Pt+ "I Never Left " 💿 Rap Nerd Reviews

When you step away from something you love, the passion never truly dies, it just waits for the right time to resurface. That’s the energy Pt+ brings to the table with his new album Never Left — a project that's both a reflection of his journey and a reintroduction to a hip-hop world that never really left him either.

Originally hailing from Southern California and now based in Charlotte, NC, Pt+ steps back onto the scene after a long hiatus, inspired by his sons 2Polar and Caramel God to pick the mic back up. I Never Left is a mix of old and new — three songs recorded back in the early 2000s and nine fresh cuts from 2024. Together, they form a story of survival, growth, and undying love for the culture.

Track-by-Track Breakdown

"I Never Left". Pt+ sets the tone immediately. "I stepped aside for 16 years so I can focus on life," he confesses in the intro, a line that instantly resonated with me. Many of us have had to step away from our passions for life's bigger responsibilities, and Pt+ captures that bittersweet feeling perfectly. His flow is clean, the production focused, and the message clear: he's back, and he still has a lot to say.

"G.U.R.O.a.T." (Greatest Unknown Rapper of All Time)A West Coast rider through and through, this track is heavy with nostalgia and Cali vibes. Featuring his son Caramel God, who delivers a strong verse, the track blends personal history with a dope hook and subtle nods to legends like DMX and 50 Cent. Definitely one you can ride to.

"Emotionz 2005"One of the older recordings, it carries a nice bounce and street energy without being too vulgar. However, the hook didn’t land as strong for me, and the difference in mix/mastering compared to the newer tracks is noticeable. Still, it fits the overall theme and vibe of the album.

"Calculated Steps" (feat. Young Noble) Banger alert! This one slaps hard with booming 808s and sharp clever lyricism. Having Young Noble, a member of 2Pac’s legendary Outlawz on the track adds major credibility. Pt+ also delivers one of his sharpest performances, shouting out his son 2Polar for "taking the baton first." One of my favorite tracks on the album.

"Feel My Pain 2003"Another older joint that, respectfully, could have been left off. The beat felt a little amateur compared to the rest of the album, and the vocal mix didn't quite hit the same clarity.

"Corrupted System" (feat. GNAC INED)Pure poetry. GNAC INED opens the track with a spoken-word-type delivery that's captivating. Pt+ continues the dark, introspective storytelling with one of the dopest lines on the album: "my mind replays what my heart can't delete." Heavy track — lyrically and emotionally.

"Bury Me Smiling"As soon as I saw the title, I thought of 2Pac's "Life Goes On," and sure enough, the beat and hook are respectfully inspired by 'Pac. Normally I’m skeptical when artists channel Tupac, but Pt+ handles it with care and authenticity. One of the stronger emotional tracks here.

"Miracles" (feat. 2Polar)Father and son team up again and go bar-for-bar with high energy. While the hook could’ve been mixed louder, both verses are fire — and honestly, 2Polar might’ve even edged his pops on this one.

"Blaze" (feat. Caramel God)Soulful boom bap goodness. Pt+ raps with clarity and purpose, dropping gems like "if it don’t got nothin' to do with winning, I don't give a shit about it." A meaningful, necessary track that balances out the heavier street tales.

"Pass the Hennessy"A reflective, raw track about youth, trauma, and the shift to adulthood. Pt+ opens up about trading wild days for a 9-to-5 life. His storytelling here feels vulnerable and hyper-aware, giving the album even more depth.

"I Never Miss"A traditional West Coast banger with bouncing lowriders in mind. Pt+ warns that while he doesn't want trouble, he'll defend himself if he has to. Classic gangsta rap with vivid imagery.

"Hocus Pocus"An energetic closer with a smooth, yet dramatic beat. Pt+ paints a story of his own murder and spiritual persistence wrapping the album up with a blend of grit, emotion, and resilience.

Final Thoughts

I Never Left is fire, and unapologetically West Coast.

Pt+ sounds like a veteran emcee, someone who's lived the life he raps about. Minor flaws aside, like a few mixing inconsistencies and one or two tracks that could’ve been stronger, this project hits the mark.

I love that his sons pulled him back into the game. As someone who rapped AND having a father who rapped, I relate to the generational love of music that this album represents.

Solid 8/10.

#RapNerdApproved.

You can check out everything Pt+ has going on at his official Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ptplus562