Slim Thug:
Already Platinum

Release Date: 25 July 2005

Reviewed By: Usman Sajjad

1. Intro

2. Like A Boss

3. 3 Kings

4. Diamonds

5. Boyz N Blue

6. I Ain't Heard of That [Remix]

7. Click Clack

8. Everybody Loves A Pimp

9. Already Platinum-Pharrell

10. Ashy To Classy

11. Interview

12. Playa You Don't Know

13. Miss Mary

14. Incredible Feelin' - Jazze Pha

15. This Is My Life

16. Dedicate

Beanie Sigel - The B Coming
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With the recent outbreak of the phenomenal Southern Hip Hop scene onto the mainstream, a few interesting things have flown out of the large state of Texas in the past 10 years through artists like Lil’ Flip, UGK, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Scarface and the ‘Big Boss’, Slim Thug. Standing at a cool 6’6, this giant signed to The Neptunes’ Star Trak label, is next to come with his debut ‘Already Platinum’. With his sharp 16 bar verse on 2004’s unofficial south side hit ‘Still Tippin’ by Mike Jones, it was only a matter of time before heads were turning to view The Neptunes protégée, known for his incredible wealth due to his success of mixtapes and his baritone voice attracting many rap listeners.  

‘Already Platinum’ features production predominantly from The Neptunes, plus beats from Jazze Pha, Cool and Dre (The Game ‘Hate It Or Love It’) and G-Unit’s producer, Sha Money XL. The ‘Prince of Houston’ is joined by the likes of T.I., Bun B, Pusha T plus verses from his crew Boyz N Blue. 

His braggadocios lyrics on ‘Still Tippin’ remind listeners of Slim Thug’s flamboyant persona, and the same feeling is found on ‘Like A Boss’, the record outlining his baller lifestyle.  

On ‘Ashy to Classy’, Slim rises above the light cymbals and pounding drums of The Neptunes, detailing his rise from humble beginnings to a life of luxury, being a VIP and living in mansions. Pharrell accompanies ‘The Big Boss of the North’ on ‘Already Platinum’, mixing Slim’s “screwed up” deep vocals over the creeping Neptune rhythms.  

A more humble Slim is found on ‘Incredible Feelin’, the standout track on a solid album, which has Jazze Pha lay down a soulful, catchy hook creating a feel good anthem. On ‘Miss Mary’, Slim calmly rhymes over a mellow beat, with seductive and expressive rhymes; an ode to his desired lady by his side: ‘When we in crowds/ You make me feel proud/ Like we walking in heaven on all them clouds”. 

Creatively, Slim outshines all other Texan rappers; a good example of this is on ‘The Interview’, on which the rapper spits over Sha Money XL’s beat, giving responses to questions asked by a journalist regarding the Houston rap scene and his success. Not to shy away from introducing his homies, Slim Thug does so over 808 drums on ‘Boyz N Blue’ feat Killa Kileon, PJ, Chris Ward and Sir Daily, and Slim’s hook is nicely “screwed up”. Like any other album, Slim gracefully pays homage to his fallen comrades in the streets, peacefully giving his respects on the outstanding ‘Dedicate’.  

With a cool and laid back charisma, Slim’s swagger and confidence can surely push his name to worldwide status. An effort on his album most rappers would die for on their debut, Slim proves that regional success before a deal is instrumental and can be financially rewarding, shown in the motivational ‘rags to riches’ stories in many of his tracks. Slim is used to living in Houston, but the ‘Big Boss’ ideally should be getting ready to live the nationwide celebrity status after the album goes platinum. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 

Top 3 Tracks:

14 Incredible Feeling (feat. Jazze Pha)

13. Miss Mary

16. Dedicate

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