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Church in These Streets
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| Church in These Streets | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | November 13, 2015 | |||
| Recorded | 2015 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 61:44 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer | ||||
| Jeezy chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Church in These Streets | ||||
| ||||
Church in These Streets is the eighth studio album by American rapper Jeezy. It was released on November 13, 2015, by Def Jam Recordings and CTE World.[1][2] The album was supported by four singles: "God", "Church in These Streets", "Gold Bottles" and "Sweet Life" featuring Janelle Monáe.
Singles
[edit]On September 4, 2015, the album's first single, "God", was released.[3] On September 23, 2015, the album's second single, "Church in These Streets", was released.[4] On October 9, 2015, the album's third single, "Gold Bottles", was released.[5] On October 16, 2015, the album's fourth single, "Sweet Life" featuring Janelle Monáe, was released.[6]
Critical reception
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 69/100[7] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [8] |
| HipHopDX | [9] |
| Now | [10] |
| Pitchfork Media | 6.0/10[11] |
Church in These Streets received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 69 based on 5 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".[7] David Jeffries of AllMusic said, "When taking in a full album, his monotone, bellowing delivery is an acquired taste, and with only a few guest shots, plus a long track list, newcomers might find this big LP a tough go. Regardless, the ambitious Church in These Streets stands with the man's great Thug Motivation 101 while beating that album on artistic merit and meaningful lyrics."[8] Aaron McKrell of HipHopDX stated, "With Church in These Streets, Jeezy has succeeded in staying fresh through six albums. Church in These Streets is a batch of trap-based jams that will inspire its target audience and delight a wide array of listeners."[9] Matthew Ramirez of Pitchfork Media said, "The best Jeezy music often exploited how far he could go with memorable ad libs and punchlines, a triumphant kind of simplicity. Here that gets muted to muddied results."[11]
Commercial performance
[edit]Church in These Streets debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 with 107,000 equivalent album units and first week sales of 98,000 copies in the United States.[12] As of December 2015, Church in These Streets has sold 140,000 copies in the United States.[13]
Track listing
[edit]Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[14]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Grind State" |
| D. Rich | 3:43 |
| 2. | "Lost Souls" |
| D. Rich | 3:44 |
| 3. | "Holy Water" |
|
| 4:13 |
| 4. | "Gold Bottles" |
| London on da Track | 3:12 |
| 5. | "Hell You Talkin' Bout" |
| London on da Track | 2:31 |
| 6. | "Hustlaz Holiday" |
| 3:27 | |
| 7. | "Eternal Reflection (Interlude)" | Jessica Care Moore | Cassius Jay | 2:02 |
| 8. | "God" |
| 3:28 | |
| 9. | "Church in These Streets" |
| Zaytoven | 3:08 |
| 10. | "New Clothes" |
|
| 3:45 |
| 11. | "Sweet Life" (featuring Janelle Monáe) |
|
| 3:42 |
| 12. | "Scared of the Dark" |
| Nard & B | 3:39 |
| 13. | "No Other Way" |
| D. Rich | 3:33 |
| 14. | "Sister Good Game's Testimony" |
| Nard & B | 1:29 |
| 15. | "J-Bo" |
| 3:27 | |
| 16. | "I Feel Ya" |
| Nard & B | 3:28 |
| 17. | "Go Get It (Interlude)" |
|
| 1:29 |
| 18. | "Just Win" |
| Smurf | 3:51 |
| 19. | "Forgive Me" (featuring Monica) |
| 3:53 | |
| Total length: | 61:44 | |||
Notes
- ^[a] signifies a co-producer
- ^[b] signifies a vocal producer
- "God" features additional vocals from Tasha Catour
Sample credits
- "Lost Souls" contains an audio excerpts from the motion picture entitled "Street Life".
- "No Other Way" contains an interpolation from Miami Nights 1984's original composition Astral Projection.
- "Just Win" contains audio excerpts of a motivational speech by Les Brown and a sample of "Main Theme" from L.A. Noire, written by Andrew Hale and Simon Hale.
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[14]
|
Performers
Musicians
Technical
|
Production
|
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
References
[edit]- ^ "Church in These Streets by Jeezy on iTunes". iTunes. November 13, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
- ^ "Tracklisting: Jeezy – 'Church in These Streets'". Rap-Up. October 26, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
- ^ "GOD - Single by Jeezy on iTunes". iTunes. September 4, 2015. Archived from the original on October 30, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
- ^ "Church In These Streets - Single by Jeezy on iTunes". iTunes. September 23, 2015. Archived from the original on October 30, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
- ^ "Gold Bottles - Single by Jeezy on iTunes". iTunes. October 9, 2015. Archived from the original on October 30, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
- ^ "Sweet Life (feat. Janelle Monáe) - Single by Jeezy on iTunes". iTunes. October 16, 2015. Archived from the original on October 30, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
- ^ a b "Reviews for Church in These Streets by Jeezy". Metacritic. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
- ^ a b David Jeffries. "Church in These Streets - Jeezy, Young Jeezy | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
- ^ a b McKrell, Aaron (November 16, 2015). "Jeezy - Church In These Streets". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
- ^ "Jeezy". NOW. November 18, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
- ^ a b "Jeezy: Church in These Streets". Pitchfork. November 20, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
- ^ "Bieber's 'Purpose' has biggest sales week of 2015". Usatoday.com. November 22, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
- ^ Smith, Trevor. "Charts Don't Lie: December 9th". hotnewhiphop. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
- ^ a b Church In These Streets (CD liner notes). Jeezy. Def Jam. 2015.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Church in These Streets by Jeezy on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
- ^ "new @youngjeezy produced by me @nard_of_nardnb b_of_nardandb and @willafool #churchinthesestreets56031008768". Twitter. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
- ^ "@JerrellZod me and Nard and B produced New Clothes bro". Twitter. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
- ^ "@MissMeeshy_Baby thank you. Yes I co produced that with Nard and B". Twitter. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
- ^ "Young Jeezy Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
- ^ "Young Jeezy Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
- ^ "Young Jeezy Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
- ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
- ^ "Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-end Chart". Billboard. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
- ^ "Billboard Rap Albums – Year-end Chart". Billboard. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
Church in These Streets
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Background and recording
Concept and development
Following the release of his 2014 album Seen It All: The Autobiography, Jeezy shifted toward incorporating spiritual and redemptive elements in his music, seeking to merge longstanding street narratives with faith-based metaphors to address social issues affecting Black communities.[13] This evolution reflected his adoption of the "Pastor Young" persona, positioning himself as a preacher-like figure delivering motivational messages to urban audiences.[3] The album title Church in These Streets was announced in September 2015 alongside the release of its title track, drawing directly from Jeezy's real-life experiences navigating Atlanta's hip-hop scene and guiding the creative direction of his CTE World label toward more socially conscious themes.[14] Jeezy envisioned the project as a conceptual "sermon" for street life, intended to inspire and enlighten youth amid ongoing challenges like racial injustice and community violence.[15] This approach was shaped by Jeezy's personal growth following legal troubles in the early 2010s, including his 2014 arrest for possession of an assault weapon following a concert incident, which was later dismissed and profoundly influenced the album's introspective tone.[16][17] Interactions with community leaders and alignment with movements like Black Lives Matter further informed his motivations, emphasizing redemption and empowerment over glorification of past hustling.[13] Early pre-production discussions included collaborations with producer Zaytoven, a frequent partner from prior works like Trap or Die 2 (2012), who contributed to the title track and helped establish the album's atmospheric, gospel-infused sound.[15] The project culminated in its release on November 13, 2015.[4]Recording process
