Catfish Billy has finally arrived with his full length album! Gadsden, Alabama’s finest is on his way to generating some type of Soundscan figures and whatever else impresses labels and label whores these days. However, that is all irrelevant to his status. Many are going to wonder if he can fulfill his Aftermath obligations. Giving this album a listen, I can easily see that why Eminem signed him.

Let’s start off by saying this: Catfish William can rhyme all day. “Get Away” demonstrates this proponent for proficient lyrics early. “Hard White” lets him go in about being “a lonely tree” in a forest with his limbs “covered in tattoos” and his “roots, they run deep”. Even “Throw It Up” goes hard enough to have Gangsta Boo on the chorus and Eminem stealing the scene with his verse. So, don’t expect Yelawolf to come across as “soft”.

Do not be fooled by any previous misconceptions: he can bring on the concept tracks also. “Growing Up In the Gutter” goes in with throbbing bass and whispered rapid fire vocals about poverty and all of its calamaties. “Made In America” features some sultry country style vocals by Priscilla Renea that fits the subject matter of being “American”. “Slumerican Shitizen”, with its hard rock approach, goes in with a vocal demonstration of the slum mentality. Clearing up any confusion, Yelawolf also brings songs with meaning.

The great thing about this album is that even the “lesser songs” even come off appealing. Take “Good Girl” and “Hardest Love Song In the World” for example. Both of these are “songs for the females”. However, “Good Girl” comes across with its bouncy, Dr. Dre-ish production as easier listening. Not a bad song; just seems odd on the album. “Hardest Love Song In The World”, however, comes across like the first world in its title. Al Green guitar licks and a southern style musical aura makes this a nice song to the collection on the CD. Even still, what should be “misses” on this album could easily become “hits” because of its authenticity and approach.

Radioactive can come across as a misnomer. While some of the songs could become “active on the radio”, the music is more than that. Actually, the music can be seen as “radioactive” in its infection of people’s brains. Yelawolf may be doubted as an Eminem wannabe or hip hop parody. Listening to this album, it is clear he is neither. Rather, he is just a country boy making country boy music for the rest of the nation.

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