Against Da Grain, the 1999 debut of Atlanta’s Youngbloodz (J-Bo and Sean Paul), was a hit in the Dirty South, but never broke out of the region. Now Drankin’ Patnaz adds momentum with two songs that were BET staples for months: “Damn” and “Cadillac Pimpin’.”
What’s exciting is that these catchy anthems are not the two strongest cuts on the album. “Hustle,” which probably is the best, rides a two-stepping click track and the considerable vocal presence of Dungeon Family member Killer Mike. The Mello-produced “My Automobile,” with its tight horn section, lackadaisical drum shuffle, and high-pitched chorus, invites comparisons to Cee-Lo’s crooning and musical outlook.
As drinking songs go, Drankin’ Patnaz‘s joints hold up pretty well. The only thing missing is a greater sense of fun. Yeah, the Youngbloodz are drinking, they’re pimping, and it sounds good — but their rhymes don’t convey that thrill the way those of Atlanta’s more famous sons do. Maybe this album’s incipient success will encourage them to let loose and wild out.
This article appears in Sep 10-16, 2003.