Ro’s new album, *The Ghetto Gospel*, fittingly opens with a prayer—albeit one that takes some liberties with traditional devotionals. It starts with Billy Sorrells recounting the Houston rapper’s encounters with the devil, describing how Satan would appear from behind bushes, only for Z-Ro to tell him to get lost. Even more irksome than the devil’s temptations are the men who try to cozy up to Z-Ro in the VIP section, acting like they’re close friends when they are decidedly not. The former Rap-A-Lot Records rapper has no problem putting them in their place.
This scenario is quite instructive for understanding the Mo City Don’s philosophy on *The Ghetto Gospel*. If you’ve supported him when he needed it, he’s got your back and will go out of his way for you. But if you’re a sycophant trying to leech off the goodwill he’s earned, you’re out of luck. What’s most impressive about Z-Ro’s first solo record since 2022’s *Pressure* is how fresh he sounds. Nearing 50, he wields his age and experience like a weapon on the project, rather than something to hide. Z-Ro is wise and knows what he likes—good weed, Houston, lots of women, and loyalty. While the tracks that clap back at enemies are fun, he’s at his best when paying homage to what truly ignites his passion.
On the bouncy and incredibly sensual “I’m So High,” he kicks things off by introducing a new nickname—Teddy Pentagram—before urging listeners to tuck in their shirts. This is “grown man music,” after all. Z-Ro shows off his playful vocal skills, celebrating his hometown and savoring the joys of good smoke. “Pimpin’ Over Here” is country-fried funk, buoyed by crackling snare drums, a P-funk-inspired bassline, and an R&B chorus that transitions the song from the club to the bedroom. The emotional core of the album shines on “Still Shinin’,” featuring Paul Wall and Screwed Up Click rapper Mike D. The trio trade in Southern soul for some old-school G-funk, proving they can still rap with the best of them. It’s a refreshingly modern take on a classic rap subgenre, highlighting why Z-Ro remains relevant. Never one to chase trends or follow conventional wisdom, Z-Ro knows what works for him and refines it continually. *The Ghetto Gospel* isn’t a reinvention of the wheel but a reminder that the wheel is a damn fine instrument on its own.
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