Search - Young Jeezy Presents U.S.D.A. :: Cold Summer: The Authorized Mixtape

"I don't make music for the muh****in' critics, they don't u

Pablo | 05/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a Young Jeezy project, this album is virtually guaranteed to catch unwarranted flack from hip-hop heads who hate on anything mainstream. Jeezy is one of the most targeted emcees in the game today, and anything resembling, or related to his name is sure to draw the ire and criticism of heads who're still living in the '90s. I can almost assure you that anyone who rates this album in one-star territory has NOT listened to this album, and is simply basing their review off of Jeezy's reputation.



Now that the facts have been stated, let's begin the review. U.S.D.A. is an acronym for United Streets Dopeboyz of America, and is Young Jeezy's crew consisting of himself, Slick Pulla, and Blood Raw. Both Slick and Jeezy are ATLiens, whilst Blood Raw comes straight outta hip-hop's latest hotbed, Florida. Their debut album is undoubtedly one of the hottest releases thus far this year, with some of the tightest production found on any album this year. I know the majority of people will dismiss U.S.D.A. as wack emcees who get by on production alone, but that certainly isn't the case here.



Young Jeezy is still one of the most charismatic performers in the game. He may have a lot of haters, and I doubt this album will convert any of them into fans; he's still shouting ad-libs, he's still talking about the trap, and he's surrounded by two emcees who, while widely different from one another, are still cut from virtually the same mold. For his fans who can see Jeezy's depth beyond the cliches that lie on the surface, they'll be praising this album as their champion for the rest of the summer, and beeyond. Young Jeezy's flow has gotten considerabley tighter over each of his releases, from the beginning of his underground career with Thuggin Under the Influence, through his mixtapes, his Boyz N Tha Hood days, his solo venture through Def Jam, and now, his crew's first release as a group. He switches it up numerous times throughout the album, going from the slow, drawn-out style he's become famous for to a faster-paced, higher cadence flow which has been displayed on a number of his latest collaborations with other artists. Slick Pulla is like Jeezy without the adlibs, a bit more traditional style; hardcore heads maybe able to appreciate him more than Jeezy. Blood Raw is a high-pitched Rick Ross with better breath control.



While none of the above may seem very appealing to elitists, one only has to look at the acronym of their name to see what they're about; trap rap. For those who love the stylings of Clipse, T.I., UGK, Rick Ross, and Jeezy himself, this album is an essential to have in your collection. From the metaphore based "White Girl" to the rowdy club-anthem "Get It Up," all three members pour our their dirty souls to their audience to create the best music they possibly can. You can't say these guys are commercial; if they're commercial, it's because pop's following them, not the other way around. Young Jeezy arguably spits the best verse of his entire lifetime on the phenomenal cut, Corporate Thuggin', which is the album's greatest stand-out track, and also rumored second single. Arnaz, who produces this track, is one of the best new producers from any region I've heard in more than a minute; other standouts from this CTE(Corporate Thug Entertainment, Jeezy's label) in-house producer include Pam, I Keep Tellin' Myself and the aforementioned Get It Up.



Live My Life featuring regular Big Boi collaborate, Scar, is one of the smoothest trap-rap tracks I've heard in a minute; definitely another standout on the album, as Scar provides a sensual chorus, and the three Dopeboyz deliver. Respect Da Shield is a dope track featuring CTE artists Rocette and 211, and features more banging production, this time from Sanchez Holmes, and tight verses from the collective and their guests. The album ends on the same high note it began with, as we're given a remix of Jeezy's smash-hit single, Go Getta, this time featuring the highly dope emcees of Bun B and Jadakiss. Everyone delivers a great verse on this track, and it's one of the dopest remixes in a minute.



In the end, there really are no flaws to this album; it's as cohesive, and dope as anything else released this year. Don't let the major label tag stop you from picking it up. Possible album of the year contendor, and once this hits the charts, it'll certainly be a Cold Summer."