Best Thang Smokin'

When Young Dro’s “Shoulder Lean” became a radio smash in the wake of the massive success achieved by T.I.’s King, most fans assumed Dro was a second-stringer from Tip’s clique in line to cash in on his boss’ phenomenal success, not realizing that when the two first met in the late ‘90s, T.I. was more interested in managing Dro than putting out his own music. Even though there is enough gangsta swagger and strip club bounce to place Best Thang Smokin’ next to records by Young Jeezy and T.I., the album’s crunk pedigree disguises a streak of imaginative wordplay that has more in common with rap eccentrics like Kool Keith and Ghostface. On “Shoulder Lean,” Dro is a free-associative fiend. “Kids love the ice colors are Barney and Teletubbies / Chrome dubbies diamonds in our charms are sour / Apple green Jolly Ranch icon paint the Tahoe Snapple / Juice fruit this what Drizzle used to.” Finally, the splendorous car culture of the Deep South is painted in words that bring to life its brilliant colors.