Low Pros is a concept that is deliriously stupefying. “Let’s throw A-Trak and Lex Luger on an EP together.” someone said. The testosterone involved in making such an EP hurts to even think about, and it shows in how deliriously loud and explosive this short EP is. The hottest rising names (OK, just Young Thug, Travi$ Scott, and A$AP Ferg) are brought in to rap over some of the banging beats this year. The beats bang, but is there anything particularly interesting about them? Depends.

Each beat seems like it’s crafted to be played loudly at a club, and all of them are made with massive drops or drops big enough to bring a crowd to their knees. The results? A bit mixed. The buildup on Intro is fine, but the actual explosion of sound doesn’t really do a whole lot, creating an ultimately underwhelming introduction. The track Ohmygosh features several other producers, and dissolves into an utterly obnoxious bro-step breakdown towards its center. The best part of the track is actually the more subtle and effects-driven outro to the track, which creates a cool and spooky mood that makes up for the bland breakdown from earlier in the song. The track Muscle has an alright beat, but its kind ruined by an utterly bland hook that anchors even more bland verses from Juvenile.

The best tracks here are the ones that draw out blissful ignorance to their utter limits. Young Thugs’ goofy and always-at-his-max-energy delivery on Jack Tripper is delightful, making the best of the ominous and bassy beat (Peewee Longways’ appearance on this track and Frankie Lymon does nothing to make me want to care about who Peewee Longway is). Young Thug also delivers a worthwhile verse on Frankie Lymon, out-rapping the other two on the track with an energetic verse that’s made him one to watch.

The real greatness here comes from the original and remix versions of 100 Bottles. Travi$ Scott’s drowning delivery of the hook on the original version is incredibly enjoyable, creating an intense track that grows and shrinks into a brilliant focusing of energy and fury. The remix brings a gleefully goofy A$AP Ferg verse about pussy, including a weird sing-song verse. It’s as wonderful as it sounds. The original version works a bit better (Ferg’s verse, while enjoyable, does feel like it was just tacked onto the song), but it’s still a great example of how this duo can work.

Summary: EP 1 has a few bright moments that show how Lex Luger and A-Trak can create something special together; but some weaker tracks and the fact many of the best tracks are driven by the rappers rather than producers causes some concern as to whether it’ll even be worth it to hear future EPs.

Choice Cuts: 100 Bottles, Jack Tripper, 100 Bottles (Remix)

Leftovers: Intro

B-

You can download the mixtape here.