On Dec. 10, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, born Artist Dubose, released long-awaited B4 A Boogie vs Artist, a six-track EP that serves as a teaser to his upcoming album “A Boogie vs Artist.” 

Like many before him, including Eminem and T.I., A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is known for his artistic use of an alter ego. While songs by Artist tend to be more vulnerable and revolve around heartbreak and love, songs by A Boogie have more of a street vibe. The rapper described the difference as “in your feelings” and “in your bag.”

B4 A Boogie vs Artist features three songs from A Boogie, “Man in the Mirror,” “Glasses” and “Girls Go Down,” and three songs from Artist, “Making You Cry,” “Notifications” and “Be Free.”

Track 1: Man in the Mirror

“Man in the Mirror” serves as the opening track of the EP. A track that gets better with every listen, “Man in the Mirror” is arguably the best song on the EP. With a chorus that will replay all day in your head, a flow that will have your head bobbing and a beat that will have you making faces, this song is the perfect opener. Without a doubt, it lets you know that the rest of the EP will be worth the listen.

Track 2: Glasses

A Boogie wit da Hoodie manages to maintain a high standard with this track. He boasts his versatility with multiple switches in his flow. Moreover, this track makes it apparent that the production on this EP is some of the best he’s ever had. Overall, “Glasses” is another solid track, making A Boogie two for two.

Track 3: Girls Go Down

Personally, I felt this song was a step down from the first two tracks of the EP. A Boogie experiments with a different type of flow that can seem a bit airy. However, after a few listens, this song definitely grew on me, and the broken flow becomes quite catchy. Nevertheless, “Girls Go Down” is perhaps the worst track on the EP, which really conveys the high standard the rest of the EP presents.

Track 4: Making You Cry

This track made me jump out of my seat. In Artist’s first song, he laments the hardships and shortcomings of his failing relationship. For the first minute and a half, he delivers a somber tone with gentle vocals. This first part is very slow, but if you pressed skip during these 90 seconds, you made a mistake. Out of nowhere, the beat drops and Artist speeds up into a crazy flow. In this song, he masterfully meshes a heartfelt mood with fast-paced rap.

Track 5: Notifications

I replayed this track countless times after I first heard it; it is probably my favorite song from this EP. The melody is simply incredible. Artist floats on a captivating beat to produce a tuneful song you’ll have on repeat all day long.

Track 6: Be Free

“Be Free” is the last track on the EP. Once again, Artist sings about his troubles with love and tells his partner to “be free.” This song may seem a bit slow, but it gets better with each listen. Specifically, about halfway through the song, Artist speeds up his flow and begins beautifully floating on the beat. Overall, “Be Free” is a great way to wrap up the EP.

Verily, this EP did not disappoint. It is a well-rounded collection of exceptional songs with some of the best production we have seen from the rapper. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has made it very clear that he is returning better than ever.