Well, this CD arrived in the mail 1-2 months ago and I’ve been meaning to write this review since about then. Why didn’t I? Because it’s been in the car. Don’t let the “Yung” in his name fool you, Yung Walt’s Hustle 2 Struggle is a refreshing reminder that street hip hop doesn’t have to suck. Walt stays humble while dropping knowledge over banging beats by 1500orNothin’ and Dj Battlecat all 17 tracks through.

First of all I have to say that the presentation of this CD is remarkable. For an independent mixtape it’s pressed and designed flawlessly. This could be in a store and nobody would think anything of it. Now you may say that the presentation doesn’t matter, but in the cut-throat oversaturated rap game, it does. Now, onto the actual CD…

Hustle 2 Struggle is hard-hitting from the moment it starts. The intro Hustle 2 Struggle aptly named after the CD’s title sets the pace for the rest of the album. “Back to the basics where I find myself; couldn’t get a deal, fuck it, so I signed myself”. The album moves from the aggressive introduction to Strip Club; a stripped down (pun intended) beat where Walt tells a story of the ego-driven streets of California. This song, although an enjoyable tale seems out of place on this CD beat-wise, and is an odd choice for second song. The third song, “Why Niggas Gotta Lie” brings the energy levels back, with a fast-spitting Walt over a high-energy beat and an addictive chorus. The next song is reminiscent of Strip Club and a club song that I feel could have been left off the album. The rest of the songs all follow more-so in the vein of the intro and third track than the other two, all with memorable choruses and great beats. The main theme persistent in Hustle 2 Struggle is obviously enough struggling and hustling, and Walt does a great job at rapping these themes with conviction. Standout songs include Playboy, Dreams, Reap Wut You Sowe, and pretty much every other song on the album.

All in all this is one of the best CD’s I’ve heard in a long time, both independent and major. Walt’s head is on his shoulder and his realness shows throughout every track. The production by 1500orNothin works beautifully with Walt’s vocals and everything fits into place, letting you feel Walt’s struggle. The only problem with the CD is some small song choice problems, and that’s not because they aren’t good songs, they just don’t fit with the rest of the album. The “bumpability” of this CD is great, as every song can be put in the car on full volume and enjoyed thoroughly, but that’s not what makes this CD so incredible. Yung Walt’s ability to leave his ego at the door and rap on a personal level lets the listener connect in a way that hip hop artists of the past few years haven’t been able to do, and for that I’d recommend Hustle 2 Struggle to anybody who loves hip hop.
Buy the cd @ CD Baby, or check him out and purchase the CD directly from Yung Walt himself at his Myspace or Soundclick.

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