Album Review: Heavy Is The Head - Pay2Play Rixh
P2P Rixh released his first full-length project three years ago, fast forward to now, presenting his most personal body of work — a project born from things he simply had to get off his chest. After sitting with Heavy Is The Head for the last month, it’s clear this isn’t just an album, it’s a spill session. And through that honesty, there are lessons in the lyrics that feel like the blueprint to life.
At 11 tracks and around 20 minutes, Heavy Is The Head is a powerful reflection on the treacherous realities that come with chasing success. It’s emotionally charged, with great production and raw honesty.
The project opens with piano chords and voice notes from his mother, immediately setting a reflective tone. There’s a slow build, but Rich wastes no time stepping in on the title track, H.I.T.H.
“I was broke, ain’t look for handouts… strategical placing cheese, tryna see how shit would pan out, barely pieces of the pie, I still was tryna hand out, just to leave me in the oven cooking, see me burnt out.”
From the jump, he establishes the central theme of sacrifice and the cost of his own success.
Rich isn’t short on bars. “Rolling in My 550” might be the strongest display of his technical ability, stacking rhymes effortlessly while balancing street grit with vulnerability. Two solid verses, no filler.
On “Venting 3.0,” you hear the weight of everything he’s endured — mental stability tested by setbacks, questionable investments, shifting support systems, losing friends, and even losing his father. This record feels less like a song and more like therapy. For Rich, this project clearly serves as a counseling session in public form, helping listeners understand not just his moves, but his why.
A later track features his cousin, who speaks on Rich’s character and how he’s always stood his ground, no matter the pressure. It adds context to the man behind the music.
“What’s That About” directly addresses critics and doubters. Rich doesn’t pose as someone who has it all figured out. The distinguishing quality about Rich? Is that he hasn’t quit.
“Devil Wanna Dance” is a breathe of fresh air. Angelic vocals and piano chords return, but this time the energy feels lighter, almost uplifting. It’s still heavy in message, but sonically it feels like release. The record feels spiritual, almost like church. If anything, it leaves you wanting more.
Then the gears shift completely.
“Do It 2x” KNOCKS!
Rich is poppin his shit on this one:
“Rocking FarePlay, but I’m the cheat code to beat the game
Nigga, I’m the final boss, me and you are not the same
I went broke investing in myself and watched niggas change
Let a hard time humble Rich, you must be insane.”
Let me tell you, I need more than one verse. That joint ended and I was lowkey distraught. It’s one of those tracks that makes you want a second verse or a feature.
“Black & White” keeps the momentum rolling, highlighting one of my favorite cadences on the project.
On “Better Interlude,” his brother, Big Brother Snap, reflects on pushing Rich growing up and wanting him to be “better than him.” The wordplay in the title lands perfectly, especially as it transitions into the closing record, “Topic (Top Pick).”
“Topic” opens with Rich’s viral response — saying he’s “better than him” when asked which rappers he believes he surpasses. The energy here feels reminiscent of early Ace Hood: high-energy, motivational trap rooted in belief and self-discipline.
Final Thoughts
Heavy Is The Head is a strong, focused body of work. It’s motivation rap. It’s vulnerability without weakness. It’s an open journal documenting wins, losses, investments, betrayals, growth, and faith.
If you’re looking for something that speaks to the grind, not just financially, but mentally, this is it.
Tracklist:
Words from Queen Melissa
H.I.T.H.
Rollin in My 550 (Latest Thoughts)
Venting 3.0 (IF THE SHOE FITS…)
Ace of Spade Interlude
What’s That About
Devil Wanna Dance
Do It 2x
Blvck & White
Better Interlude
Topic (Top Pick)
