Two observations emerge from listening to Traumazine. The first: Megan Thee Stallion, it’s not showing off. This woman raps with confidence and precision, whatever type of production she tackles, from house (Her) to the mournful trap (Pressureliciouswith Future), through the many more pop and R&B songs, starting with the impeccable duet with Jhené Aiko, Consistency (which cleverly samples the Isley Brothers). The second: it’s not always easy to be at the top of the pyramid of American rap, as she details on this album, which we listen to as the story of the great victories and cruel defeats experienced since good news, published two years ago. The Houston star candidly reveals herself, on Anxiety particularly, in which she addresses the recent death of her mother. When she doesn’t confide, Megan distributes the slaps: being vulnerable, okay, but keeping rivals (rivals?) at a distance with warnings and insults. Dua Lipa, Pooh Shiesty, Rico Nasty and Lucky Daye (on the mesmerizing Star) enrich the proposition.
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