SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JUICY J – RUBBA BAND BUSINESS

Juicy J
Rubba Band Business
Kemosabe/Taylor Gang/Sony Music

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Juicy J, the rap veteran who dropped his first solo album in 2002, while he was still a member of Three 6 Mafia, the group he founded in 1991 – references his mixtape series in the title of this album, the fourth of his solo career. He draws in many guests he has been associated with throughout his career: Wiz Kalifa, J’s older brother Project Pat, A$AP Rocky, Ty Dolla Sign, and Offset, among others, plus some of the hottest producers around at the moment. The acclaimed ‘No English’ (with Travi$ Scott) was released earlier as a single, and it is a stand out on this set, though there are no subpar tracks here; it’s just there aren’t really that many way above par moments either.

Most of the rhythms here tend towards a dark, urban, trap sound which is apparent considering the final statement on the album is “Trapoholics – real, trap shit!”, though occasionally there’s an old(er)-school approach evident. In terms of the lyrics, well, there’s not really a lot going on besides sex, drugs and self-aggrandisement, a fact that has never bothered his regular listeners, and they are the ones that this is aimed squarely at, rather than attracting a new audience. Then again, anyone coming to this with no prior knowledge may well be impressed.

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