Detroit rapper
Tee Grizzley turns in his best material when he balances his raw, street-hardened storytelling rap prowess with just the right amount of commercially geared touches. That balance of blunt talent and catchy production drove his best performing hits and continues to shine through on the best moments of third studio album
Built for Whatever. Across a 19-song track list,
Tee Grizzley reworks the high-energy trap style that's defined some of his best-known songs but also tries some new approaches. Tracks like album-opener "Grizzley Talk," the
G Herbo-assisted "Never Bend Never Fold," "Quit Trappin'," and "High Speed" are unrelenting blasts, with
Grizzley laying out gripping depictions of police chases, prison life, and intense street violence. Songs like this make up the high-impact side of
Built for Whatever, but
Grizzley breaks out of that lane with the mellow instrumental and rare romantic themes of "What We On," featuring fellow Detroiter
Big Sean, and tries out melodic sung hooks on the outlier track "Life Insurance" featuring
Lil Tjay. Other stand-out moments on the album come when
Grizzley matches powers with his peers. Contributions from
Young Dolph,
Quavo,
Lil Durk, and the late
King Von are all highlights on an album characterized by
Grizzley's exploration of new styles. ~ Fred Thomas