Dipset member Jim Jones adds another mixtape to his extensive discography with the release of Vampire Life: We Own the Night. Sporting a hefty 24 tracks, Vampire Life features more of what is expected from Jones: an honest look at the life in the fast lane of the streets. He doesn’t do much to switch up the formula from previous releases, but if you’re a long time listener to CAPO then this should come as no surprise to you. The mixtape is laced with audio clips of the Joker from ‘The Dark Knight’ film. This plays well with the Halloween feel of Vampire Life along with the selection of beats with tones that lie on the darker side of the spectrum.
Any mixtape with 20+ songs is bound to struggle with a sense of repetition and this one is no exception. It is can be difficult to distinguish between the more mediocre songs and the free styles that Jones includes feel unnecessary. There is plenty of material here for 2 or even 3 separate tapes. What is evident is that most of these songs were aimed at the car and the club. Some of the tracks are clear attempts at repeating radio hits that Jim Jones had been a part of in the past. This works to some degree but in the end, the tape as a whole comes off as more of the same material we are used to hearing every day.
There are some tracks that stand a cut above the rest. ‘Grand Slam’ features Jim Jones at his most creative as he compares baseball to sex in his lyrics. ‘Gangstas Don’t Die’ is built on a great beat with solid rhymes from contributing artist Chris Luck and a catchy hook from Sen City. ‘I Like’ is made for the club and has a based hook by Young Swift that will draw some laughs. ‘Scream’ is a deep reflection on the fun and danger Jones experienced in his past and another solid hook from Sen City (It should be noted that Sen City is a frequent feature and often steals the show with his verses). ‘I’ll Be Back’ is a perfect song to ride to with another gem from Jhalil Beats and great verses from Meek Mill and Fred da Godson. ‘Goin Thru It’ is an excellent close to the mixtape featuring hard rhymes from Jadakiss, a solid hook from Jones and a haunting instrumental.
Bottom line: if you love Jim Jones and need music to ride to, Vampire Life has more than enough to satisfy your needs. If not, then you aren’t missing out on much.
