Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boys

"Crunk Juice"

TVT Records

Grade: A+

Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boys have put together all the proper ingredients to keep listeners thirsting for "Crunk Juice."

The album begins with the title track, "Crunk Juice," in which Lil' Jon's earsplitting voice booms through the speakers with his famous "Yeah" phrase. Though the song only lasts a couple of seconds, its head-banging beat and boisterous spirit only give fans a taste of what is to come.

This latest album contains 20 songs with guest appearances by superstars such as Usher, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Nas. Yet, Lil' Jon sets the stage with his bass-thumping beats that are accompanied by a soul-stirring electric guitar.

Though the lyrics are very explicit and not that original, songs like "What U Gon' Do" and "Get Crunk" will keep listeners pumped and on their feet.

But Lil' Jon, Usher and Ludacris soften the mood on the track "Lovers and Friends." In it, Lil' Jon and Ludacris rap about wanting to get romantically involved with a close friend, while Usher croons the chorus.

The group ends the album with the track "Grand Finale," in which big name recording artists such as Fat Joe, Nas and Ice Cube prove their worthiness as true hip hop veterans.

Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boys have definitely demonstrated their talents on this album and have lived up to their nickname as the "Kings of Crunk."

-By Brittany Wall, Staff Writer