Beware Of Goon

the take

Goonew's second solo mixtape (and third project overall) is one of those I never really got into. Part of the reason is because I've always felt that "Homicide Boyz" was a great introduction to his music and everything before was just okay to me. Not bad, but not too engaging. While it's still not as engaging as I'd like for it to be, I will admit that Goonew shows his hunger and tenacity throughout the whole project. Aside from expected production by modern DMV legend Cheecho, this was around the time where Goonew began working with Atlanta rapper Hoodrich Pablo Juan and signed to Pablo Juan's MONY POWR RSPT label (along with fellow rapper Lil Dude). Goonew and Pablo collaborated on "Young Nigga", and while it leans more toward the Atlanta trap sound, Goonew actually did a good enough job at handling himself over production he wasn't yet used to. It's unfortunate that in terms of original songs (not including "The Race", obviously), "Young Nigga" is the weakest one due to it feeling a bit out of place. Overall, it's safe to say I somewhat slept on this, as I enjoyed tracks like "Yams" and "Heartless" that perfectly encapsulate the DMV sound that was popular at the time. It's still great short project to play from top to bottom for a quick listen.