Juvenile - Tha G-Code (CD)

All Music Guide

Released in the wake of Juvenile's remarkable breakthrough success with 400 Degreez and "Back That Azz Up" a year earlier, Tha G-Code seems a bit lackluster, no doubt overshadowed by the heights the rapper had previously attained. It doesn't help, though, that Tha G-Code plays precisely like a sequel, lead single "U Understand" reprising the rhyming style of "Ha" and follow-up single "I Got That Fire," likewise, recycling the formula that had made "Back That Azz Up" so appealing. These two singles, unfortunately, aren't nearly as spirited as their predecessors, and that's more because of Juvenile, who seems disinterested throughout this often rote album, than because of workhorse producer Mannie Fresh, who seems nobly determined to conjure some of the good-time spirit that had made 400 Degreez so much fun, though you can sense here that he's understandably running out of ideas by this point. Even so, it's the production here that's most interesting, as omens of Juvenile's quick descent... from momentary success tend to taint his performance. - Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide Read more Less