Barter 6
*Barter 6* was billed first as Young Thug’s debut album, then a retail mixtape; either way, the 2015 release was the sharpest, clearest statement yet from Atlanta’s most enigmatic rapper. From the gently rippling intro, “Constantly Hating,” to the swirling, cathartic haze of “Just Might Be,” Thug contorts his voice into endless shapes and pulls previously unheard harmonies out of his back pocket. “Check” is a giddy celebration of success, and “Halftime” is rap as high-wire routine: a technical performance as reckless as it is graceful.
Far from a public idol-killing, or zany sideshow, Barter 6 is composed, patient, even subtle—an album neither fans nor detractors saw coming. It argues that Young Thug's greatest asset all along was his uncanny and singular way of piecing a song together.
Dubbed a "street release" and not his official debut album, Barter 6 was originally called Tha Carter VI until Lil Wayne voiced his disapproval, seeing as how the cocksure Young Thug saw himself as Weezy's heir apparent.