When Slim Thug announced a positive COVID-19 diagnosis last month, he was quick to reassure his fans he was getting better. If there’s one thing he knows about, it’s pushing through hard times. THUG LIFE, the Houston rapper’s latest album, finds him in solid form, even if his lyrical topics and creativity are limited.
Though he found wealth in real estate and record store ownership before dropping his debut album, Already Platinum more than a decade ago, Slim Thug continues to sound invested in sharing his story. The short version is that he’s made it and that he questions who he can trust. Those topics can go to many places and be presented in many ways, but his lyrics are often surface-level, like “Can’t trust no n*gga, can’t trust no bitch.”
He feels a lot more inspired when he’s trying to ruffle some feathers. On the subwoofer-rattling “THUG LIFE (Life is Crazy),” he throws humorous shade at 6ix9ine and Megan Thee Stallion. His preoccupation with seeing modern rappers as effeminate (“Singin’ to hoes and puttin’ on purses”) can grow tiresome. However, there’s value for how it frames him as an O.G. trying to make sense of new trends.
Less valuable is “Paradise,” which finds Slim Thug rapping over the “Gangsta’s Paradise” instrumental, with its strings from Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise.” It’s hard to listen to without comparing it to the Coolio song, and Yung Al’s overly Auto-Tuned appearance takes up way too much of the runtime.
There are also vocal samples of soul singers, including Gladys Knight and the late Charles Bradley. While hearing these great voices is typically welcome, they can start to feel like a crutch. “Standing Alone,” relates its poignant message of wondering what could’ve been through his voice and lyrics (“Legendary life, but what if I had a wife, and did it all with the fam/Memories would last a lifetime”)
THUG LIFE’s guests are all fellow Houston rappers. Z-Ro delivers on “Make It Right” and “Both Eyes Open.” He excels so much on the latter, Scarface’s concluding verse ends up being anticlimactic. Two of Slim Thug’s fellow Boss Hogg Outlawz join him on the emotional “Won’t Be Long (Apart),” Le$ and the late M.U.G.
Slim Thug Shares 'Thug Life' LP
Long-time fans of Slim Thug should be pleased by THUG LIFE, and new listeners who come across it should be inspired to comb through his back catalog.
At this point, he’s not just “Like A Boss.” He is one.
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This album is pretty dope. That Paradise song is the only misstep. Rest is fire. Slim Thugs rap style has always been basic, easy to follow and relatable. He doesn’t try to be something he’s not which is something I as a listener appreciate. Both Eyes Open is the absolute high light of the album and deserves some serious rotation. This album made me go back and check out his catalog again. Slim Thug might not have any classic albums in his belt, but he does have a lot of dope tracks if you go digging.
Even that Boss Hogg compilation had some cuts on it.
I consider Already Platinum a classic. I’ve played it a lot. Prime era Neptunes, Jazze Pha and Mr. Lee beats.
Ever since I began listening to hip hop and bought my first Run DMC album in 84 hip hop has been about braggadocio and manliness. Once this individual wrote about Slim Thug calling out the kids singing to hoes and wearing purses it was an indicator of someone who may not grasp some of the core fundamentals of hip hop. Dissing wack rappers and calling out punks is a part of hip hop. Always has been no matter what someone who comes along decades later tries to “evolve” real rhyming, rapping and battling into.
When he drops you just know it’s going to be consistent. Their are different artist for different reasons. Not looking to get
lyrical complexity when I check for Slim Thug, just looking for some reality rap back by very good production. He’s been consistent for 18-19 years. Houston has a lot of consistent rappers. Slim, Ro, Paul, lil flip, Trae the truth, used to be chamillionaire before he stop dropping music.
Slim Thug is dope. I would have liked some concepts from the original “Thug Life” album and album cover that he borrowed
Pretty dope..
Damn, style ain’t enough…we’re biting cover art and album titles from the legends now? Man am I glad this ain’t MY hiphop, well actually is it, cuz this album cover came out when I was just a young buck back in the early 90’s
yeah,yeah,i just wqtched slim thug music video at youtube gotta make it right,boss hog,empire music video and he gangsta hustla a luxirious car and smoke in his music video is intterestting hip-hop rapper,with some religious lyrics talks bout god,enjoy listening to him,he has some good great music thats a vibe a well musician rapper