Theme Music: 'DS4EVER' Unveils A Self-Reflecting, Flexing & Flashy Gunna

New Wave's latest 'Themes' series delves into deeper concepts that our favorite singles and projects hold. As music-lovers, discovering true meanings behind a song is more than just a comfort thing, it's a mean for us to relate to these profound connotations embedded in passionate, emotive harmonies, style and sound.

'Drip Season 4EVER' (DS4EVER) is a project which possesses many themes. Technically an emotional rollercoaster, highlighting the highs and lows, from riches and celebration to seclusion and mental and physical battles. The intoxicating element of the album is somewhat ironic for Gunna, someone who's been caught up in toxic romantic relationships, from selling to taking toxic substances. The first track on the album, "private island" plays on his isolating ambitions, dabbling in his romantic relations whilst at the same time seeing the bigger picture..."I knew we would see better days"... This track latches onto similar themes as "livin wild", both are standout songs on the project, possibly due to the overt emotions shown throughout. The rapper does not hesitate to tell us how he really feels and what he's been/ still going through, but the first track sets an overall tone for the album, signifying a triumphant, celebratory start to the year. The key for artists, certainly for someone like Gunna who (across his discography) has not been so open, is to try and open up more and connect with listeners.

When to listen to private island: When you're feeling down & may need reassurance

Even before its release, the album's star-studded feature track list created huge buzz, with help of the rapper's snippet, dominated by second song on the album "Pushin P", featuring prominent rappers Future and Young Thug. The track may just be seen as a bouncy and 'fun' song, but there is more to it. It is all about doing better, the theme here is to 'be happy' all by bettering yourself and the ones around you. In the words of the dripster himself, "P don't just mean player, it can mean paper too, you be pushing this P with paper". It's clear that this song is a mean for listeners to get hype, flex and flaunt their success. Although being humble is a must, we often forget to actually dwell on our accomplishments. It is a bouncy track which draws in excitement, letting us know how to keep it 'player' and to get out there and make money.

When to listen to pushin P: When you're feeling ambitious or in a party environment

The fourth and final 'Drip Season' installment by the Atlanta rapper, is an example that authenticity builds the success of an artist, along with their career longevity. The first 'Drip Season' album, established Gunna as the underdog, but his progress in the scene which has been realized over the years, may now put him in the big dog talk, specifically categorized with fellow Atlanta artists; Young Thug, Lil Baby and Future. Gunna hasn't disowned his distinctive sound, from his flows and sophisticated glides on trap-soul like beats, something that his day-one fans have appreciated over the years, whilst new-edition Wunna fans are hopping onboard this 'drip' ship. This is where this theme comes in; 'true-to-self'.

The theme 'true-to-self' is inevitable in this last installment of the 'Drip Season' franchise. Being true to your self comes with transparency and vulnerability. As previously mentioned, the rapper has had an exceptional musical growth since his first (DS), as well as third (DS3) Albums, albums which put the flashy, stereotypical rapper lifestyle at the forefront. However, with this recent release, Gunna takes a new approach, a more cautious one, yet still flaunting his Rockstar lifestyle. From start to finish, the project does no wrong in boasting the triumphant career he has mounted for himself, but in between and every now and then, listeners are introduced to an attentive artist on songs like "livin' wild", where he reflects on his past actions, formed by decisions based on his lifestyle, admitting that "This sh*t get hard on a n**ga, I hardly show my feelings"... Such a relatable line that many listeners can feel, it is hard for most of us to express our feelings, but sometimes we need to take a break and get into our thoughts, most times all we need are our feelings to be felt and heard.

When to listen to livin' wild: When you need to reflect

Thoroughly taking us to the next theme of the album; 'love'. Gunna is joined by Chloe on the Aaliyah influenced, guitar-led track "you & me". The "Have Mercy" singer's layered harmonies brings something more to the album, her feature allows Gunna to also develop his artistic skills. Not only rapping but also perfectly harmonizing, in which they create a sense of godly hour, a factor that listeners may not have wanted, but most definitely needed. The slight R&B inspiration on the album shows us a softer side to Gunna, and once again picks on his private character, as heard on "private island". The chorus: "Don't listen to what people say, they don't know 'bout, 'bout you and me" strongly indicates this.

When to listen to you & me: When you're in your feelings

The second to last track on the album, "...so far ahead > empire" essentially exhibits the artist's journey, from the obstacles: he describes as "scars and tears" he's had to overcome to finally reach the point he's currently at. Even through his darkest times he always knew him and the people around him were "so far ahead" arriving at his destination where he's "tryna build an empire." The theme here is 'goals and accomplishments', similar to "Pushin P", but the essence of this song is knowing that you can make it through anything, there is always light at the and of the tunnel. Listening to this song puts us in an mindful position; how far a positive mindset can take you.

When to listen to ...so far ahead > empire: When you're feeling stuck or unmotivated

Since we have broken down the themes in the album, 'DS4EVER' can well-be described as a masterpiece, fulfilled through the rapper's openness and intertwined variety of emotions. With beats produced by proficient US producers: Wheezy, Taurus, Turbo and more, Gunna's versatility seamlessly ranges across the project, yet still cultivating his angelic musical style and wave.

'Drip Season 4Ever' is an exceptional and justified farewell to the 'Drip Season' series, captivated by it's heartfelt feelings and meanings. A chapter has finally been closed, and we do not need to question it. Even though Gunna's (album) journey began at Drip Season', he certainly isn't stopping here. There is so much more to anticipate from the artist, which listeners will discover through more of his music.

Listen to Drip Season 4EVER here!