The Mixed Reception from Young Thug's Latest Album Is Understandable

Some artists manage to solidify themselves as industry greats for a reason. It is a fact about them: they don't need the hype or to be at the top of the charts to release something new and have everyone tap in. In rap music, it's no different, and Young Thug is one of those. Thug recently released his new album BUSINESS IS BUSINESS, so you have to stop to listen. Simple as that.

Thugger earned the spot to be on trap music's Mount Rushmore of the 2010s. Some argue that he hasn't released a project on the level of what he used to be some time ago, but it is undeniable that he is now considered one of the most influential rappers in the scene, especially in today's underground. And if Thug's influence is seen in the underground, you can be sure that it has also reached what is mainstream today.

But, nostalgia aside: what was said in the previous paragraph is indeed true, although it has been a while since he released a project that truly captures the musical quality and versatility he once had. Let's not misunderstand this text: he is not washed, but his peak has passed, at least for now. And his new album is also a demonstration of that.

BUSINESS IS BUSINESS is by no means an album you have to force yourself to listen to. The album is 47 minutes long and has its low points, but there are noticeable moments that recall the qualities Thugger once had and show that, even if not constantly throughout the project, he still possesses them.

The YSL founder hits the mark on one specific aspect of this album: the features. The performances of most of the featured artists on this album are really good! Travis Scott on "Wit Da Racks" and Future on "Cars Bring Me Out" are the standout ones. Travis, in particular, teaches again on how to use and fit his autotune in a way that blends well with the music. Future also shines on "Cars Bring Me Out," recalling all those years when Pluto and Thugger collaborated on each other's songs, and the result was mostly positive. Shoutout to Lil Uzi Vert on "Hellcat Kenny" too!

"Hellcat Kenny," by the way, is one of the best songs on the album and deserves recognition, not only for the excellent performances by both Thug and Uzi but also for the production by F1lthy, known for his collaborations with rapper LUCKI but most notably for the mainstream hit album "Whole Lotta Red" by Playboi Carti.

F1lthy did his part, but one of the biggest drawbacks of the album is precisely that: the production. It has its highlights on some songs, but overall, the instrumentals on the album are very basic and generic. And this was something that Thugger, for most of his career, paid much attention to draw as much attention as his vocals.

And it's not to deflect or relativize the blame, but it's worth pointing out one thing: Young Thug has been in prison for a little over a year. Obviously, the songs were most likely recorded before that, but the process of executive producing an album is crucial to its quality. Choosing the song order, checking the mixings, requesting changes, etc. All of that matters, and the rapper, due to being in prison, did not have the opportunity to be present in much (or almost any) of that part of the process.

Overall, the album has its highlights. From the aforementioned features to very good solo tracks like "Jonesboro," it can be concluded that it's worth listening to the project in its entirety. However, don't expect it to be on par with Thugger's classics like "JEFFERY" or "Barter 6," because if you go in with that mindset, you'll most likely be disappointed.