JON MORENO — Arts Editor
During our winter break, music didn’t see a lot of great material. No new albums made any sort of real noise and nothing truly did anything special.
But for this review, I decided to search for a diamond in the rough and came across Young Jeezy’s “TM:103 – Hustlerz Ambition.” It was finally released in December after many, many delays due to issues between the label and Young Jeezy and it was worth the wait-for the most part.
Standout tracks include “OJ” featuring Fabolous and Jadakiss, “F.A.M.E” featuring T.I, and “I Do” with Jay-Z and Andre 3000 but that right there is also the issue. There are way too many features.
Is the album intended to be a compilation album or a solo effort? It’s difficult to tell. But in the songs where it’s just Jeezy, I find myself wanting to skip to the next track just to see who else is on it. The same thing that makes this album weak also makes it tolerable, which is extremely odd.
On the album’s intro in “Waiting,” the tight production from Lil Lody is on point over Jeezy’s steady flow. But when the hook comes in, my ears bleed. Rappers must understand when they cannot sing and should never attempt it. He tries it again in “Everythang” (no typo).Very few have that gift. The Snowman does not.
Jeezy’s lyrics were never intended to blow anyone away. However, his unique raspy voice and delivery helps listeners realize why the MC is one of hip-hop’s most respected artists today.
Jeezy talks to his listeners. He tells stories of the struggle that he faced growing up. It sounds like hip-hop isn’t something he went home to hone his skills on because he was too busy out hustling when he was younger.
Where rappers like Eminem and Tech Nine are praised because of their technical skills and intricate rhyme schemes, Young Jeezy is respected because of his down to earth and relateable lyrical content.
Yes, he raps about making money, women and liquor as much as the next rapper. But what he does better than most artists is draw the line to the superficial talk and knows when it’s time to remind people that he is a real person at the end of the day like you and me.
Along with the album, a documentary is packaged in where the film takes viewers through Jeezy’s rise in the industry. Samuel L. Jackson narrates the film as family members and friends of Jeezy help tell his story.
Regardless if you’re a fan of Jeezy’s music or hip-hop in general, the documentary is a must watch for anyone trying to find themselves in a situation in which the odds are against them. It’s motivational and brilliantly produced.
Ultimately, the album itself has many forgettable cuts such as “Leave You Alone,” and “Way Too Gone” featuring Ne-Yo and Future, respectively.
However, Jeezy did manage to put together a very respectable piece of work. It has it’s flaws like any album but one must respect the hustle Jeezy puts into his music.
