From the outside, being a successful rapper might look like a life of money, fame, and nonstop excitement. But OMB Peezy says the reality is far more complicated.

“They think you got a billion dollars, that it’s easy and fun all the time,” Peezy told me during an exclusive interview in New York City.

The Alabama-born artist is challenging that perception with his latest album, Save Yourself, released October 16. The project explores the emotional toll of success, complicated relationships, loneliness, and the importance of knowing when to put yourself first.

What makes Save Yourself particularly compelling is that Peezy doesn’t sacrifice the sound that made him successful to deliver a more introspective message.…