This project feels overrated, mostly because people are caught up in the name of Juicy J, who everyone loves, but who frankly says very little of value here. The production, handled by Logic, is okay, leaning more into a soul-influenced sound than what Juicy typically raps over. But even then, it would hit harder with a rapper who brings some interesting bars and a style that complements them. As it stands, the beats aren’t groundbreaking, and the vocals don’t elevate them.
Between songs, there are unfortunately interludes titled 'Discussions' where Logic and Juicy J talk about a variety of topics, most of which are awkward or just plain embarrassing. Logic asks Juicy about losing his virginity, and for Juicy’s reaction to finding out Logic is black, and even claims that he and Juicy are superstars "like Michael Jackson"... Yes, that actually happens. There is one interlude where they talk about how this collaboration came to fruition which is one of the few genuinely interesting moments. But if you’re going to include all these interviews, then the album really should have committed to being a concept album, with the discussions tying meaningfully into the tracks, or at least being insightful. Instead, they feel scattered and disconnected.
Logic also already calls the album a “classic,” which feels wildly premature. The album opens with one of the better songs, but even that is interrupted midstream by an interview which is frustrating. At one point, Logic asks Juicy for advice to give up-and-coming rappers. Juicy replies, “Stay prayed up.” It’s not insightful in the slightest as isn't much of what is said. They also brush against other ideas, like hip-hop culture’s obsession with flashiness and Juicy’s view on the dangers of AI, but none of it gets explored in a meaningful way, or again, is that interesting, especially for more than one playthrough. There’s also the played-out theme/phrase of “giving people their flowers" which is so tiresome.
On top of that, the short song problem of this era rears its head here too which I just typed about for Slick Rick's new album. What is the last 1:25 song to be a classic? I'll wait. The album starts with a statement that it’s a “real journey through the man, the myth, the legend, Juicy J,” but we never get that. There just isn’t enough substance, either in the music or the interviews, to make it a compelling journey. All in all, I didn’t get much out of this. While I’ve spent a lot of time talking about the ‘Discussions’, it’s because they seriously drag the whole thing down, some are so jaw-droppingly bad that it’s baffling anyone thought they were a good idea. And aside from that, there’s not a single memorable song to redeem it.
Beats: ★★★
Rapping/Bars: ★★☆
Hooks: ★★
Best Tracks: Live and in Color (before the interlude), Get Right, The Problem, 20 Years Later
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