Jay Critch, NYC’s Most Underrated, Is Back With “Jugg Season” (Review)

The 19-track album dropped last Friday.

The re-emergence of New York City in hip-hop has increased the visibility of the regional talent for years, creating nationally recognized superstars like Fivio Foreign and the late Pop Smoke.

However, one name that has maintained a relativity low profile is Jay Critch, 1/3 of the now disbanded Rich Forever (w/ Rich the Kid and Famous Dex), an artist that has maintained a consistent presence in hip-hop – nearly dropping a project every year since 2017.

After a two year hiatus, Critch returns with “Jugg Season”, an album that has enough to satisfy old and new fans alike.

With only three features (Max B, Baby Money, and Rich the Kid) over the span of 19-tracks, this project feels very centered on Critch – which is a refreshing change of pace from other feature-dominant projects.

The opening track “That Was Random” sets the tone for the versatility that Critch demonstrates during the album, as he raps over a upbeat sample with piano keys, almost serving as a reintroduction of sorts.

For most of this album, he’s very effective in blending what he knows his fans are listening for, with his own desire for challenge and experimentation in his music. The production across this album is solid, distinguishing the sonics to keep things feeling fresh as the album progresses. All of this makes for a listening that’s a pleasure to listen to, as Critch again shows why he’s a force to be reckoned with – even with the album feeling a bit overlong at points.

The future remains bright for the 24 year old, and I am definitely looking forward to what comes next! NYC is in a prime position to launch a few more superstars, and I look forward to Critch executing so that his music reaches the masses.

Stream “Jugg Season” at your preferred DSP HERE.