The artist who brought us the memorable hits “Back That Ass Up” and “Slow Motion” doesn’t disappoint devoted Dirty South fans with Reality Check. The 19-track album features the New Orleans gangsta rapper Juvenile up to his old tricks, rapping about everything from drugs to hustlin’. And, of course, women.
After losing his Slidell, La., home to Hurricane Katrina, Juvenile toiled to help raise funds for the rebuilding effort. In a recent interview, he said, “A lot of people from New Orleans depend on me to tell the truth [about Katrina’s aftermath].” From his words, you might think Juvie would have devoted the whole album to those who lost everything last summer.
Surprisingly, there is only one track on the much-anticipated Atlantic album that even mentions the tragedy. The current single, “Got Ya Hustle On,” is Juvenile’s only attempt at airing his sentiments regarding the hurricane response: “We starvin’, we livin’ like Haiti without no government … f— Fox News I don’t listen to y’all ass/Couldn’t get a n—- off the roof when the storm passed.” The video for the single was shot in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, where much of the devastation occurred.
But all talk of the hurricane ends there. The next 17 tracks resume where Juvenile left off – in his classic southern style. With cameos from Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Ludacris, Fat Joe and Manny Fresh, Juvenile makes each track a success.
Though producers vary from track to track, most of the songs rely on the simple keyboard and drumkick beats characteristic of southern rap. “Loose Booty” with UTP carries the most flavorful beat, while “Pop U,” featuring Luda and Fat Joe, is definitely worth a listen.
Even though Juvenile has gained success with his misogynistic, narcotic-laced lyrics, Reality Check serves up a few exceptions to the rule.
Trey Songz sings on “I Know You Know,” though it’s hard to accept Juvenile as romantic. R&B superstar Brian McKnight also offers his vocals on “Addicted,” while Juvenile’s part is more spoken word than hip-hop.
After listening to the album, it is apparent that Juvenile actually did devote his entire album to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in a way. With his familiar style, Juvenile provides a sense of comfort for those looking for some quality listening material.
Juvenile drops his seventh solo album, double disc Reality Check today.
– By Nikhil Joshi
