1. Vans
This is different, and that’s not a bad thing at all. The beat is fingers snapping, with a drum added in the background. Simple, yet catchy. See, music doesn’t have to be complicated. The Pack rap about their love of Vans(The shoes), and honestly, this subject matter is something that needs to happen more. Nice starting track. Good.

2. I’m Shinin’
This is more of a party track, complete with bouncy beat. It’s catchy, but it’s a track that has a short shelf life. I honestly just don’t care for the chorus, and find it a bit annoying. Bad singing is one thing, but bad singing filled with cliche’s is a whole new level of annoying. Yea, this was just sort of there. Average.

3. Ride My Bike
If you can’t understand what this title means, then you must be naive. It’s catchy, with a nice whistle type beat, and a good pace. The Pack really don’t try to make the song meaning a secret. Good party track. Good.

4. Candy
The Pack take a page out of 2 Live Crew’s book here. Fast paced party track, that has sexual content. Nothing complicated, and a nice little homage to 2 Live Crew. Nothing terrible, but nothing really good. Average.

5. Oh Go
Bouncy beat, with some party vibes thrown in. Again, there is nothing complicated here, and it’s an unapologetic party track. That’s not really bad thing, because contrary to the popular belief, music needs these sort of tracks. I mean, would you play Anticon or Aesop Rock at a party? I didn’t think so. Good.

6. Freaky Bopper
Another bouncy beat here, but it has a sort of old school Atari feel to it, and that’s not a good thing. I mean, I appreciate that the Pack are basically saying “We do party music. That is what we do. You don’t like it? Then go listen to something else”, but at the same time, these tracks sort of get a little old after a while. This was pretty tedious, and not very good. Wack

7. Vans Remix(Feat Too Short & Mistah F.A.B.)
I like the beginning, and found it a nice dedication to Mac Dre. This is so much better than the original, because F.A.B. & Too Short get to add their own twist. Really fun track. Good

All in all I’m giving this a Good rating. Was it mind blowing? Absolutely not. Was it fun? Absolutely. You know, music can be fun, and doesn’t have to always have a deep message. The Pack are a group that just go all out in the fun mode, and make tracks that are suited for parties. If you don’t like that, then buy an Enya album, and shut up.

Mac’s one of those rare rappers from the south, with a complete East Coast delivery. The clarity in his voice, and his concepts alone, make him appealing to backpackers and MC’s alike. Starting his career off with 1998’s “Shell Shocked”, Mac returned with the completely opposite “World War III” in 1999. Even through the backlash of No Limit Records at the time, this album stands as a landmark in No Limit history, and unfortunatley the last album from Mac.

1.) Intro: Nothing more then a woman talking about Mac’s future plans to help the community, and declaring that it’s World War.

2.) War Party feat. D.I.G., Magic: The only single from the album is unfortunatley nothing more then a typical No Limit track. Soulja stories are traded here, over a subpar beat. Average at best.

3.) Best Friends: Classic track about friends turned enemies. The melodic beat ensensuates the storytelling ability of Mac, as he shares his depression on losing a friend. Excellent track.

4.) Like Before: A typical track directed toward the ladies, Mac smoothly spits 2 verses explaining the need to make it right with his girl. Good track, although a little boring after a couple listens.

5.) We Deadly feat. Master P, Silkk The Shocker: Mac spits one of his most aggressive verses, along with Master P, who does surprisingly decent on this track. Silkk just talks at the end, and somewhat ruins the credibility of the track. Good song.

6.) Bloody feat. Magic: This is one of the better tracks on the album. Sticking to the soulja formula No Limit is known for, Magic and Mac spit two very fast paced verses, with a perfectly laced hook. Some notable lines from Mac include “You might be the next to rip, get shot get stab you get cut up strip/ You boxed up in a ship, thinking niggas on some retaliation tip”.

7.) You Never Know feat. Mia X: A pounding beat is used to describe another tale of friends turned enemies. Both MC’s give arguably their best performance together, as Mac and Mia trade verses about the situation of friend turned foe. Excellent track.

8.) Just Another Thug feat. C-Murder, Ms. Peaches: Finally another C-Murder/Mac collaboration, leaving us to wonder how classic the anticipated “Tank Doggs” album could’ve been. This track, although short, is laced with a very smooth beat, explaining how Mac & C are “just another thug nigga”.

9.) Battle Cry (Tomorrow): One of the deepest songs on the entire album, Mac describes the pain of growing up, and the hope for a better tomorrow. Great song with memorable lines (“But never no love, i witnessed the sickness of unprotected lust/So many children born just because the rubbers bust”). Classic track.

