Young Jeezy: The Recession

Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 was instrumental in the success of Young Jeezy but, still, critics have never really given him his just due. Whether it’s his simplistic rap style or his limited subject matter, Jeezy has been much maligned in his career; however, the hood has embraced him with open arms. Not only have his albums been well received, embraced, and supported; but real recognizes real, and it’s clear that the hood endorses Young Jeezy.

Now, in the midst of economic decline/peril, the streets are struggling harder than ever and who better than Mr. 17.5 to speak the truth when it matters most. The Recession. Point. Blank. Period. Is the hardest album out right now (in case you haven’t heard) and, oh yeah, it more than lives up to its billing as “Thug Motivation 101 on steroids”. Seriously, it’s that official.

Getting things started, “The Recession (Intro)” and “Welcome Back” serve nicely as introductions; but things don’t really pick up until the Terry “TA” Allen produced “By The Way”. Here, Jeezy reminds those who may have thought his run was over and in true Jeezy form, he [absolutely] bodies his verses with ease. Up next, “Crazy World” is another political jab at the current state of the economy; while “What They Want”, “Amazin”, and “Hustlaz Ambition” reminds fans why they fell in love with Jeezy in the first place.

Without question, the production on some of these tracks are raw as hell and because of that, Jeezy shines even brighter over such stellar production. For instance, the Don Cannon produced “Circulate” is not your typical Jeezy record; but to hear Jeezy switch his style up is refreshing. Not to mention, it’s a pretty hot song as well; however, other standout tracks include “Everything” featuring Lil’ Boosie and Anthony Hamilton, “Don’t Do It”, “Wordplay” and last, but not least, “My President” featuring Nas. The latter finds the two trading verses in support of Barack Obama and although Nas outshines Jeezy on his own song, surprisingly it was only by the slimmest of margins.

Ok, maybe I’m hyping this album up to be bigger than what it really is, but Jeezy really came with it this time. There’s no denying that. He may not be the most lyrical, nor ever be mentioned in the top 5; but his impact and commercial appeal is far reaching than some will ever come close to. I mean, hell, even Michael Phelps listens to this guy. Obviously Jeezy is doing something right so regardless of what critics, bloggers, and people of that nature may think, Jeezy is better off doing Jeezy. It’s worked thus far and if it ain’t broke, I’ve always said don’t fix it. That being said, The Recession is a solid 3rd offering of sorts and reflects the growth of “The Snowman”. No longer in grind mode; instead, it’s politics as usual.

Rating: 8.0 headphones out of 10