Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 [PA] (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Young Jeezy (rap vocals); Akon, Lil Scrappy, Lil' Will, Mannie Fresh, T.L., Trick Daddy, Young Buck, Lloyd, Slick Pulla, Bun B (rap vocals); Tony Love (guitar).

Audio Mixers: John Frye; Leslie Brathwaite.

Recording information: Dirty South Studios, Atlanta, GA; PatchWerk Recording Studios, Atlanta, GA.

Photographer: Michael Blackwell.

While Young Jeezy attributes his moniker, "Snowman," to his high-rolling lifestyle and the diamonds he sports, he could just as easily be referring to the sly coolness with which he delivers his raps. The first member of Boyz N Da Hood to drop a solo album, Young Jeezy comes out of the box sounding like Biggie Smalls with a Southern twist, ready to flow fast and fierce when he must.

LET'S GET IT: THUG MOTIVATION meets the expectations for a rapper whose reputation was exploding through 2005. His style is sometimes so hypnotic that his lyrics drift into the background; yet Young Jeezy sneaks in quite a few clever quips ( like the dig from "Gangsta Music:" "non-rappers, I'd rather listen to your instrumentals"). Guest MC Mannie Fresh offers a robust platform on "And Then What," with simple, yet potent lines and a double hook of "boom boom clap" and the chanted title. Young Jeezy's skill is best summed up when he declares himself "Last of a Dying Breed," and whether or not the breed he represents is indeed dying, he convinces listeners of his right to stake the claim. minimize