Offset is back with his new solo album Kiari, his most personal project to date. The Atlanta rapper’s third solo album serves as the follow up to 2023’s Set It Off, and boasts 18 tracks in total. While elements of Set’s rambunctiousness are still present, the rapper explores a lot of tough subjects on Kiari, including his relationship with his ex-wife Cardi B. In an interview with the Associated Press, Offset said the album’s closer “Move On” would explore his estranged relationship with Cardi, and said his goal with this project was to help usher him into a more peaceful era. “It’s about moving on, like, peacefully. That’s what the message is supposed to be,” he said. “It’s all love and peace. I just ended the album with that, just to end that chapter because it’s time to move on, it’s over and done with.” Offset continued: “It was great while it lasted. That shouldn’t be the topic for either one of us no more. It’s a book that’s closed.” The album is also stacked with plenty of guest appearances, and features collaborations from YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Gunna, YFN Lucci, Ty Dolla $ign, John Legend and Key Glock. Set also mentioned to Ebro Darden the other day that he may soon bury the hatchet with former groupmate Quavo, and even said a joint album is possible. The point is, Offset is clearly set on turning the page with Kiari. with all that in play, let’s get into the album. Here is Billboard‘s ranking of every song on Offset’s third studio album Kiari. “Calories” Similarly to “All of My Hoes,” “Calories” doesn’t hit with the urgency of Kiari’s other highlights. Offset sounds as if he’s on cruise control, and while It’s a good show of strength on the mic, Set changes his pace so well elsewhere on the project that “Calories” just feels fairly boilerplate as a result. “Checkmate (Smooth)” Offset does his thing on “Checkmate (Smooth),” delivering his signature style over a compelling beat layered with swelling strings. While he stays firmly in his comfort zone, this isn’t necessarily a pro or a con. Day One supporters will appreciate the consistency, but listeners hoping for more creative boundary-pushing might be inclined to skip. “All of My Hoes” While Offset smoothly glides over the laid-back melody of “All of My Hoes,” the track starts to feel a bit stagnant towards the end. He remains firmly in his comfort zone, but by the time the song wraps up, there’s little to jolt the listener out of the lull. “Enemies” Offset opts for a slow burn of an intro on “Enemies.” He flexes his wealth, luxuriates in expensive cars and jewelry, but knows behind it all are darker forces at play. “Lord, protect me from my friends, I can handle my enemies,” Set raps. “Enemies” sets the tone for Kiari, and introduces a slightly darker and more reflective Offset to the world. “Favorite Girl” (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) The transition from “Prada Myself” and “Never Let Go” into a sex-tinged R&B bop is a bit jarring, admittedly. But once you settle in, Take’s triplet flow is perfectly in sync with Ty’s signature brooding. In regards to the sequencing, it just feels like “Favorite Girl” would have made more sense earlier on in the project. “Backends (Fasho)” Hearing Offset rap with a touch of Auto-Tune over his vocals offers a refreshing and relaxed change of pace. This track feels tailor-made for a late-night drive through the city, where its vibe would really comes to life. “Back in That Mode” (feat. YFN Lucci) While Set does his thing, the real star of “Back in That Mode” is YFN Lucci, who after a tumultuous legal saga sounds hungrier than ever to get back on the mic. Offset does his thing, but Lucci’s sing-song cadence tumbles out of him breathlessly. It’s like he’s so relieved to be rapping again the words can’t flow out of him fast enough. “Prada Myself” (feat. Teezo Touchdown) Between a smooth hook from Teezo Touchdown and Offset’s reflective stand of mind, “Prada Myself” soars as a memorable ballad on the track. The track glides effortlessly, flowing like water, and leaves you wanting more when it ends all too soon. “Run It Up” (feat. Key Glock) Set and Glock shine on “Run It Up,” trading playful jabs at their opps over pounding drums and a polished soul sample. The track fits Glock like a glove, as he delivers his guest verse with effortless confidence, never breaking a sweat. “Set It Off” “Set It Off” is an irresistibly catchy interlude that feels like an instant earworm. Offset taps into his “Bad & Boujee” era, showcasing his knack for melody with effortlessly hummable bars like, “I’m pullin’ up trim/ Stepping out/ You getting money like who/ Boy, cut it out.” The song is far too short, but makes a compelling argument that Quavo maybe wasn’t the only Migos rhymer would could dabble in melody. “Professional” On “Professional,” Offset slides, struts and finesses his way through women, expensive jewelry and more in a song that fits snugly within Set’s rap cannon. He sounds completely in control and in his comfort zone, showcasing the flows and rhythmic side steps that he’s known for. “Different Species” (feat. Gunna) Gunna and Offset’s shared agility on the mic consistently delivers, and “Different Species” is yet another win for the Atlanta duo. Gunna’s syrupy cadence perfectly complements Offset’s staccato rhythm, creating a dynamic interplay that’s hard to ignore. While the subject matter treads familiar braggadocious territory, the sheer smoothness of their execution makes it hard to complain. “Never Let Go” (feat. John Legend) Offset reflects on the trauma of loss alongside John Legend on “Never Let Go,” with Legend serving as the perfect ballader for a song this painful. Set offers up some of the deepest bars of his career, ruminating on what’d it’d be like to get one more day with his brother. “Folgers” The muffled beat of
