Expensive Pain

Meek Mill follows his Grammy-nominated Championships with Expensive Pain, a considerably less triumphant set. Simply put, he's never sounded warier. Meek still thrives in that trance-like state in which he rants and gloats at length (to such an extent that it would be confounding if he didn't exit the vocal booth gasping for air). In a handful of the introspective tracks, he diversifies with a melodic approach that comes across as studied and wholehearted. The influence of Rod Wave is felt almost as much as the presence of Lil Durk and Lil Baby -- the supporting duo on the crossover hit "Sharing Locations" -- or any of the additional featured rappers and singers, from Young Thug and Lil Uzi Vert to Kehlani and Brent Faiyaz. Whatever his method of delivery, Meek sounds like he's walking a tightrope with his head on a swivel. ~ Andy Kellman