I Just Got A Lot On My Shoulders (2024) Lyrics

"I Just Got a Lot on My Shoulders" is the seventh studio album by American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, released on December 6, 2024, via Never Broke Again and Motown Records. Marking the conclusion of his contract with Motown, this album stands as a powerful statement of resilience and creativity, featuring no guest appearances. The production is a collaborative effort from YoungBoy's trusted in-house engineer Cheese, alongside notable producers such as No I.D., OG Parker, Al Geno, and TayTayMadeIt.

The album's journey to release was as turbulent as it was compelling. Initially announced for April 19, 2024, YoungBoy’s arrest just days before the original date shifted expectations. Facing charges including possession of controlled substances and firearms, the rapper’s legal battles culminated in a 27-month prison sentence. This delay fueled speculation about the album's release, compounded by an iCloud hack that leaked numerous tracks, videos, and personal content. Despite these challenges, YoungBoy and his management confirmed the December release, giving fans a glimpse of the project with the early drop of the album’s first eight tracks on Spotify in November.

Musically, I Just Got a Lot on My Shoulders showcases YoungBoy's raw emotions and storytelling prowess, encapsulating themes of struggle, perseverance, and growth. Tracks like "Act a Donkey" and "We Shot Him in His Head Huh" became viral hits among fans, with their gritty lyrics and hard-hitting production earning critical acclaim. The outro and bonus track, "Tears of War," released posthumously while YoungBoy was incarcerated, is particularly poignant, representing his final recording before his arrest.

Commercially, the album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, further cementing YoungBoy’s dominance in the rap game. Critics praised the project for its authenticity and depth, calling it one of his most introspective works to date. With its gripping backstory and undeniable impact, I Just Got a Lot on My Shoulders solidifies YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s legacy in hip-hop.