The album was announced in late September 2015. The cover art was later revealed on June 15, 2017.[3] The release date was finally revealed on August 25, 2017.[2] The pre-order was released on September 1, 2017.[1]
Promotion
On September 15, 2017, the EP S4MF2 (abbreviation for Strictly 4 My Fans 2) was released as a prelude to the album.[4]
A deluxe version of the album was announced and originally set to be released on February 9, 2018, however it was delayed.[5] On February 10, 2018, a new release date was unveiled.[6] The revision will include the addition of the tracks "Shook" and "Everything (Remix)" featuring Lil Uzi Vert and Chance the Rapper, which were previously released, along with 8 other songs.[5] It was released on February 16, 2018.[7]
Singles
The lead single, "Red Snow", was released on March 9, 2017.[8] The second single, "I Like", was released on August 11, 2017.[9] The third and final single "Everything" featuring Lil Uzi Vert, was released on August 25, 2017.[10] "4 Minutes of Hell, Pt. 5" was released as a pre-order single on September 1, 2017.[1]
Promotional singles
On January 23, 2018, "Shook" was released as the lead promotional single.[11] Two days later, its music video was released.[12]
On February 14, 2018, G Herbo teased a remix of "Everything" featuring an additional guest appearance from Chance the Rapper.[13] It was released a day later as the second promotional single.[14]
Scott Glaysher of HipHopDX stated that "Chicago's drill rappers haven't had much in the way of a musical shelf life over the past few years. What was once the hottest subgenre now sounds like outdated craze, which is perhaps why Lil Herb went for a strategic rebrand just over a year ago. But it wasn't just his name that matured, his craftwork and lyrical diversity also graduated from the "Lil" league", praising the album's lyricism: "It's clear Herbo still wears his street soldier armor. But more than ever before, he lets his guard down and shows a new level of self-awareness."[15] Patrick Lyons of HotNewHipHop stated that "G Herbo's shown promise throughout his career, and "Humble Beast" feels like a culmination of sorts", praising the album's lyricism: "Herbo is speaking directly to us, sounding as confident and classic as his childhood idols Jay-Z and Nas, telling a story that he's known is important and necessary all along."[16] David Drake of Pitchfork stated that "The Chicago rapper has earned his role as a leader of rap. His latest album recalls the best records of the ’00s graced with a singular kind of songwriting that sounds inarguably like the present", praising the album's lyricism: "Humble Beast feels musically bifurcated between its street and soul segments; a street-soul production synthesis could give his sound some cohesion, and giving his reflective moments a contemporary canvas could only increase their urgency."[17] Preezy of XXL stated that "Humble Beast is an exemplary debut that ranks among the best of the year, exceeds expectations and puts G Herbo in position to claim his stake as the prince of Chi-Town street rap."[18]