The recording of Church in These Streets primarily occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, at studios such as Silent Sound Studios and The Blue Room Recording Studios, reflecting Jeezy's deep ties to the city's hip-hop scene.[18] Additional sessions took place at A House in Malibu, California, allowing for a mix of environments during production.[18] Jeezy took a hands-on role in the process, collaborating closely with a roster of producers to craft trap-influenced beats that anchored the album's sound. Zaytoven, a longtime collaborator, handled multiple tracks, infusing them with his characteristic piano-driven melodies, as heard on songs like "Church in These Streets" and "In the Mud".[19] London on da Track contributed to key singles, including "God" and "Gold Bottles", bringing layered, atmospheric production that complemented Jeezy's delivery.[20] Nard & B added depth with their moody, synth-heavy elements on tracks such as "J Bo" and "No Other Way", enhancing the album's introspective tone.[21] Guest features were integrated during dedicated sessions, notably with Janelle Monáe on "Sweet Life", where her vocals provided a soulful contrast to the trap foundation laid by producer C4.[19] These collaborations underscored Jeezy's vision of blending street narratives with broader artistic influences, finalized into a 19-track album after extensive refinement.[19]Music and lyrics
Musical style
Church in These Streets is predominantly rooted in hip-hop and trap music, drawing heavily from Southern influences characteristic of Atlanta's trap scene, with production emphasizing booming 808 bass lines, rapid hi-hat patterns, and atmospheric synths.[5][7] This soundscape reflects the album's trap heritage while incorporating spacey, atmospheric elements reminiscent of contemporaries like Young Thug and Future, creating a dense, immersive sonic environment.[5] The album spans 19 tracks over a total runtime of 61:44 minutes, structured as a unified "street sermon" that transitions between high-energy, aggressive bangers and more contemplative, mid-tempo cuts, allowing for dynamic tempo shifts that maintain cohesion throughout.[22] Variations in production add depth.[7] Jeezy's vocal performance centers on his signature raspy delivery and emphatic ad-libs, which have evolved from his earlier, more raw trap outings to include cleaner, more deliberate flows that enhance the album's introspective moments without sacrificing intensity.[5][7] These production choices occasionally underscore the thematic elements of redemption through subtle instrumental builds and contrasts.[5]Lyrical themes
The album Church in These Streets employs the central metaphor of "church" to represent the harsh realities of street life, framing hustling and urban survival as a form of communal worship where Jeezy positions himself as a spiritual leader, or "Pastor Young." In the title track, he declares, "Call me Pastor Young, I came to spread the word," portraying the streets as a congregation bound by shared struggles and resilience, with drug dealing and ambition likened to sermons and rituals.[5][23] This imagery draws from Jeezy's Atlanta roots, transforming the trap environment into a sacred space for reflection and motivation.[3] Lyrical themes of redemption, faith, and survival permeate the album, as Jeezy reflects on his past involvement in drug dealing, family hardships, and a newfound spiritual awakening. Tracks like "Lost Souls" explore the emotional toll of street losses and the quest for personal salvation, with Jeezy rapping about guiding wayward individuals through faith amid ongoing perils.[5][3] Similarly, "Holy Water" invokes religious symbolism to symbolize cleansing from a life of crime, emphasizing survival as an act of divine perseverance.[13] Jeezy has described this evolution as a maturation, stating in interviews that the album represents his role in uplifting others from similar backgrounds.[23] Social commentary on urban poverty, strained police relations, and the double-edged nature of success forms a core narrative, often balanced against moments of celebration that underscore peril. Jeezy critiques systemic issues like privatized prisons and police brutality through introspective interludes, highlighting how these forces perpetuate cycles of poverty in Black communities.[5] In contrast, celebratory tracks such as "Gold Bottles" revel in luxury and triumph—references to high-end indulgences—while acknowledging the constant threat of violence that accompanies newfound wealth.[3] This duality reflects Jeezy's commentary on success's cost, where material gains coexist with unresolved societal dangers.[13] Personal anecdotes drawn from Jeezy's life infuse the lyrics with authenticity, referencing Atlanta's trap culture and his transition from the "Young Jeezy" persona to a more reflective artist. He weaves stories of early hustling days and community bonds into verses, evolving his narrative from raw bravado to wiser introspection, as seen in his self-identification as Pastor Young to inspire youth facing similar traps.[5][23] This shift aligns with the album's production, which uses atmospheric trap beats to amplify these confessional tones.[3]Release and promotion
