Tracks mention prayer, warn about getting into debt, condemn discrimination and show zero tolerance for domestic violence. With a vague spiritual awareness, “Rocky Road” speaks of “keeping a hold” when “the rainfall is really taking a toll.”
The title track may lead fans to “live life to the fullest,” but judging from Chamillionaire’s sexual ethics and references to drugs and alcohol, that could inspire the wrong form of carpe diem. Activities include sex with fans (“You Must Be Crazy”), receiving nude photos by mail (“Rock Star”), skinny-dipping (“Ultimate Vacation”) and women flashing flesh (“Pimp Mode”). An “Industry Groupie” has indiscriminate sex, apparently with women as well as men. Several tracks mention selling and/or smoking weed. Others boast of carrying guns, usually in an attempt to have rivals keep theirs holstered. Alcohol appears in the form of tequila, beer and mixed drinks. Mild profanities are joined by shortened s-words, one bleeped f-word, the expression “effin'” and two approving nods to giving people the finger.
Chamillionaire, who has decided to stop using the n-word, sees this disc as cleaner, more socially responsible hip-hop. Compared to his peers, maybe. While not R-rated, there’s still sex, drugs, alcohol and retaliatory violence. An improvement, but hardly safe—like swimming with a shark whose teeth have been filed down a bit.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