10.) If It’s Cool feat. Ms. Peaches: A lighter song on an album filled with aggressive stories, this track cleverly samples Tupac’s “How Do You Want It” and makes for a smooth tale on Mac trying to game a *****, while stating “I don’t wanna be ya man/I wanna tap something if it’s cool (it’s cool)/But if you not ask your girl what i asked you”. Great song, and completely unexpected.

11.) Cops & Robbers: Re-spitting the classic first verse from “Niggaz N Trouble”, this sympathetic beat, helps Mac describe how life is nothing more then a deadly game of cops and robbers. Above average track.

12.) Lockdown (Remix): Quite possibly the best track on the album, this ended up describing Mac’s life. Detailing an accusation of murder that ends him up in prison, Mac contemplates on the thought of 25-Life, and sadly ends up living it. Classic track.

13.) Paradise feat. Popeye, Samm: Great song, featuring No Limit newcomers Popeye and Samm. Mac’s verse is saved for last, and rightfully so, as he steals the entire song. Great job by Popeye on the hook.

14.) That’s Hip Hop: One of the purest tracks on the album, Mac states the problems of this generations rappers. The bling, the cars, and the “*****es jumpin in the pool”, over a classic hip hop sample. Great song.

15.) Can You Love Me? (Eyes Of A Killer): Classic track. In every sense of the word, this song is nothing less then classic. Another deep song, Mac explains the troubles of a mother loving her son, who has the eyes of a killer. Great beat, and great verses from a great MC.

16.) Genocide Skit: Skit leading into the next song, with children being asked what genocide is.

17.) Genocide feat. Ms. Peaches: Another deep song (which is the perfect way to end an album), Mac details more stories of his past, by stating “if you ride on me, ima ride on you (it’s genocide)”.

18.) Father’s Day: A perfect Tupac-esque track, about lacking any real male influence growing up. Smooth beat, with a great hook, make for another classic track.

19.) Still Callin Me feat. Ms. Peaches, Sons Of Funk: The sequal to “Callin Me” off Shell Shocked, is just an extention of the need to get that girl. Good song, but not on the level of the others.

20.) Assassin Nation feat. Storm: Perfect haunting beat, make for a more aggressive track to end the album on. Good war song.

21.) Outro: Nothing more then that; an outro.

So while the album could’ve used a little less skits, take them out, and you have nothing less then a perfect album. Mac’s growth is shown here, and is sad considering what could’ve been, if he hadn’t have caught that murder case only months after this album’s release. While not denting the Soundscan Charts (The album only sold around 230K), it’s heralded as a classic to many hip hop fans, not just from the south. Free Mac.

Overall Rating: 5/5

With the recent decline in G-Unit’s popularity, and more importantly; sales, Lloyd Banks has been put in a “make or break” situation. The first G-Unit artist not named 50 to go platinum, the weight of his label is put soley on his shoulders. With recent flops from Mobb Deep (an album that has yet to go gold), and the extremely popular “G-Unot” campaign still in full effect, does Banks have what it takes to bring back the once powerful label? Or does he even have enough savvy punchlines and slick hooks to top his well received solo album, “The Hunger For More”??? He answers these questions with his sophomore effort, “Rotten Apple”.

1.) Rotten Apple feat. 50 Cent, Prodigy: After a very climatic intro, the title track opens with with 50, Prodigy, and Banks sticking to the original Guerilla Unit formula. This track works suprisingly well. Bank’s punchlines flow smoothly over this grimey New York instrumental.

2.) Survivor: Another mellow beat follows, with Banks harmonizing the hook (wonder who he learned that from?). Bank’s punchlines are again on point, but this track is nothing more then mixtape material. Nothing stands out, and that’s what ends up hurting it the most.

3.) Playboy 2: The original “Playboy” (featured on “The Hunger For More”) is a classic track in every sense of the word. A very intimidating bassline backed up with Bank’s punchlines and smooth delivery made it perfect. The sequel lacks in every aspect. The beat is another bland instrumental lacking punch. Bank’s hook is uninspired; and makes for another track you’d expect on one of Bank’s mixtapes.

4.) The Cake feat. 50 Cent: A very well put together track, features a clever sample, and Banks turns it into a great track. 50 does well here also, as this makes for one of the better tracks on the album.

5.) Make A Move: Live drums are blended with the beat, as Banks croons and sings the hook again. His flow is put to use on this track, and really puts the shine on him, strictly because of it. The beat is up tempo, and works well for the G-Unit soldier. Good track.

6.) Hands Up feat. 50 Cent: Featuring production from Eminem, this is your typical G-Unit single. 50 singing the hook, and Banks inviting everyone to come party with him. Verses are suprisingly good here; as Bank’s showcases his punchline savvy to a national market. Doesn’t save the track though. Very dissapointing choice for a single.

