Hartford, Connecticut emcee Fuego Base is back with a sequel to his full-length studio debut, marking a significant milestone in his sophomore effort. Since emerging a few years ago with his debut EP Tell My Momma Imma Rapper, he has steadily built a formidable catalog. His journey included the follow-up EP Tell My Momma Imma Rapper Still and the Say Dat mixtape trilogy, eventually catching the attention of Buffalo’s own Benny the Butcher, who signed him to Black Soprano Family Records. Following projects like Biggest Since Camby and Tell My Momma I’m Still a Rapper, his latest release, Still the Biggest, serves as a definitive statement of his position in the game.
The project opens with “Barbour St,” a track that strips away the drums to focus on his identity as a product of his environment rather than a victim of poverty. This is followed by “Hartford,” a boom-bap homage to his hometown. The title track, featuring Benny the Butcher, highlights their chemistry as they discuss Fuego’s enduring status as the hottest prospect in the city. Tracks like “93” offer a reflective look at personal growth through life’s trials.
The album’s second half features Sule on “T.E.I.O. (To Each Is Own),” where they tackle themes of career longevity and street survival. “Open Book” provides a vulnerable look at why he pours so much of himself into his music, while “Getting Out” and “Rejoice” explore the harsh realities of escaping the streets. The project concludes with “Thank God 2” and the introspective outro “Survivor’s Remorse 2,” where Fuego reflects on his journey with no regrets.
Three and a half years after declaring himself the Biggest Since Camby, Fuego Base continues to let his work speak for itself. While the production may lack some of the heavy-hitting flair of his previous work, the project remains an exceptional sequel that cements his status in Hartford.
Score: 7/10