01.) “A Threat To The World” (Intro) 

02.) “Call 911” (4.5 out of 5)
Produced by Young Tre
This is an excellent way to kick-off the album. Ice Cube drops one of his hottest verses in quite sometime (which includes 2003’s best punch-line, “On 9-11 (September 11th) niggas got patriotic/On 9-12 I’m like *****-it nigga blaze the chronic!”). Mack 10 and WC also do justice to Young Tre’s epic production.

03.) “Potential Victims” (4 out of 5) 
Produced by Young Tre
Ice Cube, Mack 10 and WC once again spit fire over a simple (yet-effective) Young Tre production.

04.) “Gangsta Nation” (feat. Nate Dogg) (4.5 out of 5)
Produced by Fredwreck
Fredwreck continues his hot-streak by LACING Ice Cube, Mack 10 and WC with this organ-driven production. The only thing wrong with this track is that Ice Cube lacks his typical lyrical presence displayed on the two previous tracks. To say the least, Nate Dogg does what he does best.

05.) “Get Ignit” (3.5 out of 5) 
Produced by Ron Feemster
I wanted to give this track a rating of 4 due-to Ron Feemster’s outstanding production; which rivals the likes of Dr. Dre. But it’s difficult to overlook the below average lyrical performances by Ice Cube and WC (more-so WC). The somewhat annyoing hook also taints Feemster’s all-star production.

06.) “Pimp The System” (feat. Butch Cassidy) (4 out of 5) 
Produced by Pockets and Rashad Coes
The Gangsta, The Killa and The Dope Dealer all regain their lyrical swagger on this track. The average production of Pockets and Rashad Coes is easily overlooked thanks to Butch Cassidy’s catchy chorus.

07.) “Don’t Get Outta Pocket” (feat. K-Mac) (3.5 out of 5)
Produced by Young Tre
This track seems to be the opposite of “Get Ignit”. Ice Cube, K-Mac, Mack 10 and WC all deliver excellent verses, but the average production of Young Tre along with the below average hook are difficult to overlook.

08.) “Izm” (3 out of 5) 
Produced by Bruce Waynne and Dirty Swift There’s nothing special about this track other than Ice Cube’s somewhat above-average lyrical performance. In the end, the track is doomed due-to the average production and the GOD-AWFUL hook.

09.) “So Many Rappers In Love” (4.5 out of 5) 
Produced by Pockets and Rashad Coes
Back in 1998 the Westside Connection stood-up for the West Coast on “All The Critics In New York”. Well, they’ve done it once again with “So Many Rappers In Love”. All three MC’s spit-fire over the outstanding piano-driven production of Pockets and Rashad Coes.

10.) “Lights Out” (feat. Knoc-Turn’al) (5 out of 5) 
Produced by Damizza
You’ve all heard it, there’s no denying that one of the biggest hits to come out of the West Coast in 2003 is indeed, a classic. Ice Cube, Mack 10 and WC all flawlessly flow over Damizza’s HYPNOTIC production.

11.) “Bangin’ At The Party” (feat. The Hood) (2 out of 5) 
Produced by Sir Jinx and DJ Jamal
This is without a doubt the “skipper track” of the album. There aren’t any remotely decent verses on this mess of a production. The hook is also absolutly horrible. Do your sense of sound a favor and just skip this track.

12.) “You Gotta Have Heart” (3.5 out of 5) 
Produced by Bruce Waynne and Dirty Swift
Ice Cube drops a gem of a verse (although his flow seems a bit off on his first verse). Mack 10 and WC also drop nice verses. I think that if possibly Butch Cassidy or Nate Dogg had performed the hook it could have taken the track to that next level.

13.) “Terrorist Threats” (4 out of 5) 
Produced by Big Tank
WC drops what is arguably the hottest verse on the entire album. Ice Cube and Mack 10 also spit FIRE over the average production of Big Tank. This is quite possibly the hottest group lyrical performance on the album.

14.) “Superstar” (4.5 out of 5) 
Produced by Megahertz
Ice Cube drops another gem (“You number one with a bullet and you took it in the back/God Damn that nigga can rap!”). Mack 10 and WC also drop outstanding verses over the excellent production of Megahertz. The track’s only flaw is it’s slightly-annoying (yet catchy) hook.

In my opinion, “Terrorist Threats” is the Pride of the West Coast for the year 2003 (followed by albums from Yukmouth, Boo Yaa TRIBE and Roscoe). It’s solid production and (for-the-most-part) outstanding lyrics make it a MUST HAVE for ALL fans of Hip-Hop. Although the album may not measure up-to 1996’s undeniable classic “Bow Down”, it’s WITHOUT A DOUBT in your best interest to give it a listen. Make sure you get off your ass and go support the West Coast by purchasing “Terrorist Threats”! FINAL RATING: 4 out of 5

LUDACRIS – “Chicken-n-Beer” Released October 7th 2003 

01. Southern Fried Intro w/Eritza Laues, Tity Boi & Cypress Fluellen (3.55)
02. Blow It Out (4.05)
03. Stand Up w/Shawnna (3.33)
04. Rob Quarters SKIT (1.04)
05. Splash Waterfalls w/Sandy Coffee (4.50)
06. Hard Times w/MJG, 8 Ball, Misty & Carl Thomas (5.15)
07. Diamond In The Back (4.12)
08. Screwed Up w/Lil’ Flip & Misty (4.52)
09. T Baggin’ SKIT (0.53)
10. P-Poppin’ w/Shawnna, Lil’ Fate, Tasnhma Malik & Shakita Shabazz (4.49)
11. Hip Hop Quotables (3.09)
12. Black Man’s Struggle SKIT (0.35)
13. Hoes In My Room w/Snoop Dogg (4.39)
14. Teamwork (3.46)
15. Interactive SKIT (1.03)
16. We Got w/Chingy, 1-20 & Tity Boi (4.21)
17. Wyebrows Down w/Tity Boi & Dolla Boy (5.20) 

PRODUCTION: The Medicine Men (Ruh Anubis Yazid aka Mo.B Dick & KLC), DJ Nasty, LVM, Kanye West, Icedrake, DJ Paul, Juicy J, Zukhan Bey, Erick Sermon, Black Key, Ron Browz, Jook, Ludacris & Chaka Zulu.

BILLBOARD 2003 No.1
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 2003 No.1
The Billboard Hot 100 Singles 2003 No.1 “Stand Up”
Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles 2003 No.1 “Stand Up”
Hot Rap Tracks 2003 No.1 “Stand Up”
Top 40 Mainstream 2003 No.22 “Stand Up”

In the year 2000 the rap world was blessed with the new flavor and sound of Atlanta’s one and only Ludacris. As a local DJ on an Atlanta radio station he was later to become one of the first artists signed to Def Jam South as the veteran rapper Scarface had become part of the movement of Russell Simmon’s Def Jam to expand down to the Dirty South. After releasing his debut album in “Back For The First Time” and having success with tracks such as “What’s Your Fantasy” & The Neptunes produced “Southern Hospitality” Ludacris became a house hold name in the rap community. The year later he returned just as strong with 2001 “Word Of Mouf” as it struck the top of the charts with “Rollout” & “Move *****” he had now become the most known and most popular rap artist in the Dirty South. Ludacris released his third album in 2003 entitled “Chicken-n-Beer”. The album and single “Stand Up” hit The Billboard Charts at number 1. With the ability to rap at any pace and flow without skipping a beat this album was sure to be a highly anticipated LP as fans world wide waited anxiously for what was to be the best yet to come from Luda.

