On this star-studded deluxe compilation,
Young Thug and
Gunna notch another number one on their belts with the generous trap haze of the chart-topping
Slime Language 2. While lyrical content doesn't veer very far from the typical themes of sex, money, and hedonism, it's a treat to hear such notable names in the same place with top-notch production to match. Boasting input from over a dozen studio hands (including
Southside, Wheezy, and Cubeatz), the set has enough sonic variance to hold interest over nearly three dozen tracks, from the aggressive "Explosion" to the ethereal "No Surprise" and sensitive "My City Remix." As expected, label head
Young Thug appears throughout, joined by
YSL signees such as
Lil Keed,
Strick,
Unfoonk, and
HiDoraah. Highlights include the adorable "Yessirskii" with
Thug's young daughter, MEGO; the booming woofer-busting "Mack Truck" with
Jim Jones; the horn-drenched "Came and Saw" with
Rowdy Rebel; and a star-making turn by
Dolly White on the hardcore showcase "Reckless." Famous faces
Drake,
Future,
Kid Cudi,
Big Sean,
DaBaby,
Lil Baby, and
Skepta also appear, but there's so much quality content to wade through on
Slime Language 2 that their turns aren't even the most notable. ~ Neil Z. Yeung