7.) Help feat. Keri Hilston: A very smooth track for the ladies, featuring a relaxing piano influenced instrumental. Banks shows the ladies he cares with an impecible flow. Good choice for the second single, and video. Top notch track, where Banks shines the most.

8.) Addicted feat. Musiq Soulchild: Just looking at this track, I expected a perfect collaboration. While it is decent, something’s missing. The beat isn’t on Soulchild’s level, as Banks spits more bars about his clout and wealth. Average track at best.

9.) You Know The Deal feat. Rakim: Despite the tracklist, this DOES NOT feature Rakim. It samples him perfectly, however, as Bank’s showcases his best flow on the album, that really lets you “know the deal”. Great track; and is Bank’s in his purest form.

10.) Get Clapped feat. Mobb Deep: Boring production, and Prodigy’s lackluster flow ruin this track for the most part. Havoc comes correct, and Banks is in typical punchline fashion, but makes for an unworthy track.

11.) Stranger: Yet another song that finds Bank performing his own hooks. While it works sometimes, in this case it doesn’t. A very monotonous hook, and average verses (at best) make for a fairly boring track. I expected more out of Banks, at this point.

12.) Change: A little bit of improvement is shown on this track. Bank’s growth as an artist is apparent, and if more tracks were made like this, maybe he’d be able to branch off on his own.

13.) NY NY feat. Tony Yayo: “NY NY” features another track produced by Eminem. Good track none the less, and finds Banks and Yayo spitting good verses. More of a track I expected out of an album titled “Rotten Apple”. One of the album’s highlights.

14.) One Night Stand: Very, very good track. Soulful hook, and is once again something I’d expect out of Bank’s. The end of the album proves to be the best. Great track.

15.) Iceman feat. Young Buck, 8Ball, Scarface: Attempt at appealing the southern audience, Banks falls out of place here, but manages to save the track with appearences from southern legends. Catchy hook, smooth bassline, and great guest appearences, make for a good track.

16.) Gilmore’s: Although failry short, this track (while not the best to close out an album) is very catchy and has an addicting beat. Pretty original concept, and the hook is above average for the most part.

So did Bank’s live up to the hype? In my opinion: No. The reason for this is, he’s so concerned with keeping it street on this album and saving good songs for his mixtapes, that it hurt his sophomore solo. While not terrible, this probably won’t go down as Bank’s best work down the line in his career. While some tracks are superb, some tracks are terrible. My advice to the Unit, if you’re looking for somebody to re-kindle the flame, Bank’s isn’t your best choice right now.

Rating: 3.5/5

01. Lookin’ At You Produced By Urban EP Pop
The beat is tight, but it sounds like a Dr Dre produced track and Game even adopts the Dr Dre rapping style. It bumps at the same time, I wish and I am sure Game fans wish he would’ve just been himself. In this track he pretty much tells you he is back. Great Intro tracks. C

02. Da Shit Produced By DJ Khalil
This bangs the ***** out, yeah it sounds like Dr Dre did it, but damn, the shit bumps your speakers, but again The Game sounds like Dr Dre. But he shows and proves he can do it without Dr Dre, Game rips it. B

03. It’s Okay (One Blood) Produced By Reefa
The street single, Love the reggae concept with Junior Reid. Game gained more fans with this track. Although I think Game could’ve spit the mixtape power on here with his lyrics, good track though. B

04. Compton (Feat. Will.I.Am) Produced By Will.I.Am
Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and former Ruthless records Signee is making a lot of noise appearing and producing on artist’s albums. Great track and the shit banged out. Great teamwork on this album, a nice banger to represent Compton. – B

05. Remedy Produced by JustBlaze
Song bangs a lil , but I think the Public Enemy – “Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos” beat should’ve been left alone. I think Just Blaze could’ve came harder with another beat that hits that he usually makes. -C

06. Let’s Ride Produced By Scott Storch
This song rides out, something to cruise to, but he sounds like Dre, beat is tight by Scott Storch, chorus is nice, but need that 1st official single power like the last album. -C

07. Too Much F/ Nate Dogg Produced By Scott Storch
Not really a album worthy track…why? Beat sounds like a Dr Dre track. Beat is ok, sounds like something May J Blidge would sing over, Could’ve been harder or replaced with another song. -D

08. Wouldn’t Get Far F/ Kanye West Produced by Kanye West
This track is a gem. I think they used the same sample from Jadakiss’ “By Your Side”. Eiher way this song is nice from the beat to the chorus. Nice track with Kanye on it. They both did their thing talking about the certain ladies. – A

09. Scream On ‘Em (Feat. Swizz Beats) Produced by Swizz Beatz
This track goes a lil harder, not bad. Game spits hard on this track, different kinda production by Swizz Beatz. -B

10. One Night (Produced By Nottz)
This song is a deep track from the lyrics to the chorus. Explains what he has been going through with internal beefs he has with his former Black Wall Street camp and I believe his brother, Deep song! -A

