What makes A Gangsta's Pain by Moneybagg Yo notable?

A Gangsta's Pain debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Moneybagg Yo's status in the industry. The album was noted for its emotional depth and authenticity, resonating with fans and critics alike, which helped to further elevate the Memphis rap scene. Released on April 23, 2021, A Gangsta's Pain marked Moneybagg Yo's third studio album, following his successful project Time Served in 2020. At this point, he had established himself as a prominent figure in Southern hip-hop, consistently charting on Billboard and collaborating with major artists.

Who is A Gangsta's Pain for?

A Gangsta's Pain works well if you're into visceral storytelling of resilience, wave-like pacing for varied moods and short tracks for quick bursts.

How many songs are on A Gangsta's Pain?

A Gangsta's Pain has 28 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

A Gangsta's Pain

Moneybagg Yo · 2021

70 min · 28 tracks · hip-hop

A raw and introspective journey through pain, resilience, and the realities of street life set against trap beats.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Wockesha — As one of the standout tracks, Wockesha encapsulates the blend of personal struggle and street narrative that defines much of the album. Its catchy hook and introspective lyrics have made it an anthem for many listeners grappling with similar experiences.
→
If Pain Was a Person — This track serves as a poignant exploration of the emotional toll of street life, showcasing Moneybagg Yo's lyrical vulnerability. It represents a thematic core of the album where pain is personified, allowing for deeper reflection on personal struggles.
→
Time Today — With its infectious beat and assertive lyrics, Time Today illustrates Moneybagg Yo's confidence and ambition. This track highlights his growth as an artist while maintaining a connection to his roots in the Memphis rap scene.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album combines introspective lyrics with trap beats but lacks strong cohesion across its extensive tracklist.

What we noticed

Many tracks employ a repetitive structure, often featuring a chorus that contrasts with the introspective verses.
The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a high energy while others slow down to explore deeper themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

visceral storytelling of resilience
wave-like pacing for varied moods
short tracks for quick bursts
candid reflections on personal struggle
party energy with introspective moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, cohesive albums
seek upbeat, carefree vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debuted at number one, solidifying his status in the industry.
Career context: Released on April 23, 2021, A Gangsta's Pain marked Moneybagg Yo's third studio album, following his successful project Time Served in 2020. At this point, he had established himself as a prominent figure in Southern hip-hop, consistently charting on Billboard and collaborating with major artists.
Stylistic neighbors: Yo Gotti· Lil Durk· Gunna