Diamond D is one of the more underrated rapper in the Diggin’ In The Crates crew. When one thinks of the legendary DITC crew one mostly thinks of Big L, Lord Finesse, OC and Fat Joe. Diamond D, is also a great rapper from the distinguished crew. This album shows just some of the extent of his tremendous talent. A hip-hop album which incorporates the true spirit of rap. Diamond D, is truly a rap and production superstar.

Intro 

A simple, short intro track. A voice comes on and gets the listener ready.

Best Kept Secret 

From the beginning of his track, Diamond D starts with some metaphors and introduces his style. His delivery is a bit dry but if one looks past that, they can see his lyrical skill, which is highly underrated.

Sally Got A One Track Mind 

This track is a narrative one about a girl named Sally. It basically takes the listener on a journey through Sally’s slightly disturbing life. Her lifestyle is that of a whore and Diamond D tells the entire so well.

Step To Me 

This is truly a great track. Diamond D spits some incredible lyrics. His lyricism are astonishing and this track is full of discreet great lyrical acts. It’s an arrogant track which is very much in keeping with basically a “DITC Tradition” But, he has every right to be arrogant. A great track.

Shut The ***** Up 

A little interlude. It has some random, unnecessary singing. This album could have definitely done without this.

***** What You Heard 

Diamond D clears up many misconceptions on this tremendous track. D comes up with some venomous lyrics which are put so softly, they tend to pass unnoticed. This is one of the better tracks on the album.

I’m Outta Here 

Diamond D slows down on this style and switches up his delivery a bit. This is a narrative track about different events in the life of Diamond D. Once again, Diamond D shows that he’s a great rapper with diverse styles. One of the best tracks on the album.

A Day In The Life 

Yet another narrative. Another great track after consistently good ones. Diamond D raps about “a day in the life of three black men” Diamond D comes up with some witty lyrics and shows that he is a law-abiding citizen. Not apart of the stereotype often tossed on the people of his colour.

Last Car On The 2 Train 

Another interlude which has little reason behind it.

Red Light, Green Light 

A good track with some nice, unique production. A great track where Diamond D tells a series of great stories. This is definitely one of the better tracks on the album. Word to Big Bird.

I Went For Mine 

Lyrically, this is a excellent track. D raps with great skill one a background of good production. It seems slightly in the style of A Tribe Called Quest yet extremely unique at the same time.

Comments from Big “L” and Showbiz 

Two members of the DITC crew, Big L and Showbiz, simply state how real hip-hop is back on the map. Some of the truest words on the album.

Check One, Two 

A great track on a backdrop of great production. Diamond D comes with the “dope sound” with his rawness and his far from commercialized flow. D is incredible on this track and successfully makes it one of the best on the album.

What You Seek 

A great track. Diamond D spits some great lyrics with his terrific flow. D comes extremely strong on this track. He raps the truth on this track, lacing all the information with tremendous skill.

Lunchroom Chatter 

Another interlude amidst this long album. It’s decent, as interludes go.

Confused 

Diamond D’s organic flow is evident on this track. This track is all about confusion in the stories told in this outstanding track. D flows with his regular narrative but his unusual style which ensures his stories don’t tire.

Pass Dat Shit 

A superb track where Diamond D is slightly more aggressive. The production, the lyrics and everything in between gain a slight edge to them. An extremely original track and among the best on the album.

Freestyle (Yo That’s That Shit) 

A pretty decent freestyle. He doesn’t spit much fire but his talent is natural. D chooses to come with a more laid back style which suits the beat. A sufficient track.

K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid) 

A good track with some nice wordplay. D delivers this track in dedication to the Zulu Nation and he seems to slightly incorporate some of the many styles which were apart of that crew, making it a completely distinctive track.

Stunts, Blunts, and Hip-Hop 

A great track where he raps about each word: stunts, blunts and hip-hop. Each of them being a mans best friend. An extremely creative track where Diamond D has a nicely paced flow.

Wuffman Stressed Out 

Another interlude. Pretty weak.

Feel The Vibe 

A great track which definitely captures the essence of hip-hop. This track is exceptionally because of its combination of everything. Wordplay, lyricism, beats and everything. The only thing a bit off is the chorus but aside from that, it’s a great track.

A View from the Underground 

An outro track which schools the sell-outs. To hell with them!

This is organic hip-hop. Hip-hop at its finest. Diamond D definitely sticks to the roots of the broad genre and delivers some of his best lines. A terrific album which has too long been slept on. D is on point on this album. Aside from the interludes, this is a magnificent album. Near classic, this album lives up to the little hype it received. A truly great album. It is by all means worth digging in the crates for. Real rap is back!

Rating:
4.2/5

Artist: Red Head Steve
Title: Red Rum
Year Released: 2004

1. “RedRum” 

Just a short intro, tight beat, Redrum being repeated over & over N/R

2. “At Tha Door” 

Starts off with a little talking, Then Red Head Steve comes in spitting real fast with some tight ass flows, great beat gets your head moving, Red Head Steve does a tight hook, very tight overall great way to start off the album
5/5

3. “We Some Killaz” (feat. Lock N Load) 

Another tight beat, Red Head Steve starts off with some tight lyrics talking about killin, he spits pretty quick on this track, Red Head does the hook great hook, Red spits another tight verse and the hook, Lock N Load spits last and has a great flow he spits his verse fast, tight song overall
5/5

4. “On A Mission” (Remix) 

Red Head Steve’s comes with more of those sicc lyrics, great beat, Steve does the hook again and its perfect, good remix, great song overall
5/5

5. “Keep It Crackin” (feat. Half-Sane, T-Nutty) 

Starts off with T-Nutty talking, good beat, Red Head Steve spits first and another tight ass verse , Steve does the hook and its tight, Half-Sane is next to spit and he comes with a pretty good verse, T-Nutty spits last, he rips up this track, another tight song one of my favorite on this album
5/5

6. “Operation Getback” (Half-Sane, Young Vicious) 

Another tight beat, Red Head starts off with a tight hook, Half-Sane is first and has a great verse, Young Vicious is second and has a tight flow to, Red Head spits last another sicc flow spits with quickness again, good song overall
5/5

7. “Game Locked” 

Good Beat, Starts off with the hook by Steve again, Steve flows two tight verses another good track overall
4/5

8. “Smash Down” (feat. 151)

Track starts off with some talking by 151, tight ass beat, Red Head Steve starts off with a great verse, Steve does another tight hook, 151 is second to and has a tight ass verse I’m feeling it, Steve comes back for the third verse and its straight fire, this song gets me hyped TIGHT song overall one of my favorites
5/5

9. “Get Punked” (feat. Clockwork)

Clockwork starts off with the hook its pretty good, Steve spits first and he start flowing like crazy, Clockwork is next and has a nice verse, a good beat here, another solid track
4/5

10. “Til The Day I Die” (feat. Mo-X, Lil G)

Starts off with Steve talking about Seattle, an alright beat on this song, Steve starts off with another good verse, Steve does another good hook, Mo-X is next and has a alright verse not feeling it that much, Lil G is last to spit and has a pretty good verse, ends with the hook, good song overall
3.5/5

11. “Hard Times” (feat. Skuntdunanna)

Starts off with a little skit, ends with Steve killin some guy, good beat, Steve does the hook, another good hook, Steve is first and does a little slower flow, but still tight, he talks about hard times good verse, Skutduanna is next and has a decent verse, Steve does another verse and its tight again, probably would been a better solo track but its still tight
4/5

12. “Beyond Hurt” (feat. Young Bop, Half-Sane) 

Young Bop starts off with some talking, Red Head Steve starts it off with a tight verse, Steve does another tight hook, Young Bop is next and spits with the quickness a tight ass verse, Half-Sane spits third and has a good verse, Steve comes back with another tight verse I’m feeling it more than his first one, great beat, a tight song overall
5/5

13. “Killaz 4 Tha Payroll” (feat. Mak One, Greedy B.D., Half-Sane)

Starts with Steve doing the hook, Steve flows first with a tight verse, Mak One is next a has a decent verse, Greedy B.D. is next with a tight verse he comes with a different style, Half-Sane is last and has a good verse, good beat on this track, i’m feeling Red Head Steve the most on this track, another solid track
4/5

14. “Invincible Man” (feat. Half-Sane, H-Bomb) 

Tight beat on this one, Steve does the hook, Half-Sane is first to flow and has a good verse, Steve spits second and has a great verse, H-Bomb spits last and comes with a cool verse, another tight song
4/5

15. “In Tha Wind” 

Good beat, Starts out with a tight hook by Steve, Steve comes with some great lyrics on this track, he flows a little slower than usual, definetly another one of the best one on this album
5/5

16. “Unsaved Rats”

Starts off with a phone call, Steve comes in with some hard murderous lyrics, Steve does a good hook, a pretty good beat, a tight song overall
4/5

17. “True Blue Killaz” (feat. Prozax, Lock N Load) 

Starts off with some talking, Prozax has the first verse and comes and comes with some gangsta lyrics, Steve does the hook talking about true blue killaz, Lock N Load is next to and has a great gangsta verse, Steve is last and has a tight verse, tight laid back beat, tight song overall i’m feeling this one
5/5

18. “Ain’t No Tellin”

Start off with some lady doing the hook its pretty good, Steve comes hard on this track with a laid back style some sicc lyrics here, good beat, ends with some singing, another solid track to end this TIGHT ass album
4.5/5

Overall this is a tight ass album 18 tracks of straight fire, I was feeling every track on this album, Red Head Steve comes with some tight ass flows, he spits real fast on some of the songs, tight beats and features, if you don’t got this you need it simple as that don’t sleep on this album one of the BEST of 2004, you have to check this one out

Chino XL is reverred as one of the best lyricists of all time. KRS-One and Kool G. Rap consider him the metaphor and punchline king. He is often compared to only Ras Kass and Vakill. His debut album in 1996, called Here To Save You All surprised everyone, with amazing battle raps and incredible lyrics and delivery. It is also said he has never lost a battle. Hes been on the Wake Up Show Anthem. This his second album out in stores, and supposedl;y theres two other albums, Kreep and Poisen Pen (i think, not exactly sure), that have been held back due to label issues. This album came out in 2001, and he is now workin on a new one.

1. Rude Awakeing

Just and Intro, Done by someone named AZIZ, basically just states how Chino came and destroyed.

2. What You Got

Great start off song. The beat is dope, very hard hitting. Chino comes very hard in this, great delivery, unbeatable rhyme scheme, the punchlines and metaphors are very on point. The chorus basically states he has way better things than you. Just the beginning line states “Don’t start me/or you’ll be the only entertainer with less groupies than Biz Markie/”
Rating:8/10

3. History (Skit)

4. Nunca

This track is straight dope. The beat is dope, starts off with some lady talking how there will never be another Chino XL. His flow is dope, his delivery is untouchable again. The first verse is very, um, amazing maybe, and the second verse is much better. Punchlines and wordplay is amazing. Probably one of the best songs on the album. “im sick of yall fake drug dealin tales/the only time yall Sea-Grams is when you drink them gingerales/
Rating: 10/10

5. Concert Skit/ Asshole Intro

Funny ass skit basically saying how everyone sucks and hes the greatest.

6. Asshole

Pretty dope beat, not the best on the album. Chino rips in in every aspect again. Chorus is pretty funny, basically states how much he’s a “*****in asshole”. He has some pretty dope lines in here tho like “hes wack, slow down the pace/im wack? then ill retire and blame it on God, like Ma$e/” and “they tell me to kill it every time i write a rhyme/ but how many murders can i commit in one lifetime/”. Overall, beat isnt bad, could be a little bit better, these ratings are gunna start being based on beats, cuz he never comes wack.
Rating: 9/10

7. That Would Be Me

The beat is pretty dope, could be a little better, but it fits it well. this song is basically how you can recognize him. Dope delivery, lyrics, and concepts. He says “ill kill a handicapped man for parking in a regular parking space” and “try me metal detectors goin off the rest of your life”. Overall pretty dope track.
Rating: 8/10

8. Last laugh feat. B-Real

This track features B-Real from Cypress Hill. B-real comes pretty dope on this, I don’t personally like is voice a lot, but he did pretty well in this. no comparisson to Chino tho. Chino is again unbelievable on this. the beat is dope, i like the beat, pretty cool. there are a lot of dope lines in this song, so i can’t do it justice by showing a couple.
Rating: 8.5/10

9. Let em live feat. Kool G rap

Featuring Kool G. Rap, this is a dope track. They both come very dope in this song. The beat is one of my favorites on the cd. Basically about how “they let you cowards to live”. one line from Chino that stands out is “im top notch/the only thing y’all outline in chaulk is a game oh hop skotch”. Overall one of my favortie tracks on the album.
Rating: 10/10

10.Baby Mama ( skit )

It is just a skit, but its funny as hell.

