Dreamville duo Earthgang showcase their lyrical poise all over their second studio album, Ghetto Gods — and now, they’re back for another round.
Originally released on Feb. 25, GG not only recruited heavy-hitters in J. Cole and JID, but also brought on Future, 2 Chainz, Baby Tate, Musiq Soulchild, Nick Cannon, Ceelo Green and Ari Lennox — finding clarity amid harsh truths over the course of its 17 tracks.
Now enlisting Smino, Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa, Blxckie and Benji, Earthgang dropped off the 7-track deluxe to Ghetto Gods on Friday (July 1), as their extended offering holds five brand new tracks and a few “OG” cuts in “American Horror Story” and “Black Pearls.”
Sitting down with Rolling Stone earlier this year, the experimental hip-hop tandem spoke on why their new album is built on something stronger than fear. “We’re talking about us finding our light in this wild-ass situation,” they said to the outlet, staying true to themselves and their sound throughout the LP. Dropping “AMEN” with Musiq Soulchild to further lead in the album, Earthgang made sure fans ate amid their album delay.
Initially slated to release on Jan. 28, Earthgang posted a message detailing their “frustrations” with the album not being cleared at the end of January. Ending their note with a plea of peace and hope, they wrote: “Sometimes we don’t always make the best decisions, but we CAN make the Best out of the decisions we make.”After live touring the album at small “mom-and-pop” venues all over the country for fans, Ghetto Gods finally released in February.
Of the previously released singles, “All Eyez On Me” is perhaps the most eye-opening of the album’s central themes. In the visual, the duo paint a picture of systematic injustice while getting their hair-braided — further empowering the black community. Explaining why black men are perceived as “targets,” Earthgang remains poised, truthful and cognizant of their surroundings — knowing that Ghetto Gods is an assertion of their inner power and peace.
The album’s first single “American Horror Story” displayed Earthgang’s empowering social commentary that plays into Ghetto Gods’ underlying message. The track is a melodic, resilient anthem about the many injustices that continue to occur in the United States. Covering both the Jim Crow era and present day racism over the course of the song, Earthgang reminds listeners that there is still a very real problem in our country that needs addressing — spreading awareness and igniting change through their music.
Although they have slowed down on releases since their 2019 project Mirrorland, EARTHGANG turned in a fruitful 2021 nonetheless. Dropping collaborations with Snakehips, Coi Leray, Rich Brian and others, they still continue to keep their names in the conversation of hip-hop’s top duo.
Ghetto Gods may not only be the crown jewel atop their discography, but sees the Dreamville tandem become beacons of hope — creating a timeless, reflective record that will speak volumes for generations to come.
Listen to Earthgang’s ‘Ghetto Gods’ below!
