This week’s list of album ratings includes a Memphis legend, a Jamaican star, and a dude that can kick our ass now.

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Juicy J – Mental Trillness

(C)

Doesn’t it feel like Juicy J lives in a different stratosphere from other artists? Despite creating tons of anthems and featuring on a slew of hits, his name doesn’t seem to come up as often as other veteran acts. Yet, he’s still making music and impacting the scene. Recently, J dropped a new project called Mental Trillness 2.

As expected, Mental Trillness 2 boasts some outstanding beats, featuring the signature Three Six Mafia vibes along with bass that would knock the hell out of your speakers. In terms of content, you get the typical themes: talking about doing drugs, drinking heavily, and tipping strippers, though Juicy J does find moments to drop some humble reflections here and there. While I want to say this album is great—and it is a good listen—I do believe if you’ve heard one of Juicy’s albums, you’ve heard them all, including this one.

Guest Appearances: Sukihana, Project Pat, idontknowjeffery, Xavier Wulf.
Favorite Songs: “Overseas,” “Sukihana,” & “Cut Back.”

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Shenseea – Never Gets Late Here

(C+)

I believe Shenseea is incredibly talented. Unfortunately, with so much talent in the female rap/R&B world, she often gets overlooked. As a music critic who likes to cover everything, I have time today to give her the attention she deserves. Recently, Shenseea released a 14-track project called Never Gets Late Here. It’s a fascinating follow-up to her previous work.

Never Gets Late Here tests Shenseea’s versatility, and she passes with flying colors. Throughout the project, she delivers heartwarming dancehall tracks, authentic reggae tunes, pop-reggae hybrids, and more. I appreciate that she leans into her Jamaican roots musically, as that’s clearly her strongest sound. However, when she explores an R&B vibe, like in “Keep A Place,” she shines just as brightly. All in all, I think this is an entertaining, diverse body of work.

Guest Appearances: Maisicka, Di Genius, Coi Leray, Anitta, WizKid
Favorite tracks: “Hit & Run,” “Work Me Out,” and “Keep A Place.”

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Jackboy – Sick of Myself

(C)

Jackboy is actually jacked now (Who would’ve thunk it). He’s also free of Kodak Black and making perhaps his best music. In Trust The Process, I think Jackboy shines.

Jackboy may not be an A-list rapper, but he certainly carries himself like one. In Trust The Process, I love the command he raps with, how he seamlessly switches between a gritty rapper and an aspiring singer, how he avoids sticking to a single production style, and how authentic his street lyrics feel. Additionally, despite having impressive guest appearances from Key Glock, BabyDrill, Boosie Badazz, 2 Chainz, and more, JB never fades into the background, a quality you’d expect from an A-list rapper. Overall, this project is a very solid listen.

Guest Appearances: 2 Chainz, YFN Lucci, Snapmode Kobe, C Glizzy, OMB Peezy, Boosie Badazz, Ralo, Key Glock, and BabyDrill.
Favorite Tracks: “No Diddy,” “Baseball” and “Forgot How To Cry.”