11. Doctor’s Advocate (Feat. Busta Rhymes) Produced By Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem
This track is a gem on the album. Going off the concept of The Do*****entary’s “Start From Scratch”. Game apologizes and dedicates this song to Dr Dre. It speaks on their falling out and Game’s betrayal to Dr Dre. Busta also did his thing on the last verse co-signing Game’s words. Well crafted track. – A

12. Ol’ English (Produced By Hi-Tek)
Bangin track, Hi-Tek does his production at his best as usual, Game takes you on a trip through memory lane with a drunken and high twist. Smooth track, good to smoke and drink to -B

13. California Vacation (Feat. Snoop & Xzibit) Produced By Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem
This is a straight West Coast banger right here. Game does use Dre’s style of rapping on here a lil bit but the shit bangs. I think Xzibit steals the show on here. They all did their thing. Straight Gangsta Shit! -B

14. Bang (Feat. Kurupt & Daz) Produced By Jelly Roll
This sounds like some old West Coast Hip-Hop shit right here with a Gangsta twist. The beat bangs out by Jelly Roll. The all did their thing on here. Good to see Game put Tha Dogg Pound on this album. -A

15. Around The World (Feat. Jamie Foxx) Produced By Mr. Porter
Okay, I may get hate with this along with the whole review, but I think this song is nice. Single/Video worthy as well. I think he can win with Jamie Foxx on the hook; nice smooth beat.  -A

16. Why You Hate The Game (Feat. Nas) Produced By Just Blaze
The final gem on the album. Bangin beat by Just Blaze and Marsha from Floetry did her thing on this track. In my opinion she brought life into this song. Lot of credit is due to her. Song bangs as Nas and Game trade verses on here. 9:22 seconds of Hip Hop.  -A

“After Death” Tupac albums are almost as common as rappers claiming they’re gangster. It just happens all too much. While most of the albums released after ‘Pac’s death have been failry well put together (and in some cases, excellent), the fact is eventually they will run out of material to put out. Last year’s God awful “Loyal 2 The Game” featured some of Pac’s earliest (but finest) work being raped by chopped vocals and bland production. “Pac’s Life” is released on the verge of the 10th anniversary of the legendary rapper’s passing. 13 new tracks are featured, and how did they fair? On to the review:

1.) Untouchable (Swizz Beatz Remix) feat. Krayzie Bone: This Swizz Beatz club banger is VERY reminiscent of last year’s anthem “Spit Your Game” featuring Notorious B.I.G. & Krayzie Bone. This song however does fairly well. Nothing standing out, and the horns are a little repetitive. The true highlight of this track is Krayzie Bone, spitting rapid fire once again.

2.) Pac’s Life feat. Ashanti, T.I.: Produced by LT Hutton, and featuring two brand new artists (well at least since Pac’s passing). This song is terrible. While the beat is listenable, hearing T.I. rap to Pac really makes it obvious Pac has been gone for so long. Ashanti’s hook is decent, but the vocals combined with this beat doesn’t work. Another verse from “This Life I Lead” is used here. Really sloppy job. Skip it.

3.) Dumpin’ feat. Hussein Fatal, Papoose, Carl Thomas: This is truly a REAL highlight of the album. Hussein’s been removed from many Pac songs that he was originally featured, and is making up for lost time. Over a “Hail Mary” influenced beat, all 3 artists spit very good aggressive lyrics. Carl Thomas performs the hook perfectly. Easily one of the best tracks on the album.

4.) Playa Cardz Right (Female) feat. Keyshia Cole: The original beat and theme to this song is perfect. Not saying this is bad, but if you’ve ever heard the original, you’d automatically know which is the better. This is a very mellow song, and Keyshia Cole performs the hook and verses very well. ‘Pac is unfortunatley only on one verse and the outro. Good song never the less.

5.) Whatz Next feat. A3, Jay Rock: This song is very southern. The influence of the south in hip hop right now is too apparent here. While it does make for a good song if you’re into Three 6 Mafia or Young Dro, this isn’t Tupac’s type of work. His lyrics (as always) are on point though, but i can’t say the same for the other no name artists on this track. Average at best.

6.) Sleep feat. Young Buck, Chamillionaire: This album should be titled “Tupac & The Current Hip Hop Game”, because that is exactly what this album is shaping up to be. Chamillionaire is the only one (besides Pac) who does decent on this track. The beat doesn’t seem to fit the theme of the song at all, and makes for another dissapointing track.

7.) International feat. Nipsey Hussle, Young Dre: Too more no names plus a mediocre verse from ‘Pac make this THE worst track on the entire album. Another crunk beat is supplied to an already lacking song. This track is a complete mess. Skip It.