11.Sorry

this is featuring some chick named Shaunta. This song is basically about a relationship about two people, they are apologizing to eachother about what they’ve done. Chino shows his story telling skills on this one. Beat is dope, kinda retro like, very cool and chilled. They both come pretty well on this. Overll pretty ill song.
Rating: 9/10

12. Chino XL

Straight Dope Song. One of my favorites. Beat is straight hard. Chino is flawless on this track. “lets gte it on/ birds fly over your head upside down cuz you ain’t worth shitting on”, “put your money where you mouth is make my crotch a millionaire”, ‘***** smoking weed im smoking Bob Marley’s ashes”, and “Jesus’s tears couldnt dampen me, horses could barely trample me, you bite me so much why don’t you just sample me” are just a few of the dope lines in this song, straight fire.
Rating: 10/10

13. Chinophone Part 1

Funny ass skit. Mark brodi has won a spot on MTV’s show Fanatic to meet Chino XL. but chino had soemthing else in mind with a arsenal of weapons and a 6 inch wide louisville baseball bat, now watch as Chino gives new meaning to the phrase “Fan Club”. LOL

14. You Dont Want It With Me

Pretty dope. Beat is pretty cool, not the best. Chino comes exceptional on this. Has some dope one liners in here, “get beat and boxed like Dougie”, “Been God on earth so long the one in heaven’s pissed off”, “the only hot cats ive seen were on plates at chinese food resteraunts”. Overall pretty dope.
Rating: 9.5/10

15. Chinophone Part 2 (Skit)

16. I Told You So

I like this beat a lot for some reason. This is different though. Chino doesn’t come very hard in this, only for like 7 really dope lines, it’s not as good as his other songs. The chorus says Chino is a “fly nigga”. I mean, its good enough to be the title song, its still a lot better than most of the other songs from other artists, but it’s not as good as other Chino songs. Overall I don’t really feel like posting the dope lines, cuz it would ruin the song.
Rating: 7.5/10

17. Don’t Say A Word

This is a really slowed down beat, something to chill to. It’s a real slowed down song for Chino too, it’s toned down, not metaphor wise, but something is toned down. One line that really stood out in this is “Looks like being a fake me is better than being a real you”. No really dope lines, but every line is almost a metaphor or simile. Real chill song though, I like it personally, One of my favorites.
Rating: 10/10

18. Chino Fans (Skit ) 19. It’s My World

Dope beat, dope as hell. Hard hitting. Very nice battle track. Chorus states “Chino make the world go round” Chino is again flawless on this track, saying some very dope lines like “I got the world hemmed up my daddy should have named me Taylor”, “ill resurrect Hannibal to show Italianos how African they are for thinking of us as Animals”, and “You wish for death like Princess Di wish she wore a seatbelt”. Overall dope track.
Rating: 9.5/10

20. Ass-in-an-instant (Skit)

Pretty funny skit about what a girl should do on a date with Chino XL

21. Chianardo DiCaprio

Dope beat. This is on of the more commercial songs on the album, but its still dope. Chino tries to sing in the chorus, but he doesn’t do all that bad, his voice does change pitches a little. This is about the lifestyle of him being a sex symbol, kinda funny. Ladies and sex is the main thing in this. Metaphors are there and everything, he comes well on this.
Rating: 9/10

22. Outro Skit

23. How It’s Going Down feat. Saafir

Dope beat, another more commercial track, but even if it is commercial, Chino makes it dope, because the wordplay is still all there. Saafir spits on this, and comes well on it. He comes good with the wordplay and everything, flows well. Chino tries to sing again after the second verse, and again doesn’t do that bad. Chino does the first & fourth verse, Saafir does the 2nd and 3rd verse. Overall pretty dope track.
Rating: 8.5/10

24. Be Here

This is a dope track, one of my favorites. Beat is straight dope. Has a commercial twist to it, but the storytelling is amazing, which makes it better then any commercial songs I’ve heard. It’s about how he decided to go to this bar one night, and meets this woman. The woman is married but wants an affair with him. She helps him get a record deal, and then she doesn’t want him to blow up. The ending also has a twist I might say, and it’s like, wo. Overall great song, not just one of my favorites, but one of the best on the album.
Rating: 10/10

Overall
For an overall rating this got a 9/10, or 136.5/150. It really comes out to 9.1/10, but the amount of skits brought it down, but the humor in the skits helped that out. So, this album was dope, I guess the first one, Here To Save You All, is better, but this is different, more commercial, but everything was there. There were so many ill lines that i was able to quote a lot, and that was just a few. This was very ill album. You have to keep listening because you don’t know what Chino is gunna say next, you can never be sure, and this doesn’t get boring. I think you should go out and buy it now!

