The head honcho of Hot Girl Productions has been on an incredible run this year. In June, freed from the shackles of her old record label and now in pastures new, Megan Thee Stallion shared her third album ‘Megan’ – a glorious effort that showed off her growth in self-confidence and self-worth. She went on her first-ever headline world tour, made her hosting debut at the MTV VMAs, and got political by turning up for Kamala Harris at an Atlanta rally during this year’s presidential race. Now, she’s ending 2024 with a bang in ‘Megan: Act II’, a blockbuster addition to that fiery summer release.
‘Act II’ kicks off with ‘Bigger In Texas’, which boasts a luxuriously silky instrumental reminiscent of hometown greats like Underground Kingz. Over it, Megan displays her state’s inherent southern charm but still stands on business with every line. The H-Town Hottie – as the self-proclaimed pimp of rap – is brash and unapologetic as she declares she’s “at the top of [her] game,” easily taking down “airhead bitches” and moving on her own terms.
The songs that follow – ‘Bourbon’ and ‘Number One Rule’ – are in the same category: swagged-out manifestos about assertively taking up space and achieving the ultimate level of badassery. But, when Meg teams up with the equally-as-spunky Flo Milli on ‘Roc Steady’, things reach even greater heights, serving up a soundtrack for all the baddies in the world. Sampling Ciara’s debut R&B classic ‘Goodies’, they amp up its autonomous ethos with their signature unadulterated confidence and remind us of why they (and, in turn, ourselves) are “the wrong hoe to try” because they know their worth and refuse to settle for anything less.
The fun continues on ‘Best Friend’, a sensual bisexual anthem all about sexual liberation, while the Tay Keith-produced ‘Right Now’ harnesses that commanding self-assurance the independent ladies have in abundance. ‘Motion’, meanwhile, is where Megan reminds you that she’s “a major bitch” – never allowing herself to be reduced to anything less than what she is: a superstar.
‘Act II’’s collaborations improve greatly on those that were offered up on ‘Megan’. As well as Flo Milli, the previously-released ‘TYG’ with Grammy-nominated metal band Spiritbox and ‘Neva Play’ with RM of BTS make their way onto the album, diversifying its otherwise dominating pimp rap sound. K-pop girl group TWICE hopping on the remix for Megan’s summer smash ‘Mamushi’, though, is the most delightful surprise of all.
First, the Hot Girl coach drops a new verse on the madeover track, with her whipping out her dexterous flow before the South Korean pop juggernauts each take turns to show why they’re just as fierce and feisty as her. They’re definitely qualified to stand alongside Megan, as Chaeyoung reminds us: “We’re the originators, global entertainers / Your favourite girl groups sing our song screamin’, ‘TWICE.’”
On ‘Act II’, Megan confirms why she’s “the baddest bitch out right now” once again. Despite all the adversity that has plagued her in recent years, she firmly stands atop the rap world as the princess of rap, gazing down from her pedestal while polishing her tiara – maybe there’s a coronation on the horizon very soon.
