds like it was produced with the intention of all three Migos members jumping on it.

A fantastic follow-up to Baby on Baby, KIRK delivers exactly what we wanted from DaBaby. Diversity, emotion and an endearing candour, with synchronous versatility and consistency.