Detroit rappers 42 Dugg and Skilla Baby drop the new collaborative single “Thick One,” produced by Helluva, Kaio, and Cynxplaydat from the Part 3 project. Listen, stream, buy the track, mp3 download.
American rappers 42 Dugg and Skilla Baby release their new collaborative single, “Thick One.” The track is part of the ongoing “Part 3” project series. Production for the two-minute song is handled by Helluva, Kaio, and Cynxplaydat. The release arrives through a joint venture between 42 Dugg’s 4PF imprint, Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG), and Interscope Records. This partnership underscores the continued alliance between street-level hip-hop movements and major label distribution.
42 Dugg, born Dion Marquise Hayes, emerged from Detroit and gained recognition through a mixtape series and a pivotal signing to Yo Gotti’s CMG label. His breakthrough came with features on major hits, amplifying his distinctive, rough-edged vocal style. His career encountered a significant interruption due to legal incarceration, a period that stalled his commercial momentum. His recent work represents an effort to reclaim his position in the rap landscape. Skilla Baby, also from Detroit, built a substantial regional following through a prolific output of mixtapes and viral singles. His style combines blunt street narration with a melodic, catchy delivery that performs well on digital platforms.
42 dugg part 3
The production team of Helluva, Kaio, and Cynxplaydat provides the instrumental foundation. Their collective sound likely delivers the heavy bass and tense melodies characteristic of contemporary Detroit trap music. The two-minute runtime is optimized for streaming and social media virality, prioritizing a repetitive, catchy hook. For both artists, this collaboration represents a strategic union of two Detroit voices at different stages of national recognition, aiming to consolidate local support while reaching a wider audience.
The “Part 3” project title suggests a continuation of a series, a common tactic in hip-hop to maintain narrative continuity and fan engagement across releases. Placing “Thick One” within this series positions it as another chapter in an established story rather than a standalone single. The track’s thematic focus, as indicated by its title, aligns with a prevalent subgenre of hip-hop that celebrates physical attraction and hedonism, a reliable topic for generating immediate listener engagement.
The business arrangement between 4PF, CMG, and Interscope is a modern industry standard. It allows 42 Dugg’s camp and CMG to maintain artist direction and street credibility while leveraging Interscope’s extensive marketing and radio promotion apparatus. For Skilla Baby, the feature on a major-label release provides increased exposure beyond his independent foundation. The success of this single will be measured by its performance on streaming charts and its resonance within the core hip-hop community, testing 42 Dugg’s post-release relevance and Skilla Baby’s crossover potential.
42 Dugg, Skilla Baby – Thick One
From the “Part 3” project
Produced by Helluva, Kaio, Cynxplaydat
January 23, 2026
1 song, 2 minutes
4PF/CMG/Interscope Records; ℗ 2026 CMG/Interscope Records
