YNW Melly – Just A Matter of Slime

Review

'Just a Matter of Slime' is YNW Melly's sophomore studio effort, dropping in August 2021 while the artist was behind bars. The album's guest list reads like a who's who of hip-hop, featuring heavy hitters like Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Black, and Young Thug. It's a testament to Melly's pull in the industry that he could rope in such talent, even from the confines of a cell.

The project hit number eleven on the Billboard 200, proving Melly's commercial clout hasn't waned despite his legal troubles. It's his second-best chart performance, trailing only his 2019 release 'Melly vs. Melvin'. However, the album's critical reception was a bit of a mixed bag. Some listeners found it lacking the cohesion and energy that made Melly a standout in the late 2010s.

Interestingly, much of the album draws from Melly's pre-2019 vault, which gives it a somewhat disjointed feel. The production doesn't always hit the mark, and at times, the features steal the show from Melly himself. It's a stark reminder of the challenges faced by artists trying to maintain their creative output while dealing with serious legal issues. Despite its flaws, 'Just a Matter of Slime' serves as a snapshot of Melly's enduring influence in the hip-hop landscape.- Ellis