There are certain artists who were huge long ago in the past but have simply lost steam as the new wave of Hip-Hop and Rap music began to take shape. Although the respect for their classic records remains strong, they just haven’t been able to appeal as much to younger listeners, and although I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, some talents can get understandably frustrated. As for Juicy J, I think he is one of the best examples of adapting and adjusting to a new sound without compromising his talents or style, and even new aged music fans have the utmost respect and appreciation for that.
Aside from this, he also has taken certain artists under his wing and has helped as a mentor of sorts, giving them tips and tricks while also learning from them as well. $uicideboy$ is a duo who comes to mind initially, and although there have been some recent hardships that the two camps have faced and lawsuits have been included, you can’t take away the influence that Juicy J has had on them over the years. Most recently, Juicy took his talents back to where it all began in Memphis and decided to recruit NLE Choppa who is one of, if not the most promising rising stars from the city, and got him to hop on the legend’s latest single “Load it Up”, and the results speak for themselves.
As the beat begins to unravel, deep, haunting piano chords create a base that is elevated by hard-hitting, sharp percussion and banging drums that all come together for a troubling, underworld-inspired instrumental. Before the production even begins, Juicy J’s powerful voice speaks a few words to introduce the track as background vocals chant the phrase “Go Memphis”, giving us a small taste of what we’re in for.
As the hook begins, Juicy just repeats the title of the track before filtered background vocals are included for a sort of call and response delivery. As he gets into his verse, he changes the vitality in his voice, giving us a bit more playful, energetic cadence that bounces along to the beat perfectly. His words are heavily annunciated, per usual, and each and every lyric is easily decipherable, making his words as clear as they are memorable. Later on, in this part, higher-pitched piano keys tiptoe in the distance, providing an uneasy, perturbed feeling that complements the rest of the instrumental incredibly.
As NLE comes in, his high energy delivery is on full display as his vigorousness almost comes off as if he can’t contain himself and needs to almost yell his words into the microphone. His flow is slightly slower than what we’re used to hearing but that’s mainly due to the slightly slower tempo of the production, and his words come through clear as day, similarly to that of his counterpart’s. Although NLE broke the vow he made on social media not too long ago referring to getting away from violence within his lyrics, it’s kind of hard to do so on a track with this title, so no one can hold that against him and he provides yet another remarkable verse, proving why he’s a force to be reckoned with even at such a young age.
I’ve said it before, but I’m always a fan of seeing an old school legend paired with an artist from the new age of Rap because their talents and styles rub off on each other which typically leads to some unbelievable results. This record is no exception, and although Juicy’s style might shine through in NLE’s part rather than vice versa, it shows off the adaptability that NLE has boasted over his years in music. The lingering piano keys in the production make this a perfectly creeping song for the Halloween season, and it’s also a welcome addition to any pump up or workout playlist, so it’s definitely a record you’re not going to want to miss out on. Juicy J and NLE Choppa teamed up for this banger entitled “Load it Up”, so if I were you, I’d stop whatever I was doing and listen up.