WHAM Anticipation and Controversy
Lil Baby’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, WHAM (Who Hard As Me), will be released on January 3, 2025, marking a significant moment in the rapper’s career. The album’s title, a backronym of his hometown nickname, reflects Baby’s confidence and competitive spirit in the hip-hop scene.
Album Details and Features
WHAM is slated to include 15 tracks featuring an impressive lineup of guest artists:
– “Dum, Dumb, and Dumber” featuring Young Thug and Future
– “Outfit” with 21 Savage
– “Redbone” featuring GloRilla
– Additional appearances by Travis Scott, Rod Wave, and Rylo Rodriguez
Public Feud with Gunna
The release of WHAM comes amid a public feud between Lil Baby and his former collaborator, Gunna. The rift stems from Gunna’s involvement in the YSL RICO case, where he accepted an Alford plea deal in 2022. This decision has led to widespread speculation about Gunna’s loyalty to Young Thug and the YSL crew.
Lil Baby has been vocal about his stance on the situation:
– In an unreleased verse, Baby allegedly dissed Gunna with the line, “N***as taking pleas, I know that Slime ain’t happy”.
– During a performance, Baby was caught on video telling his DJ to shut off their collaboration “Drip Too Hard,” saying, “F**k the rats turn this s**t off”.
In a recent interview with Charlamagne Tha God, Lil Baby addressed his relationship with Gunna, bluntly stating, “Ion got no relationship.” When asked about the possibility of working with Gunna again, Baby responded, “I don’t see that happening.”
Inspiration Behind WHAM
The title WHAM (Who Hard As Me) reflects Lil Baby’s confidence and rise in hip-hop. In promotional materials for the album, Baby emphasizes the influence of his upbringing on his music:
“Where I’m from, your heart and hustle are everything. It’s what keeps you standing when the odds are stacked against you. What pushes you to be better, to go harder”.
The album’s themes seem to center around Baby’s journey from his neighborhood to stardom, with tracks like “Listen Up,” “Due 4A Win,” and “Streets Colder” hinting at his experiences and mindset.
Expectations and Pressure
Following the success of his previous albums, fans have high expectations for WHAM. The album’s release strategy, which includes non-album singles like “5AM” and “Insecurities,” has built anticipation among fans.
Double Album Announcement
In a surprising move, Lil Baby revealed plans to release not one but two albums in early 2025. In addition to WHAM, he announced a second album, Dominique, which is expected to drop in February. This ambitious plan demonstrates Baby’s confidence in his creative output and desire to maintain a strong presence in hip-hop. As the release date for WHAM approaches, the hip-hop community is buzzing with anticipation. With its star-studded features, personal themes, and the backdrop of industry drama, the album has the potential to be a significant milestone in Lil Baby’s career.