8.) Don’t Sleep feat. Kadafi, Nuttso, Lil Scrappy, Stormey: If you’ve heard the original, you’d know this was a very aggressive song. Pac’s lyrics hit a little less hard over this more traditional hip hop beat. The hook is decent, and Lil Scrappy suprisingly doesn’t ruin the song. Kadafi is featured here, as well as a surprising appearence from Nuttso. Production could’ve been better, but a stand out track in a dissapointing album thus far.

9.) Soon As I Get Home feat. Kadafi: Easily the best song on the album. This QD3 produced classic is lefted untouched and remastered. Featuring the two slain Outlawz, production couldn’t be better, and it’s great to finally hear this in CD quality. Perfect track, and a reason to buy the album, if anything.

10.) Playa Cardz Right (Male) feat. Ludacris, Keon Bryce: Decent song, not too far off from the female version. This is a little more soulful, and Ludacris is made to seem like he was in the studio with Pac. Great singing by Keon Bryce however, make for a good track.

11.) Don’t Stop feat. Big Syke, Kadafi, Stormey, Young Noble, E.D.I. Amin, Hussein Fatal: The original beat to this was a very smooth West coast beat. It was remade into a very modern sounding Outlawz beat. Subject matter is still the same here though; with Pac very cleverly dissing Bob Dole and C. Deloris Tucker. Great appearences by the ‘Lawz make for an above average track.

12.) Pac’s Life feat. Snoop Dogg, Chris Starr, T.I.: Same recycled beat, hook, and a new verse from Snoop. Very uninspired, and nothing new to the table. Considerably lazy coming from Amaru, if you’re going to remix a song, don’t just add another rapper. Snoop’s verse is on point, and a very good tribute though.

13.) Untouchable feat. Kadafi, Hussein Fatal, Gravy: Perfect acapella intro from Pac. Really sets the song off. This was a perfect way to end the album. Featuring yet another GREAT appearence from Hussein Fatal and fallen Outlaw, Kadafi, this is made into a really nice track. Gravy has no place here however, and decreases the credibility slightly. Other then that, no complaints on this one, it’s perfectly orchestrated to close out the album.

So, after listening to the album, one can determine Pac’s music has been tampered a little too much. Guest appearences from today’s hottest rappers will not help it sell anymore, trust me. REAL fans see right through it. Other then that, production could’ve been stepped up drastically. Better then “Loyal 2 The Game”? Of course. On the same level with “Still I Rise” or “Until The End Of Time”? Not even close. My advice to Amaru: Make an album produced by Johnny J, QD3, and DJ Quik featuring appearences from people Pac has actually worked with. Decent album none the less, but for his 10th anniversary, it’s lacking in too many aspects.

1. Intro
We start off with a short little track. The beat is pretty basic, some lifeless horns added in. DMX is pretty awful here….like really awful. With lines like “I’d be on your dick if my name was no *****….ever”, and then does some little song about Bill Bixby. This was not very good….at all. Wack

2. We In Here(Feat Swizz Beats)
Much better than the intro. Nice heavy horns here with sirens added. DMX raps with the energy that made him famous. The chorus is simple with Swizz doing it. This is pretty good, and reminds me of the beginning of “Grand Champ”. Let us hope that it doesn’t fizzle out. Good track. Good

3. I Run Shit(Feat Big Stan)
Heavy techno type beat here with a lame synth that kicks in every so often. Yea, it’s a Swizz Beats beat, who would’ve guessed? Well, DMX does a good job with the flow, but he’s not saying anything of note. It’s pretty obvious DMX has lost a lot of his hunger for rap, but you can’t fault his flow. The chorus is constant “I RUN SHIT HERE” repeated over & over. It’s way too simple, and quite corny. Big Stan is not that good, but he’s tolerable. It’s weird to hear a rapper who raps in a semi calm matter after hearing DMX spazz all over the track. This was average stuff. Average

4. Come Thru(Move)(Feat Busta Rhymes)
Bad party beat by Swizz. Wow, this is sloppy, and sounds like two robots wrestling. DMX atleast tries, but this beat is death in music form. No one is going to shine on this tripe. Busta’s on the track, but again, who cares? Why can’t these 2 rap over a good beat? Wack stuff. Wack

5. It’s Personal(Feat Styles P & Jadakiss)
Pretty good beat here, it’s hard to describe, but it’s banging. Nice bass on the track. Everyone comes correct here. See, these are the type of tracks that DMX should rap over, also, nice dark piano beats are a good atmosphere for DMX. Good track. Good

6. Baby Motha
Decent slower synth-ish type beat by Swizz, it also has a soul touch. DMX raps about his……of course “Baby Motha”, and how sometimes she can annoy him, and he doesn’t like her, but he has a kid. I like this track. Good

