A Nostalgic Refresher

I don’t dislike Jermaine Dupri, but there have definitely been moments when I’ve had mixed feelings about him throughout his career. So, when the Magic City project was announced, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Named after the famous strip club, of course, I trusted JD to deliver an authentic Atlanta sound; it was just a matter of how the songs would come together.

You have to approach this as a strip club and Atlanta-based album with the right expectations. Personally, I really like the sound JD cultivated here. It’s a mix of club bangers, darker, more street-leaning tracks with plenty of bounce, and the occasional slower song. For anyone who found Futuristic Summa from earlier this year a bit too bubblegum, I’d recommend Magic City for a more mature, timeless Atlanta vibe.

From start to finish, this album is packed with dope beats and impressive features. Jermaine Dupri’s decades of experience with artists shine through. I’m not throwing shade at Futuristic Summa—I liked parts of it—but the artists featured here feel focused, and JD clearly didn’t let them lay down anything sloppy. Even on songs I like less due to the mood or a particular feature, there’s no denying that every artist brought their A-game.

“Tryna Beat The Thrill” is a strong opening track, and “This or That” with Rich Homie Quan (RIP) helps set the tone. Honestly, I could go on and on because most of the tracks are good, if not great, at their worst. A few I didn’t vibe with as much, like “Atlanna.” I love CeeLo’s singing, but it slowed things down too much compared to the rest of the album’s energy. I get why it’s included for variety, but it felt like a red light on an otherwise smooth ride. Some of my favorite tracks are “Ass Shake,” “Pussy Got Me,” “Get It,” “Turn Around,” “More Than Me,” “The Kids From The Neighborhood,” and “We Da Shit.”

I went into this somewhat skeptical, knowing what JD is capable of, but he truly delivered and reminded me why he’s a legend. If you’re into this sound, vibe, and content, this album is almost an undeniable banger. I can see it knocking in strip clubs and cars everywhere. Jermaine isn’t just a producer but a true executive producer—something rare in modern hip-hop. Magic City shows the value he still brings and puts on for Atlanta in a big way.

Standout Tracks: Ass Shake, Pussy Got Me, Get It, Turn Around, We Da Shit

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 (8/10)