Billboard's 50 Best Albums of 2021 So Far

When the more recognizable voices of Young Stoner Life’s *Slime Language 2* compilation ring out—Drake, Travis Scott, Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, Kid Cudi, et al.—they bring about something of an energy shift. This isn’t to say that YSL MCs like Yak Gotti, Lil Duke, T-Shyne, Lil Keed, and Strick aren’t holding their own, because they absolutely are, but there are so many guests on *Slime Language 2* that the album plays less like a YSL roster showcase than an audio scrapbook of all of the talent Thug and Gunna keep company with. Here, that means verses from still-ascending YSL family members (Unfoonk, HiDoraah, and FN DaDealer, to name a few) but then also certified hip-hop superstars like Big Sean, Future, Skepta, Meek Mill, and NAV. This kind of after-party VIP-section gathering of personalities reflects positively on just about everyone involved: The lesser-known talents prove themselves capable of running with the big dogs, the established stars are able to stay in touch with the streets, and Thug and Gunna remind us how beloved they are as frontpersons for one of the most talented rap collectives to come out of Atlanta since the Grand Hustle.