Let’s be honest: in today’s landscape, where clout is king, Kodak Black stands as a rare, undeniable fixture, a true legend already stamped by the game’s elite. We’re talking about the best rappers in the game, including the consensus Top Three —Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake —who are showing respect, if not outright admiration, for the South Florida native’s artistry.
And if you need receipts, look no further than Just Getting Started. Even Jay-Z’s influence echoes on this deep album, as Kodak reflects on the systemic issues with the song “Prison Deform.” This isn’t just a project; it’s a testament to his singular vision, proving that his mind has always been mentally far ahead of other artists, and his music consistently rises to the top, regardless of industry noise or personal turmoil.
The Flow State: Kodak Black is This Generation’s Lil Wayne
The way Kodak contorts his voice, stretches his syllables, and attacks a beat, it’s experimental every single time. This is why he’s earned the comparison to this generation’s Lil Wayne: he possesses that rare ability to sound completely unbothered while delivering deceptively complex bars.
On Just Getting Started, we get a deeply retrospective look at the man behind the music. He holds nothing back as he dissects his time in and out of prison, lays bare the emotional scars of trust issues, and exposes the pain of abandonment from fake friends and the fickle industry.
Photo courtesy of Kodak Black’s (@kodakblack) Instagram account
Broward County raised him, and like every classic Kodak project, this one paints that picture so vividly that we feel like we grew up right alongside him in that Florida heat and that exit 36 struggle, making that wrong turn on Atlantic Blvd. Kodak Black is the GOAT for balancing introspective mood music with street anthems, and this album is the ultimate blend.
When you dive into Kodak Black’s Just Getting Started, you immediately recognize his skill in delivering a truly balanced project that caters to every facet of his fanbase. On the melodic front, tracks like “Calculated Steppin,” “Time To Be Free,” and “Savage Compassion” capture his distinct tonal delivery. These are the joints where he showcases his vulnerability, effectively turning deep, introspective thoughts into genuinely catchy, sing-song hooks that stick with you. Conversely, the album confirms his standing as a technician when he steps into his “Real Rap Bag” on cuts like “Project Blue,” “No Flaggin,” and “Keys To The City.” This side of the project is where his flow tightens, the wordplay sharpens, and he reminds the culture that he can jump in the booth and out-rap almost anyone, confidently proving his lyrical and purist credentials remain entirely intact.
Every single feature on Just Getting Started isn’t just a name drop; it’s a standout moment that reflects genuine artistic respect for Kodak.
- Gunna on “Endless Nights“: This collaboration is absolutely flawless. Gunna steps up and meets Kodak on his level—they go back and forth in complete unity, mirroring the experimental, winding flow that is trademark Kodak.
- Lil Yachty on “Shootin Craps“: Yachty completely locks into Kodak’s off-kilter energy, delivering a verse that’s fully immersed in the project’s pocket.
- Chance The Rapper on “Still Get Chanel“: A seemingly left-field collaboration that works perfectly, highlighting how versatile Kodak is when he brings other unique voices into his orbit.
- Don Toliver on “Who You Seeing Tonight“: He brings his signature R&B-infused sound, blending seamlessly with Kodak’s melody and showcasing his adaptability.
- Pharrell Williams‘ Surprise Appearance: Having a literal icon like Pharrell co-sign the vision is the final piece of evidence you need that this project is operating at an elite level.
Man, like the album title says, Kodak Black is truly Just Getting Started. He’s locked in, creatively free, and giving us a clear signal that there is so much more classic music on the way from your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. The culture is better for it.