The production line up in this album ranges from Erick Sermon to The Medicine Men- KLC & Ruh Anubis Yazid aka:Mo.B Dick-mainly recognized for their days at Master P’s No-Limit Records a few years ago as “Beats By The Pound”. The content in this album is hillarious as expected by Ludacris, from non-stop laughter at his skits to comedic lyrics, this album shines with his full potential on every track. Ludacris continues to flaunt his high energy rapping skills and tongue twisting lyrics that make him the rap artist he is today.

The first single to come from the album “Stand Up” featuring Shawnna on the hook and produced by Kanye West is clearly a club bumper as it has a touch of Neptunes meets Luda beat to it. Ludacris destroys the microphone with his entertaining lyrics as the track keeps the clubs still jumpin’. The DJ Nasty & LVM produced “Southern Fried Intro” kicks off as one of the best tracks on the album, considering its only an intro, as Ludacris spits lyrics so fast your ears find it hard to keep up with the music. The slow mellow sound of “Splash Waterfalls”, which has a slight feel similar to the classic NWA hit “Just Don’t Bite It”, is a perfect example of Luda’s great talent as he raps about the two sides of Love, the “Make Love To Me” & “***** Me” sides, which is used in the songs lyrics. The lyrical talent is also showcased in beats such as “Blow It Out” & The Medicine Men produced “Screwed Up” featuring Lil’ Flip. The ryhthm in these songs is outstanding, as Luda raps about three rhymes and the sound of “Blow It Out Yo Ass” is belled out loudly throughout the song “Blow It Out” directed to all the haters- Luda even goes so far to mention Fox news personality Bill O’Reilly, who went against the rapper and labelled him as a “thug rapper” in relation to Pepsi wanting to use Luda as part of an ad campaign. The track “Screwed Up” also has the same ingredients as the words “***** YOU” are also used every three ryhmes.

The album is best described to be like a stand up comedy jam only just rapped as songs like the smooth “Hoes In My Room” with Snoop Dogg, about the groupies getting up in the room after the show..also mentions O’Reilly as the culprit, brings out the hilarious lyrics by not only Ludacris but also Snoop. The beat is excellent and its content once again is bound to have you in laughter along with the “T Baggin” skit, which is about having nutz on your head and an interesting “Rob Quarters” skit which opens haters to ask whether or not it is directed as a 50 Cent diss?. Not to forget the “Black Man’s Struggle” skit which is a dude struggling to take a shit on the toilet. The typical Ludacris Dirty South style the listeners have loved are all here as tracks such as “P- Poppin” makes you shake that ass and “Teamwork”, about threesomes produced by Black Key, keep the hyped up style Luda has always delivered in the past along with his raps/flow of course. Erick Sermon comes out to play on “Hip Hop Quotables” where Ludacris spits wild lyrics like an AK47 sprays bullets..pure deadly on a tasty Def Squad beat.

The Hypnotic Minds of DJ Paul and Juicy J also hit high on this album with Hypnotizing tracks such as “Diamond In The Back” & “We Got” featuring Chingy, 1-20 & Tity Boi rollin on a wild beat. “We Got” samples a unique coughing sample and is actually used quite good and it is truly one of the hardest beats on the album as Ludacris laces his own poison: “Swallow a hollow make em’ digest a 50 calibuur/ Your future not lookin’ so good tomorrow’s not on yo calenduur. Do away with the amateuurs they breathing too long/ I leave em’ coughin’ like the sound effects you hear in this song”. Some meaningful songs such as “Eyebrows Down” where Ludacris rhymes about his struggle from day one to be on top of his game are crazy beats and the consistent rap flow by Luda is breath taking literally…

Ludacris has delivered “Chicken-n-Beer” to be one of his best albums to date. The flow, the lyrics, the beats all are top notch. The amazing talent this rapper produces in this LP is definitely something alot of fans in the rap community don’t hear much of today. It’s amazing how he continues to rap so fast at times then switch to a slow flow with ease. Production was over the expectation mark making this album near classic with Ludacris showing off his spectacular skills in all aspects possible. The outcome of this album is that it was good to see after his third album he still can produce top quality albums and that he is on top of his game regardless of what the haters, such as Bill O’Reilly, have tried to do to him in the media. The Dirty South has come out with a true comedian who is one of the most entertaining rappers in along time who can rock the mic and still have skill while doing it all this time.

I give it 4/5

Borned in Bronx, NY, Willmatic chose to move to Cali back in 93 to pursue his goal to be a major rap act. Willmatic have been working with some big names in the industry, such as Ice T and the Syndicate crew, Trekan the Governer, Body Snatchas, The Silent Ones and he is now an active member of The Last Kind. Willmatic’s journey in Hip Hop has led him to perform in many locations across the United States as well as overseas in Korea and Japan. His Recent efforts in Hip Hop music has lead him to solo project called ”Sneak Preview” – an EP with six songs. I think it’ll be interesting to hear how influenced a NY rapper moving to LA will be from the both styles. Mega Lawce produced all tracks.

1. Intro

The intro seems to be taken from an interview. Willmatic’s talking about how he like the old late 80’s hiphop and how it’s inspiring him.

2. Surround surveillance

The album starts of with a nice, east coast inspired beat with Willmatic rapping about how you need to keep everyone and everything under surveillance since people and situations change. I really like Will’s flow on this one and he’s clearly outshining the beats even tho they’re nice too.

3. Boogie nights

Boogie nights is probably meant to be a party track considering the lyrics, but I wouldn’t say it’s a club banger. I’d say it’s more of a slow jam. Don’t get me wrong tho, I like the track. I’d rather bump it at home chilling than in the club tho. Willmatic’s once again lacing out real tight lyrics.

4. U and I

“U and I” is a love song. It’s very smooth and I’m definitely feeling it. The hook’s real catchy and Willmatic’s doing his thing over the tight beat. This is my favourite track so far.

5. Certifited assassins feat. Blackout & Doctor Hu

“Certifited assassins” is the only track with guests on it. Blackout and Doctor Hu are both doing nice verses that fits in with the style of the album perfectly. WIllmatic is once again spitting nice, battle-like, lyrics on the very tight east coast influenced beat.

6. Tru story (Ave)

The album’s finishing off with a track about things that has happened in Willmatic’s life. The beat’s real dark and that represent the things Will’s talking about well. I’d also say that this is the only West Coast influenced production. Very tight track.