1. Lockdown(Intro)

Intro.

2. Criminal Activity(Celly Cel)

This is a Celly Cel solo track here and he uses some really dope voice effects for the track, the effects sound like the chorus to Funk Season mixed together. G-Man Stan produces the track and the beat sounds like “187 proof”. Short but good song that shows Celly’s ability. Good

3. Ridaz(Spice 1, Celly Cel, & Jayo Felony)

G-Man Stan produces the beat and he uses 2 Pac’s “Ambitionz Az A Ridah” voice samples, pretty dope stuff with some nice guitar & violin riffs added in. Spice 1 starts it off and his verse is easily the weakest, I’m not a fan of post 1998 Spice 1, he lost his dope flow and just rattles off nonsense. Celly Cel with the next verse and it’s really good. Jayo with the best verse on the track and one of his best verses ever, man he rips it here. Great track. Good

4. Puttin In Work(Celly Cel, Spice 1, & Jayo Felony)

Nice hard hitting beat by Doyle. Jayo starts it off with a dope verse, Jayo is really underrated. Speaking of underrated, Celly Cel does a great chorus and second verse, man he shows some anger here, really dope stuff. Spice 1 with a good verse, it’s a lot better than the last track. Great track. Good

5. N***az Like Us(Celly Cel, Spice 1, & Bun B)

Nice Chi Town style beat here, fast paced. Celly Cel starts it off and he raps fast(!) he does a good job rapid spitting. Terrible chorus here as it’s the title said really slow. Spice 1 with the next verse and he does a great job here, man he goes off here rapid spitting. Bun B is next and he takes his time here, he doesn’t rap fast but he does a good job. Good track. Good

6. My Life(Jayo Felony, Celly Cel, & Spice 1)

Slow paced beat here, a little boring if you ask me and way too sappy. Jayo with the first verse and he ignores the beat and just rips it with a dope verse. Silly chorus here with some girl singing, not very good. Spice 1 also ignores the beat as he does a good job with his verse(Man Spice 1 is motivated on this album!). Celly Cel with the last verse and it’s pretty good(Of course because it’s Celly Cel). Beat and chorus suck but the Criminalz did a pretty good job carrying the track. Average

7. Boss Up(Spice 1, Tray Deee, Yukmouth, & Jayo Felony)

Wow and now we have a recycled song. Beat is not good on this song, in fact it sucks and it was produced by Spice 1 but everyone does a good job with their verses. Tray Deee outshines everyone. Decent track. Average(I cannot stand the sloppy beat)

8. Doin It Big(Celly Cel, Spice 1, & Silk-E)

Good beat here, it’s got some bounce to it, yet has some eerie sounds added. Celly Cel with the first verse and I’ll admit this is a terrible Celly verse. Chorus is terrible, with some guy who has no business singing…….well singing. Silk-E with the next verse and it’s pretty good. Spice 1 with the next verse and it’s decent. Beat was good but everything else was painful to listen to. Wack

9. The Real World(Celly Cel, Jayo Felony, & Spice 1)

Ok now we get back on track. Good beat, it’s got a mobbish sound to it. Celly Cel starts it off with a dope verse. Great chorus here, it’s simple but it gets the job done. Spice 1 with a good verse. Jayo with a decent verse. Good track. Good

10. Reminisce(Celly Cel, Spice 1, & Jayo Felony)

Slower paced beat here, it’s good though. They all rap about their homies they miss and do good jobs doing it. Chorus is decent. Good enough. Good

11. What They Hittin Fo?(Celly Cel, Spice 1, & Jayo Felony)

Really good beat here, it has a laid back feel to it. Spice 1 starts it off with a pretty good verse. Celly Cel with the next verse and he outshines Spice 1, man Celly is overlooked. Speaking of overlooked, Jayo has the last verse and it’s pretty good. Good

12. Rollin Wit My Folks(Celly Cel & Spice 1)

DOPE! The best track on the album! Great beat here, it’s a little odd sounding but it’s good stuff. Spice 1 starts it off with a great verse. Celly Cel & Spice 1 do the chorus and it’s really dope, it has that Ice T “Money Power Women” feel to it. Celly Cel with the last verse and it’s really good. DOPE!

All in all this gets a Good rating. This album was overlooked and should atleast be heard. Most def cop it if you’re a fan of Westcoast music……ah hell cop it if you’re a fan of music PERIOD!

I had never heard of K-Os before, but hearing about his daring yet clearly Hip-Hop oriented meshing of genres and his conscious style, I decided to check him out. I don’t know if K plays his own guitar, but I would assume so, and he definitely sings as well; very versatile, very talented.

1) Emcee Murdah

The track begins with Os commenting on the state of the industry and rap music, then becomes a simplistic but organic-sounding cut, a regretful guitar over violins while K-Os spits a nice verse, not very flow-heavy but really quality lyricism. The sung hook is a nice touch, with improvised rapid riffs. (Great)

2) Crucial

Os brings a more reggaeish feel to this one, though still throwing in riffs here and there. He sings the whole track, the gist of which is “I don’t wanna change the world, I just wanna stop descending.” Later goes into a guitar solo. (Good)

3) Man I Used to Be

Back to more Hip-Hoppins, this is a more aggressive beat with heavier drums, sounds very rock-influenced. Has a compelling sung hook, but the meat of the song is some great lyrics (this time with better flow as well). Ends in a nice guitar/singing improv and a little freestyle. (Excellent)

4) Crabbuckit

A Southern-feeling record, very bass-heavy with some hard kicks, feeling bouncy. Os half-sings/raps the lines, still good. Goes into a sax solo in the middle of the song, after which he launches into another verse. A really jazz-flavored track lit with a catchy hook. (Excellent)

5) B-Boy Stance

Taking it back to the old-school late 80’s style, this was the song’s single. It’s a great breakbeat-style track, with K spitting on people biting when they should be paying dues to the early greats. (Excellent)

6) Commandante

As evidenced by the song’s intro, this is a latin-flavored track with Spanish guitars and rapid drums creating most of the background. K-Os goes right into spitting real lyrics. Relieved at points by a Mariachi-style sung-hook, the verses get more and more fevered. (Excellent)

7) The Love Song

The second single from the album, a euphoric violin/piano combination beat has K-Os spitting/singing nicely about love of music. (Excellent)

8) Hallelujah

With a fair bit of Southern R&B influence, this record is one of spiritual devotion. K-Os strums the guitar and sings with an organ and violin softly playing in the background, giving the impression of a life performance. (Great)

9) Clap Ur Handz

Back to the rap style, a simplistic yet catchy early (early) 90’s beat with a short verse like a live freestyle. (Good)

10) Dirty Water ft. Sam Roberts

A very euphoric, 60’s-sounding record, with Roberts singing a Beatles-style hook and Os rhyming in a very meter-oriented way. He and Roberts then proceed to sing out a happy chorus. (Great)

11) One Hood (Jissy Homicide)

Very simplistic, the first verse seemingly a freestyle over a riffing guitar. A very organic record, not the most hardcore rap but his verses are pretty good and the chorus is nice as well. (Good)

12) Papercutz ft. Kamau

Starts off as another Spanish-styled cut, this one with Latin horns with the guitar. Kamau spits the verses, nice lines with a nice flow, while K-Os sings yet another nice hook. It’s a full 15 minutes long, dominated in the middle by lounge jazz-style piano/bass solos with some scratching in the background. There are a few minutes of silence, followed by the album’s outro, the digitally-altered voice of K-Os addressing the listeners, and a final, expectedly nice verse from K-Os. (Excellent)

My Rating: 5/5 (Classic)

I’m not afraid to rate this a classic album, but it’s not for everybody. This is classic in the sense that, it perfectly accomplishes what it set out to do, mesh genres of music around a central base of Hip-Hop. All in all it’s some great music, but don’t run out expecting traditional rap records like Ready 2 Die, for example. Get this if you like to hear boundaries crossed.

My Recommendation: Buy the shit! If you like experimentation (The Roots, Mos Def) as well as some good positive music, this is MOST DEFINITELY your type of thing.

It’s hard to review No Limit’s music, because most people will tell you that it all sounds the same. You have to really be a fan to get their style of quantity over quality. And while most people will tell you that No Limit has a roster of below and average rappers, there are a few that stand out. One of them being C-Murder. It’s not nesecarily his rapping skillz, but the realness that comes with it, and that’s something that his brothers don’t have. That being known, I’m reviewing C’s third solo album, Trapped in Crime.

1) Intro: 

Tight way to open up the cd. A lot better than the piano intros on his two first cds. Just him talking over a beat, but nice way to start out the album.

2) Forever TRU:

This song iz dope. C samples ‘Gimme the Loot’ by Biggie, and comes with sneak disses at Cash Money, and two tight ass verses. Def one of the best songz on the album.

3) Concrete Jungle feat. Snoop Dogg, Kokane, Goldie Loc, Tray Dee: 

This is a west coast track w/ Snoop, Kokane, and Tha Eastsidaz. It’s a good song, but not one of the best. Kokane’s hook getz old after hearing it once. But overall, average.

4) They Don’t Really Know You feat. Erica Fox:

This song is trash. P makes it even worse, and the beat sounds like an alarm clock. What makes it even worse, is this was one of the singles. Skip it.

5) How a Thug Like It feat. Da Brat: 

Not a really good song, but not terrible. It’s better then the songs Silkk did with Mya, but that doesn’t mean its good. Brat and C flow decent over a Jermaine Dupri beat, talkin bout how each other likes it.

6) Want Beef feat. Fat Joe: 

Not a bad beat ( Kenoe for Deadly Soundz did it ), but the song is too short, and once again MP ruins it. Fat Joe and C have some aight verses, but MP reppin the No Limit East drags it down.

7) Ride feat. Samm, D.I.G.: 

One of the better songz on the CD with tight features from all three artists. D.I.G. shoulda definatley put an album out. The beat iz hot, the hook is hot. Overall, good song.

8) Staring at the Walls: 

Another great song. This talks about being locked up and wanting to be free. Not a slow song, but not a hype track either. Everything sounds good though, as far as the beat and the flow over it.

9) On Da Block feat. Young Gunz: 

Average song, over an average beat. Nothing stands out, not the features, not the beat. Just average.

10) What You Bout feat. Mystikal:

Tight song over another Kenoe laced beat. This is right after Mystikal left No Limit, but he came hard on his last song w/ C. Everything about the song is Bout It, Bout It. One of the best songs.

11) Battlefield:

Really boring song ( if you want to call it that ). Skip it.

12) Where Do We Go feat. Mac, Silkk the Shocker, Nuance: 

Tight song with a nice beat. Silkk’s verse is nothin that stands out ( what’s new ) but Mac and C-Murder have two on point flows, as the song talks about the ghetto being home.

13) NL Iggaz feat. Afficial: 

Another Kenoe track, and another great song. If he would’ve produced the whole CD, it would’ve been a def. clazzic. C tears it up, followed by average verses from Afficial.

14) Too Much Noise feat. D.I.G., Master P:

Average song w/ D.I.G. ( who sounds like Magic ) and MP. Not bad, not good. Doesn’t stand out at all.

15) Damned if They Murder Me feat. Mac, Ms. Peaches, Magic:

Once again C-Murder and Mac flow perfect on this joint. It’s deep ( which is rare for a TRU/No Limit song ) and definatley one of the BEST songs on the CD.

16) Hustlin feat. Master P, Krazy:

In my opinion, Master P appeared on too many joints already, but on this song he actually doesn’t ruin it. Krazy ( who many people think sounds like Tupac ) has probably the best verse. C comes average, but the beat is good, and its about Hustlin in the ghetto.

17) That Calliope:

Not really a song, just C representing the CP3. Tight beat, but the original version ( unreleased ) is better. Average song.

18) Young Thugs feat. Popeye, Holloway of the Ghetto Commission:

Another one of the highs of the album, talks about young thugs and the mistakes they be makin in the game. Popeye’s flow goes hard, and C and Holloway come correct. Good song.

19) Otis Commercial:

Commercial where C messes with a girl on the phone for playin Soulja Slim.

20) Interlude:

Funny 40 second song about nuttin in a girls eye.

21) They Want My Money feat. Mac, Mia X: 

It’s good to hear Mia X on a NL song again, and she comes tight as she always did. Mac and C couldve started a group though, with the chemistry they got on the mic. They saved the song, it’s about hoes wantin money.

22) Thug in Yo Life feat. Krazy:

Good song about spittin game at a girl. Krazy and C’s flows are on point, over a nice beat.

23) Down 4 My N’s feat. Snoop Dogg, Magic:

As stated in the NL Top Dogg review, this song is a KLC produced joint with hard verses from everyone, but Magic has the tightest. Good pick for a single.

24) Street Thugs feat. New-9, Magic:

Decent song, not the best way to end the album though, it could’ve been better.

Overall, this cd is a classic to me. It’s not C-Murder’s best album, but it definatley deserves some recognition. I’d give it a 4/5.

