Supplied - InstagramWhile every man, woman and child has been mesmerized by the ENDLESSLY hyped re-emergence of R&B’s golden — Blond-en? — boy, I’ve been keeping one eye on hip-hop’s next most enigmatic figure, Young Thug. The predictably unpredictable Atlanta-based rapper is set to release his latest mixtape, Jeffery, this Friday following delays and a double-cup’s worth of fan anticipation. And considering the wild AF promotion coming from Thug and his crew recently, this release is one not even Frank should sleep on.
The most tweet-worthy remark of late came from Thug’s 300 Entertainment label boss Lyor Cohen, when he declared that the new tape will not be released under the well-recognized moniker Young Thug, but instead via the much longer and stranger name, “No, My Name Is Jeffery,” referring to the rapper’s legal name. According to Thug, the change might not stick past a week, but hey, if we get more out-there results like this hilarious promo vid, you can colour me intrigued for what other creative gems Young Thug might concoct under the baffling new stage name.
A less head-scratching and more tantalizing tease came in a recent interview The Artist Formerly Known As Young Thug did with fellow Southern rap-renegade, Travis Scott, on Scott’s Beats 1 radio show. During their chat, Jeffery — yep, that’s weird to say — hinted at his ambitions to move away from the harder vibe of his last three releases (the Slime Season series), and instead chose to embrace what he says are his natural pop inclinations. “I never had a street mentality,” he said. “I always had a Michael Jackson mentality.” YT channeling MJ? Now that’s a guaranteed thriller.
Even if you’d been living in a cave, in the ocean, under a rock, across the universe on an alien planet over the last four years, you’d been anticipating Frank Ocean’s follow up to Channel Orange. And last weekend we got it. Now, it’s time to turn our collective music-loving attention to the other artist with the ability to prop himself atop the hip-hop podium alongside Mr. Ocean — likely both in their Calvins. Young Thug? No, his name is Jeffery.
Ahead of Friday’s Jeffery mixtape, check out our “Intro to Young Thug” playlist below:
Intro to Young Thug
Hercules
Thug has a number of straight-up street slappers but this is one of the most memorable. The Metro Boomin beat is — in the whitest voice you can imagine — lit. Thug plays with different flows and cadences throughout and even though you won’t understand most of what he’s saying, the hook will have you rapping along regardless.
Good Times (by Jamie xx feat. Young Thug & Popcaan)
While not strictly a Young Thug track, it’s essential listening in order to understand his undeniable hit-making potential. “Good Times” was one of the best songs of last year and when the beat cuts out before the second verse and Thug wails “I’mma ride in that pussy like a stroller,” you know you’ve got an anthem like few others on your hands.
Constantly Hating
The minimalism of this song’s beat makes Yeezus feel cluttered. Thug carries the song on the strength of his melodies and flows alone and at one point he raps so effortlessly, his raps turn to whispers — just try to hate after a few listens to this, I dare you.
Thief in Night
The brotherly interplay between Thug and guest rapper Trouble is kinetic. The rappers go back and forth, pulling off a perfect balance of catchy bravado — a combo Drake frequently aspires to achieve but rarely does superbly. It’s a song that dangerously makes a white person feel cool enough to pull off a sick dab.
Best Friend
It’s a carnival ride fit for The Joker. Ricky Rack’s beat is the carousel tune. Thug’s shrieks, warbles, mumbles and melodies are a fun house’s warped reflection of an average rapper’s abilities. His flows are a freak show and his melodies are cotton candy. Your bonus prize: this video of Young Thug reading his lyrics to this song.
