Decided 2 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Mixtape by | ||||
Released | November 10, 2023 | |||
Length | 61:42 | |||
Label | ||||
Producer |
| |||
YoungBoy Never Broke Again chronology | ||||
| ||||
Singles from Decided 2 | ||||
|
Decided 2 (stylized on cover as DECIIDED) is the 21st solo mixtape by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, released through Motown and Never Broke Again on November 10, 2023. [1] [2] [3] It serves as a sequel to his tenth mixtape Decided (2018), and marks his fourth project of 2023, following January's I Rest My Case , April's Don't Try This at Home , and May's Richest Opp . [4] [5] The mixtape features a sole guest appearance from Rod Wave and includes production from Dunk Rock, Lex Luger, Take a Daytrip and TnTXD alongside several other producers. Jason "Cheese" Goldberg, YoungBoy's in-house engineer and producer, acted as a producer on several tracks and mixed and mastered the entire project. [6]
The mixtape has been teased for months prior to its release, alongside AI YoungBoy 3 the sequel to YoungBoy's highly acclaimed, AI YoungBoy 2 . It was first teased on August 8, 2023, through an Instagram post from the Never Broke Again label page where the caption stated: "Top ( who ready for new album) AI 3 or Decided". [7] YoungBoy, alongside fan pages who were connected with Kyle "Montana" Claiborne, a co-founder of Never Broke Again. On October 26, 2023, YoungBoy released the official music video for "Deep Down", however, the video was taken down within seconds due to copyright strikes, with YoungBoy claiming that YouTube is attempting to blackball him. [8] [9] It was re-uploaded to YouTube just minutes later, with the song's bio reading: "Surprise at 12……stay up". On October 27, 2023, YoungBoy released another two singles, "Now Who" and "My Body", while also announcing the release of the mixtape, enabling it for pre-order. [1] [8] [10] Just two days prior to the album's release, on November 8, 2023, YoungBoy released yet another track titled "Guapi", a reference to the popular luxury streetwear brand of the same name who announced their clothing collaboration with YoungBoy weeks prior to the song's release. [11] Following the release of the mixtape, YoungBoy released the official music video for "Guitar Hero" in order to boost the album and for it to gain recognition. On November 12, YoungBoy shared the official music video for the mixtape's fourth cut, "My Address Public".
The mixtape's official tracklist was supposed to be officially released on November 9, 2023, a day prior to the mixtape's release, however, due to several tracklist changes and unforeseen circumstances, it was released alongside the mixtape. However, the tracklist was available hours prior to the project's release on Amazon Music and Apple Music, increasing the hype for the project's release among YoungBoy fans as the project features highly anticipated snippets such as "Free Sex" and "Came a Long Way" alongside a guest appearance from Rod Wave which has been teased for months. [12]
Prior to the album's release, YoungBoy released two singles solely to YouTube which failed to appear on the final version of the project. On November 1, 2023, as a Halloween special, YoungBoy released a track titled "Return of Goldie" which sees him making references to the Jeepers Creepers film series, The Mack , and being compared to the late Tupac Shakur. [13] Just days later, on November 4, 2023, YoungBoy released another track exclusively available on YouTube titled "Slime Examination", a track which "shows a good indication of where he's at in his life right now". [14]
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [15] |
Clash | 5/10 [16] |
HipHopDX | [17] |
AllMusic 's Paul Simpson stated that the project is "another reflective, soul-searching set filled with cathartic lyrics about loneliness, family issues, and the struggle of being a public figure with an obsessive fan base". He stated that "it's long and exhaustive, but has a bit of stylistic range" and that it's "more atmospheric, vulnerable tracks to more aggressive, hardcore ones". [15] Writing for Clash , Robin Murray stated that as this is YoungBoy's fourth full-length release of the year, he is "refusing to be hemmed in, he’s gone again and again to the studio, exploring fatherhood, maturity, the poverty of his roots, and the limits of his aspirations". He wrote that the project "encompasses many of YoungBoy’s faults, and his gifts" and notes that his "pen game remains illuminating". Concluding his review, he stated that "the record’s second half is equally hit and miss" and that the project isn't "bad", however, "YoungBoy has so often walked this road before". Murray advised YoungBoy "to pause and re-assess, bring his ideas together, but before deciding his next step". [16]
HipHopDX 's Will Schube noted that Decided 2 is "floating on the highs of YoungBoy’s infectious delivery while occasionally being bogged down by tedious raps and empty storytelling." He stated that the project is "at-times [a] very strong project, and a nice way to show the ways the MC has grown" since its predecessor, however, "with each sprawling YoungBoy release, the need for quality control only grows higher". Schube stated that the mixtape needs "just a bit more quality control and thorough editing" and that it's "merely fine, like too many of the artist’s recent releases". [17]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Free Sex" |
|
| 2:58 |
2. | "Wrong" |
|
| 3:02 |
3. | "Bop" |
| $hop With Ken | 3:24 |
4. | "My Address Public" |
|
| 3:00 |
5. | "Life n Glory" |
|
| 4:50 |
6. | "Came a Long Way" |
|
| 2:43 |
7. | "Better Than Ever" (with Rod Wave) |
|
| 4:03 |
8. | "Play with Us" |
|
| 4:27 |
9. | "Now Who" |
|
| 3:05 |
10. | "My Body" |
|
| 3:06 |
11. | "I'm a Demon" |
|
| 2:51 |
12. | "Choppa Gizzle" |
| $hop With Ken | 2:24 |
13. | "Bigger & Better" |
|
| 2:59 |
14. | "Guitar Hero" |
|
| 2:40 |
15. | "Deep Down" |
| $hop With Ken | 3:22 |
16. | "Guapi" |
|
| 3:10 |
17. | "Freestyle" |
|
| 6:11 |
18. | "Don't Hurt Me" |
|
| 3:34 |
Total length: | 61:42 |
Musicians
Technical
Chart (2023) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Billboard 200 [18] | 17 |
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [19] | 5 |
Durk Devontay Banks, known professionally as Lil Durk, is an American rapper. Regarded as a preeminent artist in the Chicago-based hip hop subgenre drill music, Banks has been cited as one of its pioneers. He initially garnered local success with the release of his Signed to the Streets mixtape series (2013–2014), which led to him to sign with Def Jam Recordings. The label released his debut studio album, Remember My Name (2015), and its follow-up, Lil Durk 2X (2016), to moderate commercial reception before parting ways with the rapper in 2018.
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as YoungBoy Never Broke Again or NBA YoungBoy, is an American rapper. From 2015 to 2017, he released eight independent mixtapes and garnered a regional following for his work. He signed with Atlantic Records and Artist Partner Group in the latter year to release the singles "Untouchable" and "No Smoke", both of which marked his first entries on the Billboard Hot 100. Released in January of the following year, his single "Outside Today" became his first to peak within the top 40 of the chart, and received quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It served as both his mainstream breakthrough and the lead single for his debut studio album, Until Death Call My Name (2018), which peaked at number seven on the US Billboard 200 despite mixed critical reception.
The discography of American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again consists of six studio albums, three compilation albums, 26 mixtapes, three extended plays, and 102 singles. His music has been released on record labels 101 Distribution, Atlantic Records, and Motown Records, along with subsidiaries Never Broke Again and Artist Partner Group. With over 80 million digital units sold in the United States, he is among the highest certified artists in the United States. YoungBoy has achieved three number-one albums on the Billboard 200 and one top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2022, YoungBoy received a plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America which reads "100 RIAA Gold/Platinum Certifications", making him the youngest artist to receive this at just 22-years-old. He is also the youngest artist in history to chart 100 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 at just 23-years-old.
From the Bayou is a collaborative mixtape by American rappers YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Birdman. It was released through Atlantic Records, Cash Money Records, Republic Records, and Never Broke Again on December 10, 2021. Production was handled by 808Iden, TnTXD, Yakree, Timmy da Hitman, Drum Dummie, Dmac, Andy R, Buddah Bless, Shawn Passed, 30 Roc, Cheese, 80Mac, 6element, Ain'tShiSweet, HZRD, Bapsxx, Hurtboy AG, Fizzle, Julia Lewis, Brown, GhosTTown, Smokescreen, Murda Beatz, Slim Pharaoh, Merlin, Zay Takken, Dex Is Real, Daniboi, and Nom. The title of the mixtape refers to both artists' home state of Louisiana, in which YoungBoy is from Baton Rouge and Birdman is from New Orleans. It also marks the first project that YoungBoy has released since he was released from prison in his home state in late October 2021 after being arrested due to gun charges in March 2021.
Tyquian Terrel Bowman better known by his stage name Quando Rondo, is an American rapper, and singer-songwriter. He signed with YoungBoy Never Broke Again's namesake record label, an imprint of Atlantic Records shortly after the release of his 2018 single, "I Remember". The song received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and preceded his debut studio album, QPac (2020), which entered the Billboard 200 and contained his second platinum-certified song, "ABG". His second album, Recovery (2023), entered the chart.
Kobe Vidal Crawford Jr., known professionally as NoCap, is an American rapper and singer. He signed with YoungBoy Never Broke Again's namesake record label, an imprint of Atlantic Records in 2019. His debut studio album, Mr. Crawford (2022), peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200 and saw widespread critical praise. He is noted for his use of wordplay.
AI YoungBoy 2 is the twelfth full-length mixtape by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, released on October 11, 2019, by Never Broke Again and Atlantic Records. It features guest appearances from NoCap and Quando Rondo—both signees of Gaulden's record label, Never Broke Again. The project features production from several established record producers, including Buddah Bless, CashMoneyAP, JetsonMade, Mike Will Made It, Nick Mira, and Wheezy. The mixtape serves as a sequel to YoungBoy's breakout mixtape, AI YoungBoy (2017), alongside a follow-up to his eleventh full-length mixtape, Realer (2018).
Realer is the eleventh solo mixtape by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, released on December 20, 2018, through Never Broke Again, Artist Partner Group, and Atlantic Records. It features guest appearances from Lil Baby and Plies, alongside production from Ben Billions, DJ Swift, DrellOnTheTrack, Dubba-AA, Eliot Bohr, PlayboyXO, Vintage Rippah, and several other producers. The mixtape serves as a follow-up to Gaulden's compilation album, 4Respect 4Freedom 4Loyalty 4WhatImportant, released in September of the same year. It also marks Gaulden's fifth release of the year.
Top is the second studio album by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, released on September 11, 2020, by Never Broke Again and Atlantic Records. The album follows his debut album Until Death Call My Name, released over two years before. The album features guest appearances from Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg, alongside production from Cheese, Cubeatz, DJ Suede the Remix God, JetsonMade, Smash David, and Wheezy.
Sincerely, Kentrell is the third studio album by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It was released through Never Broke Again and Atlantic Records on September 24, 2021. Unlike Gaulden's previous projects, the album notably contains no guest appearances, which was a key part of the album's rollout. The album's production was handled by a range of accomplished producers including Einer Bankz, Mike Will Made It, Smash David, and Jason "Cheese" Goldberg—who also mixed and mastered the entire record. The album follows Gaulden's second full-length studio album, Top (2020), as well as Until I Return (2020), his fifteenth solo mixtape. A deluxe edition, named Sincerely, Kentrell >, was released four days later on September 28, 2021, and contains two additional songs. The deluxe edition's name is an ode to the "YB Better" trend at the time of the album's release.
Colors is the sixteenth solo mixtape by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It was released through Never Broke Again and Atlantic Records on January 21, 2022. The mixtape features a sole guest appearance from Quando Rondo. The deluxe edition was released on the same day, containing an additional guest appearance from Internet Money. Producer Cheese mixed, mastered, and engineered every track on the standard edition of the mixtape, with Lawrence Rivers also engineering "Gangsta", which features Quando Rondo. For the deluxe edition, "Flossin", his Internet Money collaboration, was mixed by Jeremie Inhaber and Francisco Salcido, mastered by Inhaber, and engineered by Mark Dorflinger. Colors was preceded by its lead single "Bring the Hook".
Better than You is a collaborative mixtape by American rappers DaBaby and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It was released through record labels Atlantic Records, Interscope Records, South Coast Music Group, and Never Broke Again on March 4, 2022. The mixtape was supported by three singles: "Hit", "Neighborhood Superstar", and "Bestie". It includes production from Cardo, Johnny Juliano, Yung Exclusive, Cheese, BlakeSale, Leor, TnTXD, Ambezza, Uzoh, Kayothewizard, and Red Jon.
The Last Slimeto is the fourth studio album by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, released on August 5, 2022, by Never Broke Again and Atlantic Records. The album serves as YoungBoy's final release in his contract with Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Kehlani, Rod Wave, and Quavo, alongside production from Bobby Raps, DJ Suede the Remix God, JetsonMade, OG Parker, Southside, and Jason "Cheese" Goldberg who mixed and mastered the entirety of the record. The album serves as a follow-up to Gaulden's sixteenth solo mixtape, Colors (2022).
