Young Thug - Barter 6

Young Thug
Barter 6
2015
Young Thug - Barter 6

Young Thug might confuse quite a few people. This is a Trap album but it is not what you think, there are no rants about lean, no talking about cash and really no lifestyle rapping at all. It is not what you would expect just like his inclusion on the Jamie xx record. That seems to be the place where Young Thug thrives, outside of the norm and just surreal enough to make you question exactly what He is talking about. Where Vince Staples says exactly what He means constantly Young Thug is more comfortable in the obscure, though both are able to convey a message better than most rappers around today. If you are coming to Barter 6 for hooks and club bangers you have come to the wrong place even though tracks like "Dream" do have really great beats. The focus on this record is not on the commercial nor the complete abstract it exists somewhere in the middle and thus is very hard to define, just like the man himself. The comparisons to Lil Wayne are obvious in both tone and style and the two have a very public beef one Young Thug only seems to acknowledge in true internet troll style. Barter 6 was supposed to be called "Carter 6" a clear poke at Lil Wayne's perpetually in limbo Carter V.  But the digs aren't here there is no clear "fuck you Lil Wayne" on the whole album, Young Thug is just to subtle for that.

Young Thug allows his voice to spill over tracks, even more conventional beats like on "Amazing" his voice just pours out. His rhythm gives you the sense that the beats could fully drop out and it really wouldn't matter because his delivery is just that good. Barter 6 is also quite light in terms of features. Birdman, T.I. and Boosie BadAzz are the most notable but their parts are bit at best. 13 tracks is also a perfect length for this record. There are no skits, no voicemails just music super concise and super focused. This album however most likely will not get the critical acclaim it deserves, it doesn't follow the crowd and thus most people aren't ready to hear it. The last three tracks on the record are all Young Thug, verses and hooks. It is a statement that He is His own man and this record in particular will be just him. Barter 6 may start from the position of trolling Lil Wayne but the record is so much more than that, it is indeed one of the best trap records out today.

8.3 out of 10