Rich Slave

Memphis rapper Young Dolphs art form is defined by both his nonstop work ethic and consistent high-quality output. Early days releasing low-budget mixtapes gave way to a string of one high-powered release after another, with a string of over nine studio albums and mixtapes that began in 2016 and solidified Young Dolph as a force of Southern rap. Seventh studio album Rich Slave continues Dolphs hot streak, interspersing tightly produced trap bangers with audio from conversations with a friend of his father about what life was like for earlier generations of Black Americans. These skits ground the project and offer some breathing room between Dolphs continuous stream of mid-tempo beats and ruthless flows. There are only three features on Rich Slave, and they result in some of the albums best tracks. In addition to an appearance by G Herbo, Dolphs frequent collaborator and Memphis kin Key Glock infuses the lurching creep of No Sense with a stream of intricate bars, and Megan Thee Stallion adds a simmering verse to RNB. ~ Fred Thomas

Hold Up Hold Up Hold Upでドロリと始まる本作が過去最大のヒットを記録し、ここにきてさらに支持を広げるメンフィスのキング。同曲や"Death Row"を手掛けたバンドプレイを軸にソーサ808やドラマ・ボーイがビートを提供し、淡々とクールな中毒性に寄与している。ジューシーJ制作で地元のドープな伝統を踏襲する"To Be Honest"、同じくジューシーがウィリー・ハッチ使いで迫るミーガン・ジー・スタリオンとの"RNB"も流石だ。
bounce (C)出嶌孝次