After a year’s worth of internet virality thanks to their breakout hit “Bada Bing Bada Bøøm,” Atlanta upstarts Tezzus and diamond*, now signed to Young Thug’s YSL imprint, are tasked with keeping up the momentum. Named after their label boss’ 2025 release, UY SCUTI BØYZ is their debut mixtape, full of high-energy link-ups and an eclectic beat palette. At 18 tracks, however, the tape can play like an overstuffed compilation that overshadows the chemistry that made these two interesting to watch in the first place.
The ØWay collective came up in Atlanta through the 4ET (“4ever Thumbin’”) movement, a coalition of young Future and Thug acolytes featuring the likes of Southsidesilhouette, Rollin Thrax, and Diorvsyou. When Tezzus met diamond* in 2020, their affinity for music (and weed) kept them close, moving together as a unit. Earlier this year, the group released a cypher, positioning ØWay as a prominent collective from Atlanta’s underground. It’s a raw, thunderous showcase of the artists’ distinctive styles, but take heed to these two specifically: Tezzus, the bloodthirsty rager who delivers gruff, Thugger-inflected bravado and diamond*, the laid back, fashion-forward melodic savant.
UY SCUTI BØYZ builds from this dynamic, even when it doesn’t stick the landing. The varied production reflects their energy at its best. Contributions range from veterans like London on da Track, Ojivolta, and Richie Souf to fresh faces Kassgocrazy, HariRoc, and Goxan. The beats never stick to one pattern; they bounce and flip into different pockets, creating a chaotic and unpredictable environment. When everything clicks, you get tracks like “Ew” (Kassgocrazy) and “Step Child” (Yakree), where the lighting fast hi-hats and punchy snares rattle atop Zaytoven-flared piano stabs, cushioning MIDI synth-strings and sirens. These highlights create a feeling akin to Thug’s 2019 set So Much Fun, bringing out the best in both rappers.
The natural chemistry is undeniable. On “Duality,” diamond* skates through the first half with a chilled Auto-Tuned delivery while Tezzus roars through the second with coarse vocals and foul-mouthed bars. On “Ice Øn,” the two explore their sensual side, while “Løve Løst” and “I’m an Artist” capitalize on their ingenuity. It’s always fun to hear the guys riff about designer clothes and link-ups with models as they spam “ØWay” and “Slatt” tags throughout. These moments hint at a distinct identity for the two, one built from contrast and ATLien kinship.
The problem is how rarely their identity becomes the focus. Even though UY SCUTI BØYZ billed as a collaborative mixtape, Tezzus and diamond* only share five tracks together. The rest is filled with guest appearances that leave this feeling like a glorified Slime Language 2 for the ØWay collective. I’ve got no issue with the features themselves, though: Young Thug and Rylo Rodriguez deliver swagged-out verses on “Da Fuck,” skaiwater jumps out in a frenzy on “Guess What,” Yung Fazo flexes up on “Baby,” and model-turned-rapper Pz’ shows out on “Head Øver Heels.” The features succeed in showcasing the worldbuilding that Tezzus mentions in interviews, and they excel as posse cuts. However, all these voices tend to dilute the album’s core, leaving a mystery as to what Tezzus and diamond* have to offer on their own. While UY SCUTI BØYZ thrives on the fast-paced evolution of its budding stars, it’s only a snapshot of their artistry.
