Young Thug - On the Rvn

Young Thug
On the Rvn
2018
Spotify

I'm like 99% sure this EP was released solely because Thugger got to use an Elton John sample. The final track "High" feature a sample of Sir Elton's "Rocketman" including his vocals. As you'd expect this version is a bit more weed focused than Elton John's original, and that's saying something. However On the Rvn might be Young Thugs most pop ready release to date. All the trap elements are still there, but now that trap has become the sound of pop it's time for it's crown prince to make a push for the middle. This more toned down version of Young Thug completely works for the masses, but his die hard fans are likely going to be pretty disappointed. There is no wild outbursts, extreme trap shenanigans or really many of the hallmarks that make Young Thug who he is. Yet part of Thugger's skill is his ability to change and shift into whatever shape a song needs. His flow is always varied and different but somehow is exactly what each song needed. He does less experimentation here and goes back to basics which on one hand make the album incredibly pleasurable to listen to, but on the other lacks the cutting wit and edge that some of his other albums had. However those albums didn't sell like they were predicted to, and Young Thung remained a cult favorite but not a household name.

The song with Elton John is supposed to change that. It is a bonafide hit, with a superstar in tow to make it more digestible for the masses, but it still has not managed to chart. Thug does not go crazy, and stays in the lane of the song while still making allusions to his current legal and respect issues. Young Thug has long believed that as one of the originators of Trap He deserves more respect for it's new prominence. It is always a fools errand to try and re-claim something when it has moved beyond you, it's a dated and desperate look. The thing that Young Thug always did was innovate and push boundaries, but here it just feels like a reach for the middle, even if the middle is still super slimey. I wanna like this record because it is bound to broaden Young Thug's reach, but it is missing all the things I love about him. I won't say I'm mad, I'm just disappointed.

7.5 out of 10