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Almighty So
Almighty So
Almighty So
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Almighty So
Mixtape by
Chief Keef
ReleasedOctober 12, 2013
Genre
Length38:30
LabelGlory Boyz Entertainment
Producer
  • ISOBeats
  • Bezz Luciano
  • OhZone
  • Abe Beats
  • CM$ Beats
  • Yung Lan
  • Denis37
  • Young Hitmakers
  • TraumaTone
  • Lokey
  • Qua Beats
  • Luke Kelly
  • Jack O'Lantern
  • PhatBoy
  • YGOnDaBeat
Chief Keef chronology
Bang, Part 2
(2013) 		Almighty So
(2013) 		Big Gucci Sosa
(2014)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
HotNewHipHop44/100[1]

Almighty So is the seventh mixtape by American hip hop recording artist Chief Keef. The mixtape was hosted by DJ Scream and was self-released on October 12, 2013. It features production from a variety of producers, including ISOBeats and OhZone. The album was poorly received upon release, although retrospective reviews have generally been more favorable.[2][3]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Almighty So Intro"CM$ (Certified Murk Squad)1:38
2."Sucka" (featuring Cdai)Bezz Luciano4:49
3."Ape Shit"Yung Lan2:02
4."Hunchoz"Denis371:56
5."In Love With the Gwop"Young Hitmakers1:51
6."Young Rambos"Abe Beats2:33
7."Blew My High"TraumaTone2:36
8."Me" (featuring Tadoe)Lokey3:30
9."Self" (featuring Tadoe)Qua Beats3:09
10."Nice"Luke Kelly2:24
11."Salty"Bezz Luciano2:50
12."Woulda Coulda"Jack O'Lantern1:58
13."I Kno"
  • ISOBeats
  • OhZone
2:26
14."Baby What's Wrong With You"
  • PhatBoy
  • ISOBeats
2:48
15."Yesterday"YGOnDaBeat2:00
Total length:38:30

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Almighty So

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Almighty So is a by American rapper , released on October 12, 2013, as his seventh official project in the genre. Self-released under his Glory Boyz Entertainment imprint and hosted by DJ Scream, the project consists of 15 tracks with a total runtime of 38 minutes that exemplify Chief Keef's signature sound, characterized by aggressive beats, auto-tuned flows, and street-oriented lyrics. The mixtape features production from a variety of contributors including ISOBeats, YGOnDaBeat, and CM$ Beats, blending trap-influenced instrumentation with drill's hallmark hi-hats and ominous basslines to create a raw, energetic atmosphere. Guest appearances are limited but include fellow artists Tadoe on "Me" and "Self," and Cdai on "Sucka," adding to the local flavor. Notable songs such as "Baby What's Wrong with You" and "In Love With the Gwop" highlight Chief Keef's playful yet boastful delivery, focusing on themes of wealth, loyalty, and urban life. Upon release, Almighty So received mixed initial reception for its repetitive style amid Chief Keef's prolific output, but it has since garnered a dedicated for its role in evolving . Critics and fans later recognized it as a pivotal work that influenced the rap era and subsequent hip-hop subgenres, evidenced by its high retrospective ratings and the 2024 Almighty So 2. The project's enduring impact underscores Chief Keef's innovation in trap and , cementing its place in early rap history.

Background and recording

Development and context

Almighty So marked Chief Keef's seventh , arriving just two months after his previous project, , in August 2013, as part of a flurry of self-released efforts through his Glory Boyz Entertainment imprint. This rapid output came in the wake of his signing to for the major-label debut , amid growing tensions with the label stemming from his mounting legal troubles that year. By mid-2013, the 17-year-old Keef had become a central figure in Chicago's scene, pioneering its aggressive, bass-heavy sound while navigating violations and arrests, including a high-profile speeding incident in that highlighted his ongoing conflicts with authorities. The mixtape's creation reflected Keef's push for creative outside major-label constraints, allowing him to deliver unfiltered aesthetics during a period of transition following his mainstream . Conceptualized in late summer , Almighty So emphasized a raw, hazy production style with sludgy reverb and mumbled delivery, diverging from expectations for more polished, melodic tracks and instead exploring experimental extensions of 's wall-of-sound intensity. This independent approach via Glory Boyz Entertainment enabled Keef to maintain momentum with fans eager for his signature unpolished energy, free from Interscope's oversight as label relations soured. The project was self-released on October 12, , underscoring his reliance on culture to sustain his influence amid personal and professional challenges.

