Already Platinum

Released at the peak of Texas rap’s mainstream prominence, Slim Thug’s debut album felt more like the work of a long-established pro, thanks to crisp, knocking production from The Neptunes and Mr. Lee (and a decade of Swishahouse tapes as practice). On “Like a Boss”, The Neptunes’ usual minimalism gets souped up to suit Thug’s deep, syrupy drawl. And the Pimp C-sampling “Diamonds” is Texas to the core: squelching bass, twitchy 808s, a screwed-down pace and endless nods to candy-painted coupes, wood-grain wheels and blinding jewellery.