Rapper Joey Cool is far from a new jack; after a string of dope releases — including last year’s Swank Sauce —he finally drops off his first official project with the Strange Music imprint, with which he’s been connected to for years. Joey has amazing energy across the 14-song-effort with few audible missteps, little compromise, and a whole bunch of bars.
The LP kicks off with an atmospheric jazz lounge vibe, hosted by Kansas radio personality (Magic 107.3) Sean Tyler, under the alias Mr. Bitches. Amid chunky bass — reminiscent of Rakim’s “Don’t Sweat The Technic” — Joey sets off dense rhyme schemes that he doesn’t let up.
The LP traverses many vibes without breaking the overall tone and focus. “Change Your Life” sees him reflecting on his come up from unknown wordsmith to artist on a label he’s aspired towards for so long while striking down naysayers. “Boy don’t ask what I contribute, I showed up and brought the table … I’m gon’ keep proving these doubters wrong as long as I am able,” he raps.
This consistent sense of perseverance rears its head multiple times — on the Suli4q featured “Under Pressure” for example — as do reflective looks at life, loyalty, and the many jewels he’s collected along the way. In fact, the aptly titled “Life Lessons” lays out a number of the jewels, playing out like a mash-up of DJ Khaled’s keys and Biggie’s “10 Crack Commandments.”
Even on songs that seemingly have less noble purposes, like the Tech N9ne, JL, and Styles features posse cut “Hard,” and the money-hungry “Secure Bag,” he refuses to dumb down his detailed delivered. These two records, in particular, do come across as the obvious marketing meeting singles, however.
“Stranger Things” is one of the album’s most real moments, as Joey references everything from school shootings, police shootings, and America’s response to Puerto Rico’s disastrous 2017. “Donald Trump’s our president, I ain’t even got a line for that … Puerto Rico power down and out, ain’t nobody got no time for that,” he spits.
From top to bottom, Joey Cool’s self-titled opus mature, well-balanced, and lacks any overt attempt to ride discernible waves. While all the above sounds like positive feedback, its lack of any gimmicks will likely be the reason that many people will sleep on this project, for still feels like a hidden gem — even underneath the Strange Music umbrella.
Which is a damn shame; Joey Cool lives up to his last name.
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Why is it a damn shame? I dont get that part
Because if this cat was on a major label everyone would be dickriding this project just like a Kendrick or Cole album.
If he was on interscope that 4.0/5 would be a 4.7/5
You sound like one of those guys who dick ride Tech and thinks that Logic makes “intelligent” music.
Sorry if I offended your girlfriend Kendrick Or Cole. You can keep Logic
Tech dickrider confirmed. To your credit, I was wrong about like liking Logic.
Nobody here mentioned Tech but you.
Truth hurts. If Joey had the machine behind him he would doing numbers like Kendrick or Cole
I love my Son’s music been a ride or die Momz since he was born! He will continue to rise! The problem with the works to many comparisons!
I caught Tech’s show when he came here to Atlanta. I became an instant fan of Joey Cool on the strength of his live show.
When you sign to a label created for a flagship artist who is still at the helm AND producing solo albums, your project will always be treated like cargo. What kept Puff the face of Bad Boy, Master P the face of No Limit? An unwillingness to provide top tier marketing budgets for their signee’s releases that are financially comparable to their own. Who has outsold Tech N9ne on strange? You think it’s because he’s the best on the label? Not with lyrics like “Ewok slot.” He seemingly signs those who don’t desire to be more successful than him.. those who are just happy to be there selling merch. Welcome to the undercard Joe Cool Hope you get a better outcome than your peers and actually gain some notoriety that will transcend Strange, and Kansas City.
Tech is by far the best rapper on the label what are you talking about lmao.
Tech his Anghellic/Everready/KOD are unmatched by any album that has ever been released on the label. Y’all the biggest haters lmao it’s crazy. Tech never needed to sign a single rapper because he had his fanbase. Every single person he signs he needs to pay on tour. T
The label needs to be canceled, then. Brotha Lynch Hung had excellent works that were astounding compared to other label releases, complete with storytelling and coherent sound. Why would you enter into business agreements with individuals who you know for a fact won’t out perform you? MayDay has a great work ethic I assume, but they’re hot garbage. Why wouldn’t you spend the time in production to make every scheduled release the best it can possibly be? The business model must be to bolster the ego and entity of Tech N9ne alone… but continue to enjoy an indie label equivalent to the Harlem Globetrotters.
Brotha Lynch was unmotivated. Tech pulled him out of a graveyard and revived his career. He left because his contract was up and he’s back into the graveyard again. Krizz Kaliko,Joey Cool,JL,King Iso who is going to sign soon ain’t hot garbage. They all have lyrical content.
Nobody outsold Tech, but wasn’t Rittz the 2nd highest-selling artist signed to Strange? Dude has now left the label, doing his own thing now as far as I know.
Tech N9ne and his whole label roster is garbage. Except Murs! he’ll be leaving that shit label soon
Been waiting on this review then read all these hating comments smh….
Honestly give probs where its due…. This is an great LP. I dont know why yall talking about the label like it Master P & No Limit, Yes Strange Music has had its hits & misses but definitely more hits. Very talented artist are on this label & Joey is just one example. Appreciate some real hip hop (something we dont get much of these dayz).
You quote the comment but not the name? As I sit here on the toilet, I listen to the album, Cool’s rhymes are elementary and mediocre at best. He sounds his age (in the worst way.) With his purported experience, he should be spitting triple entendres with the Royce & Pusha’s who are true quote “real hip-hop” practitioners. There is nothing special about 99% of Kansas City rappers with more hours invested in killing each other and stagnation, than enhancing their prowess of the English language to actually gain ground in the only legitimate hustle they have- Rap. Critical analysis is not hate, it’s fact. You can put a suit on a weak rapper, and he’ll just be a weak rapper in a suit.
You referring to Book Of Ryan & 20 ass minute Daytona as real hip hop? You a fool. That was Royce worst album, Dont even mention Push smh. This is real good album, Get your shit right.
Do you know what the English definition of entendre is? Of course not. Do you know what a practitioner is, in context? Of course not. Did I name any album in particular? Of course not. Where did you pull this response from? Out your ass. I’m doing your ilk a favor by not rating your trash “This is real good album” (you forgot the ‘a,’ but you just might really speak that way) -while keeping the comments hot. Count your blessings.