On paper, the album The Voice of the Heroes looks very enticing. By bringing together Lil Durk, the historic Chicago drill star, and Lil Baby, one of the new godfathers of Atlanta rap, this collaboration immediately established itself as one of the rap highlights of 2021. The album's streamlined rap and drill provides an excellent canvas for its two stars. Lil Durk gives free rein to his emotional vocals on Who I Want or Please, and Lil Baby deploys his mastery of auto-tune, betraying his debt to Young Thug. Amidst the nostalgic and haunting pieces like the excellent Hats Off featuring Travis Scott, there is a sudden explosion of rage with Man Of My Word or the powerful Lying, which recalls the artists' years spent walking the streets of their respective cities. Lil Baby sums it up nicely on the poignant Make It Out "You don't know how it feels when everywhere you live you get evicted". This is an album whose grace is the fruit of the artists' sorrows and talents. © Brice Miclet / Qobuz