As much of the U.S. continues to feel the effects on a slumping economy, the hard times have expectantly found their way in the heart of the trap. Ever the people’s spokesman, Young Jeezy has observed the woes of the nation and penned them in his latest urban chronicle, The Recession. Typically labeled as “one-dimensional,” Jeezy adds a noticeable cortex of depth to his hustler inventory, touching on an extensive range of topics over his trademark bass-heavy production that’s equally satisfying as it is stimulating.

From the moment the turbulence is felt from the official opener “Welcome Back,” there’s no denying that this is Jeezy 2.0. Similarly, longtime collaborator Midnight Black shows up to give the people “What They Want” where Jeezy meets the popular demand “If Young is what they want/then Young is what they gettin’/they ask me what I do/I tell them teachin’ for a livin’…” But before The Recession can get misconstrued for another collection of trap stories, Jeezy lets reality set in, pulling a change up on his subject matter, identifying with the everyday American.

Don Cannon’s excellent reworking of a Billy Paul classic helps the Thug Motivator provide inspiration for the people to “Circulate” their resources, just before he flips Hip-Hop critics the bird on “Word Play,” where he unapologetically sticks to his script of trap-rap. The best example of controlled substance comes on the provocative “Crazy World.” Over a demanding march of blaring horns, Jeezy lays it all on the table with “I think Bush is trying to punish us/send a little message out to each and every one of us/real ‘G’ shit/but that’s really unheard of/when you get more time for sellin’ dope than murder in this crazy world.”

Expectantly with every recession, there’s downsizing, and Jeezy doesn’t nearly feel the drought as much as his producers. The numerous downtrodden melodies take its toll on the album’s flow, forcing it into periodic slumps. Songs like “By The Way” and “Get Allot” tend to blend in, making the album’s mood stick together. Drumma Boy’s distinctive boardwork offers a proper deviant for “Put On,” which finds Jeezy conducting his mayoral campaign and features an incredible soul-baring verse from Kanye West. But it’s the ceremonious march supplied by Tha Bizness on “My President” which conveys all the emotions gathered along the way and puts them into perspective. The track alone signifies a common belief found within the hearts of man: Hope, and the optimism for change.

Aside from the occasional relapse, Young Jeezy has created an album that directly reflects all the principles Hip-Hop was founded on. While the people look towards the future to a speedy recovery, The Recession is here to stress the sign o’ the times.

4 CIGARETTES