Ohio rapper Babyboi delivers a mix of vulnerability, raw storytelling, and trendy street rap with his 11-track album, It Matters to Me. The project showcases Babyboi's potential, highlighted by his unique vocal tone, confident flow, and moments of emotional depth. However, the album’s inconsistent production quality and repetitive song structures hold it back from being a standout project in today’s competitive hip-hop landscape.
The Highlights
One of the most captivating tracks on the album is “Nintendo,” which flips a video game-inspired beat reminiscent of a Mario theme. The playful production is undeniably catchy, and Babyboi’s flow sits perfectly in the pocket. This track feels like the strongest on the project, combining creativity with polished execution. It’s the type of song that can easily grab a listener’s attention and stick with them long after the music stops.
On tracks like “Snakes in the Church” and “Dear God,” Babyboi offers a window into his life, reflecting on his challenging upbringing and betrayals by those closest to him. These moments of vulnerability add depth to the album and show his ability to connect emotionally with listeners. The honesty in his lyrics here is commendable and makes these songs some of the more memorable ones on the project.
Another standout is “Breaking Up,” where Babyboi taps into heartbreak and resilience. The beautiful piano melody sets the tone, accompanied by a voicemail snippet of a woman professing her lingering feelings after their breakup. Babyboi’s delivery captures the pain of moving on while still carrying the emotional scars, making this a relatable anthem for anyone going through similar experiences.
The album’s closing track, “Na$ty Na$h,” brings a refreshing shift in energy with a unique blend of hip-hop and country influences. This song is a fun, upbeat way to wrap up the project, showcasing Babyboi’s willingness to experiment with genre fusion. It leaves the listener on a high note and hints at the versatility Babyboi could explore further in future projects.
The Challenges
While It Matters to Me has its moments, it is weighed down by a few recurring issues. One major critique is the repetitive song structure. Almost every track follows the same formula: a 16-bar verse, a hook, another 16-bar verse, and a final hook. This predictability makes the album feel monotonous at times and detracts from the potential to surprise or engage the listener in new ways.
Another area for improvement is the production quality. The mixing and mastering of the album leave much to be desired, with tracks like “Beautiful Day” suffering from overly reverberated vocals that clash with an otherwise great sample-based beat. The presence of beat tags in some songs also diminishes the professional feel of the album, suggesting that the beats may not have been fully licensed or purchased. This can be distracting for listeners and pulls focus away from Babyboi’s performance.
Lyrically, the project is a mixed bag. While songs like “Snakes in the Church” and “Dear God” are emotionally resonant, much of the other content leans heavily on generic street rap tropes. Tracks outside of the highlights often feel like they’re chasing current trends rather than carving out a unique identity for Babyboi. This is particularly noticeable in songs where the subject matter lacks originality and replay value.
Advice for the Future
Despite its flaws, It Matters to Me shows that Babyboi has significant potential as an artist. His unique vocal tone and confident delivery are assets that can set him apart from the crowd if paired with more innovative songwriting and diverse production choices. Here are some suggestions for Babyboi as he works on his next project:
Invest in Production Quality: Collaborate with experienced audio engineers to ensure the mixing and mastering are up to industry standards. Fully licensing beats will also elevate the professionalism of future releases.
Experiment with Song Structures: Break away from the traditional verse-hook format. Incorporate bridges, beat switches, and outros to add variety and keep listeners engaged.
Embrace Originality: While current trends can inspire, leaning into your personal experiences and unique perspective will help create a more distinct sound. Songs like “Breaking Up” and “Na$ty Na$h” show that you’re capable of crafting memorable and innovative tracks.
Explore Genre Fusion: The hip-hop/country blend on “Na$ty Na$h” was a standout moment. Continuing to experiment with unexpected influences can help you stand out in a crowded field.
Refine Your Lyrical Focus: Double down on the introspection and storytelling that made tracks like “Snakes in the Church” compelling. Avoid relying too heavily on overused themes and instead dig deeper into your personal experiences and emotions.
Final Thoughts
It Matters to Me is a solid effort that showcases Babyboi’s strengths while highlighting areas for growth. With improved production, more dynamic song structures, and a greater focus on originality, Babyboi has the potential to make waves in the hip-hop scene. For now, this album serves as a stepping stone, proving that Babyboi has the talent and determination to refine his craft and rise to the next level.
Rap Nerd Rating: 6.5/10
Derek “D-Sick” Moore
Rap Nerd Radio Program Director
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