a Gift & a Curse by Gunna - Review

a Gift & a Curse (2023) Album Cover

On Friday, June 16th, 2023, Gunna released his fourth studio album a Gift & a Curse. This release had eyes for more than a few reasons. Apart from the fact that this is Gunna first published response to allegations of snitching on his friend and mentor Young Thug from cultural landmark and label YSL, this album follows Gunna’s previous DS4EVER, which received positive buzz and acclaim from rap fans upon its release more than a year an a half ago. Content-wise, this album sits with zero features and is more introspective than his past work, as he paints a sense of solitude, almost isolation, on the record. Melodically, though, its still Gunna’s classic trap beats and melodic persuasion. 

Album Highlights & Lowlights

"bread & butter" single cover

The intro track is a powerful tool; it can catapult an album from a complication of songs to a consistent and complete work. “[B]ack at it” fulfilled this role. The light electric guitar backing adds power to Gunna’s words that grow with intensity. The track is also tastefully restrained, as he sets the mood for his album a dark tribute to his success and the criticism he faces on the stage he is on. The title “back at it” itself cements a return from his hiatus, speaking after silence, constructs a purpose for the following tracks. The album’s single released June 2nd, “bread & butter,”is another raw highlight. The bass guitar provides an earthy structure to the composition while Gunna addresses accusations of snitching directly, explaining that he “never gave no statement” or agreed to “stand on ‘em.” This album also has a special, almost acquired taste, which contributes to its replay value. Tracks “fukumean” and “ca$h $hit” are infectious, a testament to Gunna’s skillset as well as ear for beats and melody. 

But, I would have loved more depth and emotionality on the album, This album is Gunna’s chance to use art for unadulterated exploration, and that pedestal still feels a little underutilized. In a more personal record like this one, numerous lyrics about spending money on expensive things and all the different girls he’s dating feel out of place, especially since these, almost generic, lyrics can be easily repurposed by other numerous artists without any issue (a large part of “p angel,” which doesn’t have the melodic chops to justify this either). 

This album has generated numerous favorable reviews since its release, some calling it his best album and comparing it favorably to Thug’s album that dropped yesterday. Most of these compliments are deserved, and first week sales are certified to be 83K, a solid showing for a quick rollout and no collaborations. 

Rating: 7.0

Cover art: 4/5