Tha God Fahim has returned with his 76th overall project, a new extended play that serves as a pivotal moment in his prolific career. Emerging from the Atlanta underground scene as a Griselda Records affiliate and a key member of the Dump Gawds alongside Mach-Hommy and Your Old Droog, Fahim has built a massive discography defined by standouts like Breaking Through tha Van Allen Belts and Dump Assassins. After a period of mixed reception regarding his recent output, Lethal Weapon 5, produced by Drega33, represents a focused return to the high-quality standards fans expect from the “Lethal Weapon 5” collaboration.
The project opens with the title track, “Lethal Weapon,” which utilizes a sample-driven boom bap instrumental to frame Fahim’s lyrical defiance against those doubting his recent momentum. The track “Vega” follows, stripping back the percussion to allow Fahim to articulate his dual role in the rap game and the streets. Throughout the EP, tracks like “All I Know” and “Times of War” showcase a balance between gritty ambition and soulful reflection, proving that Fahim remains a master of his craft.
The second half of the project maintains this momentum. “Verses N Curses” leans into heavy sampling, while “New Life,” featuring Jay NiCE, offers a jazz-inflected perspective on legacy and the next generation of hip-hop. The EP concludes with “Wear Fear n Love,” a track that thoughtfully explores the nature of greatness. After a seven-month hiatus from covering his work due to the inconsistent reception of The Blacker the Berry and Tha Nighthawk Chapter, it is refreshing to see Tha God Fahim regain his footing. With improved production and a renewed sense of focus, Lethal Weapon 5 serves as an optimistic precursor to his upcoming project, Fanonmenal.
Score: 8/10