40 Glocc’s reputation may very well precede him. His now notorious “run-in” with Plies has been a YouTube sensation. An affiliate of G-Unit, he represents the G that is placed before the unit. A west coast veteran who was raised on the likes of Spice 1 and C-Bo he attempts to take the baton and push his genre of music forward. Concrete Jungle is a cohesive effort that introduces 40 and his Zoo Life crew to the world. It’s a solid compilation that provides glimpses of staying power and the potential for long careers. Those moments are clouded with the need for more creative material and improved delivery.
The album does little to advance 40 as an artist, let alone further Gangsta Rap as a sub-genre. 40 and Zoo Life stick to the typical topics and routine approaches. Rightfully, 40 Glocc is the feature heavy artist of the project. The most talented member in his crew, it’s easy to hone in on his verses and give little attention to the rest of Zoo Life. The exception is Gail Gotti, the former Death Row Records artist and wife of Kurupt. Gotti makes several appearances and proves that she may be the best left coast female artist since Lady Of Rage. Unfortunatly, her appearances are few and far between and would have breathed more life and lyrical diversity into Concrete Jungle.
In a genre that has heard almost everything that could be said, 40, however, does manage to come across genuine and sincere. He never mimics the greats that came before him, and is intent to deliver his narrative as original as possible is commendable. Lyrically, he is consistent but never outstanding, and the production never seems to take solid work to the next level. Tracks like “Safari” could easily be standout records, but suffer from so-so board work. His Zoo Life cast also struggles to increase the value of the tracks. All of them are competent emcees but do little to separate themselves from one another. One highlight of the project is the Ras Kass-assisted “Another Angel Dies.” This is arguably the best cut on the album and sees the Waterproof Emcee in top notch form.
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Like other California G-Rap veterans, CJ Mac and Yukmouth, 40 isn’t shy about name-dropping artists he is not fond of, as well as speaking on hot topic issues. His bluntness gives the listener several eyebrow raising moments and in an industry of calculated projects and narratives, his openness to speak on anything and everything is respectable, even if it’s easy to disagree with some of the things that he is saying. Game, Young Buck, as well as Lil Wayne feel the wrath of 40 on “3 Amigos”
. He is blunt about criticizing the code they live and has no problem taking on his G-Unit boss’ beefs.
The influence of those that preceded him can be felt on tracks such as “Hell on Earth.” He channels Spice 1 and spits ghetto narratives in a perspective that only he can relay. The Inland Empire O.G. isn’t shy about talking about the negative or ugly parts of LA. He raps relentlessly about people, pigs, snitches and homosexuals. Concrete Jungle is a raw project that is completely free of creative restraints that many artists face. 40 Glocc gives the world the middle finger and you’re either with or against him. Even though some of the subject matter is a bit tired, 40 and Zoo Life stand by their words and choices and deliver the material in a rather convincing manner.
In a culture where emcees go to great lengths to convince their audiences of their gangster past or present, 40 Glocc just tells it how it is. He makes no apologies for what he is, what he says, or the dirt he has done. Instead, he merely attempts to live what he writes and write what he lives. 40 lives by a code and expects artists who speak of his lifestyle to follow the same rules. His Zoo Life crew abides by his way of life and does their best to follow 40’s lead. It doesn’t always work successfully, but it’s believable. So if your favorite artist is in California and doesn’t abide by the rules they shout on record, expect to see them sprinting in the opposite direction of 40 Glocc and Zoo Life.
