Rich Gang

The scientists at Young Money/Cash Money labs deserve to be congratulated for finally managing to synthesize a safe, rap-based alternative to Ambien. At least, that's what it sounds like they were attempting when they recorded this incredibly boring "super-group" album. It features a large chunk of the YMCMB roster, but almost none of them sound like they want to be there. All the songs on Rich Gang bleed into one another; they all have the same slow-to-mid tempo, overproduced, synth-heavy beats; and almost all the rappers sleepwalk through their verses. Everyone is talking about how rich they are, but no one's having any fun. There are some exceptions. Mystikal brings livewire energy to "R.G." and "Angel," while Kendrick Lamar is low-key but still engaging on "100 Favors" and Ace Hood sounds like he might actually be having a good time on "Dreams Come True." "Everyday" is the only track that's good across the board, with Cory Gunz, Mystikal, Birdman and Busta Rhymes partying over a beat that's almost Moroder-esque. Unfortunately, these bright spots are few and far between, like islands in a sea of dull garbage.