With the semi-implosion of the music industry, the old ways are now in a state of constant flux or out the window entirely. Such sea change is particularly noticeable in the hip-hop world. The pipeline from stage to single to album has changed significantly due to the rise of the internet and mixtape culture. Where once an album would be an act’s calling card, now some hot YouTube videos and a steady stream of free mixtape downloads is enough to sustain a career or at least maintain buzz in this new world. Such has been the case with Atlanta group Migos. After their song “Versace” went super-viral in 2013, they followed up with a series of mixtapes before signing with a label in 2014. Now, they have finally released their debut album, Yung Rich Nation (300 Entertainment).

Possibly the most surprising thing about Migos is that it’s a family band comprised of Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset. Quavo is uncle to Takeoff, and Offset is Quavo’s cousin. It’s surprising because most of their songs to date sound like the work of one person. Yung Rich Nation kind of fixes that, but vocally and lyrically the members are interchangeable enough as to be nearly anonymous. It’s such a mush, that when Young Thug makes an appearance on “Cocania,” it’s a jolt. One could perhaps make a case that they sound so similar because they are related, but that doesn’t explain why the songs have such a cookie cutter feel. There’s nothing distinctive about Migos or Yung Rich Nation at all. It’s the textbook example of what people refer to when they complain about mainstream hip-hop.

However, it’s not entirely as disposable as a first pass may have you believe. There’s nothing here as giddily infectious as “Versace,” though Migos really, really try to recapture that moment. Still, they do have some proper songs under their collective belt. On many songs they come off like they’re just killing time until they can get back to the chant-along chorus, but when the group stretches their wings, they nail it. The timely NWA-channeling of “Highway 85” shows they can deliver a solid story, and the Chris Brown feature, “Just For Tonight,” shows that they can do a song “for the ladies.” Generally speaking, whenever they break from their formula, they show some versatility. Yung Rich Nation isn’t really an album for someone who isn’t already on the Migos train, though, as it’s a fairly forgettable trifle with just a few bright moments.