Art of Hustle

Photographer: Timothy Saccenti.
Nobody expected that the man who taught the world the difference between the Internet and the real world would be Yo Gotti, but that's what he did with his social media anthem "Down in the DM," a deceptively simple, entirely infectious hit that finds its proper home here. The fine album The Art of Hustle also comes two decades after the Memphis MC made his debut -- on cassette -- but going from the street to 22-million views hasn't spoiled this raw, gutsy, veteran artist. Maybe his previous effort, 2013's I Am, flowed better and came with more of a sense of purpose, but this loose LP is still well above satisfying and features highlights that stand with the man's best. ~ David Jeffries