Already Platinum

Of the triumvirate of Texas heroes that appeared on the 2004 single “Still Tippin’”—including the inimitable Mike Jones and Paul Wall — it was Slim Thug’s commanding flow that dominated. Dozens of great Texas rap records appeared in the wake of “Still Tippin’” but endorsed by mega-successful Virginia Beach production team the Neptunes, Already Platinum expanded on the patented syrup-slow sound of Houston. Every track is custom built for Slim Thug’s gripping baritone, and tracks such as “Like a Boss,” “I Ain’t Heard of That,” and “Ashy to Classy” are devastating fusions of the Neptunes’ spare keyboard chords and DJ Screw’s decelerated bass detonations. While the Neptunes gave Thug a crossover appeal that other Texas rappers didn’t have, Already Platinum also gave prominent placement to two tracks by veteran Houston producer Mr. Lee. “3 Kings” and “Diamonds” huff and puff with such incredible thunder that listening to them is something like staring down the front end of a field artillery battalion. Save for this 6’6” Houston Hercules, it’s hard to imagine any other rapper being able stare down such fearsome weight.