One of the interesting things about Bartys quest to auteurise Migos is that the Internet did it already, years ago. (Migos are better than the Beatles memes) Their cartoonish aspect was perfect for the Internet. But Barty is saying that was the wrong Migos. The Internet jumped the gun. They didn't find their feet/perfect their formula till much later.
The rap Internet has its own currents and waves and weather patterns. It likes to single out and auteurise. Cam'ron, Gucci, Keef
Most innovative rapping since Rakim is not an argument you'll ever win but I think you will triumph in the wider sense, establish that particular Migos as a high water mark, important, etc
I know what the argument is. I do get it. I do think you are the most astute music commentator of your generation actually. I think that you will win. Innovation is a hard one though because you don't have an obsessive interest in rap. You don't have that urge to listen to things you don't like to establish genealogies and timelines. I don't either. But that's the sort of thing you have to do to really argue about innovation. Who did what first, how are trends formulated and spread etc. That requires a more scholarly approach.
Nelly melodies?
T-pain/Kanye/Wayne with auto tune?
The popularisation of south style calm and response?
I dunno, Gucci Mane obviously picked up critical cred after the fact of his street popularity, but he was a hugely influential figure in rap 'forreal'. Migos, Future, Young Thug, all influenced and supported by him. Chief Keef arguably wouldn't exist without him, and UK drill wouldn't exist without Chicago drill. Of course, you can trace anybody back to a thousand other anybodys...
I suppose you must feel about Gucci Mane what I feel about Migos - perhaps an acknowledgement of their popularity and importance but without any real affection.