Juvenile: Project English : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Three years ago, Juvenile was Cash Money Records' celebrity in the making, exulting his way through street-corner reportage on "Ha" and fanny fetishism on "Back That Azz Up." But with his label in a downswing (and, by some reports, his departure from Cash Money imminent), Juvenile seems less folksy and more sullen on Project English, his sixth album. On "H.B. HeadBusta," Juvenile waxes depressed: "I got a fucked-up conscience and my thinking ain't right/I got a brand-new child, but look, I'm a slanger tonight." Mannie Fresh's signature digital bounce is as sprightly as ever, but, as on "My Life," it's in stark contrast to Juve's dark storytelling. Only the relaxed reggae on "Sunshine" finds the Number One stunna at ease, as does "Mamma Got Ass," an exuberant toast to big, fine women and the mammas who birthed them. Times may be hard on the battlefield, but booty still calls.

JON CARAMANICA
(RS 879 - October 11, 2001)