Lil Durk Presents: Loyal Bros

Led by Lil Durk, Only the Family is the name of both a record label and a loose assemblage of rappers, many of which are affiliated with the Chicago drill scene. Only the Family: Lil Durk Presents - Loyal Bros is the first release from the collective following the November 2020 shooting death of their member King Von, and the shadow of his death looms heavily over the project. Not only is Loyal Bros dedicated to the late rapper and including multiple songs referencing his memory, but Von himself makes posthumous appearances throughout the album's 23 song tracklisting. Along with the previously released "Me and Doodie Lo," Von contributes to the dazzlingly sinister "Out the Roof," and the more atmospheric album opener "JUMP." Only the Family leader Lil Durk maintains a leading presence throughout the majority of Loyal Bros, riding on the momentum of his 2020 album The Voice. Lil Durk's bloodthirsty verses take "Dying 2 Hit'em" and "JUMP" to their most exciting heights, and he handles "Hellcats & Trackhawks" without any assistance. The collection is just shy of an hour long, and wastes little time with filler, offering variant highlights like the Tee Grizzley-featuring "Game Face" and a commanding appearance from Lil Uzi Vert on "Let It Blow." ~ Fred Thomas