There is no doubt that Joyner Lucas is a talented technical lyricist. Whether you find him attractive, think he’s corny, believe he’s the GOAT, or think he only inspires ambivalence is beside the point. From a pure rapping perspective, he’s very skilled.
Whether he’s talking nonsense, hunting down the game’s weirdo MCs (which, in his mind, are basically all MCs), bemoaning broken relationships, or railing against the false aesthetics he sees as the plague of modernity, he does it eloquently and Smart – especially his new album Not Now I’m Busy.
On his second studio record, Lucas strives to prove he’s both the best and widely overlooked. He was betrayed, but he persisted. He’s tougher, stronger, smarter, and happier than the rest, but boy, does he have a lot to complain about. Despite the Massachusetts rapper’s lyrical fireworks, the album turns the world into his own vacuum, relegating others to supporting roles at best. It’s hollow, and when it’s not hollow, it’s aggressively vengeful. The bar may be lively, but I’m Not Busy Now is anything but fun.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the sprawling, almost operatic “Broschi.” It tells the story of one of Joyner’s best friends, who has been with the host since he was six years old. He elaborates on their relationship early in the song: “Today I had a conversation with one of my brothers/My brother, he’s been close to me since we were six/He calls my mom ‘Mom’ , he saw all my highs and lows.”
Joyner Lucas outlined the evolution of their relationship before his so-called friend started making demands. He recalled his friend saying: “I quit because I didn’t want to work for other n-ggas/Maybe it works for some, but don’t work for other n-ggas/Yeah, they pay well, but you know I’m a stubborn n-gga/Besides, I know you got my back, right?” It’s annoying, and it seems like Lucas’ friends are taking advantage of him, but this makes Lucas so angry that the entire album All adding fuel to the fire.
On “Sticks & Stones,” featuring Conway The Machine, Joyner Lucas spits over a Griselda-esque beat—one of the most impressive chameleon pieces on the LP —The latter continues to complain about perceived enemies. He spits: “I saw my own family stab me in the back, I should have known/They say sticks and stones will break your bones, I’m sticks and stones/I wish I could pick up the phone, but …”
Holding a grudge can be satisfying, but pick up the phone, man. The pain is not worth it.
Release date: March 22, 2024
Record company: Twenty Nine Music Group
Listen to “Now I’m Busy” below:
