After evolving from a hustler into one of the most enterprising moguls in Hip-Hop, Yo Gotti’s ascension to boss status has played out for the world to see, as the Memphis native has continuously displayed a penchant for making his next move his best move.
Building his Collective Music Group roster into one of the strongest imprints in the game and developing acts like rap stars Moneybagg Yo, EST Gee, 42 Dugg, and Blac Youngsta—as well as recruiting talent like Mozzy, BlocBoy JB to help bolster the roster, Gotti now holds all the cards with a lucrative partnership with Interscope Records in hand.
In an attempt to capitalize on their individual success while strengthening the profile of the crew as a whole, CMG released their debut compilation album, Gangsta Art, in July 2022. At 27 tracks long, it includes contributions from the entirety of the artists on the label. Aside from the aforementioned artists and newcomers like GloRilla, Lil Poppa, Big Boogie, Lehla Samia, and 10Percet, Gangsta Art includes additional features from Kodak Black, Coi Leray, BIG30, and more.
Now that we’ve given the album and its tracks time to marinate, here are seven songs on the album we feel pack the most replay value.
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"Steppers" Feat. Yo Gotti, Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg, EST Gee, Mozzy, And Blac Youngsta
Image Credit: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images The CMG family calls all the steppers to the front on this catchy selection, as Moneybagg Yo leads the charge on the opening verse, with his labelmates and CEO marching behind him. Boasting on his recent purchase of a $5 million penthouse in Atlanta, Yo Gotti puts on a flexing clinic, while 42 Dugg, EST Gee, Mozzy, and Blac Youngsta hold down the fort with formidable performances of their own.
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"Gangsta Art" Feat. Yo Gotti, Moneybagg Yo, Blac Youngsta, Lehla Samia, EST Gee, 42 Dugg & Mozzy
“Days been cold just like my wrist,” CMG songstress Lehla Samia croons, as the Delaware rep joins forces with her Memphis and Cali brethren to set their label’s latest collection off on a menacing note. Produced by Carter, SoundsByBreezy, and jahk, this offering finds Gotti playing the background, professing the love and loyalty within his crew over a brooding backdrop, as his lineup of spitters take turns spouting testimonials gleaned from their tenures in the street.
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"Hold Me Down" Feat. 42 Dugg And Coi Leray
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 42 Dugg collides with Coi Leray on this upbeat salvo, which finds the pair brandishing their unique vocals while crafting this boisterous duet produced by TayTayMadeIt. Promising to ride til the wheels fall off, Dugg and Coi hunt for a running-mate to keep their best interests at heart whilst on the road to the riches on this rollicking number.
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"Rocky Road" Feat. Moneybagg Yo And Kodak Black
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Spotify Memphis meets Pompano Beach as Moneybagg Yo connects with Kodak Black for the somber offering touching on the trials and tribulations of their thuggish lifestyle and impoverished environment. Powered by a bluesy instrumental crafted by Mook On The Beats, BennettMakingHits, DrumGod & Skywalker OG, this tune finds both rhymers dropping heartfelt couplets and tattooed tears.
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"Moral Of Da Story" Feat. Yo Gotti And EST Gee
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Decibels reach their peak on this piano-laden track, as Helluva Beats cooks up a sinister backdrop, over which Yo Gotti and EST Gee step out of the lap of luxury back into the thick of the trap. Proving his reach while brandishing his pricey Richard Millie watch, Gotti calls the plays while EST plays the field with the bricks and the sticks—teamwork at its finest.
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"OK" Feat. BlocBoy JB And Lil Migo
Image Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images BlocBoy JB and Lil Migo invite all the smoke on this booming composition, which finds Mstaronthebeat & DJ Junnie Baby deploying 808s and synths for the CMG hitters to run roughshod over. Splitting a verse apiece, with JB assuming hook duties, he and Migo put forth this heater, which borders on intoxicating and serves as evidence of the sheer depth of their label’s roster.
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"Dog House" Feat. Yo Gotti And 42 Dugg
Image Credit: Sean Zanni/Getty Images for Diesel Yo Gotti calls for the freedom of his comrades while lamenting issues at home on this frantic standout from the CMG general, with costars 42 Dugg and DaBoyDame providing reinforcement. Flaunting his riches and stable of women, Gotti and his coconspirators stay true to the code, dropping boastful commentary mixed with tough talk over production courtesy of Helluva Beats.