“S.E.X.” may be indiscreet at times, but it implores young girls being pressured for sex, “Hold onto your innocence … He says if you really loved him you would give it up … Once it’s gone you’ll never get it back.” Jennings wants to mend a broken relationship (“Let’s Stay Together”) and extols his woman’s virtues (“More Than a Girl”). “Keep Ya Head Up” insists that men respect women, though …
Females are referred to as “b–ches” on “Still Here.” From thongs and bras to bath water and germs, a randy guy describes in detail how everything that touches his lady in intimate places makes him jealous (“Stingy”). Profanity (s-words, n-words and one hardly censored f-word) mars several tracks. Memories of life in the ‘hood vilify police (“Ghetto Superman”), rationalize gunplay (“Down Here, Up There”), and brag about drug and alcohol use (“Biggie N-gga,” “Radio”). Jennings idolizes the late Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. on “Biggie N-gga,” going so far as to call himself the reincarnated Biggie. Thug life is harsh but quasi-cool on “Radio,” which suggests that it’s OK to sell cocaine to pay the cable bill. Despite turning to God for salvation (“River”), the artist refuses to pray and bitterly blames Him for his “awful life” on other cuts.
From street soul to rich ballads supported by just piano or acoustic guitar, Jennings has skills, not to mention a song promoting abstinence. But it’s hard to be pro-Lyfe when cuts get gritty, sensual and profane.
