Returning with the deluxe version of Wings Of An Angel, YB gives us a chance to reflect
once again upon the ideas of self perception, having a higher purpose, and loving oneself. With
brevity in 13 short tracks, YB captures those themes well without ever going too far into the
cocky and brash rap act or the extremely religious anti-rap rapper. Wings Of An Angel benefits
most from this humanity of YB and his ability to not just align with religious listeners, but sound
relatable to non-religious listeners as well.
In tracks such as Moshpit and hand of God freestyle, YB discusses the bewilderment of
his relationship with God, and the reasons for this confusion. Stating that he doesn’t deserve
“where [he] is today but [is] grateful],” YB opens himself up to the intimate side of his insecurities
in a life without god. His life would be meaningless, even if he was successful, without god. His
days where “[he] felt the fire” had only created “ashes that turned to gold” due to his faith. These
paradoxical reflections are full of substance and yet easily understandable.
In the second half of the tape, YB digs deep into the arrogant side of his bars and flows.
Age 15 freestyle is a genius twist on the previous Age 8 Freestyle, which instead of expressing
his wonder with god, expresses the ultimate confidence he has in his ability to make a career
out of rapping. Similar hard hitting tracks like Neon Freestyle and the newly added Lebron flow
characterize YB as someone who is granted his flexes because of god, his faith, and his ability
to be a leader.
The tape is also accompanied by a few interludes, each a recording of YB’s
conversations with his elders, that help portray YB’s story of finding great strength in his past,
ability to move forward, and belief in himself as a man of faith and a man in a world so removed
from his faith. Finding a way to stay in constant conversation with the audience about important
and motivational ideas, yet treading the lines of modern trap cockiness, YB lets the world know
he believes in himself as both a talented rapper and a man with the mission of God on Wings Of
An Angel.
Listen to ‘Wings Of An Angel [Deluxe]’ here: