Now, let me start this off with a bit of a disclaimer – This is just my opinion. I’m not a professional critic in any way shape or form. I’m just a dude who likes listening to music, and I like sharing my thoughts.
As a big fan of Joyner Lucas, his music has been on regular rotation for me over the past few years. Your Heart featuring J.Cole? Absolute banger. ISIS? Slaps. I was very excited when I heard a follow up was coming to the original ADHD album, so I decided it was the perfect time to revisit the project.
Joyner was one of the first artists I heard who really leaned into skits as part of his albums, and ADHD features five of them woven throughout. At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of it—I usually just zone out to music, not storytelling—but the skits actually became one of my favorite aspects. They add depth and flow to his work, shining a light on Joyner’s personal struggles with ADHD in a way that’s dark, humorous, and unfiltered. I found it relatable, especially remembering a similar lack of support in my own childhood.
Musically and lyrically, tracks like “ISIS,” “I Love,” “Devil’s Work,” “ADHD,” and “Will” are real standouts. The collaboration with Logic on “ISIS” is a highlight—I’m a big Logic fan, and their chemistry is great. I was also really impressed by “Will,” Joyner’s homage to Will Smith, with a music video that’s a work of art all on its own.
So, after thoroughly enjoying the original, I had high hopes for the sequel. ADHD 2 has been in the works for well over a year, and you can really sense Joyner’s commitment to pushing boundaries. He’s spoken about the creative freedom the ADHD series grants him, letting him experiment and flow across styles without being boxed into a single genre. With that in mind, I dove into the new album eager to see how he’d build on the foundation of the first—and I have to say, what I found was an even more expansive, personal, and versatile project. Let’s get into ADHD 2 and see how it stacks up.
Review
Seven years is a long time to wait for a follow-up, but Joyner Lucas’s ADHD 2 is a return that justifies the anticipation. Balancing intense introspection with mainstream appeal, Joyner proves himself versatile, mixing storytelling and inventive flows with a stacked guest list that includes Ava Max, Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Chris Brown, and more. The project effortlessly shifts between personal confessions and bold bangers, once again showing that Joyner’s at his best when he’s refusing to fit in any boxes. Is it better than the original? I think so. The emotional depth, paired with creative risks and well-chosen collaborations, make this a standout in his catalog—though a few tracks veer into repetition, the overall album arc feels more mature, polished, and honest than its predecessor.
Storyline Across the Skits
One of Joyner’s trademarks is weaving skits through his albums—and on ADHD 2, these aren’t just quick jokes or brief interludes; they’re the spine of the record. “Family Therapy (Skit)” brings back the familiar therapist from the original album, but this time, the session’s darker undertone and unsettling humor quickly set ADHD 2 apart from its predecessor. The skits relentlessly explore mental health, family drama, and the ever-evolving search for self-identity, echoing Joyner’s journey from misunderstood kid to complicated adult.
“Kevin (Skit)” bites hard, representing the critics who want Joyner to “move on” from talking about his struggles—serving as both satire and social commentary. The “Denzel (Skit)” is a subtle call to growth and hope amid pain. Crucially, these skits bind the music together, letting the album feel like a true personal saga rather than just a playlist. They don’t let up; instead, they demand you pay attention to the album’s underlying questions about identity, stigma, and healing.
Track-by-Track Review
Let’s break down the tracks—here’s how they stack up:
I Wish I Knew: Fast-paced bars and a slick Snoop feature to introduce it. Energetic start to the album. 7/10
One Of Them: Joyner finds a perfect balance here—memorable hooks, sharp delivery. 8/10
Tear Me Down (feat. Ava Max): That Ava Max opening is magnetic, and Joyner matches the intensity with raw lyrics. A top-tier anthem. 8/10
The Way That I Am: Loved hearing Eminem set the scene before Joyner unleashes one of his most personal verses. 8/10
Riot: High energy and plenty of punch, but it can feel a little repetitive on replay. 7/10
Hate Me (feat. T-Pain): T-Pain throws it back with a retro hook that’ll stick in your head. Great chemistry. 7/10
White Noise: Strong intro and stellar production. Atmospheric and moody—a real highlight. 8/10
Butterfly Effect: The dreamy, layered intro draws you in, and the hook keeps you there. Joyner flexes his introspective side. 8/10
Anxiety Wins (feat. blackbear): Honest and vulnerable, with blackbear’s hook giving it an alternative edge. 7/10
New Sofas (feat. Ty Dolla $ign): The collaboration works well, and the more I listen to it, the better it gets. 8/10
Active (feat. Big Sean): Uplifting beat and chemistry between Joyner and Big Sean, even if it doesn’t quite stand out. 7/10
Time Is Money (feat. J Balvin, Fireboy DML, DaBaby): A global, feature-heavy anthem with infectious energy. 7/10
Listen To My Demo: Classic Joyner—witty, technically tight, and instantly replayable. 8/10
Momma (feat. Chris Brown): Emotional and powerful closer; Chris Brown’s hook is on point. 8/10
Standouts: “Tear Me Down,” “Butterfly Effect,” “White Noise,” and “Please Listen To My Demo” show off Joyner’s range—emotion, skill, and charisma, all in one package.
Summary
ADHD 2 is proof that Joyner Lucas’s growth over the past seven years was worth the wait. With bold storytelling, authentic skits, and a stellar mix of features, Joyner takes real creative risks—and most of them pay off. If you’re a fan of hip-hop that actually has something to say, gives you both bangers and real talk, and isn’t afraid to get vulnerable, this album deserves your full attention. Solid album – 7.5
Disclaimer – This review reflects my personal opinions and experiences with the album. No disrespect is intended toward the artists, producers, or fans. My intention is simply to share my perspective, and I appreciate that others may have different views.
The Life of J 