It's easy to see how Young Jeezy has charmed and clawed his way into hip-hop's elite with his nimble flow and pull-no-punches rhymes. On "The Inspiration" (Def Jam), he shows how he continues to improve, crafting songs that are distinctive and memorable. That's no easy feat considering the fact that Jeezy continues to stick to the well-worn topics of rims, clothes and clubbing.
Yet somehow the self-obsessed "Child of God," with its gospel snippets and ominous organ, manages to sound fresh. His new synth-drenched single "I Luv It" is a winner and his hypnotic duet with R. Kelly, "Go Getta" is a sure-fired hit. Jeezy also bounces easily between Timbaland's patented synth squiggles ("3 a.m.") and the crafty tracks built around a slowed-down sample from Hall and Oates' "Out of Touch" ("Streets on Lock") or Diana Ross' "Muscles" ("The Inspiration").
All the naysayers talking about hip-hop's slump need to update their arguments because Young Jeezy is swinging for the fences. ("The Inspiration," in stores Tuesday; grade: B+)
Listen to "The Inspiration" here