Jasmine Badie
jcbadie@valdosta.edu

Hustlenomics: released Aug 30th 2007

With plenty of doubts about his rapping skills, Yung Joc still releases some of the most top-selling records in the country. Few expect less of him when it comes to lyrics but with this new album coming out, Hustlenomics, maybe there is a change in thought. Hey, if Tom Cruise likes him and the infamous motorcycle dance, then he must not be half bad. Why not release another album if you can dup people into buying it.
Even though at times Joc can reek of the little homeboy that could, his lyrics can actually make sense if you have the IQ of a 7 year old. “I know you see it!” It’s kind of tragic and yet encouraging. It gives hope to the MC who has a real imagination and desire for success. Thanks Joc!
With the meant to be hit single that just debuted, Coffee Shop, Yung Joc is showing his true colors of being bored. This single sound like it could be a jingle for a Chevy commercial. Nevertheless, it is still a hit! What’s really going on? You would think with the energy and up rise of the Atlanta movement, you would assume somebody coming from there, would have a little inspiration. Artist ranging from T.I to Outkast; So, the talent is there. Is Hip Hop really dead?
He isn’t horrible on the mic. He exceptionally flowed well over some of the beats but for some reason it just isn’t enough. One example comes as Joc boldly goes against the rules of the language. “I bang Brazil broads under the palm trees.” He does not bang Brazilian broads. He bangs Brazil broads. Lyrically, many of the other songs are simply forgettable fillers.
Freedom and relief comes from the production of this album. The production team varied from Pharell, Timberland, Jermaine Dupri and many more. The heart thumping sounds grabs ones attention immediately from singles like Play Your Cards. The same goes for Getting to the Money, and Hustlenomics. Brand New and Living the Life add the smooth melody and sound that help balance out the albums sound. It may need more than that to survive the heat coming from other new artist.
In all reality, Yung Joc has the musical talent to set trends and become a face for some of the greatest rappers of the south. I guess everybody has their bad days. He even admits in previous interviews that he doesn’t know how to rap and is still learning, so u can’t really expect anything ground breaking from him lyrically. Knowing that he isn’t capable of raping as well as others, still doesn’t give him an excuse to make a shitty album. In the words of Yung Joc, “it’s going down” Is Hustlenomics a class you want to take or skip?