G-Eazy has always had a flair for the dramatic, evidenced both in his discography and onstage. As such, Freak Show presents the Bay Area rapper as the lustful ringmaster of a veritable carnival of carnal delights. Following the enticing introduction “Welcome,” he glides into the spotlight he’s grown ever confidently into over the years. On the title track, he revels in self-described toxicity infused in a lothario’s finesse, French Montana pushing the envelope with his own flashy hedonism on the back half. He gets that same energy back twofold from Coi Leray and Kaliii on “Femme Fatale,” a sex-positive standout that benefits from the mutual mischief.

Given his proven track record for flipping other artists’ familiar songs into inventively fresh cuts for himself, nobody should be shocked to hear G-Eazy do so again here. He offers a few necessary warnings on the slightly sinister “Showbiz,” its Cypress Hill interpolation recalling the temptations and trappings of fame. Elsewhere, a classic from The Clash becomes a demon time stomper called “Anxiety,” where his inner monologue does battle with his detractors.

As he reflects upon a life that has taken him well beyond Oakland’s borders, his storytelling prowess manifests on the druggy and profane New York chronicle “Backseat,” while “South of France” finds him jet-setting high above his haters. Lest one think he’s gone full-blown rock star, “Love You Forever” breaks with the raw physicality of its preceding themes to exhibit some genuinely heartfelt