Young Jeezy and Don Cannon's Trap or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary Mixtape: A Review

Young Jeezy's Trappin Ain't Dead mixtape was easily one of the best hustler-rap mixtapes of last year. Lyrically, the ATL native is slightly sharper on Trap Or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary than on last year's offering. But it's rare for anyone to obtain a Young Jeezy record, mixtape or album for the lyricism. The rapper's work is all atmospherics, adlibs and passionate honesty, which elicit emotion and inspires (motivates) fans. Lyricism is secondary to Jeezy's own self-congratulatory Horatio Alger mythos and confessionals. I'm Ill'in, featuring typically clever verses from The Clipse, demonstrates the primacy of the ATL artist; his voice, adlibs, and hook set the pace of the song to such an extent that the multisyllabic approach of the Virginia duo almost sounds like a false note. The same can be set for Bun B on both Trap or Die II(Remix) and My Tool featuring Baby and Bun B. Because of this, none of Young Jeezy's verses particularly standout save for a clever couplet or two. What does stand out are the hard-hitting bass-heavy beats and anthemic hooks of records like like Trap or Die Reloaded, Stop Playing With Me, Insane, Problem, The Takeover, and D Boyz, among others.

Greatest Trapper Alive is surprisingly intimate despite the title (which merely suggests self-congratulatory boasting), as if a favored uncle was providing his nephew with life lessons on a car trip. Just Saying, I Remember, and Time are similar, and both are among the mixtape's best tracks, along with Ride With Me, whose earthy guest stars Trick Daddy and Scarface complement Young Jeezy perfectly. The adlibs throughout by DJ Don Cannon are irritating to say the least, as they reach Diddy-level in volume but not in charisma; but it's standard fare for any Don Cannon release.

It can get a bit redundant as there is a definite formula at work here, but there are enough sonic surprises, and song approaches to the admittedly limited subject matter to buoy the collection. Nevertheless, given the mixtape's 22 tracks (no skits) the first song with featured guests is a bit of a relief, even if the beat does not vary significantly from its immediate predecessor, and the guest verse by Plies is nothing special. But Trap Or Die II's strengths lie in the mood-setting records. This is perfect for a car or a club. And it is the perfect commercial for the rapper's upcoming album Thug Motivation 103, as well as for those who might not be familiar with the rapper.