This mixtape was supposed to be following on from Slime Season and Slime Season 2, but after an exchange of words with fellow Atlanta rapper Future over Twitter, Young Thug opted for I’m Up. While Rick Ross held the undisputed title of the best beat selector, Thugga has undoubtedly snatched that title from him and this latest mixtape is testament to that. His unique approach and animated flow means he can master any beat which is put before him. That, combined with a series of features from low profile artists (in relation to the bigger names which realistically could have featured), ensures the listener isn’t overwhelmed by Thug himself.

Young Thug collaborates with Migos’ Quavo in ‘F Cancer’, a tribute to Lil Boosie who was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year. Despite the inevitable references to strippers and hoes galore, it’s probably the most sincere tribute we can expect from the man. Taking more of a backseat in ‘Special’, Thug enables both Solo Lucci and Offset, also of Migos, to run wild with their lyrics. His ability to share the limelight and not concern himself with solely stealing the show elevates his sound to higher than previously imagined. Whether it is Mike Will Made-It or Metro Boomin’s produced beat on Hercules, I’m Up oozes and adheres to what we’ve come to expect from enigmatic artist: the unexpected and the incomparable.

His beat selection, production and choice of artists, Young Thug has demonstrated just why he is one of the most exciting rappers in the game today and will be for years to come. Often polarising opinion and blurring the lines of gender in his music, the rap scene has never witnessed anything quite like this before.

Niall Ballinger