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Curren$y hardly fails to impress his fans, and his newest mix tape, New Jet City, is no exclusion. The tape is a compilation of well-produced tracks stressing the fact that he has made it as an artist, and depicting the struggles that accompany the fame. The mix-tape starts off with the title track, a powerful introductory sample, trumpets and an upbeat instrumental background help lift the mood instantly. Although the mix-tape had more features than usual, Curren$y still managed to come out on top and was able to showcase his relaxed flow and catchy lyricism.
In “Drive,” Curren$y explains that in the music industry enough is never really enough, “It ain’t what you wear, it’s what you drive. It ain’t what you drive, it’s where you park. It ain’t where you park, it’s where you live. It ain’t where you live, it’s how you die.” Captivating use of basic hip-hop tools like the synthesizer, snare and guitar makes “Drive” a memorable song with a strong meaning.
Along with clever lyricism, New Jet City features predominant artists like Juicy J, Rick Ross and Wiz Khalifia, who collectively widen the appeal of the tape and add an element of variation. Curren$y’s Louisiana roots peep through in songs like “Coolie in the Cut,” where deep Southern bass and Houston-influenced trill samples are definitely noticeable but not overwhelming, which is a refreshing change of pace from the bass-heavy music popular recently.
On “Mary” and “Purple Haze,” Curren$y praises the wonderful plant and illustrates its importance in his life, “Tell your bitch to roll up something if she ride for ya’ mane. Otherwise you gotta kick that ho off side of ya’ mane.” Marijuana is obviously the “main chick” to Curren$y, as well as Lloyd and Trinidad James who both feature on “Purple Haze.” The tape concludes with “Moe Chettah” and “New Program,” each of the tracks reminding listeners that success is attainable and that he is a prime example – “Pedigree champion blood line, the big dog got the big yard. Behind a big crib, a big garage, a fleet of ten cars.”
The residual feelings of a smoke session and a pep talk remain after listening to the mix tape. With smooth transitions, well-placed features and producers like Lex Luger and Harry Fraud, it’s not a shock the audience is left feeling so hazy and impressed.
