Young Thug - Barter 6 (2015) [Hi-Res]

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. Two of the highlights included here -- the weird "Constantly Hating" and "Knocked Off," which offers "We roll these bitches like they're centipedes" -- feature Lil Wayne's usual collaborator Birdman, but the biggest name to guest on Barter 6 is T.I., who acts as a hardcore rap anchor during the tripped-out "Can't Tell." Thug remains a unique mix of influences, with strains of Wayne, Migos, Lil B, and Future in his style, and yet he can skillfully ride a serene beat on "Numbers" or sound legitimately dangerous on "Check." Producers Wheezy and London on da Track handle most the beats on this freaky and fantastic release. -- David Jeffries