I Am You

Editors’ Notes Florida singer-rapper YNW Melly balances deep thoughts and violent mind spray with the deftness of a three-card monte hustler. Listen to “Virtual (Blue Balenciagas)” and hear a threat that feels like a bedtime story ("We gon’ pull up wit’ them sticks and hop out wit’ them choppas"). Yet, despite his love of gunplay, Melly shows he’s human and capable of feeling sorrow and regret. “I AM YOU,” “Wine for Me,” and “RISK TAKER” dabble in affairs of the heart. He sends out healing messages on “Mama Cry.” The confessionals “Had a Dream,” “Murder on My Mind,” and “Mind on My Murder” would impress Scarface, looking back if only to appreciate how far he’s come.