As the music industry buzzes with anticipation for the April 14 release of NLE Choppa’s album—Cottonwood 2, the talented rapper is whetting fans’ appetites with a shower of unique releases. His latest offering, “Ain’t Gonna Answer,” steals the limelight with a masterful homage to Lil Wayne. It joins ranks with other standout releases like “Champions,” “Mo Upfront,” and “23,” all poised to add an extra zing to his forthcoming album.
Choppa’s deftness in blending tribute and groove has made him a force in the contemporary hip-hop scene. In “Ain’t Gonna Answer,” he channels his inner Weezy and merges influences from “Cash Money,” “Hot Boys,” and “Back That Azz Up,” strikes gold on all fronts. This track stands out with its ingenious incorporation of the catchy Wayne and Baby chorus from “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy”—”What we doing? Makin’ money/What they doing? Hatin’ on us.”
But Choppa didn’t stop there; his latest creation also tips its hat to the Tunechi’s less-celebrated “Private Dancer,” adding another layer of respect to the homage. The music video, masterminded by Zaeim, showcases visual elements reminiscent of Carter II. A Hollygrove sign and subtle associations with the “Fireman” video channel the signature Weezy flair, bridging the past and the present with style.
Cottonwood 2 is NLE Choppa’s first full-length output since January 2022’s Me vs. Me and will serve as a follow-up to his debut album—Top Shotta. The new project is highlighting Choppa’s growth and evolution as an artist, promising an exceptional musical journey for listeners. With a mammoth roster calibre, including Pooh Shiesty, Rod Wave, and DaBaby, the album is set to be a delightful mix of diverse talents and hip hop flavors.
As a lead-up to the release, Choppa turned heads by drawing a parallel between his work and Tha Carter III and IV’s album art in recent Instagram posts. These nods to Lil Wayne’s discography illustrate his influence on a generation of rap artists. They also seamless blend of old and new, suggesting an evolution of hip hop that respects its roots while forging fresh paths.
Birthed from the evolution of rap, NLE Choppa has an ear for timeless hooks and a keen sense for the brooder hip hop culture. It’s a talent that’s making itself clearly visible in releases like “Ain’t Gonna Answer.” His carefully curated homages to rap legends like Lil Wayne pave the way for his rise to the hall of hip hop elites, offering fans an inspiring mix of reflection and revolution.
Cottonwood 2 seems to be carrying the weight of these legacies within its tracklist, promising the blend of classic and contemporary that defines Choppa’s approach to music. With each release, his lyrical prowess and respect for tradition mesh with the bold strides towards innovation that set Choppa apart.
As fans worldwide eagerly await the release of Cottonwood 2, “Ain’t Gonna Answer” provides the tantalizing hint of what’s to come. It’s not just a promise; it’s a testament to NLE Choppa’s growing stature as an artist capable of merging the past, present, and future of hip hop into a cohesively compelling package. So, keep your eyes and ears tuned to the pulse of rap music. You wouldn’t want to miss the lyrical narrative that Choppa is set to unleash.