Production and personnel

The production of Almighty So featured contributions from a diverse group of primarily Chicago-based producers, reflecting the collaborative and fast-paced environment of early drill music. The mixtape was self-released under Chief Keef's Glory Boyz Entertainment imprint and hosted by DJ Scream, who delivered introductory and concluding segments to tie into promotional efforts for the project. Recording sessions occurred in local Chicago studios and home setups, enabling the quick, iterative workflow common to drill mixtapes, where tracks were often completed in single sittings to capture raw energy. Featured artists from the Glory Boyz crew played key roles, with Cdai providing verses on "Sucka" to amplify its confrontational tone, and Tadoe contributing to "Me" and "Self," underscoring the crew's tight-knit involvement in Keef's output. The production credits span multiple beatsmiths, each handling specific tracks to create the mixtape's eclectic yet cohesive sound. ISOBeats contributed to several cuts, including "I Kno" (co-produced with OhZone) and "Baby Whats Wrong With You" (co-produced with PhatBoy, listed as Fat Boi on some credits). Other notable producers included on "Sucka" and "Salty," Yung Lan on "Ape Shit," and YG On Da Beat on the closer "Yesterday." The full tracklist with production details is as follows:
TrackTitleProducer(s)Featured ArtistDuration
1Almighty So IntroCM$None1:38
2SuckaBezz LucianoCdai4:49
3Ape ShitYung LanNone2:02
4HunchozDenis37None1:56
5In Love With The GwopYoung HitmakerzNone1:48
6Young RambosAbe BeatsNone2:33
7Blew My HighTrauma ToneNone2:37
8MeLoKeyTadoe3:30
9SelfQuaBeatsTadoe3:09
10NiceLuke KellyNone2:24
11SaltyBezz LucianoNone2:50
12Woulda CouldaJack O'LanternNone1:58
13I KnoISO Beats, OhZoneNone2:26
14Baby Whats Wrong With YouFat Boi, ISO BeatsNone2:48
15YesterdayYG On Da BeatNone2:00
Mixing and mastering were managed in-house by Keef's team, embracing a raw, lo-fi approach that amplified the mixtape's unrefined, street-level aesthetic without polished studio overproduction.

Release and promotion

Announcement and marketing

Chief Keef first announced Almighty So on in August 2013, declaring a release date of September 12 as a follow-up to his earlier Bang, Pt. 2. The mixtape, hosted by DJ Scream, faced delays and was self-released on October 12, 2013, through Glory Boyz Entertainment. To build hype and fan engagement, the project was offered as a free download on LiveMixtapes, aligning with the drill rap model's emphasis on accessibility and viral sharing over traditional sales. The release occurred at 10:17 PM, a deliberate homage to Gucci Mane's birthday, further amplifying street-level buzz within hip-hop circles. Marketing relied heavily on platforms like for direct fan interactions and snippet previews on , fostering anticipation without major label involvement, as Almighty So operated outside Chief Keef's Interscope contract focused on studio . No official singles were promoted, but tracks such as "Sucka" featuring Cdai generated immediate street discussion upon rollout. DJ Scream's hosting extended promotion through his radio presence, introducing cuts to broader audiences in the Midwest hip-hop scene.

Commercial performance

Almighty So was released as a free , hosted by DJ Scream, and made available for on platforms like LiveMixtapes, facilitating broad within the hip-hop community. This model contributed to its rapid dissemination among fans, though specific initial download figures are not publicly documented. As a non-commercial , Almighty So did not qualify for official chart placement, which in 2013 emphasized paid sales and physical units. Nonetheless, it garnered substantial underground traction in the Chicago drill scene, highlighted by features on prominent hip-hop outlets such as and Rap Radar. In the long term, the project has maintained enduring appeal. A resurgence occurred in 2023–2024, aligned with discussions of its 10-year milestone and the May 2024 release of the sequel album Almighty So 2, which debuted at number 30 on the with 23,000 album-equivalent units. The mixtape achieved particular dominance in Midwest urban markets, shaping local DJ rotations and contributing to bootleg circulation in the ecosystem. Compared to Chief Keef's earlier 2013 release , Almighty So sustained similar underground momentum but did not secure mainstream crossover success.

