Already his 3rd release since 2017, Lil Yachty improves from this year’s other LP, but still struggles with his weaknesses. Much of Nuthin’ 2 Prove is bogged by bland production and empty vocals. “We Outta Here” and “I’m the Mac” don’t have any rhythm changes: it’s just the same boring trap beat over and over. However, some songs do move beyond the amateur Soundcloud sounds of his previous works. Unfortunately, Yachty’s dry delivery washes out any potential his songs have. “Riley From the Boondocks” contains a usable trap sound, but his lack of enthusiasm emits all the juice his boastful punches could’ve hit with.
No mumble rap record seems to be complete without a braggadocious tune, and “I’m the Mac” is one of many on Nuthin’ 2 Prove. The track is quick, only a short intro and one verse accompany two choruses as some eye-rolling lines don’t get the tune off the ground; most notably “These n**gas p*ssy like Tom” in reference to the famed feline. Judging by this and the previously mentioned track, Yachty seems to be well-versed in cartoon characters, but not so much in writing actual verses. You’d think he’s trying to say he’s the “mack” (a top-tier, alpha male), but the title is confusingly “Mac”, like the love-it-or-hate-it PC alternative. Perhaps the latter was his intention, as Yachty is clearly a rapper with devout fans, as much as haters.
Cardi B and Offset bring a lot to the table on their feature “Who Want the Smoke?” The rap couple’s quick spits pump some life into the LP, and contrast well with Yachty’s slow bars. Bardi smothers her rivals with some more amusing put-downs, and Offset’s rapid-fire verse closes out the track with an abrupt (but memorable) conclusion.
The Georgia rapper has his own version of Lil Wayne’s “How to Love” on “Worth It”. A pleasing synth background mixes with the trap for a fitting, sincere sound. Even if Yachty’s heartfelt feelings for his girl contradict the personality that he’s dished out so far in his lyrics, it doesn’t restrict the track from being a highlight. The core downside is the persistence of his autotuned vocals. Nevertheless, the rest of Nuthin’ 2 Prove does prove we shouldn’t take the pleasant production in this song for granted.
Another attempt at a soft love song, “Forever World”, fails to reach this platform. The Trippie Redd chorus isn’t special and Yachty’s words, while more honestly reflecting upon his stereotypical hip-hop image, are unfulfilling compared to “Worth It”. Ending “Stoney” has messy, disorganized production, and his high notes are only hit with the aid of pitch mods: an overused tool that portrays the rapper’s on-mic shortcomings.
It sure is an improvement of the dreadful “Lil Boat 2” from this past March. His primary flaw is the deadpan tone that sounds like he doesn’t want to be there. Then again, the production on this album wouldn’t get anyone too excited. Lil Yachty had the chance to prove he’s one of rap’s elites, but he blew it like a cello.
SCAD Radio gives Nuthin’ 2 Prove a 6.6/10.
