The Recession (by Young Jeezy, Rap)

Southern rapper Young Jeezy is back with his third studio album which includes some high-profile contributions, including Kanye West on the track "Put On" and Nas on "My President." Jay-Z, Drumma Boy, and Lil Boosie also can be found on the album. Most of the tracks discuss the economic struggles of the working class, but also incorporate more controversial topics such as drug dealing into the financial survey. Young Jeezy does brag about using guns, disrespects women, and likes to swear.

Investments, credit cards, paying the bills, and the economy are all parts of Young Jeezy's repetoire. With the introductory title tracks, listeners are greeted with a lesson in Young's form of urban economics: "It's a recession … I hope it's acceptable if I don't be respectable." The smooth Southern flow that Young Jeezy is known for is abundant and his style is velvety and articulate (a bit like the anti-Lil' Wayne), but at times this method becomes sluggish and monotonous. The gritty deep rhymes could use slightly more range for them to really grip the listener: "Hustlaz Ambition" almost sounds like Jeezy rapping in his sleep. One of his best attributes is his deliberate raps that provide in-your-face social commentary. Unlike many rappers who rhyme about the fantasy life of cars, jets, and cash, Young Jeezy raps about real life without a lot of over-production. It's just too bad that the negative themes -- bragging about using guns, disrespecting women, and abundance of profanity -- are also there.

Released on: September 2, 2008
Label: Def Jam
Genre: Rap
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes