by In the neon-lit underbelly of Louisville’s rap scene, EST Gee has emerged as an undeniable force with his latest offering, “I Ain’t Feeling You.” The 12-track album, released today via CMG/Interscope Records, serves as a testament to the artist’s unwavering commitment to authenticity in an industry often criticized for its superficiality.
The project features some of hip-hop’s most prominent voices, including Travis Scott, Lil Baby, Veeze, and Rylo Rodriguez. But it’s the Louisville native’s unflinching narrative that stands at the forefront, painting vivid portraits of street life with his signature deadpan delivery and sharp-edged lyricism.
The album’s standout track, “Houstonatlantaville,” brings together three titans of their respective cities – EST Gee, Lil Baby, and Travis Scott – in a masterclass of modern trap music. Over thunderous bass lines and haunting bell splashes, the trio weaves together a compelling narrative of persistence and hustle. The track’s hook serves as both a warning and a blueprint for success: “Take your time when you gettin’ it out the oven, and why you rushing? / You can lose it all, get it back tomorrow if you a hustler.”
The album’s emotional core reveals itself in “RIP Lu Mike,” a raw tribute to EST Gee’s late friend and Young Shiners label signee. The track is a powerful reminder of the real-world stakes that narrate his music, cutting through the glamour often associated with the rap lifestyle to expose the pain and loss beneath.
EST Gee’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. After breaking out with 2021’s “Bigger Than Life or Death,” which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200, he’s maintained an impressive momentum. His cosigns read like a who’s who of hip-hop royalty, including Jay-Z and Drake, while his collaborations with artists like Future and Jack Harlow have solidified his position as a versatile force in the industry.
The new album follows a particularly productive 2023, which saw the release of two critically acclaimed mixtapes – “MAD” and “EL TORO 2” – as well as significant contributions to CMG’s “Gangsta Art 2” compilation. His partnership with Yo Gotti’s CMG label has proven to be a perfect match, allowing him to maintain his authentic voice while reaching an ever-expanding audience.
“I Ain’t Feeling You” showcases EST Gee’s evolution as an artist while staying true to his roots. The project seamlessly blends trap-infused Southern rap with introspective storytelling, creating a sonic landscape that’s both familiar and reinvigorated. From the opening track, “Free Rico,” to the contemplative “Outro,” the album maintains a cohesive narrative while exploring different facets of the artist’s experience.
For those familiar with EST Gee’s previous work, including his debut studio album “I Never Felt Nun,” this latest release represents a natural progression while pushing new boundaries. His ability to consistently deliver authentic street narratives while collaborating with mainstream heavyweights has earned him the title of “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper” – a designation that seems more fitting with each release.
As the album drops across streaming platforms, it is another milestone in EST Gee’s remarkable journey from Louisville’s streets to hip-hop’s upper echelons. With “I Ain’t Feeling You,” he continues to prove that authenticity and commercial success aren’t mutually exclusive, crafting a project that speaks to both the streets that shaped him and the broader audience he’s cultivated through years of consistent quality output.
I AIN’T FEELING YOU track list (LISTEN HERE)
1. Free Rico
2. The Streets
3. Houstonatlantaville (Ft. Lil Baby & Travis Scott)
4. Right Now
5. Rip Lu Mike
6. Go
7. Plug Motivation
8. Do My Own Stunts
9. Crash
10. Slime
11. My Love (Ft. Veeze & Rylo Rodriguez)
12. Outro