Never Broke Again, also known as Never Broke Again, LLC, often abbreviated as NBA, is a record label based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, founded by American rapper Kentrell "YoungBoy Never Broke Again" Gaulden, Rodrick "OG3Three" Jeanpierre, and Kyle "Montana" Claiborne in 2015. It was launched as an imprint of Atlantic Records, a division of Warner Music Group until 2022, after which it has operated as an imprint of Motown, a division of Universal Music Group. Never Broke Again has signed and released albums for artists such as Quando Rondo and NoCap, and several upcoming Southern hip hop artists.
Ma' I Got a Family, also referred to by its full title Ma' I Got a Family, A Gangsta Grillz Special Edition Hosted by DJ Drama on streaming services, is the nineteenth solo mixtape by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, released through Never Broke Again and Atlantic Records on October 21, 2022, a day after his 23rd birthday. The mixtape is hosted by DJ Drama as an installment of his Gangsta Grillz mixtape series. It features guest appearances from rappers Nicki Minaj and Yeat, while the production was handled by 808 Mafia, Chief Keef, Dmac, D-Roc, Drum Dummie, Mason Wu, Noah Mejia, TnTXD, Khris James, and Cheese, the latter two also mixed, mastered, and recorded the entire project. The mixtape marks YoungBoy's sixth release of 2022.
3860 is a collaborative mixtape by American rappers Quando Rondo and YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It was released through Atlantic Records and Never Broke Again on November 25, 2022. The mixtape features a sole guest appearance from Lul Timm. Four singles supported the mixtape: "Give Me a Sign", "Cream Soda", "Keep Me Dry", and "It's On". YoungBoy's in-house producer and engineer Jason "Cheese" Goldberg and Quando's engineer, Jacoby “CxbGoCrazy” Cherry mixed, mastered, and recorded every track on the mixtape. The album also features production from many prestigious producers such as 808Melo, Bankroll Got It, Dmac, Droc, Pooh Beatz, Synco, and Yakree. The mixtape marks Quando's first project of 2022 and YoungBoy's seventh project of 2022.
Lost Files is the second compilation album by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It was released through Atlantic Records and Never Broke Again on December 23, 2022. The entire project was mixed by Fabian Marasciullo and is the first project of 2022 from YoungBoy to not include any production or engineering from his in-house producer and engineer Jason "Cheese" Goldberg. It also features production from many prestigious producers such as DJ Swift, Dmac, Drum Dummie, Dubba-AA, Dun Deal, Louie Bandz and Mike Laury. The mixtape marks YoungBoy's eighth and final project of 2022. The release of the album was presented as a Christmas gift to fans from YoungBoy and his label.
Don't Try This at Home is the sixth studio album by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It was released on April 21, 2023, by Never Broke Again and Motown. The album features guest appearances from Mariah the Scientist, Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, and the Kid Laroi. It includes production from YoungBoy's two in-house engineers, Jason "Cheese" Goldberg and Khris James, alongside Dom Beats, Kenoe, Wayv, Yetty, Fresh Ayr and Yo Benji. The project marks YoungBoy's second with Motown and his second in 2023, following January's I Rest My Case.
Richest Opp is the twentieth solo mixtape by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, released on May 12, 2023, by Never Broke Again and Motown. The mixtape follows Gaulden's sixth full-length studio album, Don't Try This at Home, released just two weeks prior in April. The mixtape serves as a competitor to Lil Durk's eighth studio album, Almost Healed, which was supposed to be released on the same date, but was pushed back. It features a sole guest appearance from his Never Broke Again signee, NBA Ben 10, alongside production from D-Roc, JetsonMade, Kenoe, Khris James, and Jason "Cheese" Goldberg who mixed, mastered, and recorded the entire record.
I Just Got a Lot on My Shoulders is the upcoming seventh studio album by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again. It is scheduled to be released on December 6, 2024, by Never Broke Again and Motown. It features production from YoungBoy's in-house engineer, Cheese, alongside Al Geno, Ayo Bleu, Bnyx, D-Roc, Louie Montana, OG Parker, PlayboyXO, TayTayMadeIt, and several other notable producers. The album is expected to be YoungBoy's final studio album under Motown, following his twenty-first mixtape, Decided 2 (2023).