The title of Detroit rapper
Tee Grizzley's fourth solo mixtape,
Half Tee Half Beast, reflects his humanity as well as the struggles he's endured throughout his life, which have only made him stronger. Hard-as-nails bangers like the piercing "Loyalty" and "Hustlin" leave the biggest impression, but lighter, more introspective cuts like the eerie "Oh Yeah" and the empowering "Your Grave" demonstrate his sensitive side. Mainly produced by
J.R. Rotem with additional tracks handled by d.a. got that dope, Antt Beats, and others, the beats largely stick to suspenseful, piano-heavy trap, though "Buss It All Down" flirts with synth-funk and cleverly sneaks in the melody to "Axel F" at the end. The mixtape charted in the Billboard 200 following its April 2022 release. ~ Paul Simpson