Rich Slave

Memphis rapper Young Dolph's 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 Dolph's 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 Dolph's continuous stream of mid-tempo beats and ruthless flows. There are only three features on Rich Slave, and they result in some of the album's best tracks. In addition to an appearance by G Herbo, Dolph's 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