On his latest album since 2008, Young Jeezy has decided to devolve from The Recession’s socio-conscious rhyming to make TM 103: Hustlerz Ambition a return to the drug-fueled corner stories that originally made him famous. On “Way Too Gone,” when Jeezy makes his proclamation to throw us into the Delorean and takes us all the way back to 2005, it’s almost enough to make the listener laugh, because this album is so 2005.
With guest spots from Jadakiss and Trick Daddy, the album feels like a time capsule,, and that isn’t necessarily a complement. Trap game influenced barking aggression feels like a blast from the past compared to the humility laced luxury rap we have grown accustomed to. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is hard to determine. TM: 103 finds Jeezy stubbornly clinging to the old days, where rap was hard and gangsta, and refusing to show any signs of stepping into the new ways in which the rap game has evolved.
Unfortunately, most of the album falls flat because of his reluctance to adapt. Undoubtedly, Jeezy has provided punishing beats on past albums, but top snare hits and cheesy synth lines dominate TM: 103, leaving some tracks to actually feel like punishment when listening. One track, the Ne-Yo assisted “Leave You Alone,” actually uses piano and a less-is-more synth approach that may leave a listener wondering where this subtlety was on the first half of the album. Other standouts include the single “F.A.M.E.” where Jeezy waxes in his signature gruff delivery with fellow Southern Rap titan T.I.. Also, the star-studded “I Do” features welcome verses from Jay-Z and the always-reliable Andre 3000.
For the most part, however, Jeezy’s aggressive rasp isn’t enough to save these songs from over-production and lyrics full of stories and boasts that we’ve heard on past outings. Instead of stepping forward, Jeezy makes us wait for an unapologetic step back. It’s still possible to make gangsta rap in 2012 (just ask Rick Ross). Jeezy could have used some pointers on this stunted effort that’s all bark and very little bite.
2.5 out of 5 |
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