This Herb project is unlike any other. If you don’t get it, that’s okay… it wasn’t meant for you.

Raised on the Eastside of Chicago, rapper Herbert “G Herbo” Wright III gained national attention in 2012 when the video to his song “Kill Shit” featuring Chicago rapper turned music executive, Lil Bibby, went viral. Between 2014 and 2016, the 24-year-old, previously known as “Lil Herb,” released four mixtapes, dedicating two (Welcome to Fazoland, and Ballin Like I’m Kobe) to his close friends who lost their lives to gun violence. In September of 2017, G Herbo released his first studio album Humble Beast followed by two additional full length albums, Swervo (2018) and Still Swervin (2019).

The drill-inspired artist has often been criticized for his “off-beat” verses. Now, less than a decade into his professional career, PTSD may have shocked some listeners with its relaxed flows. In February 2019, fans were excited for PTSD since Herb initially announced it was in the works shortly after his LP Still Swervin, which received many negative reviews.

In hopes to satisfy his demanding fans and put an end to commentary about various leaked tracks, G Herbo released five singles between August and December of 2019, which were later combined with additional songs to create Sessions (2019). Prior to the release of Sessions, fans were confused when the PTSD tour was announced before the album dropped but it was evident that the project would have to be released before the first leg. Sure enough, on January 31, 2020, the PTSD tour lineup was altered to accommodate a late-February release.

On February 12, 2020, G Herbo previewed the PTSD single “In This Bitch”, which stands as one of the more vigorous tracks on the album, on Instagram Live hours before its official drop. The next day, Herb released the album artwork by Chicago local TeeJay Spencer and announced the project would drop on the 28th.

PTSD was released by Epic Records and Chicago indie label, Machine Entertainment Group with 14 tracks equating to 47 minutes. The album includes features by well-known artists such as A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Lil Uzi Vert, and 21 Savage.

G Herbo surprises his listeners with three samples from early 2000’s rap music, also known as Hip Hop’s “Golden Age” beginning with his first song, “Intro”. Producer DJ Don Cannon sampled the iconic “Intro” track from Jay-Z’s fifth studio album The Dynasty - Roc La Familia 2000. The record parallels Hov’s track as it is also a broad guide to navigating the street presented in the form of a reflection. Like Jay-Z’s declaration, Herb doesn’t want to forget the traumatic past that shaped him but rather wants to continue to use it to fulfill his desired goals. This song encapsulates PTSD at its essence.

Track number three, “Gangstas Cry” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid, serves as the most underrated song on the album. The slow, simple beat and chorus is straightforward enough to allow listeners who relate to Herb’s experience to understand his new ability to process his feelings. The importance of this track lies within his blatant confessions. Herb speaks on his past lean addiction and addresses using it as a coping mechanism to numb his emotional pain.

Considering its calm yet fast-paced tempo, special attention should be given to track number five, “Death Row”. The beat produced by DY Krazy is unlike any in G Herbo’s formal discography. The song’s placement within the album and catchy chorus captures the attention of listeners who may have begun to lose interest in the project.

PTSD’s most popular track is named after the project. Having collaborated with Chance the Rapper, Juice WRLD, and Lil Uzi Vert before, Herb invites them back to paint a diverse and vivid story for his audience. G Herbo expresses how his excitement for his level of success is hindered due to the loss of his loved ones. While still unable to make sense of Juice WRLD’s unexpected passing, his lyrics of “I don’t belong. I see my past everywhere. Don’t stand too close to me. Eternal PTSD” punctures the slowly healing scab his fans have been attempting to mend. It is evident the success of this track derives from the heavy hearts of those still mourning the Chicago superstar.

While Chance the Rapper’s current sound is favored by fans of hip-hop/pop crossovers, the verse highlights an experience that is often overlooked. The story of the outsider that is still affected by the neighborhood crime while not being directly involved in it. Chance shares a childhood memory of having to suppress his feelings after witnessing someone being shot and killed with his mother. At that moment, both Chance and his mother were either unable or chose to not fathom the tragic event. This addresses the reality of the Chicago experience that includes growing up fast. The reality of being placed in situations your parents cannot assist you with and being forced to navigate the troubling experience on your own.

As for Lil Uzi Vert’s contribution to the record… It was nothing special and does not add new content to the song. The verse was catchy and directs his fan base to the album itself.

Unlike previous projects where G Herbo can be heard defending his anxiety driven lifestyle, he seems to have a grip on his feelings. On Track 8, “By Any Means” featuring Atlanta native, 21 Savage, Herb begins his reflection with “I used to be trippin like a motherfucker. That’s cause I ain’t listen to a motherfucker.” While still young, G Herbo now sounds like a Vet in the rap game.

Herb does his due diligence in his track “Feelings”' which samples Jadakiss’ “Still Feel Me”. On the track, G Herbo confesses that he longs for a better relationship with the mother of his child. Listeners observe a new sense of maturity within Herb as he acknowledges his life-commitment to her to a positive manner for the sake of their son, Yosohn.

The project’s concluding track, “Intuition” featuring up and coming artists, Sonta and 2PRETTY, is an appropriate ending to PTSD because G Herbo redefines what it means to be a gangster. The outro, which samples Beanie Sigel’s “Feel It in the Air” is the final example of how Herb successfully demonstrates his ability to master old school classics with his witty flow.

Chicago’s youth needed Herb to acknowledge his Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome to encourage them to confront the paranoia that convinces them to believe they are unable to relax. While G Herbo received positive reviews for his fun and catchy tracks “Pull Up”, “Swervo”, and his popular freestyled remix of Three 6 Mafia’s “Who Run It” in the past… they are almost depthless.

Diehard Chicago Herb fans have been asking for “Lil Herb” to return but we shouldn’t want him back. Herbert “G Herbo” Wright III is continuously evolving and it seems to be for the better. Not even a week after its debut, PTSD charted third on Apple Music behind Lil Baby and Bad Bunny with tracks that share his discomforting reality. If G Herbo is smart, he will continue to do just that.

Favorite Tracks

Intro

Death Row

Feelings

Listen to PTSD here:

We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get notified when we post: