Juelz Santana Album: “What the Game's Been Missing [PA]”

The Dipset movement is now moving at full steam. Under the wing of Cam'Ron since the age of 14, Juelz Santana has played a vital role in the crew's growing popularity. Since being named Vice President of Diplomat Records, Juelz has developed a knack for starting his own buzz, with self funded videos and mixtapes. Building off of that hype is his sophomore effort, What The Game's Been Missing! (Diplomat/Def Jam). Santana does not live up to the album's bold title, but does provide some fire along the way.

Wasting no time, Juelz hits us with the energetic "Rumble Young Man Rumble." The tracks aggressive guitar riffs sets a perfect tone for Juelz, as he flows with flair and arrogance about what he was taught as a youth that makes him triumphant. The self proclaimed "human crack in the flesh," showcases his story telling skills successfully on "Lil Boy Fresh" and "Gone." Both tracks caution listeners about the usual dangers of the block that come along with drugs, violence and sex.

Doing what he does best, Santana reaches his full potential when attending to females with addictive club jump offs like "There It Go (The Whistle Song)" and "Oh Yes." On the latter, The Heatmakerz use a classic Motown sample, "Please Mr. Postman," by The Marvelettes, to help compliment Juelz and his light hearted flow. The festive "There It Go (The Whistle Song)" is every deejays favorite with its tickling whistles and thunderous drums to give everybody the urge to hit the floor.

The sluggish track "Clockwork," does little to keep up with the dynamic energy of What The Game's Been Missing! with its dull production that can surely put someone to sleep. Tracks like "Kid Is Back" and "Freaky," also sabotage the album's enjoyment because of the simplistic lyrics and bland content.

Getting too comfortable in his original rhyme scheme made popular by Dipset, Juelz's lyrical prowess does not show on What The Game's Been Missing!. Though he comes through with unique style and energy, it does little to push the envelope beyond what he has already been known to do. Is Mr. Crack Cocain in the Flesh what the game has been missing? No! Yet, he will be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.

This right here is Santana's best album.I mean this nigga killed it on this album,this is definitely fire!

Been waitin on this one since i heard Mic Check~ Finally got myself a copy. Tracks is straight fiya! Aside from the obvious singles (such as the whistle song), the album cuts is straight gangsta all the way through. Tracks like Shottas & Killem make u just wanna bang out. Then theres the staight from the heart tracks like Good Times. Juelz is one of the nicest from the Dips, this album was definately worth the wait. Much better than his first album in my opinion. And he ain't gone soft either, this one's for the streets.

This cd was better than I expecte but what diappointed me was that most of these songs were on most of my damn mixtapes! I wasted 20 dollars on the same damn songs. But it's all right I love Juelz and the whole dipset crew. Anyway, that's all I had to say.

I'm not the biggest Dipset fan but do frequently pick up some of the releases (mainly cos i like cam), when I got the new Juelz I found out what Dipset has been missing. Juelz has significantly stepped up his lyrical game since his debut. On a couple of tracks he tells stories "lil boy fresh" & "gone" are two very good stories warning youngsters of the dangers of the streets. On "changes" Juelz is consious and contemplative offering his look at what is wrong with the world at the moment. Probably the best cut on the album is "daddy" where he raps to his son, telling him his worth and prommising to take care of him.

For the usual Dipset fans there are enough nursery rhymes on here but are listenable thanks to hot beats (thanks to no-name producers) and Juelz's charisma and flow. "I am crack" & "Mic check" are also infused with cleaver punchlines that i did not expect.

Juelz surprised me and the game has been missing a mainstream artist spitting this well.