Album Review: Megan: Act II by Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion is in butterfly form, embracing a nostalgic Pen & Pixels throwback reminiscent of classic album covers, but when it comes to the music, she’s locked in.
“Female rappers have always been present, but many never had the chance to reveal their talents. This year, the spotlight is on us,” proclaimed Megan Thee Stallion in 2018, leading a wave of charismatic artists advocating for female self-empowerment. Her journey begins in Houston, Texas, where Megan Pete was born in early 1995. As the daughter of the late rapper Holly-Wood, her passion for music ignited during her childhood. Influenced by icons like Biggie, the raw energy of Three 6 Mafia, and her favorite rapper Pimp C, she began shaping her own voice. At 18, she shared her early recordings with her mother, who counseled her to wait until she turned 21 before stepping into the public arena. Megan Thee Stallion’s impact on the music industry is undeniable as she continues to pave the way for the ladies.
Years later, Megan found herself on the brink of greatness. With the release of Traumazine, she ventured into a darker, more guarded sound, a stark contrast to her usual playful energy. Though not hailed as a landmark album, it marked a crucial step in Megan’s artistic evolution—a progression the Texan had long anticipated. Despite the weight of this new direction, she seamlessly blended her trademark confidence with a newfound depth, unveiling the human complexities behind her commanding presence. By fusing vulnerability with strength, Megan presented an artist unafraid to explore uncharted territories amid the pressures of superstardom with her self-titled album released earlier this year. Embracing the bitterness of her experiences and the fortitude that defines her, she affirmed her status while offering a multifaceted portrait of herself—a bold move that resonated powerfully with audiences.
There’s no better way to start the second act of Megan with “Bigger In Texas,” an assertive manifesto highlighting her unapologetic confidence and self-assuredness. It’s a celebration of her beauty and achievements, as she salaciously brags about her physical attributes with lines like, “Ass sittin’ up like a horse’s, pretty like a portrait,” coupled with an acknowledgment of her financial independence. In the second verse, she uses Texas as a metaphor for grandeur and authenticity, insisting on her genuine nature, and her playful yet commanding tone is evident when she calls out superficiality and calls for authenticity, “Bitch, don’t come around me tryna pass out drugs, I ain’t poppin’ no Teslas.” In the continuous play of words, Megan masterfully fuses humor with authority, comparing herself to sensual experiences and establishing total agency over her career and image.
You will notice the fan-favorite freestyles tailored for the Hotties. “He Think I Love Him,” aka “I Luv Her Freestyle,” showcases Megan’s lyrical dexterity and confident delivery over Gucci Mane’s familiar “I Think I Love Her” instrumental. In this installment of her “Megan Monday” series, the Houston rapper demonstrates her ability to craft sharp, witty verses with rapid-fire precision. “Like a Freak” has her rapping over a Far East Movement classic with clever wordplay and rhythmic delivery, highlighting her skill in adapting familiar sounds into fresh energy, blending her sharp wit and playful confidence (“Call PETA ‘cause I’m sendin’ shots like Katniss”). Outside of RM’s help with an inoffensive track, “Neva Play,” the South Korean K-pop group TWICE enters on the remix of “Mamushi.”
Meg and Flo Milli demonstrate their chemistry on the fun “Roc Steady,” which re-works Ciara and Petey Pablo’s “Goodies,” as “Number One Rule” got Megan flexing over a DJ Paul and Juicy J-produced cult classic you might be familiar with. She continues with her commanding presence on “Motion,” “Right Now,” and “Bourbon,” tackling themes of self-assurance, success, and the disregard for detractors who undermine her achievements. The song that takes a different turn is “TYG,” where Megan goes into a full aggressive mode reminiscent of Rico Nasty. It features heavy electric guitars and a death metal band, Spiritbox. It’s not a track you’ll appreciate upon first listen, but it shows a different side of Meg that will need time to sit with and get used to down the line.
Say what you will about Megan, but she keeps her fans satisfied. It may not match the caliber of her previous mixtapes with Tina Snow and Fever, but it gets the job done by proving that Act Two of Megan is the most versatile project she’s released thus far. But also a song like “Fell In Love” shows with roomy real talk about boom bap-heavy sounds, where their strengths lie. This tape seems like she has finally learned how to deal effectively with the potentials and risks of all the world’s possibilities. It sounds like the project she wanted to make strictly for her base amid her upcoming Amazon Prime documentary scheduled for Halloween, and that’s why you could say it’s her first with a rightful claim to greatness. Or, to put it in her words: “I walk up in the studio pissed off and lay that shit down.” Amen.
Solid (★★★½☆)
Favorite Track(s): “Bigger In Texas,” “Roc Steady,” “Fell In Love”