Lil Baby is starting 2025 with a bang—or rather, a WHAM. The Atlanta rapper has delivered the deluxe edition of his latest album, adding four new tracks to the already buzzy project. Released just days after the standard edition, WHAM (Deluxe) promises fresh sounds, a high-profile feature, and a lot to talk about.
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What’s New in WHAM (Deluxe)?
The deluxe edition of WHAM includes 19 tracks, with the first 16 mirroring the standard version. The new songs are:
- “99” (featuring Future)
- “My Idol”
- “Running This Sh*t”
- “My Shawty”
The standout addition, “99”, reunites Lil Baby with longtime collaborator Future, sparking excitement among fans eager to hear what the duo has cooked up this time. Given their track record of hits, expectations are high for another banger.
The Reception to WHAM: Mixed Reviews
Lil Baby has always been known for his undeniable talent and consistent output. Leading up to the release of WHAM, Baby confidently claimed it would be his best project to date. While some fans have embraced the album, others—and even prominent personalities—have been less enthused.
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Streamers like DJ Akademiks and Kai Cenat voiced their disappointment during live reactions. Akademiks speculated that Lil Baby might be losing his edge, while Cenat gave the album a lukewarm score. During his stream, Cenat candidly rated the album “a six out of ten”, expressing concerns about the direction of Baby’s music.
This sentiment has spilled over to social media, where critics argue that the rapid rollout of a deluxe edition might be a tactic to boost sales. One Twitter user wrote, “Same week deluxe sht for the sales push is embarrassing.”* Despite this, others believe the new tracks could reignite interest in the project.
A Strategic Move or a Sales Boost?
The timing of the WHAM deluxe release—just days after the standard album dropped—has sparked speculation. Some fans see it as a calculated move to maintain momentum, while others suspect it’s a direct response to the lukewarm reception.
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Lil Baby’s decision to include a Future feature in the deluxe edition is seen as strategic. Their collaborations, including hits like “Out the Mud” and “Life Is Good (Remix)”, have always garnered strong praise, and “99” could follow suit. By giving fans something extra so quickly, Baby might be addressing criticism head-on while keeping his name trending in the conversation.
What Does This Mean for Lil Baby’s Legacy?
Lil Baby’s rise to rap superstardom has been nothing short of meteoric. From his breakout hits to becoming a staple in the Atlanta rap scene, his consistency and hustle have set him apart. But as his career evolves, so do expectations.
While WHAM may not have immediately lived up to his bold claims, the addition of new tracks could shift perceptions. For an artist like Lil Baby, who thrives on staying prolific, the release of a deluxe edition aligns with his relentless work ethic.
Final Thoughts
With WHAM (Deluxe), Lil Baby is doubling down on his latest project, giving fans more content and another opportunity to connect with his evolving sound. Whether the deluxe edition becomes the boost WHAM needs or merely adds to the discourse surrounding Baby’s direction, one thing is clear: Lil Baby isn’t slowing down in 2025.
For now, fans can stream WHAM (Deluxe) and decide for themselves if the new additions hit the mark. One thing’s for sure—when Lil Baby moves, the rap world listens.