7. Dog Love(Feat Janyce & Amerie)
Lame sappy type beat. This is a radio friendly type track that has been heard a million times in different form. DMX talks about being a street guy, but this girl makes him a total sappy guy, but then talks about shooting someone. This track is sort of weird. It’s well done, but the lyrics are way too bi-polar for my taste. Good enough. Good

8. Wrong Or Right(I’m Tired)(Feat Bzr Royale)
So that’s why DMX has been unmotivated for all these years! He’s just tired! Bzr is a horrible singer. It’s like I’m listening to some loser on Soundclick try to sing over a heavy guitar style beat. DMX does a great job though. These type of heavy bouncy guitar beats fit X really well. Besides this Bzr guy, it’s a good track. Good

9. Give Em What They Want
Constant “Give Em What They Want” sayings in the beginning. That’s a real turn off. Scott Storch beat here, and it’s decent enough, it has an Asian feel to it. The chorus is the same as the beginning, and it’s terrible. DMX does a good job actually. Atleast he kept his crazy type flow, even though his lyrics have become terrible. Besides the chorus, this was actually pretty good. Average(Yes, the chorus is THAT bad)

10. Walk These Dogs(Feat Kashmir)
Good 70’s style beat by Dame Grease, it has a nice bounce and a good mixture of heavy sounds. DMX does a good job here, and Kashmir is a decent female rapper. She’s sort of like Eve-lite, but she doesn’t ruin the track or anything. Good track. Good

11. Blown Away(Feat Jinx & Janyce)
Decent slower type beat, it’s sort of sappy, but it fits X’s voice. DMX talks about growing up, & going to jail. Oh, and nice saxophone’s that kick in. I dig the chorus with Janyce singing. Say what you will about him, but X drags you into these type of tracks. The guy really should be a pastor, because he has so much charisma. Yea, this track is pretty good. Good

12. Goodbye
Really good piano beat here. This track is about all those who died. DMX sings, it’s not that good, but it fits the track. DMX raps about reaching the youth, and about his friend who died of cancer. Really emotional track, and it’s pretty good. Good

13. Life Be My Song
Dame Grease sings a relaxed type beat. It’s pretty good. DMX raps about street life, & surviving. It’s pretty good, and DMX is still one of the most emotional rappers in the game. Pretty good track. Good

14. The Prayer VI
Self explanitory.

15. Lord Give Me A Sign
Pretty good electric guitar type beat by Scott Storch, it also has an eerie feel to it. DMX does a prayer in the beginning, and raps about not letting the devil get to him. I like the singing by DMX in the chorus, because this track isn’t really about singing well, it’s about emotion, and X is great at displaying it. Really good way to end this track. Good

All in all, this gets a Good rating. I don’t know why people ragged on this album. Were there bad tracks? yea, but were there good ones? Yes, and the good outweighed the bad. DMX still gives you 100% here, and even though his lyrics are slipping, it’s his emotion that makes this album good. Cop it if you’re a DMX fan.

1. Intro
Intro.

2. Excuse Me(Ant Locc, Bleezo, Pain, Scitso)
Sloppy beat here. Out of control drums don’t really work with eerie sounds. The rappers range from painfully bad to decent. Not a good way to start off the album, because right off the bat they put this track on, instead of putting a T-Nutty track. Wack

3. 2 Gether(Bleezo, Bop, Sav Sicc)
Much better track, because it showcases some rapid spitters over a really decent slow/fast(Does that make any sense?) beat. The beat is not anything special, but it gives talented rappers like Bop a chance to showcase his skills. Besides, these type of tracks are more lyric/flow based than beatwise based. You want a beat based track? Go buy a Dipset album, and pick any song. Good

4. Invasion(G-Macc, Keylocc, Big No Love)
I dig the beat, because it has an old Siccmade feel to it, complete with each one giving their own eerie tell. I miss these type of tracks, because they were the bread & butter of the Sac-Town rap scene for a long while. I think I might be the only one who digs “Loaded” way more than “Season of The Siccness”, and this track had a “Loaded” feel to it. Good

5. Off The Edges(Sav Sicc, Lexo, T-Nutty)
Relaxing yet eerie style beat, I dig it because it doesn’t get in the way of the lyrics. T-Nutty is of course the most overlooked rapper in the West right now, and outshines the other rappers on this track. I appreciate the effort displayed by the other rappers, but I sort of wish this was a T-Nutty solo track. Good

6. On Tha Roof(G-Macc, Big No Love)
Decent eerie slow style type beat. It again has an old Sac-Town feel, but something’s missing. I dig Big No Love’s style, because while it may not be all fancy, he atleast tries to make the track mean something. G-Macc does a good job as well. Again, this track had the tools, but something was missing. I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt. Good

