Album Review: MoneyBagg Yo’s Federal
Alright, so let’s talk about MoneyBagg Yo’s Federal. Released in 2015 under Bread Gang Entertainment, this project is straight-up raw Hip Hop from the US. With DMacTooBangin and YS Trakkz as executive producers and DJ Larry Live hosting, it’s got that gritty street vibe but still feels polished enough to bump on repeat. The album has a solid mix of bangers and reflective tracks, but two songs really stuck with me—“28 Bars” and “Under Influence.”
First off, “28 Bars” hits different. It’s one of those tracks where you just feel like MoneyBagg Yo ain’t holding back. He lays down his bars like he’s telling you his life story in less than two minutes. That beat? Super minimalistic, letting his flow take center stage. I remember thinking, “Yo, this dude can spit,” and then rewinding it because there’s no way I caught all the details in one go. It’s short, sharp, and leaves an impression—like getting punched by a heavyweight champ.
Then there’s “Under Influence.” This track flips the energy a bit. It’s smoother, almost hypnotic, with a vibe that makes you nod your head without even realizing it. MoneyBagg sounds more laid-back here, talking about flexing and living large while keeping it real about the grind. What makes this track memorable for me is how effortlessly cool it feels. Like, you could throw this on at a party or just chill alone, and it works either way.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going too. Tracks like “Always Like This” and “Raised Like That” show off MoneyBagg’s versatility—he can go hard when he needs to but also deliver some introspective lines when the moment calls for it. Even skits like “Image” add personality to the project, making it feel cohesive rather than just a random collection of songs.
Looking back, Federal might not be perfect, but it’s authentic as hell. You can tell MoneyBagg Yo wasn’t trying to chase trends; he was just being himself. And honestly, that’s what makes it stand out. If you’re into Hip Hop that feels unfiltered and packed with personality, this album’s worth a listen.
Oh, and here’s something random—I listened to this album during a road trip once, and ever since, every time I hear “Under Influence,” I think about gas station snacks and bad GPS directions. Weird, right? But hey, music sticks with us in funny ways sometimes.