After publicly asserting that he was retiring from rap after the release of his 2019 album TM104: The Legend of the Snowman, chart-topping rapper Jeezy wasted no time doubling back on that decision, almost immediately releasing new music. Ultimately, Jeezys impulse to leave rap was short-lived, and he sounds renewed and stronger than ever on his tenth studio album The Recession 2. Nominally the sequel to his 2008 album The Recession, the 15-track album examines Americas struggles with racism, police violence, poverty, and disease much like its predecessor outlined the challenges facing the country in in the 2000s. In addition to the social commentary of Oh Lord, Stimulus Check, and Da Ghetto, The Recession 2 also includes moments of feel-good pop on My Reputation, which features huge hooks from guest vocalist Demi Lovato as well as head-bobbing party tracks like the Yo Gotti-assisted Back and Almighty Black Dollar, which features a passionate cameo verse from Rick Ross. ~ Fred Thomas
Rovi
最終作かと噂された前作から1年でアルバムが到着。もう何も証明する必要のなくなった人らしいマイペースぶりで、モービー"Natural Blues"を敷いた荘厳な"Oh Lord"での幕開けから、E-40との"The Ghetto"、マーヴィン・ゲイのネタとニーヨの歌唱が美しく絡む"The Glory"など、DJモンテイやドン・キャノンらの手による渋くてブルージーな好曲揃い。マキャヴェリを引用して地元愛を歌う"Live And Die"にはやはりグッとくる。
bounce (C)出嶌孝次
タワーレコード(vol.445(2020年12月25日発行号)掲載)