Equal parts West Coast rap revivalist and chart-minded star, YG has released at least one full-length project since 2018's Stay Dangerous (2021 saw the release of the Mozzy collab Kommunity Service and Gang Affiliated, a showcase for YG's 4hunnid label). The streak shows no signs of ending, with YG's latest full-length Pray For Me officially announced on Friday.
Above, you can watch the music video for Pray For Me's lead single "Scared Money." It's a close sibling of Kendrick Lamar's "Humble," from the beat's stalking piano keys to YG's more playful-than-usual flows. The key difference is that this one has features: J. Cole and Moneybagg Yo show up to do their things and help try and make the song feel like an event.
The influence of Top Dawg Entertainment can be felt in Drew Kirsch's music video as well: it tries for the same surreal imagery inspired by hip-hop tropes and Black American life. At one point, YG does something with a crypto device shaped like a Juul. Appropriate, I guess, for a song about the benefits of taking wild risks with your money. Check it out above.
