The Atlanta rapper matches bars with Future on “99,” improvises on “Idol,” and appears to take a jab at Gunna on “Running This S**t.”
As he promised, Lil Baby released the deluxe version of his fourth studio album, WHAM, on Monday (Jan. 6) evening.
The LP’s extended edition, obtainable only through the “Sum 2 Prove” rapper’s website, was released with four additional tracks: “99” featuring Future, “Idol,” “Running This S**t,” and “My Shawty.” Wheezy, who contributed production to most of the original pieces, came back for several of the mentioned tracks.
On “99,” Lil Baby referenced Juelz Santana, Nelly, Tyreek Hill, and Waka Flocka Flame, while Future declared himself a “legend in the streets” akin to T.I. “I’m polishing my gold like Juvenile did back in ’99/ I’m wearing the sharp suit just like Snoop, battling this murder,” Pluto rhymed in the impressive verse.
In another instance, on “Running This S**t,” Lil Baby mentioned Dallas newcomer 4batz, with whom he collaborated on 2024’s “roll da dice.” Supporters are also guessing if Gunna received a sly dig in the song’s second verse: “I don’t mind what he did, he’s still a rat/ And I stand by my words, don’t confront me.”
The first 15-song release featured a strong collection of collaborations and hit tracks, such as “Redbone” with GloRilla, “F U 2x,” and “Dum, Dumb, and Dumber” featuring Young Thug and Future. Rod Wave, Rylo Rodriguez, Travis Scott, and 21 Savage were some of the other featured guests.
WHAM is expected to achieve significant figures on the Billboard 200 chart for Jan. 18. Lil Baby’s last two solo albums, It’s Only Me and My Turn, premiered at the top of the chart, while The Voice of the Heroes featuring Lil Durk also secured the No. 1 position in 2021.
Up to now, the “Woah” hitmaker has not verified if he will be touring in support of WHAM. Fans can, nevertheless, see him live in New York City on Tuesday (Jan. 7) at 9 p.m. ET. He revealed a complimentary pop-up event scheduled to occur at Irving Plaza through Instagram.
