Queens, New York emcee Grafh has officially returned with his fifth studio album, Sometimes Money Cost Too Much. With a career spanning over two decades, the lyricist has built a reputation for consistency, from his early days on The Bang Out to his critically acclaimed work with the late DJ Shay and Benny the Butcher’s Black Soprano Family imprint. This latest project arrives following a two-month delay, carrying the weight of high expectations built by his recent creative output.
The album opens with “Word Up Son,” a track that pays homage to his home borough over a sharp, horn-heavy instrumental produced by 38 Spesh. The energy shifts on “Squeeze 1st,” which features a standout appearance from Benny the Butcher. The two trade bars over a gritty, bloodcurdling boom-bap beat provided by Mike & Keys, effectively capturing the tension of street-level storytelling. The momentum continues with “Outside,” a collaborative effort featuring Mitchy Slick and Styles P that reinforces their collective presence in the streets, followed by the introspective “Documented.”
The mid-section of the album showcases a range of stylistic choices. Tech N9ne brings his signature intensity to “Suicide,” while “Better with Time” features Bun B on a track that leans into a cloudier, trap-influenced sound. While “Big League” featuring Joyner Lucas attempts to bridge rock and trap aesthetics, it stands as one of the project’s more polarizing moments. The album finds its footing again with “Brick by Brick,” which maintains a focused, gritty narrative.
As the project nears its conclusion, “Rollin’” and “Twin” experiment with more melodic and soul-sampled textures. The closing track, “Some Wounds Never Heal,” serves as a poignant, drumless outro that highlights Grafh’s ability to deliver raw, gut-wrenching introspection. While the second half of the album feels slightly less cohesive than the opening, the project remains a testament to Grafh’s lyrical endurance. Despite some production choices that may leave listeners wanting more, the highs of the record solidify his place as a staple of the underground scene.
Score: 6/10