Young James | ‘I Still Got My Hoodie On’ Album Review
As the seasons experience all sorts of twists and turns, Young James remains solid and decked out in a hoodie. Throughout songs, the hoodie is more than a warm garment that gets him through rain or shine. In actuality, James dons a hood over his head to keep his energy protected, to shun away distractions, and to remember the goal at hand. As the former rapper, Young Dolph’s song “Get This Money” would put it, “if you ain’t talking money [he] don’t wanna talk.”
James’ songs often see him on the grind. While en route to the bag, he thinks of his son, his loved ones, and how to flip it. “My son inspires me the most, but when random people react to a line or say they hear a mainstream artist when they listen to my music is pretty inspiring to me,” James says.
Aside from this, James’ bars come with sneak attacks against bluffers, adversaries, and she said, he said-ers. His latest 7-track effort I Still Got My Hoodie On acts as a cloak for those who can’t put their pain into words. The project as a whole speaks on ‘climbing up the ladder,’ past unfortunate events, staying grounded, and proving naysayers wrong! It also shows who James is beneath the surface, “One punchline that I liked off my E.P., I Still Got My Hoodie On goes, “when I was young I thought being broke was a joke, until I was broke as a joke,” that line will always speak about who I am.” Notable tracks include “Just The Intro,” “Praying For A Change,” “WAR,” and “Trenches.” Fun Fact: James likes to be in his zone, super comfortable with some lemonade tea and mamba candy when he’s in the studio.
James’ “Just The Intro” carries a symphonic backdrop, then builds up once the alarms blare. His wisdom and knack for lyricism show when he raps, “Being broke got me thinking evil. Shits crazy, they say money is the root of evil. Hoodie on with a stick like the Grim Reaper. What’s the price of that life? We’ll do it cheaper.”
Additionally, “Just The Intro” carries arrangements that have a combative-feel to them! The soundboard includes sporadic hi-hats, thumping 808’s, and electro synths. As the track continues, James calls the bluffs of those who hate. For instance, in one line, he says, “How could you talk about money? You don’t get it.” Ultimately, he doesn’t care who he makes mad because he’s on a money mission. At the one minute and twenty-five-second mark, a chorus intervenes. He also goes on to say, “My spots solidified, ride where the money is.” and “when they counted me out, I started counting that money.” His sharp mentality only brings him closer to riches and prominence.
“Praying For A Change” starts with a lush piano progression, then collides with a guitar, booming bass, and infectious hook. Between lines, James expresses how he’s endured so much pain, but keeps faith alive. He raps, “You can feel the hurt in my pain.” The song also unveils what he’s dealing with during the time of “Praying For A Change.” He’s seeing his mother struggle and waiting on his big break in the music. Given these points, James’ vision is clear: He wants a fortune. And as he puts it, “I still dodge envy trying to challenge me.” After the one minute and thirteen-second mark, he uses a swift cadence to speak about the steps he’s going to take to be successful. When in doubt, James prays and let God work. My favorite line from this song goes, “My vision big, yours is small. We don’t see the same.”
Then, “War” speaks about his former “broke as a joke” days, loyalty towards friends, and how C.R.E.A.M. is his motto. The sound palette slightly draws from The Diplomat’s “I Really Mean It,” but with a more low-hitting base and slow pace. “War” also makes use of hi-hats, a muffled trumpet, and violins. At the minute mark, his voice becomes distorted. Afterward, James talks about his opinion on those who may not like his sound. “I can’t slack or wait up for nobody. I ain’t trying to be the best in the city. Yall can have that.” Another minute in, James reveals that he grinds for his brother and sons. His P.S.A. to the haters is: “I ain’t going back and forward. No ping-pong.”
Lastly, “Trenches” talks about how James “..found out at a young age, never to take no for an answer.” He had to strategize and make a way to go get it.” The beat is led by knocking 808’s, and electro synths. Instead of turning his back on loved ones after his big-break, he’ll embrace them and help in any way that he can. Unlike other rappers, James is “..headfirst behind this shit.” As the song continues, he talks about how he’s working hard to get closer to his dreams. For instance, he raps: “From the block to the stage, then it’s back to the booth. Ain’t shit stopping.” He even uses a humorous punchline that says, “Dream chasing and I ain’t never meet Meek Mill. Throughout “Trenches,” he envisions what life can be like with fortune. “The goal is to make it out and buy your block.”
If you haven’t already, listen to Young James and his project, I Still Got My Hoodie On below:
