Review Summary: In most cases, rappers are like cheese: they start out not so good, get better, reach their peak, then mold. But Project Pat and Juicy J - 37 and 34 respectively – are still fresh and going strong well into their thirties.
In today’s modern world, media and citizens alike have been infatuated with successful sibling duos. From the standout women’s tennis Williams sisters, to the star QB brothers Peyton and Eli Manning, to the cute little Obama girls that want a puppy in the White House. Each of these famed sibling tandems have made their various contributions to pop culture society. The Williams sisters have won a combined 42 Grand Slam titles, the Manning boys have each won a Super Bowl, and the Obama girls have given a couple million American citizens a chuckle or two at their adorable childhood antics. But, a sibling duo has been present longer than any of these sibling pairs. The Houston brothers subsist of older brother Patrick and younger brother Jordan. Better known as Project Pat and Juicy J (respectively) the two Memphis rappers released their most recent mixtape, Cut Throat, in a long line of brotherly collaboration.
Dr. Dre and J Dilla are often touted as the greatest producers of all time, but with this newest effort, Juicy J should at least be INCLUDED in this discussion. Juicy J is a master when it comes to use of samples, as displayed in Lil Freak [Ugh Ugh Ugh], but on the other hand, he still knows how to create a great mix of kicks, snares, bass, drums, and synths to make an ace track, as showcased in Bout My Money. This is a rare quality that most producers can’t claim to possess. Needless to say, the production on the album is spectacular. The twinkly, midnight sounding beats like I Play Dope Boy & Mobbin’ and the hazy, atmospheric tracks like Cali High and Braggin serve as the perfect compliment to somewhat energetic, synth-y instrumentals like Robbas, Killas, and Thieves & Ike Turner Pimpin’ and the uptempo, boom bap beats like Twerk and Lil Freak. The production throughout melds so well together and creates a rather perfect blend that is to the ear as medium-rare filet mignon is to the taste buds.
In the current era of rap, production seems to be the only thing that matters, but Hypnotize Minds never corresponded to that rule. The lyrics are legitimately, undoubtedly street. However, they are assisted by the occasional A-plus punchline (“Yellow and red chain poppin’/Call it Orville Redenbacha”) or the funny metaphor (“Change up positions while a n*gga still up in ya/Spinnin’ around on dat d*ck like she was Tumbelina”) Even though there is the occasional lyrical failure, most of which appear on Break It Down and Twerk, the majority of the lyrics are quite good.
After fifteen-plus years in the rap game, Project Pat and Juicy J are still going strong. In fact, this is the best I’ve ever heard Project Pat. While Juicy always had good flow, Pat did not. Pat showcases tremendous flow, as displayed on the upbeat track Twerk featuring Dorrough. In most cases, rappers are like cheese: they start out not so good, get better, reach their peak, then mold. But Project Pat and Juicy J - 37 and 34 respectively – are still fresh and going strong well into their thirties, which has typically been the age in which rappers crumble to bits (See Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes)
While there are only a couple minorly bad songs – Lil Freak and Break It Down – there is nothing tragicly terrible. But, being a mixtape, Cut Throat has the usual mixtape flaws – Subpar guest appearances – excluding a pretty good appearance from Brisco – from some average joe’s and a Young Jeezy sound-a-like; the annoying DJ soundovers; the terrible intro and outro; and the songs seeping over into one another by a couple seconds.
A few minor flaws are the only thing preventing Cut Throat from being a true classic. But, that is completely irrelevant because this album is a great compilation and an A+ example of trap rap, which is exactly what Juicy and Pat want.
