On Friday (Aug. 30), Hip Hop fans were blessed with two incredible releases: Better Me Than You and Alligator Bites Never Heal. The latter marked Top Dawg Entertainment artist Doechii’s first long-play effort under the label, and it didn’t fail to impress.
During Sunday’s (Sept. 1) episode of “The Joe Budden Podcast,” the eponymous host gave his review. “I don’t have enough amazing things to say about this Doechii project. If you have not heard it, it’s on your phone and on DSPs,” he said. “TDE has done it again… I’m just really happy for her. [What a great] way to get your name in the mix.”
However, Budden also noted the suspiciously perfect timing of the mixtape dropping on the same day as Big Sean’s sixth studio album. “I don’t know what TDE has against Sean, but they did it again with this Doechii project,” he joked. While discussing the opening cut of Alligator Bites Never Heal, “STANKA POOH,” the rapper-turned-podcaster added, “I need Sean’s production to sound bigger. Before she says a word on some of these joints, you hear it.”
Interestingly, though, Doechii announced Alligator Bites Never Heal on her 26th birthday (Aug. 14), whereas Sean confirmed the new launch date for Better Me Than You on Monday (Aug. 26). His album was unfortunately delayed due to leaks, followed by him wanting to organize listening events and shows.
The lead single, “Precision,” notably came out amid Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s rap beef starting to heat up. On Twitter, fans joked about the Detroit native picking the worst time imaginable, which he agreed with during a sit-down with Charlamagne Tha God.
“I hadn’t even dropped music in years, bro, and I’m just [now returning], so I understood. I was surprised, too,” he said on the “Out of Context” podcast.