Cottonwood
NLE Choppa · 2019
21 min · 9 tracks · hip-hop
A dynamic blend of trap beats and Memphis rap flows layered with confident lyricism and infectious hooks.
Top tracks — play these first
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Untold Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Shotta Flow — This track propelled NLE Choppa into the spotlight, combining an infectious hook with aggressive delivery that resonated widely with listeners.
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Chances — In this track, Choppa reflects on his rise to fame and the struggles he faced, highlighting his introspective side amid the upbeat production.
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Clicc Clacc — This song showcases a more playful side of NLE Choppa while still retaining hard-hitting lyrics and catchy rhythms that exemplify his style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Cottonwood showcases energetic flows and strong hooks but lacks cohesion due to repetitive elements.
What we noticed
- The first four tracks maintain a high energy level with rapid-fire flows and heavy bass, while the fifth track introduces a more melodic hook.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that enhance the hooks, creating a dynamic contrast with the verses.
- The album closes with two versions of 'Shotta Flow', which creates a sense of repetition and emphasizes its importance in NLE Choppa's catalog.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- brief bursts of youthful energy
- introspective moments amidst bravado
- ideal for quick listening breaks
- front-loaded excitement and urgency
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, immersive albums
- seek slow, reflective vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album followed a viral hit and solidified NLE Choppa's reputation.
- Themes
- Memphis streets hustle· rise to fame struggles· trap beat confidence
- Career context
- Released on December 23, 2019, Cottonwood marked NLE Choppa's first project after his breakthrough single Shotta Flow earlier that year. Following its viral success, this EP served as a platform for him to further establish his sound and lyrical identity in the competitive landscape of hip-hop.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Chances
The verse features a shift from braggadocio to vulnerability, emphasizing personal growth and the lessons learned from past mistakes.
This juxtaposition deepens the narrative by revealing a more complex character behind the confident facade typically presented in his music.
Tracklist
- 1 Untold Start here 2:34
- 2 Step 2:39
- 3 Side 2:28
- 4 Clicc Clacc 1:53
- 5 Matrix 2:05
- 6 N.W.A. 2:31
- 7 Chances 2:11
- 8 Shotta Flow 2:40
- 9 Shotta Flow (remix) 2:56
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
43va Heartless
Moneybagg Yo
Shares a similar Memphis street narrative with hard-hitting beats and confident flows.
Just Cause Y'all Waited 2
Lil Durk
Combines trap production with personal storytelling about struggles and ambition.
Rich Slave
Young Dolph
Features assertive lyricism over trap beats, reflecting hustle and success in the streets.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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