Cocky And Confident

Juvenile now stands as one of Southern rap’s elder statesmen, having mentored some of the top rappers in the world, including Lil Wayne. Even as the Southern form of rap has splintered into dozens of subgenres, Juvenile has remained faithful to his own distinctive New Orleans flow. He applies his distinctive delivery to a variety of backdrops on *Cocky & Confident*, his ninth album and one of the most consistent efforts of his career. Juve’s raspy voice reeks of experience and toughness, and he elevates the street anthems “We Be Getting Money” and “New Orleans Stunna.” Even though Juvenile has long since left the Cash Money family, “I’m Shining” feels like a throwback to the days of Hot Boys hits. The beats here grow to intense and monstrous proportions, but Juve’s flow has an agility and playfulness that echoes the celebratory dance of New Orleans parade music. There are no gimmicks on *Cocky & Confident*, and no track better illustrates that idea than “Gotta Get It,” a stripped-down beat that Juve knocks out of the park like a veteran slugger.

Shaking off the personal tragedy of losing his four-year-old daughter to gun violence a year earlier, Juvenile’s 2009 effort is just what it says on the cover.

When Reality Check dropped in 2006, Juvenile had been exiled from Cash Money Records and many assumed Juve would have a point to prove.