Adversity For Sale... He Might Forgive, But He Definitely Won’t Forget
NY Times Best Seller & New Album Review
August 8, 2023, was the date ‘Adversity For Sale’, by Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins was released. I pre-ordered the Audible, and I finished the first listen by Noon on August, 12th. The speed of this audiobook completion I expected, because Thug Motivation 101 is in my top 3, most motivational albums of all time. There is not a single celebratory moment of my life that I did not rap to myself the lyrics of ‘Standing Ovation’. And likewise, there hasn't been a single trial or tribulation encountered in adulthood, that I did not play 'Gangsta Music', 'Bottom of The Map', and 'Get Ya Mind Right' to help encourage me through. In one month, the book was added to the New York Times Best Seller list. Not a shabby accomplishment for the corner boy turned rapper, turned Entrepreneur, turned Real Estate Mogul. Truly the personification of ‘It’s all good, still reaching with my WORDS, and make 'em feel good like the first and the third'-’My Hood’, Thug Motivation 101.
It’s rare to see a rap legend mature and grow into a mentor in the music industry before becoming a victim of street violence or the prison-industrial complex. The lessons provided in this book, we are only able to receive because he survived to tell them, and that mere fact makes him Rap Royalty. Living long enough to change the narrative and pass on lessons learned from self-development and evolution is a privilege, especially in an industry with such a short half-life.
To the surprise of the public, Jeezy filed for divorce about a month after the release of his New York Times best-selling book. This news came after 2 years of marriage and days after his soon-to-be ex-wife Jeannie Mai made an Instagram post, of her with the help of their 1-year-old daughter, congratulating the new Author on making the NY Times Best Sellers list.
Many fans may have assumed due to the recent divorce filing, that this most recent album would have references about his soon-to-be ex-wife but on the contrary, it seems the project title is directed at ex-friends/business partners. ‘I Might Forgive, But I Don’t Forget’ is Jeezy's first album since departing from Def Jam, including 29 tracks with no features. One hour and 26 minutes of Jeezy’s inner thoughts, career reflections, failed friendships, net losses, business advice, and life lessons. Over the first 6 tracks, we hear an artist muddling over missed expectations and severed friendships. The beginning is unexpectedly anticlimactic, and almost feels as if Jeezy has unresolved emotions with affiliates from his past life. In many ways, it feels as if the project does not pick up until Track 7, ‘Couldn't Lose If I Tried’. From this point on, the lyrics and overall energy become more affirming and optimistic, and the beats also reflect the upswing in energy, as they also increase in tempo and bass.
As previously mentioned, many fans expected Jeezy to speak on his marriage, but the rapper never explicitly did on this project, though 2 references may have been made. The chorus of ‘Don't Cheat’ leads listeners to believe infidelity on the rapper's behalf may not have been the cause. However, in 'Never Be A Fan', he alludes to micromanagement in previous intimate partnerships, being an area of concern. ‘If your plan is control, he will never be a fan, but I guess that's life, you f*cking up a good man’ -Jeezy repeatedly raps on Track 24.
There are many full-circle moments on this album. On ‘Expectations’, Jeezy raps ‘I'm a Hustlers Hustler’, a nod to Thug Motivation 101 when he raps ‘I'm your favorite Rappers favorite Rapper, and I’m your favorite Trappers favorite Trapper’ on ‘Standing Ovation.’ This lyric reflects the growth of Jeezy from a rapper/trapper to an Entrepreneur/Real Estate Guru/Businessman. The epitome of a Hustler. The other full lyrical moment comes in the final song, ‘No Voice’. Jeezy raps ‘Thug motivation in the Tux with the Symphony, Streets taught me everything, everything but Empathy.’ This lyric reflects on the aesthetic and personal growth of the Rapper since releasing the Album that changed his life, and his newfound commitment to self-development and formal wear. He also flexes his A-list affiliates on this track by referencing rubbing shoulders with TD Jakes, and Tim Robbins along with mentioning invitations to speak on CNN, GMA, and lastly being invited to social gatherings at the Vice President’s house. ‘I ain't dead or in jail because that bullsh*t wasn't meant for me, saving that for my sitdown with Oprah Winfrey’-Jeezy raps on ‘No Voice.’
Despite the slow beginning, on the final track, the rapper eloquently reflects on industry and business accomplishments, from a place of self-awareness and gratitude. Whether this is the last album we receive from Jeezy, I am sure this won’t be the last time we hear about Jay Jenkin's public speaking endeavors, business acquisitions, and real estate ventures. In the words of Jeezy on ‘Get Ya Mind Right’, Thug Motivation 101, ‘I ain't gotta Rap, Ima Do Numbers.’