Juvenile- Cocky & Confident
Hey, Juvie, did you steal those sunglasses from the cover of Miles Davis’ Cool & Collected hits album, and did they give you the idea for the Cocky & Confident title? Sorry, but I had to go there.
The album opens with a very tribal beat that reminds me of something 3-6 Mafia would write. “Cocky and Confident” is exactly what the title says. Juvenile claims that the album is going to be great, you’ll want to buy it, and you will love it. And the song ends with him saying “You’re welcome,” as if we the listeners owe HIM a thank you. He is definitely juvenile.
“Gotta Get It” has some wicked syncopated rhythm that incorporates a slick top hat clave that kicks on the off beats with an organ fill. There are several celebrity references, from Shaquille O’Neil to Morgan Freeman. The beat and style of the song remind me of some of the dirty underground Houston rap that Mike Jones (WHO?) and Paul Wall (PEOPLE’S CHAMP!) brought to the mainstream hip-hop industry. I doubt that this would be a song performed at a club, even though it’s advertized as the primary hit for the album.
Impending damnation minor chords lead into a relatively boring bass beat. The top hat rhythm doesn’t really add any interest either on “Back Back.” Juvenile raps about how he always claimed he’d get rich and look at him now. Gucci boots, flashy lifestyle, and living like Tiger Woods (minus the whole blonde supermodel wife bashing YOUR Escalade with YOUR 5 iron ordeal (speculative)). After all, “I told yall, Imma get rich.”
“We Be Getting Money” is another song that is a featured hit from the cover sticker. The beat is anthemic, and the subject of the rapping is exactly what the title says. They be getting money. And they be spending money like it’s got a bladder on it. Ridiculous. The song features Shawty Lo, Dorrough and Kango Slim. They be getting money, too. This is the song that would most likely be played in the clubs and hip hop dancehalls. However, it isn’t a strong enough song to stand alone, so it would be better suited as a filler for a DJ to segue into another beat. Don’t forget to “Lose a bitch/Grab a better bitch/ And get back on the rebound.” Minor details.
Let’s recap the first four songs, cliff notes style: They be all about the money. Not surprisingly, we can throw the fifth track “My Money Don’t Fold” into this as well. Featuring Kango Slim and T Money, Juvenile raps about how thick his stacks of cash are. They must be even wider than the talking money stack from the Geico commercials. Lamborghinis, jewels, obnoxiously large Louis Vuitton bags, and expensive clothes are just a few things that thick stacks of cash will buy when you’re a star. I don’t feel as though this is a song that would be successful on its own for a radio release. Up to this point, this has been one of the most uncreative rap albums I have ever heard.
The beat to “Feeling Right” is good. It’s bubbly, and I like the background half-step walk down. It’s the same walk down and similar tonal quality to Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.” The song is about getting drunk, loose, high and being ready to party. Yes, there is mention of chasing after money.
The electronic feel of the rhythm and style of “Top of the Line” at least separates it from the rest of the “music” so far. This one most closely reminds me of Juvie’s more popular days when he sat on top of the rap world with “Back That Ass Up.” Again, it’s just the reiteration of how rich he is, how awesome his lifestyle is, and how everything he has is better than what anyone else has. This has been the best track on the Cocky & Confident album- but that’s not saying much.
It just wouldn’t be a modern rap album without auto-tuning. “Make U Feel Alright” features Kango Slim and Jay Da Menace. The beat is comparable to some of Kanye’s stuff, and it’s relatively catchy. Juvenile finally broke his streak of consecutive tracks about mentioning how much money he has, but the ego is still there. He lets the women know that he can go all night (whatever THAT means), and that after he gives it to you, you’ll want more (whatever THAT means).
I like the introduction and beat to “It’s All Hood.” Major and minor piano chords with a beat that pops gives the song a menacing superhero vibe. Juvie’s back to talking about some money, but this time he is rapping about helping out his friends and family in the ‘hood. I don’t know what “Popping bottles like the Lakers in Orlando” means, but I think it’s in reference to how awesome Juvenile is. By the second verse, he’s back to his self-glorifying rapping.
“New Orleans Stunna” has a good, high-octane beat and could easily be played in a club, but still not something that would necessarily get a lot of radio play. Rawsmoov comes on as a guest artist, but doesn’t add much to a song that otherwise is about, once again, how awesome Juvenile is. References to Kanye West and Tiger Woods in this song made me chuckle given the events over the past two months.
Kango Slim utilizes the auto-tuner for “All Over You.” I like the trickling piano layering over the beat. The usage of an electro-theremin is a nice touch. The song is blatantly sexual, and Juvie makes it very clear how he is an excellent lover and why women should sleep with him. Through the eleventh song, all we have established is that Juvenile is the best at everything and has way too much money.
“You Can’t Stop Me” brings on Mr. Meanor, Youngin and Kango Slim to help Juvenile rap about how much money he has. The beat sounds very similar to just about every other song on the album. Juvie does mention how the money doesn’t make him, which shocked me, because it certainly is a trending topic throughout the duration of the album.
The second half of the album has led me to believe that there really is no change between the general dynamics of the beats used for songs, but there has been more auto-tuning and usage of piano layering. “Break It Down,” with Q Corvette incorporates another intriguing major/minor piano chord motif that fits in well with the beat. Again, references to how much money Juvenile has, and how he loves women. I hope the new Gucci Mane album I will be reviewing, The State vs. Radric Davis, has different subject matter. Remember when rap used to be about struggling to the top, being hungry, and having a good time? Juvenile’s content is undesirable and egotistical. No one wants to listen to someone talk about how fantastic they are.
“I’m Out Chere” with Rico Love has a refreshing beat. While the snare and top sound like other songs, I think the drum brushing element was a good touch. Juvenile mentions how while some people are getting evicted, he’s flying around on private jets smoking the finest marijuana that money can purchase.
Synthesized trumpets and vocals help aid the driving drum beat in “I’m Shining.” This song would probably get radio play, and would be another good filler for a DJ’s hip-hop house club mix. Just be careful, because Juvenile “Locks shit down like jail.”
Youngin comes back and helps out on “I Say.” Juvenile raps about redeeming himself and coming back into the hip-hop scene with unparalleled passion. I like the syncopation and chopped vocal layering in the background when Youngin keeps saying “I Say.” When Youngin raps a verse, it really makes me want to skip to the next track. I caught something about him “voting for Obama but f**king with Osama.” I laughed.
Auto-tuning is back and Bobby V sings with Juvie on “Everything.” The synthesized trumpets are back, and are the only thing that separates the beat from the monotony of the other beats on the album. The next track, “Hands on You” sounds the exact same, only features Pleasure P instead of Bobby V. Again, Juvenile is bragging about how wonderful he is in bed and in life. If the “music” wasn’t so terrible, I’d almost be jealous of him.
Q Corvette and the auto-tuner are featured on the last track “Listen.” The vocal motif “Listen to your heart” was ripped from Roxette’s song “Listen to your heart.” For the first time, Juvenile actually raps about pertinent social issues and relays a positive message to the listeners (if there are any at this point). There’s a cool electric guitar solo layered softly in the background.
On a scale of one to crunk, this album stunk. I would not recommend it for purchase. Catch a few of the songs on the radio for a couple months, and by then you won’t have to worry about it. Juvenile tried to come back with his first album since 2006, when he released Reality Check. The reality is that he either needs to redefine his style, or think about retirement.