Musical content

Style and themes

Almighty So exemplifies , characterized by heavy 808 bass lines, rapid hi-hats, and minimalistic beats that underscore themes of aggression and street life. The production draws on foundational elements, with booming sub-bass and sparse instrumentation creating a raw, intense atmosphere suited to the genre's origins in 's South Side. Unlike more orchestral tracks from earlier in Chief Keef's career, the beats here lean toward a hazier, less polished sound, incorporating trap influences while maintaining the core aggression without venturing into melodic pop territory. Lyrically, the mixtape explores obsessions with wealth, as seen in tracks like "In Love With the Gwop," where expresses fixation on money and success amid street hustling. Relationship struggles appear in songs such as "Baby Whats Wrong With You," blending personal vulnerability with bravado, while broader themes of , , and criminal activity pervade the content, delivered through boasts of armament and defiance. 's delivery features his signature auto-tuned vocals and ad-lib-heavy flow, often mumbled and energetic, enhancing the chaotic, unfiltered bravado that defines his persona. Compared to his debut album (2012), Almighty So marks an evolution toward more experimental production, embracing a raw, drugged-out aesthetic that captures the turbulent energy of 2013's scene post-label troubles. The mixtape's structure supports this vibe, with short tracks averaging 2-3 minutes, skit-like intros, and repetitive hooks designed for high-energy playback in clubs or cars. This approach builds directly on Chief Keef's foundational sound, prioritizing immediacy and replayability over refined cohesion.

Track listing

The mixtape Almighty So comprises 15 tracks with a total runtime of 38:30. It opens with an intro hosted by DJ Scream, flows into high-energy tracks characteristic of Chicago drill, and closes on more reflective notes.
No.TitleFeatured artist(s)LengthProducer(s)
1Almighty So Intro—1:38CM$ Beats
2SuckaCdai4:49Bezz Luciano
3Ape Shit—2:02Yung Lan
4Hunchoz—1:56Denis37
5In Love With the Gwop—1:51Young Hitmakers
6Young Rambos—2:33Abe Beats
7Blew My High—2:36Trauma Tone
8MeTadoe3:30Lokey
9SelfTadoe3:09Qua Beats
10Nice—2:24Luke Kelly
11Salty—2:50Bezz Luciano
12Woulda Coulda—1:58Jack O'Lantern
13I Kno—2:26ISO Beats, OhZone
14Baby Whats Wrong With You—2:48PhatBoy, ISO Beats
15Yesterday—2:00YG On Da Beat

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in , Almighty So received mixed to negative reviews from blogs and outlets, often highlighting its experimental shift toward influences amid Chief Keef's ongoing legal and personal challenges. Critics frequently pointed to the mixtape's chaotic energy and raw presentation as both a strength and a flaw, with some appreciating the persistence of elements in a hazy, indulgent sound while others found it disjointed and underdeveloped. HotNewHipHop delivered one of the harshest assessments, rating the project 44 out of 100 and lambasting its messy production, lack of cohesion, and deviation from the more structured melodic heard on prior releases like Bang, Pt. 2. The review described it as a frustrating collection of lackluster, underdeveloped tracks—many under two minutes—with poor mixing and sloppy delivery overshadowing occasional highlights, signaling creative stagnation in the wake of Chief Keef's mainstream hype. Similarly, coverage in outlets like noted the short, nearly indecipherable songs over woozy beats as emblematic of an underwhelming, stream-of-consciousness style, though it acknowledged raw energy in tracks like "Ape Shit" and the atmospheric persistence of drill's gritty ethos amid the haze. Common critiques across 2013 blog reactions centered on repetitive focused on drugs, , and bravado, coupled with subpar audio quality that made the project feel rushed and unpolished. Aggregate user scores on platforms like RateYourMusic reflected broader disappointment in its execution despite the beats' occasional appeal, with scores improving over time to 3.88 out of 5 from nearly 8,000 ratings. In contrast, early praise emerged from underground communities, where the was lauded for its unfiltered authenticity and street-level appeal, capturing Chief Keef's reckless teenage persona and loyalty to Chicago's roots without commercial compromise. Fans in these circles valued tracks like "Blew My High" for their replayable, indulgent vibe, seeing the chaos as a bold evolution rather than a misstep.

