Thee Official ‘Megan’ Album Review
by nxus Contributor, Miss JLH (IG: @missjlh_)
What's Good Ya'll!!! Now we know my lane is typically R&B but every now and then I step outside of my comfort zone and get in a mood. Lately, the ladies of hip-hop are who I typically run to these days when I am in that mood and this year they are still delivering fire albums, singles, visuals and performances. The hate for Megan Thee Stallion has been strong for a few years now so this album came right on time to shut down naysayers and critics. Singles like Cobra, Hiss and BOA were released pre-album and it was clear Megan was sending a message that she was ready to let all this shit go.
With her new latest single 'Mamushi' and the recent release of the video I thought it was befitting to finally bless my girl with a review lol. Obviously, I'm a fan, duh, but what I'm really a fan of is the marketing.
On February 2, 2024, Megan Thee Stallion signed a distribution deal with Warner Music Group allowing her to remain independent and retain her masters and publishing. I mean ain't this what Prince, Nas and Nipsey been fussing at artists about? So why wasn't this hyped enough?! Not only was Megan shedding the hold of a label but she was also going through a public breakup while still dealing with the incident that took place in 2020. So Megan took a much-needed mental health break but clearly manifested that 2024 was the year of THEE Stallion.
Within Christianity the snake is often viewed as evil and associated with the devil, however, it looks like Megan has done her research into various cultures throughout history who have worshiped the snake. The tradition is nearly universal in various Asian, African and European religions and mythologies of ancient cultures. Snakes were seen as holders of knowledge, strength and renewal. Snakes are also known for shedding their skin to accomodate for growth or to remove parasites or damage affecting their skin's outer layer. So when I look at the cover of this album I see it as a black woman breaking free, a rebirth if you will but into one of most misunderstood creatures throughout history.
Throughout each generation of hip-hop artists you can catch Asian references whether it is within their lyrics or imagery, however it is the way the representation is showcased that makes an artist’s influence stand out. Megan has talked about her love for anime for years now and with this album we really get more of cosplay Megan, with songs like; 'Otaku Hot Girl' and the visuals from 'BOA'. Tapping into her love for Japanese films when it comes to 'Mamushi', the visuals are an ode to 'Dreams', Akira Kurosawa's animated film from 1990. Also, how dope was it for her to tap in to Japanese rap artist, Yuki Chiba for this collab. They really got everybody out here speaking Japanese for the summer lol.
Let’s Get Into The Tracks
This has got to be my favorite Megan Thee Stallion album now. I love that she stuck to her same page of fire beats and fire ass bars. 'B.A.S.' feat Kyle Richh, while I'm not a fan of the sound, the song is a bop as it mixes a drill beat with a Teena Marie Sample 'Out on a limb.' I also love her tapping into a 21 year old, Brooklyn artist who is making a wave for himself and his collective.
'HISS' is definitely my favorite song on the album. If you gonna write a diss track, this needs to be the part of the template. Not a name was dropped but you knew she was talking about anybody and everybody and dared them to clap back. I also really love 'Spin' feat Victoria Monét, I love a good hip-hop/r&b collab and this one does it for me.
Lastly, but certainly not least, can we talk about how the H-Town hottie puts on for Houston! Megan knows her rap history and has always taken the time to show her love and appreciation to those who paved the way. 'Paper Together' feat UGK includes a previously unreleased, posthumous verse from the late Pimp C and UGK.
Honorable mention is 'Miami Blue' feat. Big K.R.I.T and Buddha Bless. It's an effortless bop that you want to replay over and over and 'Otaku Hot Girl', I mean I'm not a big anime fan I dip my toe in but sis ATEEE this song ok! The anime community can break down the references for ya'll that's not me lol but the song is chef's kiss!
Megan with one of her many tour gifts | Philadelphia, PA
It took me a minute to write this review because unlike these goofy blogs and music pages ya'll follow, with white writers only, ain't no way you can listen to an album one time and have an opinion. I'm a fan of music and I just want to give my honest opinion and I can't give that with quick reviews. With that being said, Megan does not have a bad album. Argue with ya momma because I stand on this as more than a fan. While her flow stays consistent, she's shown versatility, SHE CAN RAP like she really does this ok. Every album she pays her respect to the game, making sure you get a sample from a legend or two! Outside of the dirty game that seems to only give props where it's due to the fellas, our good sis has focused heavily on mental health and trying to provide it to our community.
Listen, I can go on for days about THE Megan Thee Stallion, but I'd let the work speak for itself:
Stream 'Megan':
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/megan/1752024169
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0FzWvaeMBfKBCqxHTLVlB8
Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/album/372011418
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxA687tYuMWgzOMmnoxvc7JQCrSfz9HsE
Contributor Bio:
My name is Jasmine but I go by MissJLH. I am a featured writer for Lipsticknlyricsz with my primary focus on R&B. I am also rebuilding my brand, We Don’t Sip Tea We Drink Wine. If you follow me on TikTok you’ll see my primary focus has been black history but I want to start mixing in all of my passions of not only history but, fashion, travel, and music.
Instagram | @missjlh_
Twitter | @goldiejawn
TikTok |@wedrinkwine_
