Young Jeezy
The Inspiration: Thug Motivation
(Universal)
The Inspiration: Thug Motivation is another record depicting the urban hustler and the effects of slinging that rock. Thick, imposing beats highlight Jeezy’s robust southern drawl and the impressive guest list. Fans of 50 Cent and G-Unit will feel right at home here—Jeezy’s shtick is so recycled and cliched at this point that there’s not much that sets him apart. “Go Getta” (featuring R. Kelly) and “I’m the Realest” bang as hard as anything you’ve heard before, but Jeezy just doesn’t hold the weight of his contemporaries. While a solid sophomore effort that avoids the pitfalls of a follow-up, it also lacks the innovation that builds legends.
—Trevor Savory
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.
