Over winter break, High Bridge, Bronx, New York native A Boogie wit da Hoodie released his third studio album “Hoodie Szn.” In an industry overrun with mumble rappers who possess minimal ingenuity, A Boogie does a good job of making himself relatable.

The Bronx rapper’s lyrics explore his relationships with love, heartache, drugs and his drive for fame and success. “Hoodie Szn” reached number one in the country with two charting singles “Look Back at It,” a Michael Jackson-inspired melody which samples the king of pop’s “You Rock My World,” and night club anthem “Swerving” featuring 6ix9ine.

The highly anticipated album included 20 tracks and a plethora of features — some less necessary than others. I think some features ruined what otherwise could have been number one singles, for example, “Just Like Me” featuring Young Thug. Thug’s ad libs are more distracting than anything, not quite fitting the flow of the chill and sensual pace of the song.

Overall I enjoyed the album. Listed are my top five tracks.

1. “Come Closer” – This track is an emotional duet featuring YouTube sensation Queen Naija, with the sweet strum of an acoustic guitar. The perfect song to get you in your bag.

Almost conversationally, A Boogie threatens his ex that moved on, that he can win her back at any time with a trip to Aruba, “Even when you’re with your lover and phones on mute you gon’ fall into my trap you gon’ fall right through.”

It’s an abusive and manipulative ploy to regain control, as he continues to explain that if she is ever intimate with another man he would not ever trust, miss or forgive her.

While in the next line admitting he’s cheated with strippers and following up with “I’ma cry me a river/Just get it out your system/ You know how much I really want you, you know I’ll never ever forget you.” His emotions are all over the place but in such an honest and relatable way.

Queen’s reply is all the confidence you wish you had in a situation like that. It’s perfectly assertive, full of confidence while exuding independence stating in part “I don’t know what’s wrong with you. So over your petty games, you’re getting way too comfortable.”

Overall the song is an honest take on modern day relationships and how toxic they can be. Easily my favorite song on the album.

2. “4 Min Convo” – A lesser follow up to “3 Min Convo,” a single released shortly before the album dropped. A Boogie essentially has a four minute conversation over a chill beat where he switches up his flow several times while managing to pay homage to Future and Drake.

He calls out rappers stealing his style and takes it all the way back to two of his biggest singles “Timeless” and “D.T.B.”

The song seems to be a venting session, a way to speak on things floating throughout the rapper’s mind. Including but not limited to the state of the education system, growing up in the Bronx, or the “Jungle” as he often refers to it. His relationship with Tekashi 6ix9ine, Trayvon Martin and his change in life style.

The song is littered with profanity, but I think it offers insight into the rappers mind.

3. “Beasty”- The track starts off with a fast-paced trap vibe, then A Boogie gradually introduces his signature R&B flow. The song is fast paced and interesting touching on issues such as fake friends, fatherhood and many of the issues listed before.

The songwriter has a talent for expressing his story in a new and fresh way on each track. This song is definitely a standout on the album.

4. “Look back at it”- The song is sampled from Jackson’s “You Rock My World.” The track is jam-packed with a light fun vibe that makes you want to sing along.

Although lyrically I think there are stronger contenders, this song stands out due to its fresh sound. The album has many references to Michael, but this true sample is very unique.

5. “Swerving featuring 6ix9ine”- The beat is fresh and fun undeniably a club anthem. The two artists are seemingly an odd pair, yet the screams of 6ix9nine blend well with the cool melodic tones of A Boogie. This song will be stuck in your head for days and the lyrics used as the caption on everyone’s Instagram Posts