Cultural impact and retrospective views

Over the years, Almighty So has achieved status within hip-hop circles, particularly in 2020s retrospectives that highlight its role in evolving the genre beyond its initial mainstream breakthrough. Originally released as an obscure self-released , it blended drill's gritty foundations with emerging cloud-rap aesthetics, creating a hazy, indulgent sound that has since been recognized for its innovative production and unfiltered aggression. The exemplifies the raw sound, characterized by dark synths, booming 808s, and aggressive lyrics depicting street life, which influenced subsequent artists and subgenres. Its DIY ethos, as a self-released project hosted by DJ Scream, reinforced mixtape culture's emphasis on independent distribution and rapid output, inspiring later drill variants including New York's scene—evident in Pop Smoke's adoption of similar ominous beats and bravado—and 's global adaptations. In Chief Keef's discography, Almighty So serves as a pivotal bridge between his early hype-driven era and a more mature, experimental phase, capturing a peak of creative freedom amid personal challenges like substance use. This positioned it as a foundational work that paved the way for Almighty So 2 (), often described as a that refines the original's chaotic energy while marking Keef's artistic evolution. The 2024 sequel received widespread acclaim, including 's Best New Music designation and an 8.3/10 rating, further elevating retrospectives of the original as a that influenced drill's evolution and rap's postmodern trends. Fan and critic reevaluations have elevated its standing, with Pitchfork's coverage of the sequel highlighting the original's intuitive, oft-copied rhythms as a starting point for rap innovations. User-driven platforms like reflect this shift, with average scores at 3.88 out of 5 from nearly 8,000 ratings, underscoring its chaotic energy as innovative rather than erratic. The experienced a resurgence around its 10-year in 2023, fueled by anticipation for the sequel and increased streaming activity, which solidified its underground legacy despite early dismissals as overly indulgent. Samples and references on platforms like further amplified tracks like "Ape Shit," contributing to renewed appreciation among younger audiences.

References

  1. https://music.apple.com/us/album/almighty-so/1711534626
  2. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/9769-chief-keef-almighty-so.php
  3. https://open.spotify.com/album/49woumeawViwuBn4ss52yK
  4. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/mixtape/chief-keef/almighty-so/
  5. https://genius.com/albums/Chief-keef/Almighty-so
  6. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/review-chief-keef-s-almighty-so-news.7726.html
  7. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/chief-keef-almighty-so-2-review-1235020411/
  8. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/chief-keef-confirms-being-dropped-from-interscope-records-on-6289381/
  9. https://www.spin.com/2013/06/chief-keef-arrested-served-charged-courthouse-paternity-speeding/
  10. https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-rap-albums-all-time/
  11. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/30201-the-evolution-of-chief-keef-news
  12. https://www.discogs.com/release/5022122-Chief-Keef-Almighty-So
  13. https://www.last.fm/music/Chief%2BKeef/Almighty%2BSo
  14. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/16637-review-chief-keef-s-almighty-so-news
  15. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/89779/Chief-Keef-Almighty-So/
  16. https://hypebeast.com/2013/8/chief-keef-announces-release-date-for-next-mixtape-almighty-so
  17. https://www.complex.com/music/a/dharmic-x/chief-keef-almighty-so-mixtape
  18. https://exclaim.ca/music/article/chief_keef_gives_almighty_so_mixtape_september_release_date
  19. https://www.discogs.com/master/3366838-Chief-Keef-Almighty-So
  20. https://livemixtapes.com/mixtape/chief-keef-almighty-so
  21. https://www.thefader.com/2013/10/14/download-chief-keefs-almighty-so-mixtape
  22. https://rapradar.com/2013/10/12/new-mixtape-chief-keef-almighty-so/
  23. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/803564-chief-keef-almighty-so-2-first-week-sales-hip-hop-news
  24. https://www.fakeshoredrive.com/2013/10/mixtape-chief-keef-almighty.html
  25. https://www.reddit.com/r/hiphopheads/comments/176b9rj/discussion_chief_keef_almighty_so_10_years_later/
  26. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/chief-keef-almighty-so-2/
  27. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/809538-how-chief-keef-spearheaded-the-drill-movement
  28. https://grammy.com/news/how-pop-smoke-shaped-new-yorks-drill-rap-scene-well-afterlife
  29. https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/uk-drill-chicago-chief-keef-am-skengdo-67-pitbulls-terms-and-conditions-2611268
  30. https://grammy.com/news/chief-keef-almighty-so-2-new-album-interview
  31. https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/best-albums-2024/
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