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"I lost it all in Katrina"

Juvenile - Reality Check (Atlantic)

Katie Boncher

Issue date: 3/29/06 Section: A&E>>Music
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An album that began as a simple quest for more hits blossomed into a tribute to a city in crisis. Juvenile began recording Reality Check just before Hurricane Katrina destroyed his hometown of New Orleans. After the horrible tragedy, the album took a turn and Juvenile laid the track "Get Ya Hustle On." The lyrics say, "Man I'm trying to live, I lost it all in Katrina." The rest of the song is filtered with lines about drowning, getting checks from FEMA, and the disappointing media coverage of the hurricane. While Juvenile is clearly voicing his opinion of the disaster on this track and standing up for his fellow New Orleans natives, the rest of the album has plenty of what Juvenile is known for: ridiculous lyrics that still make everyone want to dance. "Rodeo" is already a surefire hit and many of the tracks on this album are sure to follow.

The album not only gives classic Juvenile, but the collaborations are unexpectedly good. Whoever thought Juvenile and Brian McKnight would make such an interesting, yet entertaining pair? McKnight definitely comes out of his shell on "Addicted" and now seems, well, not so sweet. Juvenile has always had a way with words, from "Back that Ass Up" to his latest variation, "Loose Booty." How eloquent, yet so expected.

One thing that Juvenile never fails on is giving compliments to himself, and his ladies. In the track "I Know You Know" his lyrics are laughable. He says, "I'm the shit and you're the poo poo," yet somehow, this will probably become popular. With these ridiculous and yet humorous lyrics, the one thing that Juvenile pairs perfectly with them is great beats. There is not a song on this album that doesn't make a head bob or toe tap. Dancing in the car is almost inevitable. Reality Check, while sending a message to all Katrina survivors, is still a Juvenile album with comical lyrics and great beats. It will be all over the radio.

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