The FMHip Hop Review: Young Thug’s ‘Punk’

Young Thug’s Punk is possibly the most anticipated album of 2021.  The Atlanta native knows how to build mystery in the hip-hop game. He shattered the glass of hip-hop expectations. Thug’s adlibs are unique and sought after by the industry’s greatest.  Notably, collaborations with Lil Wayne, J. Cole, Travis Scott, and Drake, raise the anticipation of what’s in store.

Thug recently appeared on The Breakfast Club for the first time in his career! Charlemagne admittedly stated, “Your voice is like an instrument. It sounds like it is a part of the beat.” Perhaps this is what sets him apart from those he’s outlasted in the game.  Thugger is known to keep it interesting.

The Cover Art

Right away we know that Thugger is gracing his fans with a life-reflecting album.  His cover art was flawlessly executed by Japanese artist SmileComplexx.  He pays homage to Octavio Ocampo who is renowned for his metamorphic painting technique. Significantly, one image of a dreamy visual concept transforms into an image of a similar look. Ultimately, representing another concept entirely. Thug is depicted facing himself, suggestively his alter ego. This album cover allows your eye to dance from corner to corner while going on a journey with the rapper. 

@smilecomplexx Punk album cover I painted for @thuggerthugger1 Young thugのアルバムジャケ写担当させて頂きました🐍💕 via Instagram.

Raising the bar

Punk, features an abundance of star collaborations like Drake, Travis Scott, J. Cole, Gunna, Future, Doja Cat, Post Malone, ASAP Rocky, and more.

The elemental track Die Slow, set the tone for the album as it features rapper Strick from his YSL record label. The opening is almost ritualistic as it confiscates your thoughts and hearkens to the lyrics. This was achieved through inviting guitar strums and gradually building drums. Right away you know that you are in for an adventure through Thugger’s mind.

“I gotta tell you that you’ll die tonight. You can go against these people you gone die slow, die slow.”  

Thug premiered Die Slow at Rolling Loud in July, then again on Tiny Desk Concert. Although the song was recorded in 2019 in Italy, it is true to the rapper’s album portrayal. The features on this album are classic Thug collaborations.  His collaboration with J. Cole on Stressed is comparatively one of the most bountiful tracks with Cole’s quick flow and higher than normal pitched raps.

Throughout the album, Thug sings of his love woes. Stupid/Asking is a two in one melodic track. This track takes you on an emotional ride with this signature theme heard throughout. His effortless singing and subtle instrument establishments show the depth his music portrays.

Ode to the fallen

Adding more thirst for the 20 track album, Punk hosts a collaboration with the late Mac Miller. Day Before is a sought-after track due to its significant addition to the re-released Faces, by Miller’s estate.  This comes three years after his unfortunate passing.

Thug most recently revealed that the unreleased track was recorded the day before Miller’s passing in an interview with The Breakfast Club . He also features a long-time friend, the late Juice WRLD on Rich N**** Sh*t.  This dup is an obvious addition due to its nostalgic nature.

All in all, Thug gave us hit after hit on this album.  Not only does this release showcase evident growth for the artist, but also indicates that he has much more in store for his fans.

Check out more coverage on Thug’s Punk album release @FMHipHop:  Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

Written by Antoinette Ford

Facebook: Antoinette Ford Instagram: missford2u_