Juicy J is a founding member of Oscar-winning Memphis, Tennessee rap group Three 6 Mafia. They built a hardcore following from the ground up and defined a sound through years of hard work and maintaining their artistic integrity. Juicy J was always charismatic, but due to Three 6 Mafia’s sound a solo career was unexpected. It simply speaks to Juicy J’s immense talent that not only is his solo career thriving but he is actually a unique voice in hip hop. Following the massive top 5 success of last album Stay Trippy, Juicy J’s back with the third instalment and official sequel of his Blue Dream & Lean series, Blue Dream & Lean 2.
One of Juicy J’s strengths is his ability to evolve with the times as opposed to playing catch up. He has stayed relevant by simply making good music and taking advantage of the south’s current dominant position in hip hop. He has associated with people he has influenced, such as: Yelawolf, Wiz Khalifa and A$AP Rocky. Due to the southern elements these rappers have in their music, Juicy J then takes influence from the new generation and expands on the instrumentals he raps on. From the vague cloud rap elements popularised by Rocky to the trap sound that even New York’s finest (JAY Z himself) are no longer afraid to use. Rae Sremmurd even turn up on ‘Already‘ and it makes perfect sense and never feels forced.
He raps clear and consistent, even when he uses the well known “trap flow“. Unlike your cliché new generation southern rapper, Juicy J is lyrical as hell. He can adapt to any flow and is aware he’s underrated as a lyricist but never has anything to prove. His skills are more proof as to why he’s endured for so long. And he’s versatile on ‘Anybody‘ with Wiz Khalifa, he changes his style to suit Wiz’s mellow flow. His flow is initially the polar opposite, before easing into a sing-song groove.
Juciy J doesn’t struggle to remains relevant which maybe prove that Three 6 Mafia were ahead of their time. For years they were Memphis’s best kept secret and were beloved by their niche. But now their music is relevant and Juicy fits in perfectly.
Stay Trippy was a surprisingly versatile album from Juicy J and Blue Dream & Lean 2 feels like the tip of the iceberg for Juicy.
