Already Platinum (2005)

This intimidating 6'6'' rapper is far from the most exciting rhyme spitter in the buzzing Houston hip-hop scene. But he's got a couple of things going for him — a steady, linebacker-strong flow and a baritone that makes James Earl Jones sound like Pee-wee Herman. Even better, he's got superproducers the Neptunes on his team (behind eight tracks), and they cook up some of their most adventurous work, blessing Slim Thug with spacious and stark beats that are equal parts frightening and funky on Already Platinum.