7. Dump-N-Reload(Sav Sicc, Skari, Bleezo)
Heavy piano mobbish style beat. They all shine here with rapid spit, after rapid spit. Now this really lives up to the compilation name. All of these guys have bright future’s in the rap game, because they can pretty much flow correctly on any beat. Good

8. 7 Doors(Gushmoe)
Wow, this track is really, really horrible. Gushmoe is pretty horrible here, with an awful flow. The beat is just sloppy, and lifeless. Wack

9. G.A.N.G.(Bleezo, Skari, Sav Sicc)
Some more really good rapid spits from these guys. The beat sounds like something that would be playing during a fairytale. I was waiting for someone like Robin Hood to jump through my window with Friar Tuck. Anyway, this track was really good. Good

10. Testimony(Big No Love, Keylocc)
The beat is basic stuff, but the flows & lyrics are on point, and make up for it. See, this is why I enjoy listening to these type of rappers, because even though the beat may suck, they all try their best to make the track work. Good(They tried, and that’s what counts)

11. The Savageness(Bleezo)
Pretty good beat here, it’s calm & has a pretty good synth style added to it. Bleezo gets his chance to show what he has in his lyrical arsenal, and he doesn’t disappoint. Really smooth rapid flow, and cunning lyrics. Good track. Good

12. Rhyme I Wrote(Bleezo, Sav Sicc)
Simple beat here, nothing fancy, but nothing ugly. The flows make up for it, and once again the rappers get a chance to shine. Sometimes you hear someone say “Wow, you hear that new *Insert rappers name here* track? Man, that beat was dope”, and they never say anything about the actual rapper or the lyrics he spat? This is the opposite here. Good

13. Spree(Bleezo, Ant Loc, Skari)
Nice beat here. It’s like a weird mixture of Vallejo rap, Sacramento rap, & Frisco rap. A good triad of sounds here. Some nice rapid spits, and good lyrics from pretty much everyone. Good track. Good

14. Nolove-a-lude(Big No Love)
Very good track here. The beat is just straight gangsta & gritty. No Love flows really well here, and even channel’s X-Raided for a bit. Good

15. Part 2(Big No Love, Ant Loc, Bleezo, Skari, Sav Sicc, Bop, & T-Nutty)
Wow, that’s quite the feature list there. The beat is basic stuff, a little dark with some heavy drums. Everyone comes correct here, it’s such a long list of features that everything just sort of blends together to make one big good rap track. Good

16. Regardless(X-Raided, T-Nutty, Big No Love)
This was the track I was looking forward to. X-Raided & T-Nutty have incredible chemistry. I really think they should do a duo album together. Heavy ready for war type beat, it’s really dope. Man, X just rips this track to pieces, with T-Nutty right behind him. No love does a great job as well. This was insane, and easily the best track on this album. Now picture X & T-Nutty doing these type of tracks on a full album together. DOPE!

17. Outro(Savsiccness, Bleezo)
Outro.

All in all this gets a Good rating. Well, it definitely lived up to it’s name. It wasn’t just rapid spitting though, you had a variety of different sounds. You need to check this album, especially track 16.

1. Return Of The Hustler(Feat Soup, Tree Dog, & Jazmine)
Basic beat, but it atleast has some bounce to it. Knocturnal’s hardly on the track, but that’s okay, since it’s a compilation. These guys try, but they’re about as basic as it gets. Average stuff. Avergae

2. Gansta Ways(Feat LiL T & Lord Lucky)
Terrible beat here, it’s just ugly heavy bouncy with a standard drum loop. Again, these guys aren’t that exciting as rappers, I mean atleast do something to distinguish yourselves from the bunch. These guys come off sounding like some low rent YA rejects. How does a guy like Knocturnal, who has only released one full length album, have a bunch of artists signed? That just boggles my mind. The song is just terrble. Wack

3. You A Bopper(Feat Aziz & Macguiness)
This track is just like the album title: Uninspired & bland. Knocturnal raps on this track and shows why he’s so generic. Has a rapper ever fallen off as bad as Knocturnal? That’s not a knock against the guy, but really, has a rapper fallen off as bad? The beat sounds like a cheap rip off of Beanie Sigel’s “The Truth”. Bad track. Wack

4. I Stay Swerning(J-Peace & Macguiness)
Sloppy accordian style beat. It sounds like what you’d hear a “Greasy Abe’s Italian Eatery” at 7:00PM. The rapping is just amature hour, and uninspired. Man, this was pretty bad. Wack

5. Up In L.A.(Maintain & Krown City)
Really sloppy techno style party beat here. You know, if you’re not going to even try to make good music, then don’t do it. Go be a chef, or a chiropractor. This is the epitome of train wreck here. Just offkey rapping, & horrible lyrics. Train Wreck

