On his sophomore album "4 The Trenches," Chicago drill rapper Lil Zay Osama further cements his street credibility with this gritty 15-track project.
Over moody, menacing beats by producers like Chopsquad DJ and Acemadeit, Lil Zay relays his hustle narratives with an icy demeanor. Songs like "3HunnaK" and "Hell N Back" find him recounting his come up from the trenches with a cold-blooded delivery.
Lil Zay also exhibits chemistry with guest appearances from Fivio Foreign, Kay Flock and others. Standout "3 Shots" sees the trio trading ominous bars about surviving the streets.
While Lil Zay's rhymes can feel repetitive at times, it's an effective style that enhances the album's mood. Tracks like "Made It Out" show more vulnerability, detailing his losses along the way.
Production-wise, 4 The Trenches maintains a dark aesthetic through eerie melodies and ominous drums that intensify the threat in Lil Zay's bars.
Overall the album delivers on serving as an uncompromising portrait of Chicago's harsh street realities through Lil Zay's unflinching tales. For fans of intimate drill narratives, 4 The Trenches is an engrossing 15 songs highlighting Lil Zay Osama's knack for authentic street storytelling.