Best Thang Smokin' cover

Released 20 years ago

Best Thang Smokin'

Young Dro · 2006

65 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

A blend of playful Southern trap beats underlines Young Dro's charismatic swagger and clever wordplay throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shoulder Lean — This track became Young Dro's breakout hit, showcasing a catchy hook and his distinctive flow that captured the essence of Southern hip-hop.
  • →
    Man in the Trunk — With its infectious beat and clever lyricism, this track highlights Dro's storytelling ability while blending humor with street credibility.
  • →
    Presidential — This song reflects Dro’s ambitions and lifestyle, featuring an engaging production that embodies the lavish themes prevalent in Southern rap.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid production and catchy hooks, marking Young Dro's entry into the Southern trap scene.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of heavy bass and hi-hat patterns typical of Southern trap, creating a rhythmic foundation that supports the vocal delivery.
  • Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging listeners and enhancing the party vibe characteristic of Southern hip-hop.
  • The sequencing includes multiple tracks that build momentum before reaching the hit single 'Shoulder Lean', which serves as a pivotal moment in the album.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful energy for gatherings
  • charismatic swagger and confidence
  • catchy hooks for sing-alongs
  • steady groove for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slower, introspective music
  • seek complex narrative structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2006, Best Thang Smokin' was Young Dro's debut studio album, following his mixtape success that established him in Atlanta's burgeoning hip-hop scene. At this point, Dro was gaining traction as a key figure in the Dirty South movement, thanks to his affiliation with T.I.'s Grand Hustle label.
Stylistic neighbors
T.I.· 2 Chainz· Gucci Mane

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 They Don't Really Know Bout Dro 4:28
  • 2 Man in the Trunk 4:28
  • 3 Presidential 4:05
  • 4 Shoulder Lean 4:18
  • 5 U Don't See Me 4:38
  • 6 Rubberband Banks 4:49
  • 7 We Lied 4:14
  • 8 My Girl 5:22
  • 9 100 Yard Dash 2:59
  • 10 Hear Me Cry 4:04
  • 11 Gangsta 4:53
  • 12 High Five 3:53
  • 13 Fresh 4:22
  • 14 What It Is 3:48
  • 15 It Ain't Over 4:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata