Juicy J Releases Jazz-Rap Album ‘Ravenite Social Club’: Stream

As one of the sonic masterminds behind Three 6 Mafia, Memphis rap legend Juicy J helped define the sound of rap’s underground for generations to come. In his recent solo work, Juicy has largely focused on the more cartoonish side of his persona — though, to be fair, there have been a few left-field turns, like when Juicy and Beck both guested on a Black Keys track earlier this year . But it’s still a little surprising to see Juicy J release what he’s calling a “jazz/hip-hop album” today.

In a recent article in Stereogum, Logic mentioned that he had produced an entire album for Juicy J and that it would have “a little Dilla/Tribe vibe.” That album doesn’t seem to be the same as Ravenite Social Clubthe new LP that Juicy released today. Juicy is a prolific figure; he and underground rap stalwart Xavier Wulf released their joint project Memphis Zoo last month. But Ravenite Social Clubnamed after the Gambino Crime Family headquarters of the 80s and 90s, looks very different.

On Ravenite Social ClubJuicy J taps into the talents of jazz musicians like Robert Glasper and Emi Secrest. He produces everything himself, chopping up extended horns and keys into beats that showcase a different side of his signature sound. He also channels social commentary on a few tracks. That was always part of his Three 6 Mafia verses, but it was never, let’s say, the focus of his persona. The album is an interesting move from a rap lifer, and it’s worth a listen. Check it out below.