Beast Mode

Juvenile’s idea of entering “beast mode” has little to do with ninja-styled lyrics. When Juvy enters “beast mode” he’s a Dirty South version of Flo Rida offering plentiful hooks and club bangers, but without radio-endorsed folks like Kesha. No glitz, just gutter is the message of the opening “Go Hard or Go Home,” and with the nasty booty worship of track two being followed by the aggressive machismo/misogyny of track three, Juvy proves he’s proud to frontload his morally reprehensible material. “La La La La La” shows he’s not without charm, as clever lines (“I’m so far ahead it feel like I already been ya”) get dropped between the weed boasts (“I’m smokin’ that good, I’m smokin’ that kush/You smokin’ that brown, you on that wretched bush”), and from here it’s a wild ride through the night, past strip clubs (the “Whisper Song”-like “Pussy Kat”), bars (the instant party starter “Drinks on Me”), and Juvy’s own pad (“I’m Da Man”), which sounds like a Diddy-meets-Too Short-styled crib. It’s all in the hedonistic spirit of his 2009 effort Cocky & Confident, but proper tweaks have been made, including a minimum of guest stars so the man's punch lines aren’t overshadowed, plus a lean track list so even the casual fan remains interested. Don’t expect a “Slow Motion”-big hit or the thoughtfulness of Reality Check, but if you want a right-sized, Southern-fried soundtrack to getting your swag on, Beast Mode has got you covered.