Hartford, Connecticut emcee Fuego Base is back with a powerful sequel to his full-length studio debut. Having built a reputation through his early EPs like Tell My Momma Imma Rapper and the Say Dat mixtape trilogy, his trajectory shifted significantly after signing with Benny the Butcher’s Black Soprano Family Records. Following projects like Biggest Since Camby and Tell My Momma I’m Still a Rapper, his latest release, Still the Biggest, serves as a definitive statement on his standing in the game.

The album opens with “Barbour St,” a track that strips away the drums to focus on his identity as a product of his environment. This is followed by the boom-bap-infused “Hartford,” a heartfelt ode to his hometown. The title track, featuring a guest appearance from Benny the Butcher, reinforces the narrative that Fuego remains the hottest prospect in his city, while “93” offers a introspective look at the trials that define one’s character.

Throughout the project, Fuego Base balances raw street storytelling with personal vulnerability. On “T.E.I.O. (To Each Is Own),” featuring Sule, he critiques the stagnation of older peers, while “Open Book” provides a transparent look at why he pours so much of himself into his craft. Tracks like “Getting Out” and “Rejoice” tackle the harsh realities of street life, death, and survival, while “Thank God 2” and “Honda 2 Rari” delve into his personal growth and the loss of his mother. The project concludes with “Survivor’s Remorse 2,” a reflective outro that finds the artist at peace with his journey.

While the production may lack the heavy-hitting star power found on some of his previous work, the lyrical proficiency remains undeniable. Three and a half years after declaring himself the Biggest Since Camby, Fuego Base continues to let his work speak for itself. Still the Biggest is an exceptional follow-up that cements his status within the Hartford scene.

Score: 7/10