Artist: Juelz SantanaTitle: What the Game’s Been Missing!Rating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Brent Woodie
The Dipset movement is now moving at full steam. Under the wing of Cam’Ron since the age of 14, Juelz Santana has played a vital role in the crew’s growing popularity. Since being named Vice President of Diplomat Records, Juelz has developed a knack for starting his own buzz, with self funded videos and mixtapes. Building off of that hype is his sophomore effort, What The Game’s Been Missing! (Diplomat/Def Jam). Santana does not live up to the album’s bold title, but does provide some fire along the way.
Wasting no time, Juelz hits us with the energetic “Rumble Young Man Rumble.” The tracks aggressive guitar riffs sets a perfect tone for Juelz, as he flows with flair and arrogance about what he was taught as a youth that makes him triumphant. The self proclaimed “human crack in the flesh,” showcases his story telling skills successfully on “Lil Boy Fresh” and “Gone.” Both tracks caution listeners about the usual dangers of the block that come along with drugs, violence and sex.
Doing what he does best, Santana reaches his full potential when attending to females with addictive club jump offs like “There It Go (The Whistle Song)” and “Oh Yes.” On the latter, The Heatmakerz use a classic Motown sample, “Please Mr. Postman,” by The Marvelettes, to help compliment Juelz and his light hearted flow. The festive “There It Go (The Whistle Song)” is every deejays favorite with its tickling whistles and thunderous drums to give everybody the urge to hit the floor.
The sluggish track “Clockwork,” does little to keep up with the dynamic energy of What The Game’s Been Missing! with its dull production that can surely put someone to sleep. Tracks like “Kid Is Back” and “Freaky,” also sabotage the album’s enjoyment because of the simplistic lyrics and bland content.
Getting too comfortable in his original rhyme scheme made popular by Dipset, Juelz’s lyrical prowess does not show on What The Game’s Been Missing!. Though he comes through with unique style and energy, it does little to push the envelope beyond what he has already been known to do. Is Mr. Crack Cocain in the Flesh what the game has been missing? No! Yet, he will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
