Young Joker – Somethin’ Major

Album info

“Young Joker – Somethin’ Major” released in 1999 under Nookie Inc. is a robust assertion of the gangsta rap ethos, encapsulating a moment in hip-hop where gritty narratives were painted over soulful and hard-hitting beats. The album, a follow-up to Young Joker’s earlier works, resonates with the stark realities and ambitions that define street life and survival.

The album opens with the “Intro (Rules And Regulations To The Game),” setting the tone for the no-nonsense, street-savvy wisdom that Young Joker is about to dispense. It’s not just music; it’s a guidebook to navigating the often-treacherous urban landscape. The track “Still I Shine,” produced by Live Squad, weaves lyrics by Brother Yusuf into a compelling narrative of perseverance against the odds, a theme that runs through the core of the album.

“Desperado,” with Villa Capone’s poignant lyrics, and “Cloud Nine,” which features a consortium of lyricists including Kilo, Kool Aid, and Macadamian, continue the journey into the psyche of a man who walks the tightrope between legality and survival. In “Roll Wit’ A Thug” and “Dance To This,” featuring lyrics by Chaina and Storm respectively, the album dips into the lighter side of street culture, offering anthems for the late-night rides and club scenes.

The raw introspection comes back in “I Ain’t Trippin'” where D.J. Zip Ski’s scratches add a classic hip-hop authenticity to Joker’s unflappable delivery. The title track, “Somethin’ Major,” and its companion piece “Make It Official” are both collaborative efforts with Kilo, Kool Aid, and Macadamian, offering a bold declaration of their arrival on the hip-hop scene.

East meets West in the track “East West,” penned by Kai and Maj, representing the unity and diversity within the rap community. The spiritual “Even Though I Pray,” with lyrics by Dank, showcases the duality of a gangster’s life filled with sin and redemption, while “That’s The Life” offers a raw look at the consequences and rewards of living the thug lifestyle.

Closing with an “Outro” that caps the narrative, the album’s production roster boasts names like Live Squad and Villa Capone, with mixes by Vachick “Mutemaster” Aghaniantz at Westlake Studios and mastering by Bobby Bee “The Watch King” at Digital Audio Dynamics, ensuring a polished, hard-hitting sound throughout.

With “Somethin’ Major,” Young Joker delivers a comprehensive work that’s both a product of its time and a timeless piece of West Coast gangsta rap, an album that solidifies his legacy within the genre.