Queens, New York emcee Grafh has officially returned with his fifth studio album, Sometimes Money Cost Too Much. Emerging over two decades ago with his debut mixtape The Bang Out, the veteran rapper has built a storied career defined by lyrical precision and a relentless work ethic. Following the success of his sophomore effort Stop Calling Art Content—produced by the late DJ Shay and released through Benny the Butcher’s Black Soprano Family imprint—as well as his TCF Music Group debut Art of Words, this latest project arrives with significant anticipation.
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 gritty collaboration with Benny the Butcher. The duo trades bars over a menacing boom-bap beat provided by Mike & Keys, setting a high bar for the project’s lyrical intensity.
The project continues with “Outside,” a street-oriented anthem featuring Mitchy Slick and Styles P, followed by the introspective “Documented.” A standout moment arrives with “Suicide,” featuring Tech N9ne, where both artists deliver aggressive verses about the consequences of betrayal. Conversely, “Better with Time” featuring Bun B leans into a more atmospheric, cloudy trap aesthetic, reflecting on the wisdom that comes with age.
While the album features high-profile collaborations, including Joyner Lucas on “Big League,” the project experiences some inconsistency. Tracks like “Rollin’” and “Twin” showcase experimentation with soul samples and nervous, modern soundscapes, though the latter half of the album occasionally struggles to maintain the momentum established by its strong opening.
Ultimately, Sometimes Money Cost Too Much serves as a testament to Grafh’s enduring relevance in the hip-hop landscape. Despite some production choices that may leave long-time fans wanting more, his technical ability remains sharp. The project concludes with “Some Wounds Never Heal,” a drumless outro that offers a moment of raw, gut-wrenching vulnerability.
Score: 6/10