Late last night, after a few delays as well as a number of different and increasingly confusing tracklists, 300 Entertainment finally released Young Thug's third project of the year: No, My Name Is Jeffery. Just before, Thug shared what has to be the most memorable album cover of the year, showing him in a floor-length periwinkle dress with his face obscured by an umbrella-like hat that, the likes of which has never before sat on a rapper's head. But with this project, Thug is intent on proving himself to be far more than just a rapper. Indeed, the album's title is a way of shedding the traditional notions associated with the name Young Thug.
So what to expect? Well, there are certainly increased attempts at pop accessibility, and deep forays into love, sexuality, and other fantasy worlds normally not touched by rappers, or at least not those who came up making trap music. There are, however, incredible bouts of rapping...alongside yapping, squawking, and screaming. It's like no other project he's made before, but that has been said many times before. Fans have stuck around due to his continued ability to evolve, and it's promising that stardom has only increased his desire to push the envelope even further. Executive produced by TM88 and Wheezy, and with features from Gucci Mane, Quavo, and Offset, he's got the best talent in Atlanta supporting his bold new vision.
Upon early listening, we have put together a quick rundown of what makes each Jeffery track special. Listen as you scroll through the galleries, and let us know favorite moments from the album in the comments.
Wyclef
Prod. by TM88 & Supah Mario
Choice lyric: "Only here for one night, lemme put in on your face" or "Daughter sexy and my son got the bra"
Named after Wyclef Jean, who features not here but on "Pop Man," the intro track gets Jeffery off to a thrilling start. Thug exercises a childlike singing flow and immediately finds a seamless ebb and flow atop the ska-sounding instrumental, with some outrageously fun lyrics along the way.
In sum: An outstanding foray into the zany mind of Jeffery, whom as it turns out, may not be so different from the Young Thug we know and love.
Floyd Mayweather (feat. Gucci Mane, Gunna & Travis Scott)
Prod. by Wheezy, Goose, TM88, Jeffery & Billboard Hitmakers
Choice lyric: "I'm sellin' purple rain, RIP to Prince / When I was behind the fence they treated me like a prince" - Gucci Mane
Boasting an especially icy beat made of mystical piano and spacey percussion, "Floyd Mayweather" finds Thug retaining a loose, effortless flow, but with more malice in his voice than on "Wyclef." The song also provides an introduction to Gunna and includes a short-but-strong verse from Guwop. Those two featured on the album version, but an updated "Floyd Mayweather" with additional vocals, ad-libs, and a verse from Travis Scott (who seemingly wasn't able to get cleared in time for the original drop) has now been shared by 300. Listen below.
In sum: Thug may not be the best rapper in the game, but no one's more confident.
Swizz Beatz
Prod. by Wheezy
Choice lyric: "I got me a high self-esteem"
This is the pop-focused Jeffery who was expected to show up. At this point, it should be known that Wheezy (largely due to his work on I'm Up) is one of Thugger's most valued producers, and his work here is another example of their rare chemistry. He crafts a melange of aquatic sounds that blurs the line between bliss and melancholy. Thugger takes it to the promised land.
In sum: Love, love, love, love
Future Swag
Prod. by TM88
Choice lyric: "You're kids seen me on cable / And I'm drinkin' syrup n*gga, maple"
No pop whatsoever here, "Future Swag" is among the hardest tracks on Jeffery. TM88 puts forth the big-room horror trap he's known for, and Thugger goes into Still Brazy Savage Mode.
In sum: Don't let Thug around your baby mama.
RiRi
Prod. by Wheezy
Choice lyric: "I can tell you a Victoria, baby, I can keep your secret / I'ma show you how to win without cheatin'"
Without a doubt, one of the best tracks on the album. Also one of the poppiest. Likely dedicated to his fiancée, a woman who displays a RiRi-like aura of lust and beauty, the song is also named for Rihanna due to its (incredible) use of the word "work" on the hook. Though he sounds like a whimpering puppy for much of it, his sudden transitions from squeaky stutters into catchy turns of phrase are so romantic it's enough to make a longtime Thug fan (me) shed a tear. Or many. Finally, the song is proof that Thug, one day, could achieve the level of stardom of its namesake, especially if he continues to bear his feelings like this.
In sum: One of the most unorthodox vocalists of our time to have such ubiquitous appeal.
Guwop (feat. Quavo, Offset & Young Scooter)
Prod. by Wheezy, TM88 & Cassius Jay
Choice lyric: "I be gettin' money every mornin', Tom Joyner / Heard you gettin' money, but you payin' them n*ggas extortin' ya / You pay for your fame and fortune" - Quavo
With shimmering, immersive production from three of ATL's best, "Guwop" is probably the most finely curated collaboration on Jeffery. The features are incredible, with Scooter dropping off some of his most stirring raps in recent memory, Offset proving himself as one of the most reliable trappers around, and Quavo...well he's just one of the best period.
In sum: Guwop's home, all is well in the A.
Harambe
Prod. by Billboard Hitmakers
Choice lyric: "I got devil inside of me, got the devil inside me / God tryna provide me / But I'm tryna decide / Do we wanna leave the assignment?"
This song immediately stood out due to its title, and it also proved to be the most memorable upon the first listen. The track doesn't mention the late gorilla, but Thug's energy here is the definition of ape shit. It feels like Thug is on an all-out mutiny against anyone who puts him in the "bubblegum" category, coughing and heaving as he goes without ever loosing his footing. The hook is one of the most viscerally shaking of his career.
In sum: The hardest shit on the album. Dicks out for Harambe.
Webbie (feat. Duke)
Prod. by Billboard Hitmakers
Choice lyric: "Guess I'm geeked up Like an astronaut, I'm off Earth / I'm way in the moon, kickin' shit without a broom"
It's unclear who makes up the Billboard Hitmakers aside from Aidan Roy. They're soon gonna have the plaques to stand up to their name. It's funny that "Webbie" is seemingly dedicated to a ruler of the underground, as the song, with its uplifting energy, has plenty of crossover appeal. If Thugger hasn't "gone pop" yet, then he's on the way. Though that shouldn't concern his longtime fans. He has one eye on the boundless opportunities that await him and the other on the nearly inescapable place where he came from. Translating his experiences of struggle into an embrace of freedom has always been what makes his music so powerful, and that won't change as he moves onto new realms.
In sum: Jeffery is still a Slime for life. Shout-out to the Uber Man.
Pop Man (feat. Wyclef Jean)
Prod. by Wheezy & Cassius Jay
Who's the Pop Man? At first, this same track, which features Wyclef Jean -- who offers inspired advice to Thug and softly coos "Jeffery" throughout, was called "Elton John." On the seemingly official tracklist that Thug put on Instagram last night, the song was titled "Kanye West." Both of the aforementioned artists, Elton with his style and Kanye with his bold vision, are idols of Thug's. Perhaps they, along with the other names who appear on the tracklist, have worked to help mold the unprecedented character of Jeffery, who's now been officially introduced to the world. He is indeed a "Pop Man," one of the most compelling whom we have the privilege of watching break barriers in the mainstream music industry.
In sum: A beautiful finale. Congratulations on a remarkable year, Jeffery.