Fat Joe – Jealous Ones Still Envy (Atlantic)
Joey Crack is back with a lyrical arsenal fueled by adversity, agony, and life-altering experiences on his new audio epic Jealous Ones Still Envy. I wasn’t always the number one Fat Joe fan, however I have consistently heard stories about what a down-to-earth guy he is. I listened to this album with an open mind and no expectations, and Joe filled my stereo with his own stories – dedications to dead friends, lamenting over time lost, and attempting to find some contentment in obstacles overcome. This is more than a tale of one man’s woe; it is a validation of adulthood and an emotive mantra of masculine assessment. The album has it’s share of fun, but ultimately the vibe is somewhat melancholy even in the midst of the frolic.
The title track - listed as the acronym "J.O.S.E." – sets forth the pace of Fat Joe’s message: he is a grown man and he is not about to sweat the small stuff, or the small people. "He’s Not Real" is along the same vein, as newcomers Prospect and Remy assist Joe in calling out cats with a touch of humor. Buju Banton makes a showing on the hefty "King Of N.Y." firing up the chorus with venom. "Fight Club" featuring M.O.P. and Petey Pablo is the pinnacle of pure testosterone on a track.
Loud Records premier feminine lyricist Remy appears on four tracks, the best of which is "Opposites Attract" – a classic on this album second only to "We Thuggin" featuring R. Kelly. The most definitive aspect of "Opposites Attract" is the high-pitched cascading backdrop to the track. At first listen it sounds like yet another played out two-way pager tune, but it is actually a gritty fiddle. If you’ve ever heard bluegrass music you know the difference between a violin and a fiddle – but for a Hip Hop fan it could best be compared as the difference between listening to an accomplished mix deejay vs. a competition turntablist - it is a more raw and edgy sound. Remy’s vocals compliment Fat Joe’s delivery to near perfection on all the tracks she appears on.
Def Jam’s Mouf of the South, Ludacris, and Terror Squad member Armageddon appear on "Get The Hell On With That", and Armageddon shows up once again on the track "Murder Rap". Ja Rule and his new golden-voiced protégé Ashanti team up with Joe on the sleeper "What’s Luv". Most people may not feel it off the bat, as it is reminiscent of Ja’s current single with Ashanti, but don’t let it dissuade you from giving it a chance. Another Loud Records Hip Hop hero, Xzibit, offers his magic along with a second appearance from Prospect on "The Wild Life".
The first single off the album "We Thuggin" has been getting more airplay than Allen Iverson’s sneakers. As much as I detested R. Kelly’s over-hyped "Fiesta" single, I equally love "We Thuggin" - although I still cannot forgive Fat Joe and R. Kelly for digging through Jagged Edge’s Goodwill box for those fuzzy blue jackets in the video. But I digress. "We Thuggin" is so hot in the clubs, on the video shows, and in your speakers that it’s liable to be around for a while. The remix is also featured on the album with special guest spots from Noreaga, Busta Rhymes, and Remy along with Joe and R. Kelly. It’s still tight, but the original version didn’t really need a remix to be a hit.
After listening to the album a few times, I sat down and read through the album credits, including several pages of words from Fat Joe. Rather than give the standard shout-outs, Joe has written extremely personal messages to the people in his life, both living and dead. "My Brother Pun: Life just isn’t the same without you. Ever since you died I just can’t seem to capture happiness anymore. I mean it comes and goes but it just ain’t the same. You taught me loyalty, honesty and most of all…Destiny." Joe’s loving words continue to his dear friend, and reading them brought tears to my eyes.
Rest in peace Christopher Lee Rios, your man Fat Joe is holdin it down – and the jealous ones will envy his success with this album.
~Sheepish Lordess of Chaos~