Singles
The lead single from Church in These Streets was "God", released on August 31, 2015.[24] Produced by TM88 and Southside, the track features Jeezy's assertive lyrics declaring his dominance in the streets, with lines like "I'm a god in the hood, nigga." It peaked at number 54 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The title track, "Church in These Streets", followed as the second single on September 23, 2015, underscoring the album's central theme of street life as a modern place of worship and redemption. The song was accompanied by a music video directed by Edgar Esteves, filmed on the streets of Atlanta to capture the raw urban environment central to Jeezy's narrative.[25] "Gold Bottles", released on October 9, 2015, highlights themes of luxury and success through vivid imagery of opulence, with Jeezy rapping about popping expensive champagne in celebration of his achievements. The single reached number 14 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. As a promotional single, "Sweet Life" featuring Janelle Monáe was released on October 16, 2015, blending Jeezy's trap influences with Monáe's soulful vocals for a more melodic and introspective tone. While it did not achieve major chart success, the collaboration was praised for its crossover appeal, bridging hip-hop and R&B audiences ahead of the album's launch.[26]Marketing and other activities
The album Church in These Streets was first announced by Jeezy via Instagram in late August 2015, teasing a new project inspired by his personal reflections and social commentary. The official cover art was revealed on October 4, 2015, depicting Jeezy dressed in a suit and positioned on the steps of a church, blending ecclesiastical imagery with urban elements like his signature chain and stoic expression to symbolize the album's thematic fusion of faith and street life.[27] Pre-release promotion included a series of intimate listening and performance events through Jeezy's "Church in These Streets Concert Series," which kicked off on November 12, 2015, at New York's Highline Ballroom, just one day before the album's release.[28] The tour continued to cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta's Masquerade on November 22, Dallas, and New Orleans, allowing fans early access to thematic tracks via live renditions blended with Jeezy's classic hits, emphasizing the project's redemptive narrative.[29] These events served as experiential touchpoints, fostering direct engagement with the album's message of resilience and community. In collaboration with Def Jam Recordings and his CTE World imprint, promotional efforts extended to targeted media appearances and branded merchandise. Jeezy appeared on Hot 97 in October and November 2015, where he discussed the album's evolution from his 2014 arrest and its focus on personal growth and societal issues, positioning it as a "sermon" for the streets. Limited-edition items, including apparel and accessories tied to the album's motifs, were made available through official channels around the release, enhancing fan immersion in the campaign.[30] The rollout culminated with the album's street date of November 13, 2015, strategically timed amid a competitive Def Jam slate to maximize visibility.Reception and performance
Critical reception
Church in These Streets received generally favorable reviews from critics, with a Metacritic aggregate score of 69 out of 100 based on five reviews.[31] Positive reception highlighted the album's artistic ambition and thematic evolution. AllHipHop awarded it 80 out of 100, praising it as a project that stands alongside Jeezy's debut Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, surpassing it in artistic merit and lyrical depth.[32] HipHopDX gave a score of 70 out of 100 (equivalent to 3.5 out of 5), commending the production's fresh trap sound and Jeezy's potential shift toward a more mature direction, noting how it maintains his signature style while incorporating social commentary.[10][33] Several reviews offered mixed assessments, acknowledging strengths in concept but critiquing execution. Pitchfork rated it 6.0 out of 10, appreciating the lyrical exploration of social issues through spoken-word interludes but criticizing the repetitive flows and muddied production that diluted Jeezy's characteristic ad-libs and punchlines.