It's odd that the Grand Hustle label allowed
Big Kuntry King's debut to drop the same day as their superstar CEO
T.I.'s album Paper Trail. They were obviously looking for add-on purchases where the faithful would be checking out this protégé, but the good, not great
My Turn to Eat is a better bridge between mentor
T.I.'s releases than it is a debut album. It's Grand Hustle to the core, and to a fault as well. After an intro that sounds unfinished -- a face-to-face interview with
Big Kuntry where you only hear the journalist's voice -- the
Keith Mack production "Tool in Da Pocket" kicks open the door with a tight and minimal synth riff that's instantly identifiable as Grand Hustle. The hook is infectious, the beat is hard, and
Kuntry stretches and drawls his words just like the boss man, but track after track of this serviceable but shared style keeps the long-player from executing its debut album function. It's a shame since the "South ain't dead" anthem "Pots and Pans" hints at
Kuntry's love of the instant freestyle, while the flippant "Yeah (I'm on It)" brings a Southern and stoned flow that's unique. If there's more to
Big Kuntry,
My Turn to Eat buries it under tried and true formula with guest shots from the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League,
Shawty Redd,
Young Dro, and
T.I. himself all playing out just as expected. ~ David Jeffries