It’s nearly impossible to quantify the number of rap careers that have been stalled, derailed, or outright destroyed by the legal system. Many vital lyricists have faced lengthy incarcerations, becoming targets of a racist state intent on silencing dissident Black voices. New Orleans native B.G. seemed at risk of becoming one of these unfortunate cases, spending much of the 2010s behind bars on felony weapons charges. After serving an 11-year sentence, B.G. was finally released in September 2023. While there’s a reasonable concern about being left behind in a rapidly changing industry, the former Hot Boys rapper has seamlessly adapted to his new status as an OG in the rap game. He jumped right into collaborations, including the “Yonce Freestyle” with Kevin Gates and Sexyy Red. His new project, “Choppers & Bricks”, alongside Gucci Mane, marks his first official release since teaming up with Boosie Badazz in 2010.
Although B.G. may not have enjoyed the timeless hits of Juvenile or the mainstream crossover success of Lil Wayne—his diamond-encrusted debut single “Bling Bling” did coin a term that became part of pop culture—he has always been a vital lynchpin of the Hot Boys, later carving his own path as an independent artist, free from Birdman’s constraints. Years before Birdman faced legal and financial issues with artists like Wayne and Young Thug, B.G.’s tumultuous split from his collaborators hinted at deeper problems within Cash Money. Yet, the success of contemporary Louisiana rappers like Gates and NBA YoungBoy shows there’s still room for B.G.’s distinct Gulf Coast drawl.
While B.G. and Gucci may appear to belong to different generations, they are actually the same age. “Choppers & Bricks” feels like a special crossover comic book issue, where two beloved superheroes join forces. Their shared experiences with incarceration create a clear kinship; Gucci serves as an ideal mentor for B.G. during this phase of his career, showcasing how to transition back to civilian life while ensuring that one’s comeback surpasses any setback. Although Gucci released mixtapes during his prison sentence, his career could have easily been derailed by his charges. Instead, he emerged as a pop star—while it’s unlikely we’ll see B.G. on a track with Bruno Mars, Gucci exemplifies what’s possible when a hustler commits to their craft. In the 2020s, Gucci’s voice may be more familiar, but B.G. frequently outshines him. On “Guwop & Gizzle,” for instance, B.G.’s flow is slick and nimble, while Gucci’s feels more restrained. B.G. brings a musicality to his delivery; though he doesn’t outright sing, his dexterity adds a melodic quality to hooks like those on “Idiots Worst Nightmare.” While Gucci maintains a consistent pace, B.G. twists his words playfully, effortlessly navigating the beat, particularly evident on “Run A Bag Up.”
The track “Project Baby,” featuring C-Murder, strikes a poignant note. Knowing that the No Limit legend is still behind bars, fighting for his freedom after years of claiming wrongful conviction, adds an emotional weight to the song. Yet, there’s a sense of hope; while B.G. and Gucci have regained their freedom, they also remember those still struggling, hinting at a future where C-Murder might return to reclaim his legacy. If there’s a drawback to “Choppers & Bricks”, it’s the use of conventional trap beats rather than the innovative Mannie Fresh compositions that defined B.G.’s sound. Nevertheless, B.G. sounds fresh over any production, and he brings a newfound depth to his lyrics.
On “Paperwork,” over dusty boom bap drums, he reflects on the fragility of his life and career: “Every time I look around, hood buryin’ a G/Wonderin’ if the next week, they gon’ be buryin’ me/Carryin’ me, on a fresh white tee wearin’ me.” While “Choppers & Bricks” finds B.G. back in the game, you can still hear the weight of his years in prison, as he grimly acknowledges the constant dangers that Black men face in America.
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