“Sneak Preview” is a real tight album, but considering it only has 5 tracks the name itself speak for itself. This is a Sneak Preview of what we can expect from Willmatic in the future. I’m looking forward to hearing a full length album from him, but until that’s released this album will server as proof of what Willmatic can do on the mic – drop heat. I grade this album 3 out of 5. If it had 15 tracks with the same quality as these 5, I’d rate it higher.

01. I Call Shots w/Roscoe (4.23)
02. Loose Cannons w/Daz & Xzibit (2.23)
03. Who Ride Wit Us w/Daz & Bad Azz (4.21)
04. Represent Dat G.C w/Daz, Snoop, Soopafly, Tray Dee, Jayo Felony & Butch Cassidy (5.06)
05. Welcome Home w/Latoya (4.13)
06. Tequilla w/Niva, Daz & T-Moe of Goodie Mob (3.45)
07. Trylogy (2.15)
08. Neva Gonna Give It Up w/Warren G, Snoop, Nate Dogg, Tray Dee & Soopafly (4.45)
09. Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha w/Daz & Big Pimpin (4.08)
10. Ya Cant Trust Nobody w/Daz (2.52)
11. It Ain’t About You w/Soopafly, Tray Dee & Latoya (4.47)
12. Girls All Pause w/Nate Dogg & Roscoe (3.28)
13. Your Gyrl Friend w/Daz (4.07)
14. Ho’s A Housewife w/Dr Dre & Hitman (4.44)
15. I Ain’t Shit Without My Homeboyz w/Daz, Soopafly, Crooked I & Baby S (4.37)
16. Step Up w/Crooked I & Xzibit (4.53)
17. Live On The Mic w/Krs-One [Bonus Track] (5.28)
18. Callin Out Names [Hidden Track] (3.55)

PRODUCTION: Organized Noize, Daz, Blaqthoven, Fredwreck, Soopafly, Bink Dogg, Meech Wells, Dr Dre, Battlecat & Joe Marrone.

BILLBOARD 1999 No.31
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 1999 No.5
Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles 2000 No.62 “Girls All Pause”
Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles 2000 No.62 “Who Ride Wit Us”
Rhythmic Top 40 2000 No.21 “Who Ride Wit Us”

Born Ricardo Brown in Philadelphia in 1972, Kurupt (aka Young Gotti) one half of the infamous but now split Dogg Pound Gangstas returned in 1999 with his second solo album after leaving the highly successful Deathrow Records, which he has recently rejoined. After Kurupt’s first success solo album on Antra Records entitled “Kuruption” 1999 was clearly the year of the Dogg as all members of Tha DPG reunited as one along with former Deathrow artists such as Tray Dee & Dr Dre to bring us “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha”. With features on this album from not only the DPG members and production from the best in the game this was bound to catch the attention of all rap fans world wide.

After a hard couple of years off Deathrow Kurupt had finally launched himself as an official solo artist as many often, and still to date, associated him with his former partner in crime Daz Dillinger (aka Dat Nigga Daz).

In “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha” Kurupt delievers his best performance to date and the featured artists and production team perfectly produce a ground breaking album. Artists such as Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Soopafly, Daz & Dr Dre, already well known for their contribution to the game, all manage to perform to the best of their ability as you can see the full potential shine off all artists as they truely resurrected the DPG and Westcoast Gangsta rap which dominated the rap community for years. We are also introduced to Roscoe’s lyrical flow as he steps up to the stage with his big brother Kurupt and even find the odd callabo with Hip Hop’s Ol’ School Krs-One and Goodie Mob’s T- Mo.

The album is pure Westcoast bangin’ as tracks like Fred Wreck’s produced “Represent Dat G.C” features the enitire click from Snoop Dogg to Jayo felony. As each artist rips the mic apart Battlecat sings the hooks with the talk box, defining the typical G- Funk, DPG classics we all look forward to hearing, we are even hit with the famous and unforgetable “W Balls Radio” skit at the beginining.
Similar G- Funk songs such as Meech Wells’ “Neva Gonna Give It Up” with DPG and a side serving of Warren G is notibly a highlight in the album as Kurupt’s flow and performance with his fellow homies show his full potential along with the featured artists as they fit perfectly together on the beat. Nate Dogg continues the blows on the hook as he proudly sings “Im still a Dogg Pound nigga im Neva Gonna Give It Up…Never Gonna Give It Up”. The Soopafly production on beats such as “It Ain’t About You” & “Welcome Home” with Latoya, are also highlighted as the songs are laced with pure Soopa-doopa-fly flow and filled with Westcoast tweaks and synthesizers as only Priest knows best. Daz has also contributed to the production with hard classic DPG hits such as “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha” which offers Big Pimpin’ as he schools the listener about the streets with his smooth voice and pimped out slang, mostly remembered for his Pimp Preaching on Above The Rim’s “Big Pimpin”. Daz also uses a different style on “Loose Cannons” with Xzibit along with Kurupt as the rapping is done over a sample of NWA’s “Quiet On Tha Set” performed by MC Ren off the “Straight Outta Compton” album. Kurupt’s ability to lyrically perform and flow are excellent on these tracks and the production make Kurupt’s talent explode all over the album even more than usual.

Other bangin’ tracks included are Organized Noize’s “I Call Shots” with Roscoe & “Tequilla” with T-Mo from Goodie Mob, where Kurupt literally tears the beats to shreds. The blessing of the Dr Dre “Ho’s A Housewife” track also is spectacular as Kurupt again lyrically performs smoothly with non stop rhythm along with Hitman on his side. The club joint “Girls All Pause” produced by Bink Dogg with Nate Dogg has a catchy hook and Roscoe smooth sails out the beat with his brothers witty syle of rapping and flow. “Trylogy” also by Bink Dogg uses a classical sample of violins as Kurupt unites the East/West hardcore flow to the track to match the composer, which he performs with ease. The overlooked co-production and background vocals by Blaqthoven on a few songs is perfect as he has earned today the prevlidge to produce for artists such as Tha Realest, C-Bo & Eastwood.

For the Deathrow fans there are lyrical contests in tracks such as “I Ain’t Shit Without My Homeboyz” & “Step Up” as Kurupt goes one on one with the most talented lyricists on the album, besides himself and lil’ brother Roscoe, and that is Crooked I. Together with Daz, Kurupt’s ability to rap together with Crooked I is deadly and both artists spit venom as Kurupt blasts 100mph on “Step Up” “Terror starts, in the midst of your heart, starts/the storm, my vocals float like arts. In the mystic state of mind, when i create a rhyme/my microphone massacres every year the same time”. The lyrical content by Kurupt is extradionary and he has always shown lyrical talent along with the ambition to flow to any beat dropped on his ears from his debut on The Chronic. The album also has a special guest appearance by none other than Hip Hop’s Ol’ School flava of KRS-One on “Live On The Mic”, its good to see KRS with Kurupt putting the Ol’ & New school together in production aspect and in lyrical flow as well. The album also features a hidden track “Callin’ Out Names” produced by Fredwreck, which is directed at Kurupt’s beef at the time with DMX, Ruff Ryders and Murder Inc. The beat is funky and the words are hard to swallow as a lyrical master puts himself at the front line.

