Trippie Redd - Saint Michael V2

Saint Michael V2 does not present itself as a traditional album, but as an extension of a broken pact that is being relaunched. The fourth project released by rapper Trippie Redd in 2023, this 36-minute, 57-second record concludes a contractual saga with the label 10K Projects. The cover art, depicting Trippie breaking free from a tangled tangle of heavy chains, immediately sets a visual framework that transcends the mere aesthetics of rap to evoke physical liberation.

From Saint Michael to Saint Michael V2: a deluxe reissue

The V2 version is not a simple reissue, but a second life given to the original SaintMichael record, which debuted as the third release of the year for the artist before this rerelease. Trippie had announced the original release on Instagram in November 2023 as a surprise consisting of "7 songs now 7 sons later". However, he decided to enrich the project by adding ten additional tracks, thus transforming the initial EP into a full 15-track studio album. This strategy of expansion transforms a fleeting announcement into an extended narrative sequence, prolonging the initial EP while offering increased sonic density. The cover art depicts Trippie breaking free from a tangle of heavy chains, symbolizing this desire to overcome initial constraints.

Genesis and structure of the project: from the surprise announcement to the final release

The chronology of this album is marked by recent additions and deletions. This back-and-forth in the tracklist shows a desire to constantly rework the album's content. The production is mainly handled by Igor Mamet, who participated in the production of this album, with other contributions coming from Cash Bob C Cobain, Losoe, Pierre Bourne, Bobby R Baps, and other contributors.

Narrative dynamics and collaborations: the appearances of 9lives, YTB Fatt, K Suaveaved, and BANKS

The structure of the collaborations is the element that most distinguishes this deluxe version from its predecessor. The list of featured artists now includes 9lives, YTB Fatt, and K Suave in addition to BANKS's presence already present on the original project. The album has four featured tracks across its fifteen tracks, instead of one in the original version.

Professional context and reception: an exclusive streaming release and the end of a contract

The marketing of this album is marked by specific figures: it sold fewer than 7,000 units in its first week and did not appear in the Billboard 200 charts. This performance contrasts with the ambition of a project conceived as the culmination of a series, following a $30 million deal with the label 10K Projects. The release also coincides with the cancellation of Trippie Redd's tour, which he attributed to the birth of his son SaintMichael Michael White. This personal period, described by the artist as a moment of confusion and rage through depression, permeates the project, serving as an outlet for an existential crisis. The production, dominated by Igor Mamet and supported by contributions from Cash Cobain, P'ierre Bourne, and Bobby Raps, offers a sonic density that goes beyond the mere aesthetics of rap. Across these fifteen tracks, the collaborative legacy extends beyond the presence of BANKS, now including 9lives, YTB Fatt, and K Suave on specific tracks. Notably, K Suave returns on this album after previously collaborating on "Trippple H", "3am", "Entanglement", and "Deathstarstar" for the albums Thot Slayer 2 (2020) and Sexually Active (2021), sealing an artistic continuity before the arrival of the next studio project, #NDA, scheduled for 2026. The final assessment of this album lies in its ability to transform a limited EP into an extended experience without renouncing its original roots. The album's artwork depicts Trippie breaking free from a tangle of heavy chains, an image that resonates with the context of his son's birth and the cancellation of his tour. This record, released by the label 10K Projects, marks a transitional stage in Trippie Redd's career, preparing the ground for the upcoming project #NDA (2026). With its 15 tracks and a total duration of 36 minutes and 57 seconds, SaintMichael V2 remains a deluxe version, consolidating the achievements of the initial EP while introducing new collaborative dynamics with 9lives, YTB Fatt, K Suave, and BANKS.

Technical details

- Release date : 24 November 2023 - Label : 10K Projects, 1400 Entertainment - Tracks : 15 (36 min 57 s) - Opening / closing : #RBDG / #SDWL ;) - Guests : 9lives, YTB Fatt, K Suave, BANKS - Previous album : A Love Letter To You 5 (2023)