He isn't as versatile as David Banner, as wild as Young Jeezy, as hefty as Bone Crusher, or as suave or swift -- or even as slim, for that matter -- as T.I., but no obstacles have thwarted Slim Thug's progression.

The MC, a native of Houston's north side, has cruised up a long ramp to nationwide success.

He's more than happy to tell you this through the title of his first official album, released by the Neptunes' Star Trak label via Geffen.

Slim Thug estimates that his mixtapes and appearances on other artists' tracks add up to a million in sales.

It's one way to twist the actual definition of platinum (a million sales for one release, rather than a bunch of them), but it gets the point across: he's a force.

On Already Platinum, he's not saying anything you haven't heard before.

His insights are rarely unique, rifling through the same lyrical motifs you're likely to hear in most other Southern rap albums.

This means little since fellow Southern MCs like Lil' Flip and Mike Jones have less than a small portion of his charisma.

("Still Tippin'," Jones' big hit, was helped tremendously by Slim Thug's presence.

Dial up Jones at 281-330-8004 and remind him.) Throughout the album, Slim Thug ably lugs his deep, thick, smoothened drawl through a series of infectious flows.

If an animated movie ever needs a voice for a character that's something like a 12-foot brick wall capable of hovering over land, he's the man for the job.

Production-wise, the Neptunes (eight tracks) and Mr.

Lee (three) are the stars, overlaying most of their beat work with twistingly baleful keyboard vamps.

Somewhat shockingly, the two weakest tracks were put together by Jazze Pha (Ciara's "1, 2 Step"), whose shrill interjections are of no help.

Luckily they're minor, fleeting trip-ups.

Already Platinum is one of 2005's best rap albums.