Kurupt has gone to extra lengths on this album to ignite DPG and his old homies from Deathrow Records and make this an album to remember. The production on this album was spectacular G- Funked with a tablespoon of DPG & the spices of Westcoast genius. Flow was on point as for the lyrics… well it should be used as a lyrical dictionary for upcoming rappers. To hear the DPG united on tracks laced with Fredwreck beats and other westcoast artists is rare today. To have four to five rappers all on the same dope beat is phenominal. The year of 1999 was obviously the highlight for the DPG as all artists returned on this album with a message… and that was to say WE BACK!. Kurupt had lead the way for the album and did an excellent job on it without a doubt. The album was more or less a highlight in DPG history as the coming together of all former associated artists after years was history itself. Kurupt had set high expectations with this album and they could of got away with calling it The Reunion, because thats what it was a reunion. The DPG has had its greatest moments in its past but “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha” would have to be on the top of the list. Kurupt has shown a stunning talent more than usual on this album and the production, features and lifetime of the tracks are fantastic. This was an album for all lovers of real rap and if you were a DPG, Westcoast or G- Funk fan this was a bonus by far. Kurupt aka Young Gotti had so much with DPG and it is a shame today the group is no longer together due to their differences. The hope for Kurupt on Tha Row is that the most interesting lyrics were between himself and Crooked I who is also on the same label…together they are a deadly combination of Westcoast thugs with the talent to tongue twist their way to the top.

RATING: 4/5

JA RULE – “Blood In My Eye” Released November 4th 2003 

01. Murder Intro (0.25) 
02. The Life w/Fatal, Ashanti & Caddillac Tah (4.35) 
03. Clap Back (4.56) 
04. The Crown w/Sizzla (3.45) 
05. Kay Slay- SKIT (0.18) 
06. Things Gon’ Change w/Black Child, Young Merc & DO Cannons/2 Punk Ass Quarters(4.01) 
07. Race Against Time II (3.53) 
08. Bobby Creep- SKIT (0.44) 
09. Niggaz & *****es (4.34) 
10. The Inc Is Back w/Shadow, Sekou, 720 & Black Child (5.22) 
11. Remo- SKIT (1.13) 
12. Blood In My Eye w/Fatal (2.25) 
13. It’s Murda FREESTYLE w/Fatal (3.36) 
14. The Wrap FREESTYLE w/Fatal (5.09) 

PRODUCTION: Irv Gotti, Blackout, Ja Rule, Rebel, Jimmy Kendrix, Scott Storch, Chink Santana The Gawd, Sekou & 720.

Born Jeffrey Atkins in Queens NY, Ja Rule as known to the rap community, has once again delivered an album for his fans only this time with a different approach. The year 2003 was very quite for Ja as his beef with new comer 50 Cent had escalated since 50’s debut with Shady/Aftermath Records & artists such as Dr Dre & Eminem were guiding him through the game. With talks for Ja Rule to keep low for six months until his next release it shows how the beef with 50 Cent had gotten to the young rapper & had left him without an option but to release “Blood In My Eye”. As Ja Rules beefs continued other rappers such as Benzino, Busta Rhymes & DMX had all had their share in contributing to the fire.

The fire shot out by Ja Rule in this album takes him back to his 1999 debut “Venni Vetti Vecci” as this new release compares to his early work as the Ja Rule we have heard for the last few years with chart hits with Ashanti, J- LO & Bobby Brown has suddenly disappeared and his gangsta, thuggish street raps have resurfaced. With production line tight as usual and Irv Gotti in control, Murder Inc has released a good but rushed album for revenge on all their disses. Most tracks from this album with out a doubt have at least some kind of diss in the lyrics, whether it is directed to 50 Cent, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Dr Dre, Proof or DMX, Ja has managed to take out his revenge on this album to full extent.

Tracks such as Scott Storch’s produced “Clap Back”, clearly aimed at Shady/Aftermath, have a Neptunes influence beat & Ja actually flows to the rhythm quite well as he usually does with catchy beats. The only downfall on this track is the delay as the song starts Ja tends to do his usual Murder shoutouts which get annoying on most of the album. Other highlight

tracks include “The Crown” which is an excellent beat, produced by Chink Santana The Gawd, followed by ruff rugged Ja Rule flows- show how Ja still has the potential to rap as a gangsta rapper, though the sample is a little messy on the hook.

Majority of tracks on this album such as “The Life” & “Race Against Time 2”, which was taken from the original on “Venni Vetti Vecci”, have good beats and Ja Rule does flow to the beats naturally though the songs are spoilt by his continous attempts to sing the hooks as if he were singing a song with Ashanti or J-Lo. All the beats are gangsta & its the only album since his first Ja has come hard, though he clearly fails on these beats to maintain his reputation for catchy hooks as demonstrated in his past albums. If Ja Rule concentrated on his lyrics and not his singing it would show improvement as his callabos with Fatal & other Inc artists show how the beats should be laced & thats gangsta rhymes to gangsta beats. It seems Ja is finding it hard in this album to control his singing & that is a major problem in this album along with his constant disses which begin to get old very quick.

The album still has tracks which Ja Rule tears to shreds such as “Niggaz & *****es” another Neptunes influenced beat by Blackout. In this track he uses a sample of Junior Mafia’s “Players Anthem” for the hook and his flow is at its best in one of a few bumpin songs, in turn Ja’s rapping does work very well with this style of production. Also “The Inc Is Back” has an excellent beat & features artists such as Shadow, Black Child & 720 who all flow lyrically with straight gangsta shit.

Ja Rule has also used alot of reference to the late Tupac Shakur alot as he clearly uses 2pac as an influence throughout the album with quotes from Pac’s “Hail Mary” on “Race Against Time 2” Ja sings on the hook “Ride Ride-dada Ride-da Ride-da daa” & mentions how 2pac was the greatest & how no one could feel his pain. Ja Rule also associates himself with Fatal, most famous for being a member of 2pac’s Outlawz, he is featured on alot of tracks, though only raps on about three which two were released previously as retailiation to 50 Cent disses, which is also disappointing. Another issue is Ja Rule referring to M.I.B (Murder Inc Boss’) as 2pac referred to M.O.B (Money Over *****es etc) now the album is clearly for revenge on Ja’s disses in the past but he has been critisized about being a so called “2pac bitter” by 50 Cent & others so he has added fuel to his beef with making an album strictly used for disses & reference and lyrics associated with 2pac, which does not make any sense.

The extra freestyle tracks “Its Murda” originally from “Venni Vetti Vecci” with Jay-Z & DMX is used as a diss with Fatal replacing the original line up & “The Wrap” which contains Mobb Deep’s “Learning Burn” instrumental has shown Ja rule has clearly struggled with this album from the very beginning and needs to think about whether he wants to continue the previous chart callabo’s, which were all catchy songs or pursue his gangsta personna.

This album had some quite good production & Ja Rules potential to lyrically flow gangsta was all there. The album is ruined by his habit of singing on hooks, using 2pacs lyrics in certain songs & concentrating on all his beefs. Ja was better off releasing a mix tape than an album as he had more disses to express than his usual music talent, which makes this album very disappointing for all Ja Rule & rap fans. The album has been a combination of gangsta rap & chart singing done by Ja in his last few years, which proved success for him with

hits such as “Thug Lovin” & “Livin It Up”. Ja Rule has great potential to be gangsta when he wants to & his beats are all there for him it is just a matter of getting his mind straight & concentrating on music not solely on dissing & singing hooks as much- isnt that what Ashanti is paid to do. Ja Rule will learn from this album & due to his frustration & fans questioning him about 50 Cent disses & come backs it feels Ja was pushed to rush the album as he has much more talent than this album no doubt.

Rating based on previous albums all aspects from lyrics to production, potential & set backs.

Rating 2.5/5

Jay Z is without a doubt one of HipHop´s greatest. All the way through his 7 years long career he has set various trends, released a lot of hit singles and flooded the market with 8 solo Albums (not counting his Best of both worlds project with R.Kelly) . 14th of November all this comes to an end, that’s the date Jiggas 9th and last Album The Black Album drops. On this album he comes with no guest spots and a good mixture of Hip Hop`s star-producers as well as some refreshing newcomers on the beat.

1. Interlude (Produced by Just Blaze) 

This Intro is very unusual for a Jay Z album, unlike most of the time Jigga doesn´t drop a verse, it’s just a kinda strange beat played over a long sample from a movie. Sounds like something Common would have done for one of his albums. It does indeed sound dope… but I really waited for another The Ruler´s Back (Blueprint Intro). No rating

2. December 4th (Produced by Just Blaze) 

December 4th is the first actual song on this album, Jigga talks about himself growing up and his life before entering the music business. The special thing about this track is that Jay Z’s mother talks about her son on the intro to every verse and he works her words in his lyrics. The concept works very well to me and Hova comes quite nice with his lyrics. Just Blaze did a good job with the beat too which makes this a very good song, tight way to start the album off.Rating : 4.5/5

3. What more can I say (Produced by the Buchanans) 

This song starts with a sample from the Movie “Gladiator” followed by 3 verses in which Jay Z explains himself and touches on some things that have been said about him. He also talks to the people that call him a biter for constantly having Biggie lines in his verses, I´m not a biter/I´m a writer/for myself and others/I say a BIG verse I´m only biggin up my brother/Biggin up my borough/ I´m big enough to do it/I´m that thoro/ plus I know my own flow is foolish is all he has to say to shut these acusers up. The Buchanans are new producers to me but they really caught my attention with this hot beat, let´s see what else we´re going to hear from them.
Rating 4/5

4. Encore (Produced by Kanye West) 

Kanye West and Jay Z allways fit together extremly well but this song is not just another great Jay/Kanye song but also one of the Black Album`s highlights and maybe even Kanye West´s best beat up to this day. Jigga talks about various things (including some of the usual self-praising) over some extremly sick horn samples. Jigga´s delivery, one of his strengths as usual, is on point and his lyrics are very entertaining. This song is definitely a gem
Rating: 5/5

5. Change Clothes (Produced by the Neptunes)

Here we have the Black Album`s first single, one of two Neptuns beats on it Change clothes has a real mellow beat, unfortunately it also sounds a little boring and just doesn´t strike me like the previous beats on the Black Album. Jigga´s lyrics aren´t actually striking either, his verses are not really bad but nothing special really. The worst about this song is the hook which is done by Pharell … this whole track just sounds like a “Excuse me Miss pt.3” . Worst song to me
Rating ; 2.5/5

6. Dirt off your shoulder (Produced by Timbaland) 

After the first let down on the Album I´m happy to hear Timbo deliver one of his best beats in a while. A song with this beat, jigga´s flow and a tight hook like this should be a guaranteed hit. Jay Z brings back his pimpin on this songs and it works extremly well. Another banger !
Rating : 5/5

7. Threat (Produced by 9th Wonder) 

Hip Hop´s newest uprising Producer 9th Wonder (from the Justus League Camp) sampled R.Kelly´s “A Woman`s Threat” for this song and made a good beat for his first appereance on a major LP. On the intro of Threat Cedric the Entertainer does some shit talking , which doesn´t really fit the track in my opinion. Jigga´s lyrics go in the same direction, it´s a random shit talk track that contains a lot of hot lines. I´m not to sure with this song.. eventhough I actually liked it, it´s still not as good as a lot of other songs on this Album.
Rating : 3.5/5

8. Moment of clarity (Produced by Eminem) 

Moment of clarity deals with Jigga´s career and his views on the industry. Jigga also talks about his father in the first verse. The violin sample makes this a very good Eminem beat , to me it seems like Em has stepped his production-game up during the last few months he´s becoming a quiet good producer. Jay Z brings the heat once again, he has some hot lines and talks a lot of real talk on this song. With If Skills sold/Thruth be told/ I´d probly be/lyrically Talib Kweli/truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense he gives us insight on why he allways had to release some poppy singles and states that he really is into real hiphop music. Very tight song , the Black Album seems to be living up the expectations.
Rating : 5/5

9. 99 Problems (Produced by Rick Rubin) 

This is a very entertaining track with a crazy beat. Rick Rubin used guitar samples to make this beat, which makes this song really rockish. Jay Z graced the track with an absolutly creative flow that sounds old school as hell. His bragging lyrics (the 2nd verse is ill) came on point too. Rick Rubin should really produce more hiphop beats again. This is just another standout track.
Rating : 5/5

10. Public Service Announcement (Produced by Just Blaze) 

The third Just Blaze produced Song on the Black Album appears to be the interlude to the last part of the album. Just Blaze used the same sample as Black Moon’s “Stay Real” for this one, the whole beat sounds very similar to this. Still this is a tight beat. Jigga doesn´t fail to spit some hot shit on this one either, his flow is just crazy on this dark beat. Very tight but very short song.
Rating : 4.5/5

11. Justify my thug (Produced by DJ Quik) 

Here we have the long awaited Dj Quik beat for the Black Album. Well, I was pretty excited hearing about the Westcoast allstar-producer being on there, but I have to say that I´m slightly dissapointed with his effort. The beat really isn´t wack, but I hoped Quik would have one of the standout songs, atleast beat wise that didn’t happen. The lyrics Jigga laced on the song can´t really safe it either, like the track title implies, the song is just about bragging and justifiyng his gangsta. Jigga did this job well…still this random gangsta talk can´t hang with the rest of this album. This track is solid at best.
Rating : 3/5

12. Lucifer (Produced by Kanye West) 

Here comes Mr. Kanye West (Check for his Album “College Dropout” in january 2004 !) again, just like Encore this is a great beat, Kanye marks his place as one of the best current Hip Hop producers in the game. Jigga rides this beat with just another tight flow and as usual he spits heat. It´s really a blessing for Hip Hop that these two (Jay and Kanye) found eachother, this combo brought us some great music.
Rating : 5/5

13. Allure (Produced by the Neptunes) 

Just like Kanye West and Just Blaze (not counting the Intro) the Neptunes made 2 Tracks for Jay Z´s last album. While the other 2 delievered some serious heat the Neptunes had the only bad track on the Black Album so far. Just likeChange clothes and go this beat is really laid back, but this time it works. Jigga softened his flow for this song and tells us about his life , this could be Jigga’s most personal Album ever, it wouldn´t be a Jay Z album though if there wasn´t some bragging going on. The Neptunes/JayZ collabos didn’t let us down twice this time!
Rating : 4/5

14. My 1st Song (Produced by Aqua) 

This might be the last Jay Z song we`ll ever hear (eventhough I really doubt it !) : It starts of with an old Biggie snippet of Biggie talking about “staying hungry” (don’t laugh!). Then you get Jigga spitting an incredible flow for this beatiful beat ! Aqua’s beat as well as Jay’s lyrics make this a good ending for the album. To make sure it´s the end of his Album, better yet the end of his career as an MC, Jigga gives shout outs to some of his friends and industry people at the end of My 1st Song. Nice ending for a nice album !
Rating : 4.5/5

Jay Z promised us one of his best albums ever, and the Black Album really is ! Great album full of bangers, even if you ain’t into Jigga’s music usualy you’d surely find some songs that you would like, everybody will find different favorites on the Black Album. The album seems well structured from beginning to end and even the few let downs fit into the tone of the album. Jigga didn’t focus on hot lines and methapors on this Album but trys to give us insight on his thoughts on personal and public things, mix that with his tight flows (and he really doesn’t have just one) and some tight production work : a great album is what you get. This would be a worthy end for Jay Z’s career, if this really is his last album. I don’t know what will happen in the future… but for now Pain in da Ass said it best on Vol.3 : So.. five ten years from now : You’re gonna wish there was American Commision , Five ten years from now…They’re gonna miss Jay-Z

Album Rating : 4.5/5

MACK 10 – “Bang Or Ball” Released December 4th 2001 

01. Intro (0.50) 
02. Hate In Yo Eyes (5.13) 
03. Let The Thugs In The Club w/Lil Wayne & BG (4.54) 
04. So Serious w/The Big Tymers (5.08) 
05. Connected For Life w/Ice Cube, WC & Butch Cassidy (4.23) 
06. Dominoes- SKIT (0.58) 
07. That ***** Is Bad w/The Big Tymers (5.03) 
08. Do The Damn Thing (5.06) 
09. King Pin Dream w/Mikkey & The Big Tymers (5.08) 
10. Work (4.21) 
11. No Dick- SKIT (1.02) 
12. No Dick At All w/Skoop Delania & E-40 (4.45) 
13. Mathematics (4.15) 
14. Let It Be Known w/Scarface & Xzibit (4.39) 
15. Announcement- SKIT (0.52) 
16. We Can Never Be Friends w/The Big Tymers, Lac & Stone (5.21) 
17. Dog About It w/BG (4.55) 
18. Murder w/Turk & The Big Tymers (4.11) 

PRODUCTION: Dr Dre, Mannie Fresh, Ron, QD III

BILLBOARD 2001 No.48
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 2001/2002 No.4
Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles No.98 “Hate In Yo Eyes”

Born D’Mon Rolison in Inglewood California Aug 9 1971, Mack-10 (aka) Mack-one-o, has proved to be one of the future artists representing the Westcoast to date. From his debut self titled album in 1995 to his Westside Connection days with Ice Cube & WC till his debut album under a new label who were dominating the rap game at the time “Cash Money Records”.

As his Hoo- Bangin Records was slowly fading Mack-10 had decided to make the move down to the dirty south, similar to Snoop Dogg’s move to No Limit Records, in 2001 as he felt his career had plunged after his last albums “The Recipe” & “Paper Route” failed to get full recognition. Now where else would you go to get back on top…well the niggas who are on top, & that happened to be the Cash Money Millionaires, who were also looking to expand on the Westcoast. After sealing a deal with Cash Money Records, Mack-10 didn’t hesitate in releasing his first album with the Southerners titled “Bang Or Ball”. The title itself explains what the album is all about & that’s Money, Hustling, Hoo – Bangin, Sex, Drugs & Ballin.

With the first hit single “Hate In Yo Eyes” produced by one of today’s finest, Dr.Dre, Mack-one-o slowly emerged again onto the Westcoast & even the down South scene as Dre was also on top of his game at the time. The track samples the Bee Gees “Stayin Alive” and Dr Dre does a great job in placing down the beats as usual. Mack-10 flows with his typical street smart approach on this track even more so on the entire album.

As part of the Cash Money line up, Mannie Fresh shows his true talent as a producer as his experiment to mix South with West shows how good of a producer he really is and the potential he has. Mannie Fresh somehow manages to pull off a South/West production with genius and in return Mack-10 flows to the tracks perfectly and sounds at home with his new Millionaires. Songs such as “Let The Thugs In The Club” and “That ***** Is Bad” featuring Lil Wayne & other Cash Money Millionaires bring out Mack-10’s real talent as he easily dominates the tracks lyrically compared to his new young family.

Amazingly Mannie Fresh has pulled some great Westcoast beats with a touch of Bling Bling Cashmoney style on this album with bangin tracks such as “Connected For Life” where Mack-10 callabo’s with his old Westside Connect gang Ice Cube & WC. The feel is great in this song making it one of the best tracks on the album and with a hook performed by Butch Cassidy this makes this song a must have. Mack-10 gets his flow on in traditional Cashmoney style as Juvenille did with his hit “Ha” spitting: “Dope money & rappin im all wit IT/And all i know is the streetz so thats how i spit IT, Chicken Hawk see a bird then i gotta get IT/So if yo hood came up short then i probably did IT”.

Other tracks recognized for excellence in West/South production by Fresh are “King Pin Dream” a track about moving weight told in only as a story like tale as Mack-10 can do featuring new Cash Money Millionaire Mikkey who is very talented lyrically, a hilarious track “No Dick At All” with a smooth rap by Skoop Delania & bay area rapper E-40 who tongue twists, as usual, about lesbians in this song as the hook kicks: “She said she don’t wont no dick at all, She said she rather lick a ***** than balls”. Highlights by other producers include Ron who puts together “Work” a true Westcoast California beat & the duo of Scarface & Xzibit on QD III produced “Let It Be Known”.

As the album heads towards the end you can feel the lack of creativity as Fresh struggles to deliver, unlike his first half, as poor beats like “Murder” & “Dog About It” start to drive the listener away with disappointment.

Overall the production by Mannie Fresh is excellent & Mack-10 has lyrically adapted to his new family with ease as he clearly stands out with his hoo-bangin rhymes which over power the young Cash Money Millionaires. Mack-10 has clearly showed he can adapt and Fresh had returned the favour with his producing talent, which stunned critics. With tracks like this Mack-10 can rest knowing his name had resurfaced more than Snoop’s when he attempted to adapt with the South style with Master P. Mack-10 though does belong in the Westcoast and needs to return home to continue chicken hawkin as he once ruled supreme in Inglewood.

RATING: 3/5

JAY-Z – “Reasonable Doubt” Released June 25th 1996 

01. Cant knock The Hustle w/Mary J Blige (5:17) 
02. Politics As Usual (3:41) 
03. Brooklyn’s Finest w/ Notorious B.I.G (4:36) 
04. Dead Presidents II [New Lyrics] (4:27) 
05. Feelin It w/Mecca (3:48) 
06. D’Evils (3:31) 
07. 22 Two’s (3:29) 
08. Can I Live (4:10) 
09. Ain’t No Nigga w/Foxxy Brown (4:03) 
10. Friend Or Foe (1:49) 
11. Coming Of Age w/Memphis Bleek (3:59) 
12. Cashmere Thoughts (2:56) 
13. Bring It On w/Big Jaz & Sauce Money (5:01) 
14. Regrets (4:34) 
15. Can’t Knock The Hustle [Fools Paradise] w/Meli’sa Morgan (4:46) 

PRODUCTION: DJ Premier, Clark Kent, Big Jaz, Irv Gotti, Ski, Knowbody & Damon Dash

Billboard 1996 No.23 (Album)
Billboard 1997 No.70 (Album)
Hot Rap Singles No.7 “Can’t Knock The Hustle”

Born Shawn Carter in Marcy Projects of Brooklyn NY Dec 4 1970, Jay-Z, as we know him as Jigga introduced himself to the game with his debut “Reasonable Doubt” in mid 1996. With tracks like “Can’t Knock The Hustle” & “Ain’t No Nigga” hittin charts back in the day. Jay-Z introduces himself in this album as the smooth hustler from Brooklyn NY rapping about the struggle in the hustle, money, and rising to the top.

DJ Premier laces a few tracks with his typical Gangstarr sound with scratch samples on the Eastcoast deep flow of “D’Evils” where Jigga flows that NY style which many believe compare to Nas’ “Illmatic”. Jiggas features include artists who were rookies in the game & you can hear rappers like Foxxy Brown on “Aint No Nigga” bust her rhymes hungry to break through the game as Big Jaz laced the track wit a sample of “Seven Minutes Of Funk” by The Whole Darn Family.

“Cant Knock The Hustle” with Mary J Blige blows up and gives you that Brooklyn style funk as she sings on the hook and Jig flows naturally to the beat “Factions from the otherside would love to kill me, spill 3 course of my blood/into the street let alone & heat, *****’em”. Another soulful beat is “Dead Presidents II” where Jig raps about the paper chase & the hustle he been through, with production by Ski on this track you can see the classic of this track grow once again even today.

The controversial “Brooklyn’s Finest” produced by DJ Clark Kent & co-produced by Damon Dash featuring BIG causes confusion with 2pac fans to whether or not it is aimed as a dis as BIG spits “Who Shot Ya” and “If Faith had twins she would have two pacs..get it 2..pacs” the beat is a nice old school sampled beat along with most the production, which became a typical sound on Roc-A-Fellas tracks into the future. This album most recognized for Jiggas hustle like flow & his ability to blend with the old school beats spiced up showed critics how a young nigga from the projects can rock the mic and represent his city.

All his features are all new comers to the game & you can hear there efforts to spit lyrically as Memphis Bleek raps crazy on “Coming Of Age” and Sauce Money tears the mic on “Bring It On”. Irv Gotti, Murder Inc, even has his share of production on tracks like “Can I Live” & “Cant Knock The Hustle Remix” which are not top highlights on the album as they pump out the same kind of style other NY niggas were doin back in 96 & start to sound alike.

With his Scarface influences i see how Jigga tried to break through just like Scarface wanted to do, make a name for himself, which he did. All production is pretty tight apart from a short track “22 Two’s” a short talented freestyle though “Friend Or Foe” which lacked room for Jigga to bust & “Feelin It” which people were’nt feelin as Mecca’s hooks were not in place. This album was bumpin back in the day & you can still hear these tracks today & bop your head to most of them especially real rap lovers of all styles.

This debut album by Jay-Z would have to be one of his best even though rap was different in 96, lyrically he tore the mic as he comes across cool & calm & he had an excellent flow as his rappin purified the tracks. Production was good as long as Jay could flow to the beat & callabos were hungry niggas wanting to make a name for themselves…..a bumpin eastcoast album which cleared the way for fellow Brooklyn rappers & one of NY’s best rap albums of the 90’s..Hard to rate but here go….

RATING: 4/5

G-Unit is a group consisting of superstar 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and Young Buck. 50 Cent’s album “Get rich or die trying” was a huge success for him and his Shady/Aftermath camp. Expectations have been high and G-Unit has gotten a lot of fans anticipating their album. Tony Yayo’s in jail and 50 Cent previously stated that they won’t use a lot of old verses from him, so I’m guessing he won’t be on too many tracks.

1. G-Unit

The album starts off with a track titled after the group itself. The beat’s cool and Young Buck does the first verse well. When 50 Cent’s kickin’ in on the second verse, he’s trying some fast kind of rap and he seems to have problems keeping up with the beat… Lloyd Banks is spittin some ncie rhymes on the third verse. It’s a nice track overall.

2. Poppin them tags

“G-Unit” is followed up by a “Poppin Them Tags”, a real tight track and definitely single material. The beat’s west coast inspired with an electric guitar and some other instruments over it. Young Buck, Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent are dropping verses. I guess we won’t hear too much of Tony Yayo on this album…

3. My buddy

When Def Jam lied about NWA being inspired by “Scarface”, they could’ve just used G-Unit instead. They’re using a Scarface sample to start off this track. The beat’s simple with some chorus stuff going on in the backround. It’s a cool track but nothing special.

4. I’m so hood

“I’m So Hood” is on some fruity loops shit. Swizz Beatz didn’t produce the track but it sounds like his kind of production. The hook’s probably catchy and everything but honestly, this track is wack.

5. Stunt 101

“Stunt 101” is the first single of this album and you’ve probably heard it and seen the video. It’s a nice track but it’s no “In Da Club”. The beat’s real tight and the group members dropping tight verses.

6. Wanna get to know you

After hearing “Wanna get to know you”, it’ very obvious that Young Buck’s from the south and the other 2 rappers from the east coast. I knew it before listening to this track, but this is a perfect example of how you can hear the difference. This Slow Jam would suck if it wasn’t for Young Buck who’s on the first verse. Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent are boring on this one.

7. Groupie love

This track is an other, kind of slow track with cool verses and okay production. It’s nothing special, but at the same time not a wack track. Tony Yayo, 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks are on the verses.

8. Better ask somebody

At this point, I’m very disappointed in this album. 50 Cent’s solo album “Get rich or die trying” had some bangers and real good production right through while this album is filled with fillers.

This track’s having some nice verses but production’s weak, making the verses seem weaker than they really are. Young Buck is again spicing the track up to an average level.

9. Footsteps

“Footsteps” is a Young Buck solo track with 50 Cent on the hook. The hook’s wack and the production is weak. Young Buck, the least anticipated G-Unit member to drop a solo album, is showing the world why they should anticipate his solo album.

10. Eye for an eye

“Eye for an eye” has a tight beat. Unfortunately Lloyd Banks ruin it on the first verse. I used to like Lloyd Banks but he’s just boring on this track. Young Buck’s trying to save the track on verse two but he’s unsuccessful. At the time 50 Cent’s kickin’ in, the track’s already doomed.

11. Smile

This tracks production sounds kinda like “21 Questions”, but it’s not as good. Lloyd Banks’s doing most of the lyrical content and he’s making a decent effort.

12. Baby you got

What’s up with these slow tracks? 50 Cent didn’t gain his fame by doing slow jams, so why is he filling an album with them? This track is just like the previous tracks so there’s not much to say. Only difference might be that this one’s even worse. Once again, Young Buck’s the only highlight. The hook’s ok too.

13. Salute you

Finally a good beat! This is in the “Symphony in X major” style. Young Buck and Lloyd Banks are each doing good verses. 50’s on the hook. Tight track!

14. Beg for mercy feat. Dr Dre

They should’ve released this as the first single instead of “Stunt 101”. Dr Dre on the track means Dr Dre on the production. Dr Dre on the production means heat! G-Unit need a good producer to back them up or their music won’t be nothin’ special. They’ve got the production on this track and that makes them able to shine on the lyrical part of the track too. Even Lloyd Banks sound tight over this.

15. G’d up

This track’s an other example of how G-Unit need good production to back them up. The production on “G’d up” is tight and for some reason that makes G-Unit’s flow better. The album’s definitely improved on the later part of it.

16. Lay you down

“Lay you down” is another slow track, but a tight one! Young Buck’s doing the longest verse and he’s doing it very good. 50 Cent hasn’t been shining as much as one might’ve expected from him on this album. As on most other tracks, he’s doing the hook on “Lay you down”.

17. Gangsta shit

“Gangsta shit” is a nice track. 50, Young Buck and Lloyd banks are flowing over an up-tempo beat and they’re doing it very good. If it wasn’t for these last tracks, I’d be very, very disappointed with this album.

18. I smell *****

The last track of the album starts off with 50 Cent dissing Irv Gotti and Ja Rule of Murder INC. This Sam Sneed produced track is a nice way to finish of the album.

“Beg For Mercy” is a nice album. It’s got some tight tracks like “Poppin them tags”, “Beg for mercy”, “G-d up”, “Lay you down” and “Gangsta shit”. It’s also got weak tracks like “I’m so hood”, “Groupie love”, “Smile” and “Baby you got”. The production was the key when 50 Cent became an overnight superstar with “In da club” and the rest of his first album on Shady Records, and production’s the reason for this album to be weak as most of the production is average or below average. Because of the tight tracks listed before, I will rate this album 3 out of 5. It’s an average album but probably a disappointment for the G-Unit fans. One thing this album made me do was to anticipage a Young Buck debut album more than any other group members album.

When I first bought this album, I didn’t know what to expect. Could he match the intensity and quality of ”AMERIKKA’S MOST WANTED” and with him growing with age, plus his newer movie commitments, I really wanted to see if he would deliver on this album. Read on to find out…

1. Hello 

Length: 3:54
Featured Artists: Dr Dre, MC Ren.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

‘Hello’ has a good production, and really gives you hopes that this album is going to be bangin’. Nice verses by all three former NWA members, but after 2 or 3 times of listening to it, starts to bore you.

2. Pimp Homeo (Skit) 

Length: 0:37
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 1 / 5

This is funny skit about some ***** being pimped, listen once then skip.

3. You ain’t gotta lie(to kick-it) 

Length: 4:08
Featured Artists: Cris Rock.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Tight track, tight production, but like ‘hello’ it bores you after a while. Listen couple times them skip.

4. The Gutter Shit 

Length: 4:31
Featured Artists: Jayo Felony, Gangsta, Squeek Rule
Track Rating: 5 / 5

In my opinion this is the best track on the whole album. Sick Beat, All four spittin’ hard. Gangsta Lyrics.

5. Supreme Hustle 

Length: 4:24
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Another boring track, this is just Cube talkin’ about himself the whole way through. But on first listen it’s aight.

6. Mental Warfare (skit) 

Length: 1:04
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 2 / 5

Once again, a skit. They’re shit why bother? This one sounds like some racing cars going past; they’re at a track Cube talks some shit, Skip.

7. 24 Mo’ Hours 

Length: 3:29
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Aight, now we’re talking again. This track features a wild-ass beat and some nice vocals by Cube. Nice tack indeed

8. Until We Rich 

Length: 4:16
Featured Artists: Krayzie Bone.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Now this is your sensitive Ice Cube, rappin’ seriously showing that he can handle any type of track. Although i respect what he attempted to do with the track, its like R&B’sh, I despise R&B, but that’s just my opinion.

9. You Can Do It 

Length: 4:21
Featured Artists: Ms. Toi, Mack 10.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Now we’re bangin’ again! Wild-ass beat and tight verse, makes you wanna grab the blunt and brew.

10. Mackin’ & Drivin’ (Skit) 

Length: 0:29
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 1 / 5

Damn Cube, Skits man! No need for a description, read the title.

11. Gotta Be Insanity

Length: 4:02
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

I’m not much of a fan of the production, but tight verses. Average Track.

12. Roll All Day 

Length: 3:18
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Decent beat, nice verse. Only worth an average rating though.

13. Can You Bounce? 

Length: 3:55
Featured Artists: Jay-Z.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

I’m not usually fan of beats like these, but they did a wild job on this one. Wild-ass verses also. Lovin’ It! Features a Jay-Z Sample.

14. Dinner With The CEO (Skit) 

Length: 0:51
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 1 / 5

For ***** Sakes. Read the title once again.

15. Record Company Pimpin’ 

Length: 4:48
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Smart Track, Nice production and verses, Bit slow but it suits the track.

16. Waitin’ To Hate 

Length: 3:40
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 5 / 5

Aight, now we’re cruisin’. Wild Track; production; verses. You’ll love it.

17. Nigga Of The Century 

Length: 4:16
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 2 / 5

Yeah the little kid is cute Cube, stop talking about yourself. Quality though, nice production.

18. You Can Do it (Instrumental) 

Length: 4:21
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: -See Number 9.

Make your own raps to this one.

Aight. I’ve just finished listening to one hour and thirty-four minutes of Ice Cube talking about him self. Its only the few bangin’ tracks that saved this album from being wack as *****. Its repetitive, bores you. As I stated up top, only average, 2 / 5.