During his rise to fame, rapper Young Thug progressed from captivating oddity to a critically acclaimed artist revered for his originality and respected for his prolific output. In 2019, Thugga managed to reach the commercial potential he had always harboured with his 'debut' album, So Much Fun. Meanwhile, labelmate and protégé Gunna showed no signs of slowing down after his explosion onto the U.S. rap scene, but the global pandemic halted the entire YSL Records camp's momentum.
Nevertheless, with the release of Slime Language 2, a follow up to the iconic 2018 compilation, both rappers have firmly solidified their stronghold on the game. Young Thug showcases his A&R talents and manages to blend percolating young talent with established superstars with Gunna leading the helm throughout the 23-track trap opus.
In the streaming service era, a truly unskippable album with one song blending into the next is an impressive feat in and out of itself. Young Thug and Gunna take it a step further by expertly selecting beats that create a variety of moods and suit the participants to a tee. Heavyweight guests Future, Drake, Lil Uzi Vert and Travis Scott each feature on songs that would easily make the cut on their respective solo projects. The 6ix God is right at home on the aptly titled "Solid," which will undoubtedly be blasting through car sound systems across North America this summer. Standout track "Came and Saw" is the perfect vehicle for recently freed Brooklyn rapper Rowdy Rebel to make his anticipated comeback while British MC Skepta's verse on "WokStar" keeps the momentum going midway through the compilation.
However, the album is not simply an amalgam of high profile features. This project serves as a platform for up-and-coming artists (YNW Melly, Coi Leray) to meet with veterans (Kid Cudi, Big Sean) and allows YSL Records' rookie roster of artists to shine. Additionally, the finely curated production on Slime Language 2 provides a perfect snapshot of the evolution of Atlanta's sound.
The family portrait-style cover art suggests this was a labor of love for Young Thug, who manages to pull off an almost perfect project, with the exception of lyrical missteps by NAV and a tendency for repetitive and uninspired hooks on a few songs. Regardless of these slight blemishes, Slime Language 2 proves that Thugger and Gunna are keeping their eyes on the prize.
(Young Stoner Life / 300 Entertainment)Nevertheless, with the release of Slime Language 2, a follow up to the iconic 2018 compilation, both rappers have firmly solidified their stronghold on the game. Young Thug showcases his A&R talents and manages to blend percolating young talent with established superstars with Gunna leading the helm throughout the 23-track trap opus.
In the streaming service era, a truly unskippable album with one song blending into the next is an impressive feat in and out of itself. Young Thug and Gunna take it a step further by expertly selecting beats that create a variety of moods and suit the participants to a tee. Heavyweight guests Future, Drake, Lil Uzi Vert and Travis Scott each feature on songs that would easily make the cut on their respective solo projects. The 6ix God is right at home on the aptly titled "Solid," which will undoubtedly be blasting through car sound systems across North America this summer. Standout track "Came and Saw" is the perfect vehicle for recently freed Brooklyn rapper Rowdy Rebel to make his anticipated comeback while British MC Skepta's verse on "WokStar" keeps the momentum going midway through the compilation.
However, the album is not simply an amalgam of high profile features. This project serves as a platform for up-and-coming artists (YNW Melly, Coi Leray) to meet with veterans (Kid Cudi, Big Sean) and allows YSL Records' rookie roster of artists to shine. Additionally, the finely curated production on Slime Language 2 provides a perfect snapshot of the evolution of Atlanta's sound.
The family portrait-style cover art suggests this was a labor of love for Young Thug, who manages to pull off an almost perfect project, with the exception of lyrical missteps by NAV and a tendency for repetitive and uninspired hooks on a few songs. Regardless of these slight blemishes, Slime Language 2 proves that Thugger and Gunna are keeping their eyes on the prize.
