Young Thug is a staple of the rap/trap genre. The artist has continuously released projects that are well-received by critics and fans alike. While riding a continuous wave of momentum, Thugger has blessed us with a brand new full length project. Titled Punk, this project has been in the making for some time now. Young Thug initially hinted at the release of this new album back in July. Finally, on October 15th, 2021, the Atlanta superstar dropped Punk.
Punk by Young Thug
Image via @thuggerthugger1 on Instagram
Young Thug’s Punk Includes Incredible Features
This album follows Young Thug’s usual trend of including a handful of features. There are guest appearances from huge names such as J. Cole, Future, A$AP Rocky, Drake, Doja Cat, and Travis Scott. This project also includes features from late rappers Mac Miller and Juice WRLD.
It is a fairly massive project as well, including 20 tracks with a total runtime of one hour and three minutes. This album seems to usher in a new era for Young Thug, as the rapper works to expand his sonic palette.
Punk definitely cultivates a different vibe from Young Thug’s usual sound. This album seems to have a thematic flow to it. At the beginning of Punk, Thugger presents us with a much more low-key vibe. With reflective bars and soft production, the Atlanta rapper is showing us a sentimental side of himself.
Most notably, the track “Livin it Up” is a great example of this. Post Malone and A$AP Rocky join Young Thug on this mellow acoustic track. It has a structure and hook that resemble the perfect pop song. With Post Malone on the hook while Thugger and Rocky spit, this track is an instant classic.
Punk is Consistently Exciting Throughout its 1 Hour Runtime
As this album progresses, Young Thug starts to sprinkle in some club bangers. The track “Bubbly” presents the rapper with Travis Scott and Drake. The three iconic MCs rap over heavy 808s with a crazy beat switch about halfway through the track. Thugger delivers the opening words on the track with Travis and Drake following him. Then, Young Thug closes out this song, which is arguably one of the hardest tracks on the album.
The album closes with an amazing song featuring Mac Miller. Mac’s posthumous verse places you in a time when the rapper was still around. It is a hugely nostalgic track for this reason. Rounding out the album, this song is the cherry on top of the Punk cake.
This album is incredibly cohesive, which isn’t always what Young Thug shoots for with his massive discography. Punk is a turning point for the rapper, as his sound seems to mature with time. In a world where rappers are focused on being tough, Young Thug shows us that rap doesn’t have to ignore struggles and weaknesses. He delivers on his original sound while also expanding his incredible selection of sounds and textures.
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