(REVIEW): Why Natia's "2WICE AS GOOD 4 HALF AS MUCH" Feels Like a Real Album in a Playlist Era

Natia’s 2WICE AS GOOD 4 HALF AS MUCH (DELUXE) was one of the most complete and fulfilling albums we heard in 2025. After spinning more than 180 projects in our Spotify Wrapped rotation, this one stood finished in our top 10 Favorites of 2025. Not only as one of our West Coast releases, but as one of our favorite albums across the board. With 14 tracks, the deluxe edition brings together everything you want in a quality rap album: energy, depth, versatility and a strong sense of identity.

The project has the feel of a full course meal. From the club ready slaps to laid back sunshine records and introspective storytelling, Natia takes listeners through the full range of his artistry. There is nothing one dimensional about this album. It lands heavy in the right moments, slows down when needed, and circles back to remind you of who is behind the mic. More than just a playlist of fire songs, it is a body of work that draws you into Natia’s world.

From start to finish, the project feels curated with intention. Songs lead into each other naturally and by the time it is over, you know more about who Natia is. Not just as an artist, but as a person.

Rap First, Artist Always

There is a clear difference between somebody who just raps and somebody who creates as an artist. Natia is the latter. Every beat selection, vocal feature and sample feels handpicked for the moment. Nothing sounds rushed or filler. The flows are insane. Original, unpredictable, and at times, nearly impossible to recreate. His presence on the beat is elite, chewing through pockets and flipping cadences without forcing it.

The bars? Some of the best we heard all year. They are layered with metaphors, slick turns of phrase, and punchlines that come out of nowhere. We are not even quoting our favorites because, frankly, they are vulgar. But if you know, you know. There are more than a few moments on this project that made us pause like, *"Did he really just say that?"

His ability to balance lyrical craft with personality is a rare combination. Whether he is on a gritty beat or something more soulful, he raps like he is having fun. You can hear it in the delivery. The charisma is natural, never forced, and that is part of what makes the project so replayable.

Inside Natia’s World

Great albums often pull you into the artist's world. 2WICE AS GOOD 4 HALF AS MUCH does exactly that. On songs like "B&R" (short for "Born & Raised"), the production and storytelling wrap you in Southern California sun. You can practically feel the culture around you. Like a slow cruise to the beach, Inglewood air pouring through the speakers. It brings to mind records like Kendrick's "Dodger Blue," where atmosphere and narrative go hand in hand.

But it is not all feel good. Natia opens up about survival, trauma, and regret without ever sounding like he is glorifying pain. He reflects on things he has done to survive, and how those choices still live with him. The honesty shows up strongest on "Came a Long Way," where he opens up about thoughts of suicide, being homeless, falling out with family and his past issues with women in his life. It is a heavy record, but it carries pride too. Not just for where he is now, but for how far he has come.

That blend of vulnerability and control is rare. Natia makes music that feels lived in. Even when he is turning up or delivering a hard record, there is a sense of context. You are never lost in an empty flex. He raps with purpose.

Rooted in the West, Built to Travel

From the opening notes of "750ML," this project feels rooted in the West but never boxed in by it. That track in particular might be one of the best first songs on any album we heard this year. If you want to introduce somebody to Natia thats the first record you should show them. It slaps, but it also sets the tone for what follows. There is bounce. There is hunger. There is pride. It is gangsta, it is fun, and he is rappin his ass off.

What stands out about the sound overall is that it does not chase trends. The West Coast DNA is in the synths and the swing, but it is not stuck in nostalgia. This is music that could ring off in any hip hop club across the country. Some records feel like house party anthems, others lean into the traditional rap bag. But nothing feels out of place. Everything is cohesive.

In an era of bloated deluxe editions and throwaway bonus tracks, 2WICE AS GOOD 4 HALF AS MUCH (DELUXE) delivers a full experience. Every record sounds intentional. The sample choices hit. Female vocals are used exactly where they should be. It all just sounds right.

Natia did not just put together a dope album. He gave us a reminder of what a full project can feel like. From start to finish, it is entertaining, reflective, beautifully produced, and built with care. And more than anything, it is real. We can't wait to see what he does next.