Review: Curren$y, ‘The Drive In Theatre Part 2’

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Curren$y returns in traditional form, shrouding his latest record in the smooth, jazz-infused prospect that fueled the early stages of his career.

Sonically speaking, Curren$y has spent the last decade of his profession expanding his core sound, almost serving as a jack of all trades (with no intention to master any). The New Orleans vet has rhymed over a variety of different sounds and genres, but nothing has been attached to the emcee’s image like the smooth jazz section of his palette; a pocket he explored further on the 2014 mixtape, The Drive In Theatre. The project garnered major success among his center fanbase, leaving them hanging with the possibilities of a follow-up record. Eight years later, Spitta would finally deliver the highly-anticipated sequel to the most enticing record in his catalog.

The Drive In Theatre Part 2 carries on the legacy of its predecessor, extending the original script among an improved foundation that continues the notorious soundtrack.

With a lengthy catalog of projects, Curren$y is no stranger to the expansion of his many project series through valid sequels. From the Pilot Talk tetralogy to the Jet Life compilation series, Curren$y has created his individual universe through a variety of albums reflecting the different shades of his personality. As for where The Drive In Theatre sits among his collection, the record was notorious for its late-night cruising vibes, perfectly paired with a blunt in hand (obviously). Spitta’s follow-up to his vibrant cult classic plans to emit the same notions as its predecessor, soaking itself in a lush, jazzy sound.

Lyrically speaking, Spitta maintains the same charm he’s always through his hazy rhymes. Where surface level listeners find the same lines about weed and cars, those who are tapped in with the Jet Life movement know it’s more than just joints and jets, it’s a lifestyle (literally). To his fans, Spitta is known for painting the picture of their ideal afternoon; and while it remains that way throughout the record, its evident that the NOLA vet is more on edge, flaunting mob ties and dropping gems on how to survive the streets. Since the release of his Alchemist-produced collaboration, Continuance, Curren$y has stepped it up with the street talk, sprinkling it in braggadocious rhymes and stoned-out samples.

Speaking of samples, Curren$y assembles a fitting ensemble of producers to match the tender tone of the record. Elite beatsmiths such as Harry Fraud, Thelonious Martin and Cookin Soul make appearances throughout the record, upholding the album’s soulful/jazzy foundation to new heights. Records like “Scratch” and “Drive My Cars” break out vintage samples for the laid-back jams while “Drive My Car” and “Lounge Area” add a variety of bounces and loops to keep the sound fresh. Make no mistake, the album is concise in sound; a perfect record to throw on and let play out while relaxing or working.

Spitta is notorious for his consistent output of records, a hustle matching his No Limit origins. However, with the current industry standard of overflowing project releases each weekend, it’s hard to determine whether a record has staying power or not. Like his joints, Spitta records are slow burners and don’t tend to get the full coverage they deserve after some time passes and you see the work he’s put in over a year’s time. While The Drive In Theatre Part 2 is a smooth-flowing experience that can go uninterrupted with each play, it doesn’t necessarily match the staying power of other Spitta records; its a great album to play in the background, but not one you would recommend to a new Spitta fan until they’ve let the stoner style grow on them.

The Drive In Theatre Part 2 is a record for the dedicated fans of the Jet Life movement, embedding in the aspects that make Curren$y’s style an acquired taste. Nonetheless, the record is still deserving of a listen as its lengthy, yet concise nature could allow one to uncover some gems to add to the playlist.

7 / 10

Best tracks: “All My Cars”, “Drive This Car”, “Ink Machine”, “Umbrellas”