DS4Ever, Gunna
Gunna is Pushin P, but not pushing himself
By: Nikhil Kumaran
Pushing his way from underneath the Atlanta hip-hop scene to the very top, Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, professionally known as Gunna, continues to build upon his Drip Season series with his fourth installment, “DS4Ever.”
Born in College Park, Georgia, Kitchens began making music at age fifteen. He grew up listening to Cam’ron, Chingy and Outkast. In 2013, Kitchens released his first mixtape, “Hard Body,” under the name Yung Gunna. By the late 2010s, Gunna became one of the most prevalent “new” rappers in the Atlanta scene.
The first song, “private island,” is a throwback to Gunna’s slower, more introspective tracks like those on the rapper’s second studio album “WUNNA.” I’m specifically reminded of “FAR” featuring Young Thug, which also had the same calm and collected vibe.
We need to talk about how Gunna is “pushin P.” The second track has taken the internet by storm, with Gunna fans everywhere telling the world that they are “pushin P.” Gunna explained that “P” stands for “player” and also means “keeping it real.” Future lulls us into an addictive trance as we can’t help but bop our heads.
Though Gunna is known for flexing his prowess and being flashy in his lyrics, he still touches on more sensitive topics. “livin wild” is about living life to the fullest and touches on how fragile life is. In “missing me,” Gunna is heartbroken and feeling torn apart.
Drake’s verse on “P power” was one of my favorite moments in the album. The track’s hook alone has you feeling like you’re floating on a cloud.
Songs like “how you did that” featuring Kodak Black and “mop” featuring Young Thug will have you turning up your car speakers as loud as they can go.
“thought I was playin” is exactly what Gunna fans look for whenever he drops music. Gunna needs everyone to know that they should take him seriously. This track did just that. The beat is fire, 21 Savage bodies his verse, and the hook is catchy and simple. You couldn’t ask for more, besides maybe a little more originality.
Though the album has a couple of hits with melodies that will definitely be stuck in your head for the next couple of weeks, the album becomes pretty monotonous and lackluster. Examples include the tracks “poochie gown” and “too easy.” They tend to be more repetitive and aren’t anything special from Gunna.
As of right now, Gunna fits in the box that defines the majority of rappers right now. Many were hoping to see something that would make him stand out of this generation’s cliches. Regardless, Gunna had some great tracks that brought the audience the energy and lyrics regarding not only his luxurious lifestyle but also his earnest emotions. Gunna is Pushin’ P but not pushing himself further.