[5] XXL assigned 60 out of 100, recognizing the album's sermon-like structure blending spirituality and street narratives but pointing to its excessive length—19 tracks—with some, like "Hustlaz Holiday," feeling lackluster and indicative of limited innovation.[34] Similarly, The Source scored it 60 out of 100, noting the political themes but lamenting the absence of a standout track to fully realize its potential, unlike prior efforts such as "Politically Correct."[35] Critics generally viewed Church in These Streets as a solid return to form for Jeezy, effectively merging spiritual introspection with trap rap traditions, though it fell short of the groundbreaking impact of his earlier work like Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101.[31]Commercial performance
Church in These Streets debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning 107,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, of which 98,000 were pure album sales.[36] The album performed strongly on genre-specific charts, reaching number two on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[37] Internationally, it entered the Canadian Albums Chart at number 59.[38] By December 2015, the album had sold 140,000 copies in the United States, reflecting cumulative pure sales from its initial weeks, including 98,000 in the debut frame, approximately 25,000 in the second week, and further units in subsequent tracking periods.[39][40][41] The album's commercial success was bolstered by robust streaming activity on platforms like Spotify, where it was made available in full upon release and accumulated millions of streams over time, alongside radio airplay for its singles and its timely launch ahead of the holiday shopping season.[42] Positive critical reception also contributed to its initial market momentum.[39]Track listing and credits
Track listing
The standard edition of Church in These Streets consists of 19 tracks with a total runtime of 61 minutes and 44 seconds.[1]| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Duration | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Grind State" | 3:43 | D. Rich | |
| 2 | "Lost Souls" | 3:44 | D. Rich | |
| 3 | "Holy Water" | 4:13 | Cassius Jay, Beezo | |
| 4 | "Gold Bottles" | 3:12 | London on da Track | |
| 5 | "Hell You Talkin' Bout" | 2:31 | London on da Track | |
| 6 | "Hustlaz Holiday" | 3:27 | Nard & B, XL Eagle, Will-A-Fool | |
| 7 | "Eternal Reflection (Interlude)" | 2:02 | Cassius Jay | |
| 8 | "God" | Tasha Catour | 3:28 | Southside, TM88 |
| 9 | "Church in These Streets" | 3:08 | Zaytoven | |
| 10 | "New Clothes" | 3:45 | Nard & B, XL Eagle | |
| 11 | "Sweet Life" | Janelle Monáe | 3:42 | C4, Supah Mario |
| 12 | "Scared of the Dark" | 3:39 | Nard & B | |
| 13 | "No Other Way" | 3:33 | D. Rich | |
| 14 | "Sister Good Game's Testimony" | 1:29 | Nard & B | |
| 15 | "J Bo" | 3:27 | Nard & B | |
| 16 | "I Feel Ya" | 3:28 | Nard & B | |
| 17 | "Go Get It (Interlude)" | 1:29 | Cassius Jay, Blanco The Ear | |
| 18 | "Just Win" | 3:51 | Smurf | |
| 19 | "Forgive Me" | Monica | 3:53 | Smurf, Rance, Blanco The Ear |
Personnel
The album Church in These Streets credits Janelle Monáe as the featured artist on "Sweet Life" and Monica on "Forgive Me". Production duties are shared among several contributors, including D. Rich, Cassius Jay, Beezo, London on da Track, Nard & B, Southside, TM88, Zaytoven, C4, Supah Mario, Smurf, Rance, and Blanco The Ear.[19] Executive producers are Jeezy and Shakir Stewart, with Steve "Steve O" Carless as co-executive producer. Engineering and mixing credits include Seth Firkins, Micah Wyatt, and others on various tracks, with mastering by Glenn Schick.[21][44] Additional musicians include background vocalists like Tasha Catour on "God". Specific track assignments for these roles are detailed in the track listing.Charts
Weekly charts
Church in These Streets debuted on the US Billboard 200 at number 4 on November 21, 2015, marking Jeezy's seventh top 10 entry on the chart, with 107,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 98,000 pure album sales and contributions from streaming and track equivalent albums.[36] It also peaked at number 2 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[37] Internationally, the album charted at number 59 on the Canadian Albums Chart. Streaming and digital sales played a key role in its weekly rankings during the first month, accounting for approximately 9,000 streaming equivalent units in the debut week alongside track sales.[36]| Chart (2015) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 4 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 2 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard) | 59 |