Soulja Boy is a lot of things to a lot of people. To some he’s a major success story, a kid who made it big with a little talent, creativity, and internet access. To some he’s a representative for teenagers across the states. And to many he’s wack, a terrible rapper who has no business experiencing the success he is. Some would even go as far as to say Soulja Boy is the personification of why hip-hop is dead. The truth is, he’s a talented young entertainer who while he may not possess the lyrical prowess of guys like Eminem, Nas and Jay-Z, he still makes hit records and has become a viable, relevant, and most importantly a profitable artist.

He broke onto the scene with his mega hit “Crank Dat” and hit the ground running with more hits, producing for other artists, and endorsing products. While the ocean that is Soulja Boy may not be the deepest at least you know what you’re getting into. He never claims to be a kingpin or the best rapper alive. He just does him and on his latest effort that’s what we get. Plain and simple, Soulja Boy.

The album’s lead single “Bird Walk” is a catchy tune sure to please the teenage crowd. It doesn’t have the same potency as “Crank Dat” but it’s still a hit. “Turn My Swag On” is a hot track that finds Soulja Boy talking about, well, turning his swag on. He brags. He boasts. He does Soulja Boy. While Soulja Boy is nice on the boards, he made a good move by expanding his list of producers this time around. It proves for a more well rounded album and sound. It also helps Soulja Boy step out of his comfort zone just enough to let the listener know that it’s not all about “Crank Dat”.

Drumma Boy kills the intro; “I’m Bout Tha Stax” with a thumping beat designed to blow out even the best subwoofers. Polow Da Don also produces a hot track in “Yamaha Mama” which features Sean Kingston. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re both young or the fact that they’re both heavily underestimated but Soulja Boy and Kingston seem to have a good chemistry. They definitely blend well together on the track.

One song that seems out of place is “Gucci Bandana” featuring Gucci Mane and Shawty Lo. It’s a clear attempt at trying to capture a more “hood” audience but it feels forced. The fact that Gucci and Shawty Lo aren’t exactly wordsmiths on the mic doesn’t really help the cause either. Overall this track was a real bad look but I’m sure it’ll end up getting some burn in the clubs.

“With My Yums On” is a catchy enough tune that it almost makes you forget that Soulja Boy is shamelessly plugging a company for which he is now the spokesman. All joking aside, it’s a catchy track and definitely one that will capture the younger audience. “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” featuring Sammie is a hot song despite the questionable title. It shows a different side of Soulja Boy, one that doesn’t involve Yums, rims, or money. Okay, it has all three of those things but definitely less than usual.

“Shoppin’ Spree” is a bangin’ track highlighted by a dope Yo Gotti verse. Gucci Mane also appears on the track but fails to deliver yet again. Other tracks to check for are “Twerk Fest”, “I Pray”, and “Whoop Rico” featuring the Showstoppas, the latter of which is guaranteed to become a staple in the clubs. The “I Pray” outro also offers a little insight into the mind of Soulja Boy. Some tracks definitely worth passing on are “Hey You There” and  “Rubber Bands”.

Overall this album is a good listen. Is it going to change hip-hop for the better or for the worse? Absolutely not. There’s one statement to describe this album. It is what it is. It’s an album made by an eighteen-year-old rapper who loves to dance, talk to the ladies, and wear fresh clothes. This album is about swag. If you want drug dealing, murder, and extortion this probably isn’t your cup of tea. If you’re in the mood to have some fun and just relax without having to analyze an artists’ bars then this is your joint. This is a good sophomore effort by Soulja Boy and I suggest either the haters learn to tolerate Soulja Boy or just don’t listen at all because it’s become pretty obvious that Soulja Boy is here to stay.