Young Jeezy is changing his nickname from “17.5″ to “September 2″–that is until his new album The Recession drops on said date.  The rapper recently held a small listening party to debut tracks from the new disc, his third LP, at the Katra Lounge in New York City. Jeezy claims he has improved himself lyrically and upgraded the thematic approach of his album, which he says is a “sinister” approach in complement to the release of “The Dark Knight“.

The title track begins with a woman complaining about the high price of gasoline and struggling with other monetary problems. “The rich get richer, the poor get poorer,” she laments. This is one theme of the album–a wealthy entertainer who wishes to help those in need but realizes he is just one man.  The track “Crazy World” hits on this theme directly, as it explores the reality of Young Jeezy — someone with riches to spare but, despite his great intentions, one who can’t save the whole world.

As mentioned, the album drops September 2 to much fanfare. Check it out.