'Crunk Juice', released on TVT Records, is not for the faint of heart in a variety of ways. In terms of heavy-hitting, deep crunk beats it gives you more than the average crunk fan can handle (with the exception of slow jam potential cuts such as "Lovers and Friends" featuring Usher and Ludacris as well as "One Night Stand" featuring Oobie). Foul language? It's Lil Jon people. I'm pretty sure he covers every curse word imaginable throughout this album. The infamous, always controversial word n*gga? Well, on "Real N*gga Roll Call" with Ice Cube, Jon and his West Coast partner in rhyme manage to use said word well over 100 times (in fact I lost count after awhile and gave up trying to keep up).



Despite these elements, Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz have managed to put together a rather solid album. Sure it lacks lyrically for the most part but it's crunk music so you should know that before you buy it. Intellectual stimulation is not on the menu when eating at Jon's cafe. Much respect to LJ for making a strong attempt, saving the best for last on the album with "Grand Finale" featuring Nas, T.I., Fat Joe, Bun B and Ice Cube (Jadakiss and T.I., in particular, absolutely rip this track!).



By now you've heard the solid first release, "What U Goin' Do" featuring Lil Scrappy but expect to next hear "In Da Club" featuring R.Kelly & Ludacris. This track is a club banger and should receive/stay in heavy rotation. Of course whenever you're talking about an ATL MC you HAVE to wonder if there's something there for the strip...er...gentlemen clubs. Jon gives it to 'em of course in the name of "Stick That Thang Out (Skeezer)" featuring Ying Yang Twins & Pharrell Williams.



Being the crunk fan that I am, I consider 'Crunk Juice' an impressive, solid release. For those who don't embrace it or lewd, rude objectionable statements on a regular basis throughout an album, you may want to borrow it and listen before you buy it yourself.



Oh, by the way, if you've ever been on the phone with someone who just will not get off no matter how hard you try and what you say, PLEASE listen to the "Bo Hagon's Phone Call" skit. Absolutely hilarious!



BV Rating: 4BVs out of 5



For more info, please visit

LilJonOnline.com

TVTRecords.com



Marshall Lyons II is a BlackVibes.com senior staff member

E-mail him at marshall@blackvibes.com