The Midwest has been steadily crafting its own canon of hip-hop classics, and Milwaukee’s Vonni G alongside Chicago’s Ron Mac might have just added a new chapter with their joint effort Lessons From a Passport. The 11-track album is more than a showcase of bars—it’s a documentation of hunger, resilience, and ambition, stamped with the urgency of two rappers who know they’re ready to move beyond local fame.
From start to finish, the project balances Vonni G’s aggressive, high-octane delivery with Ron Mac’s polished lyrical craftsmanship, creating a dynamic back-and-forth that feels like iron sharpening iron. The title Lessons From a Passport frames the album as a journey—each track like a stamp proving where they’ve been and what they’ve learned. The result is a cohesive yet varied record that has both street anthems and introspective cuts.
1. Intro (Lessons)
The album sets its tone with an opening that feels like a briefing before a long trip. It’s a short but effective mission statement, laying out themes of movement, survival, and ambition.
Rating: 7.5/10
2. We Outside
The undeniable anthem. Built around a thunderous beat and a hook tailor-made for live shows, this is the kind of record that cements itself in both cars and clubs. Vonni G attacks the beat like a battle emcee, while Ron Mac laces it with controlled precision. A perfect lead single.
Rating: 9/10
3. I Got Time
This track pivots from hype to philosophy, exploring patience and presence in a world where time is currency. The production is lean, giving space for both artists to shine, and lyrically, it’s one of the strongest cuts on the project.
Rating: 8.5/10
4. Breath
Arguably the centerpiece of the album. A conceptual track that demands close listening, matched by a stunning visual that elevates the message. It’s about survival, resilience, and the need to keep breathing when the world closes in. Innovative, emotional, and cinematic.
Rating: 9.5/10
5. Way Up
An aspirational anthem, soaring with skyward ambition. The production feels expansive, almost celebratory, while the verses carry the grit that keeps it grounded. It captures the duality of striving: reaching for the clouds while never forgetting the concrete beneath.
Rating: 8/10
6. Go Away
A darker, moodier track that slows the album’s pace into introspection. The production leans melodic, and both rappers explore distance, detachment, and mistrust. It’s a necessary shift that adds depth to the record’s sequencing.
Rating: 8/10
7. Timeless
The soulful closer that feels more like a prophecy than a song. Ron Mac’s craftsmanship shines here, while Vonni G delivers some of his most mature writing. It ties the album’s themes together—legacy, endurance, and the desire to make music that lasts. A fitting end.
Rating: 9/10
Lessons From a Passport isn’t just another regional release—it’s a Midwest manifesto. Vonni G and Ron Mac bring different skill sets to the table, but rather than clash, they complement one another, creating a record that moves seamlessly between high-energy bangers and thoughtful reflections. The production is varied yet cohesive, the visuals (especially for “Breath”) prove their vision extends beyond audio, and the lyrical chemistry keeps listeners engaged across all 11 tracks.
Replays & Singles
- Most Replayable: “Breath,” “We Outside,” “Timeless.”
- Best Performance Showcase: “I Got Time.”
- Quiet Grower: “Go Away.”
- Crowd Lift: “Way Up.”
Final Rating: 8.7/10
A powerful and well-executed project that establishes Vonni G and Ron Mac as names to watch in the Midwest hip-hop conversation.
Out Now on all DSPs.
Follow: @rnmac1 and @vonnig414.