Gas prices are going up, employment rates are going down and like Young Jeezy says on “Crazy World”, a new track from his latest album The Recession (CTE/Def Jam), the only thing consistent in these turbulent times is the influx of bills. Sure, the Snowman raps about wanting a new Bentley, but his list of must-haves include a few items that are more life-or-death matters than simple fresh-to-death materialism.
As Jeezy pointed out in his interview with VIBE (August, 2008), the rapper actually had to pay for a vocal cord surgery out of his own pocket. Though he didn’t remember what type of surgery it was, he did remember this: “I ain’t have no insurance, and I had to go in and pay cash…I had a bag when I went in there. A big sack of money.”
VIBE.com dissected the second verse of Jeezy’s “Crazy World” (click here to listen) and did a little math to see how hard these times really are for a trap-star-turned-rap star.
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Expense: “Tryin’ to pay the light bill (light bill)/phone bill ”
Approximate Costs: $50-$330/per month; $70/per month
Based on an unscientific survey of ATL’s finest (read: asking people we know), an energy bill compliments of Georgia Power could have a customer like Jeezy coughing up anything from $50 a month for a two-bedroom apartment to $220-$330 a month for a 1,200 square foot home.
As for the phone bill - Boost Mobile, the phone carrier Jeezy endorses, has an unlimited talk, text and web plan, which would mean he’s forking over about $70 per month.
Expense: “Plus my granny's nerve pills”
Approximate Costs: $55.95
It’s possible the Snowman is referring to medication appropriate for someone suffering from a nerve disorder like diabetic neuropathy. Keep in mind, however, that Jeezy suggests he could probably use a dose or two of the meds, so we’ll assume he’s referring to anxiety-reducer Xanax. If the former trap star can wrangle up some Internet access, then a 60-day supply of Xanax (.05 mg) can be had for $55.95. That’s without insurance.
Expense: “I want a new Bentley”
Approximate Costs: $180,000
We’re going to assume when Jeezy says he wants a new Bentley, he means the 2008 Continental GT Coupe. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for that whip is a hefty $175,990. Keeping that ride clean: Carnetts car wash in Atlanta advertises it’s “The Works: Wash & Buff-n-Shine” special at $39.99 with a coupon.
Expense: “My auntie need a kidney…”
Approximate Costs: Surgery, $25,000 - $150,000; Post producedure expenses, $700-$2,000/per month
Interestingly enough, the price tag on a kidney transplant, according to the website for Emory University’s Emory Healthcare center in Atlanta, is less damaging to the pockets than the aforementioned Bentley.
The actual kidney procedure ranges from $25,000 to $150,000, but factor in post-procedure medication for kidney transplant patients, and the costs start to make the new Bentley seem like a bargain. Numbers do vary depending on insurance coverage.
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The Bottom Line: Over $200,000
The grand total for Jeezy’s “Crazy World” shopping list is at least over $200,000. Ax the Bentley, and the bill is still weighed down by a maximum of $150K needed to pay for just the kidney procedure.
Fortunately Jeezy has a successful album career he can fall back on. But the question remains: If even rappers are burdened by the costs of health care on top of everyday necessities, how can the less wealthy and seriously ill deal with the cost of staying alive? When you add it all up, you understand why Jeezy says this world is crazy.
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