6. Four Season’s(Soup, Tree Dog, Wes, & Lord Lucky)
Easily the best track on the album. Nice soulful beat, it’s a little sloppy with the piano thrown in there, but it works. Everyone does a pretty good job. Good

7. Dirty Money(Lord Lucky & John)
Nothing says “Gangsta Rap” like the name John. “OG Killa” I can understand. Hell, even “The Bum From RedRum” would work, but…..John? John’s like the guy who deliver’s your pizza, or the guy who works the cash register at Best Buy. Anyway, bad bouncy beat that sounds like it’d be played during the credits of that old Super Mario Brothers movie. Horrible singing as well. Just an all around horrible track. Wack

8. The Donkey Donk(Macguiness)
Bad pimp type beat here, but with bounce added. “Big Ol Butt” is said during the chorus. I haven’t heard that since 5th grade. Bad rapping by Macguiness. Wow, this guy doesn’t have any talent at all, and sounds like “Pops” from the Wayan’s Brothers Show. This is horrible. Wack

9. Get Up On It(Lord Lucky & LiL T)
Futuristic type beat, and it’s not that bad actually. Ok rapping, but again, why should I care about any of these people? What do they do that others don’t? The beat was good, but the rest bores me. Average(Yea, I liked the beat)

10. My Dream
Pretty standard track here. Nothing really excited, nothing really horrible. Just average. Average.

11. Inspiration(Maintain, Krown City, & Jessica)
Knocturnal makes a joke about not being on Maury Povich, and that’s about the only entertaining thing about the track. Gospel type sound filled with bad singing and bad rapping. Not a very good way to end this, but atleast it’s over. Wack

All in all this gets a Wack rating. When the best thing about the album is the hilarious album cover, then you know you’re listening to a bad album. Skip this.

Jehst originally was a great rapper (who did the odd production or two) who came on the scene with a new style. As time went on Jehst has more and more got into producing with him resulting to last year producing his whole EP “Nuke Proof Suit”. It wasn’t very consistent to be honest in both the production and lyrical departments. But this year instead of rapping over them Jehst has got a list of top UK rappers to spit over them.

This is a big shock as most of the beats are really consistent for being good. The first question rises to your head: Why didn’t Jehst use them or keep them for himself. I personally believe it’s to due to the artist style and preferences. The album begins with a bang with the lead single “Dunya (My World)” featuring the fast rising in the ranks Micall Parknsun. It sort of reminds you of his last album main single of “Run Hard” featuring on Falling Down. It reminds me due to the Asian type song he sampled. Parknsun’s lyrics aren’t really narrowed down but more free ranged. Judging from this you would fall quickly to an assumption from this that all off his production follows a basic formula. But you’re wrong!

The production really varies which is also a strong point for a production album. Though the “If You Were Me” has a sort of Jehst vibe it doesn’t stick to same old formula. If it’s the dark “Say Word” featuring Kashmere or the Soulful“Listen” featuring Sir Smurf Lil’, this album caters for all tastes. “Tempa Tempa” featuring the laid back *****y Verb T is a great different sounding beat from most on the market. My favourite has to be “Right Now” featuring Kyza who isn’t normally my taste but is one of my favourites at the moment. Kyza flows excellent over the sampled piano and delivers some deep stuff.

One song I do not really like as much (though it’s not that bad as most albums weaker song or two) is “Soldiers 4 Life (remix)” with the Universal Soldiers. The lyrics are nothing amazing but accompany the beat but the beat does nothing for me. A piano sampled some where before but used different and completed with hard drums. Also there is a lot of remixes of songs already released. Even though after one or two it does shows a skill of building a beat over vocals though you do feel a bit cheated after a few. I took this with a pinch of salt as this album was more about Jehst’s production. Some of the remixes I prefer to the original. The “Money in the bank (remix)” (which should be labelled “Money in the bank (remix remix)”. The original had a different Jehst beat which had the same sort of flavour but I’m feeling this more. You can forget the marvellous job he did for the remix of Rodney P’s “Future”. With the organ and drums it gives it a old school funky feel (which suits him again as he was a pioneer of UK Hip hop)

There’s two more remixes both equally enjoyable but not much I could go into explaining. In all this gets 4 out of 5 on the border of 4.5.

Even though production wise Jehst worked his arse of and got a list of A star rappers these are my flaws.
I thought on the album apart from 1 weaker song they all pretty bang on. With only 11 tracks you expect them all to be on point like Illmatic. Again some may feel cheated on the fact it’s filled with remixes but you got to remember this is a production album. One flaw which I haven’t said is maybe Jehst could have brought in some less well known names but I suppose he wants to sell more units and has to keep it tight with the lowlife records.

Recommendation: Buy this album! One of the best this year and one of my favourites (maybe even my favourite)