Many fans, artists and critics are quick to speak against much of Hip Hop’s materialistic, flossy rhymes in today’s current economic climate. But having music that speaks against those ideals isn’t enough to truly make a mark. Such convictions have to be just as lyrically and sonically compelling as the mainstream tunes they criticize, and their identity needs to stand for something just as much as it’s standing against the rest. With his solo debut Before Taxes and his contributions as a member of Diamond District in the group’s album In The Ruff, yU has proven a picture perfect illustration of how to do so. With his sophomore set The Earn, he continues his winning streak.
After the success of his solo debut Before Taxes, yU asserts on his intro that he’s “out to earn.” But he isn’t just out to stack paper; after all, on the title track, he quips, “this heart of mine is out for more than just a dollar sign.” Instead, he speaks about the dedication required to earn what he needs: peace of mind, the price of sticking to his beliefs, support from and for his family, and more. His honesty, stylishly blunt punchlines (“I rock the truth like it’s a jewel from Jacob, ya boy”), and distinctive D.C. drawl deliver his message crisply. Sonic goodness from the keys and woodwinds from he and Slimkat78’s jazzy, earthy soundbeds help it go down even smoother. “I can’t feel what you’re saying, cuz the balance is off/fakin’ like you don’t have a heart with all the violence you talk,” he quips on “If U Down.” 
He couples braggadocio with a rundown of his principles on “Bonafide,” and he works to grow as a person on “Better Man.”
The album gets even more interesting when yU continues its theme into more evolved concepts. Armed with a soulful backdrop, he uses “Time Machine” to rewind the clock and imagine his father working construction as a teenager to earn a living, before flashing forward to show his parents’ influences on him today. “Money (the Ahh Yeah)” displays the historical evils of currency while a chorus insists its necessity, and he uses “First” to illustrate the importance of laying a foundation to his life and his career. On one of the album highlights, “Blind,” yU uses the metaphor of a man who can’t physically see who looks at things beyond their surface appearance.
The Earn has flaws, but nothing that ruins its songs. An out of place cameo of spoken word poetry on “Write On” blemishes an otherwise potent look at music’s importance in his life, and the uptempo vibe of “Even If” sounds out of place with the rest of the album. Some listeners may also find yU’s consistent mission statements of his beliefs as preachy. But the rhymes and the beats are correct on every song on The Earn, and whenever he speaks against something, he offers an alternative. As a result, yU continues to earn his keep.
Nice to see this reviewed. Huge letdown after his solo debut tho.
I thought his debut was better after my first listen, but listening all last week, I’m convinced this is his best album yet. I’d be curious to know what you think after a few more listens.
Wassup with y’all music links to hear the damn song’s to critique it.
you’re an idiot.
5/5
Amazing record. For people like me who are more into De La Soul, Prince Paul, Pete Rock, Tribe Called Quest, this is like a modern version with it’s own vision. Was really feeling the record. I’ll say it like I told my friend (he was skipping looking for “hot” tracks) – this is one of those records you just gotta let play and feel what dude is puttin you on to. For me, one of the best records I’ve heard in a while.
Vicious album. Definitely up there as one of the best albums of the year.
nice album…I would have scored it higher too if not for that spoken word bit. He’s has his own style and i love both of his albums, first being better of the two – probably because i’ve heard it more, but that spoken work bit seemed like he was comprising his style and copying the roots.
Hot albums. Cop both his albums if you don’t have them
This album is fucking garbage – FACT
You ignorant idiot… you obviously listen to gucci mane lol. YOU lame fuck I don’t take you serious at all, you dumbass kid
what a jealous douche. This album is one of the most innovative and well thought out pieces of music Hip-Hop has offered in a long time. In my top 5 for the year.
5 star ALBUM. beautiful HIP HOP!
and to the the lame below me..suck a dick
Dope! One of the best underground albums this year.
this album is deff dope good sound for the underground
4/5 is fair. Blind is a masterpiece tho. Incredible song!!!
GREAT! never heard of him but this album is a 5 star!!
on my 2nd week of heavy rotation with this one. great album.
Dope
Dope
Dope album!! Good job on this , wanting more
This is an incredible ablum. Way under the radar but one of the dopest albums of the year.
A refreshing touch
Eh, the first album way nicer.
I can see how you feel the first album’s better but to me this albums a lil more personal which I can relate to.
I just listened to “Blind” and all I can say is I’m getting this album. Now.
the boom shot
I wanted to thank everybody who commented on here reguarding my album “the EARN”. . all of yalls positive & negative criticizm is appreciated. Just to let yall know I do pay attention.. & there is much more on the way..
Peace
Jordon says it all. Safe G. This is quality controlled hiphop of the highest calibre. Intelligent both lyrically and musically. Lessons for my kidz. Real 5/5
Highest power being spit here. The vibrations on this album are for elevation of not just the self but the community. Damn. Powerful record.
good one
This album is one of the best of 2012. Positive vibrations and hard beats, thats all I need plus hes from the DC area, my hometown. I love Bonafied, Time Machine, the title track and most of the beats Slimkat does. When the reviewer says evolved concepts, thats on point cuz yU spits the true way a king should.Elevate witht his one!~