Record Rack

* * * JUVENILE “Project English” Cash Money/Universal

Virtually any album from the Cash Money label is likely to be a soundtrack to a high-energy party with gangster overtones. With his fourth collection for the company, Juvenile delivers the celebratory songs and hard-core posturing that have made both Cash Money and the New Orleans rapper two of hip-hop’s biggest draws.

His appeal comes from his gravel-voiced delivery and his ability to make redundant lyrics remarkably appealing. On several of the album’s 16 songs, he repeats a word at the end of several consecutive lines, as he did on his first national hit, 1998’s “Ha.” Elsewhere, Juvenile reflects on his rough upbringing and his constant struggle to survive in an environment where many would like to replace him as the local celebrity. The drug culture also gets plenty of attention on “Project English,” as Juvenile and such labelmates as Lil’ Wayne and the Big Tymers detail the inner workings of neighborhood narcotics trafficking.

Although it’s an often bleak picture, it’s one that sounds bouncy and vibrant thanks to the always lively production from Mannie Fresh. His percolating drums, undulating bass lines and catchy keyboards provide as much entertainment as Juvenile’s detailed rhymes.

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