Review Summary: You know we sippin' on that old brown bottle, bass in the trunk make the whole town wobble...
Southern rap has always been a fickle "subgenre" (if you will). While many emcees today are indeed from southern states, not many portray a country lifestyle in their lyrics. Yelawolf is the exception that normality - he isn't afraid to tell the world that he is southern and proud. Born Michael Atha in Gadseden, Alabama, Yelawolf has released two mixtapes independently, and one full-length under Shady Records to date.
Trunk Muzik 0-60 is an interesting mixtape in every aspect, let's make that clear from the start. His lyrics range from his alter-drug-dealing-ego Billy Crystal, to his love for Chevrolet's (Box Chevy). You'll find that Yelawolf is a more than competent rapper - he has a solid flow and can put out some hilarious bars.
Hold up, damn rich! Peanut butter guts in the Lamborghini, woah.
You must have white bread, let's make a sandwich.
I have be the hardest, I got diamond nuts.
I piss excellence, Ricky Bobby lines 'em up.
The problem is trying to figure out if he's being a serious rapper or just an entertainer with too much southern pride.
The majority of the beats were created by Drama (Fantasy Factory), and he does a decent job of harmonizing with Yelawolf's natural flow. Some beats are completely off-the-wall (Marijuana, I Wish), while others are your normal, smooth club-bangers (Trunk Muzik, I Just Wanna Party). Some of the beats on this mixtape are what really take away from the enjoyment of it.
Production-wise, the mixtape is pretty smooth. The beats and the vocals are mixed well, and are also adjusted so they compliment each other. Yelawolf has stated that Trunk Muzik 0-60 was recorded in the back shed of his parents house, so with that understanding, production is very solid.
Overall, Trunk Muzik 0-60 is a hit-and-miss mixtape. Every person will take tracks from this, and they will love a few and hate a few. The point is that Yelawolf has the ability to make a good album, he just needs to refine his style before he can do so.
