Ok, so before jay jenkins became the platinum rapper / trapper Young Jeezy, he was Lil’ J. I know, it sounds somewhat ridiculous. As does this debut album, released in 2001.

I want you to listen to this joint and listen out for a few things. First and foremost is the lack of ad-libs. When jeezy came out, he was known primarily for his “HAHAAAAAAAAA” and his “YEEAAAAAAAAHHHH“, but these studio war cries are nowhere to be found on this project. Secondly, his voice is noticeably higher and squeakier, probably due to the fact that this joint dropped when he was like 22, 23. I also think he was outflowed multiple times by his guest appearances, and that the beats are weaker than my knees after I see a pretty Dominican girl walking around Washington Heights.

I guess what I really want people to do is tell me how they think Def Jam recognized potential from an album like this. The late and great Shakir Stewart must have had vision into the future, because he helped Lil’ J Jeezy achieve the superstar status he has now. and while the album isn’t completely horrible, it wasn’t anything i woulda been jamming in ’01 because there was so much better stuff coming out then. the A hadn’t quite bubbled yet, although J.D. and So So Def was delivering more hits than a ‘roid ragin’ Mark McGwire. I just wish I knew how he came from this young and rambunctious trapper to more introspective (maybe too strong of a word?) Jeezy we all love and respect now. Regardless, Enjoy the album, plus the two samples I’m throwing you in case you are scared to download the whole thing. I think it’ll be worth your time, whether you’re a big jeezy fan, or you just need a good laugh. It’s not that bad, but it’s just a crazy contrast to his new work.

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DOWNLOAD: Lil’ J (Young Jeezy) -Thuggin’ Under The Influence [2001 Debut Album]

shout out to PMD for this, by the way. I give credit when and where credit is due.

When I was first reading this I was like hmm that’s interesting that he used to suck. But then you rose an interesting idea. Def Jam either has vision like nobody else or they thought this was actually top-dollar stuff and didn’t know he’d actually evolve into something greater. Either way they struck big with this one.

Comment by Michelle Huxtable 09.09.09 @ 7:53 pm

this aint that bad i guess for the time it came out in

Comment by playafareal 10.02.09 @ 9:30 am

http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz139/JOHNNYTORRESELPRODUCTO/TIME2FACETHEMUSIC.jpg

Comment by johnny torres 03.02.10 @ 4:09 pm

Definitely a Trick Daddy influence on these. That’s probably what Def Jam latched onto. Or not. I’m just glad TM101 sounded NOTHING like this.

Comment by Library Desk Graffiti 09.26.10 @ 8:14 pm