Brother Ali is one of the most underrated rappers of all time. He is an underground rapper who posses many skills giving him the ability to rip up the mic with either a prewritten verse, freestyle or a battle. Brother Ali is one of the most coherent lyricists around today and he can rip up most people who are ever on the other side of the mic. Very few people rival his lyricism which he perfectly coats all his tracks with. Brother Ali is one of the greatest underground rappers around today.

A Room With A View 

A simply remarkable track to start off this astounding album with. An astonishing track with tremendous lyrics. :One of the best tracks from the album. A striking narrative laced with shocking lyricism. This track is simply one of the best.

Champion 

The champion flows with a amazing vitality. The only downside to this track is the hook is a bit off. For that sole reason this track may take a while to get into. But aside from that his lyrics are up to speed and it is a great track. Very few rock with this champion.

Star Quality

A softer track lined with lyrics full of reflection. It is slower and extremely steady. Brother Ali comes smoothly with nice lyrics which contain emotions and truth. A great track aside from the slightly annoying chorus.

Prince Charming 

A great track. Brother Ali’s delivery is slightly different on this track. It loses it’s edge and adopts a more playful tone. Ali comes with witty lyrics which make the song an enjoyable one.

Win Some Lose Some 

A good track. His lyrics take a bit of a dip on occasion throughout the track but it doesn’t detract much from the track. His flow is a bit choppy but it manages to sustain some of his usual style. He wins with some lyrics, he loses with some others.

Pay Them Back 

A truly terrific track. Ali comes with some amazing lyrics which come at the listener head on. He showcases his “poetic eloquence” on it with some thoughtful lyrics. One of the better tracks on the album.

Blah Blah Blah (feat. Slug) 

A good track. Considering the artists on it an the potential for brilliance this track was slightly disappointing. Both Slug and Ali came correct but the track on a whole could have been better. It was a still a high-quality track but it had the capability to be superior.

Shadows On The Sun 

The title track does not disappoint. Brother Ali delivers some subtle lyricism. It is all around a good track. The beat may get a bit irritating but at the end, it’s the lyrics which are more important for this artist.

Prelude 

A simple prelude. Nothing good, nothing bad. Wasn’t necessary but it didn’t detract too much from the album.

Forest Whitiker

A great track. Brother Ali lays this track out so simply; his flow, his delivery; basically everything aside from his lyrics. This track is extremely different from the rest of the album. It’s a breath of fresh air amidst originality.

*****slap! 

This is like a battle track. A simple track where Ali lashes out viciously at many unnamed MCs. He basically takes a lot of the rappers around out for a lesson. He gives them a major slap from all quarters. A great track.

Backstage Pacin’ 

A superb track. A narritive on Brother Ali. It’s basically countless thoughts flowing through his head before he goes on stage. On this great track he certainly grasps control on the situation.

When The Beat Comes In 

Brother Ali’s delivery on this track has a slight edge. His self-proclaimed arrogant words on this track describe him almost flawlessly. Ali murders the track with his lyrics and narrative. He rips the mic every time there’s a beat.

Missing Teeth (feat. Slug) 

Yet another Slug featured track, and this one is better than the other. Slug comes nicely on this track. His flow is lazy and unusual. But it is Brother Ali who shines on this track. Together, they make a great duo.

Dorian 

A great track mixed with great lyrics. It’s a great narrative about himself for the most part. The haughtiness on this track is well-fitted for a rapper of his stature. An amazing track as he basically takes the listener on a journey with him.

Soul Whisper 

A short track which contains a few quotable lines compressed within so they can sometimes pass unnoticed. This is one of the weaker tracks on the album.

Picket Fence 

One of the best tracks on the album. A beautiful track with stunning imagery powered by masterful lyricism. Brother Ali relates to the listener no matter what their background may be. This is a tremendous track and almost alters the way of thinking with some of the skilfully played metaphors.

Victory (Come Forward) 

A great track. Brother Ali dishes out powerful lyrics with his amazingly raw flow. Brother Ali spits incredibly on this track. He’s upfront and extremely secure with his well fitted skills. A truly amazing track.

This album is a definite recommendation for the avid hip-hop fan that listens closely to lyrics. His complexity may not be appreciated by all but this lyrical album is a must have to fans of artists such as Slug, Tonedeff, Sage Francis, Canibus, Big L and many others. This jewel may be difficult to find but it is worth scouring CD racks for. One of the best releases of 2003. Brother Ali is a must have for fans of true underground rap fans. There is no doubt about this almost classic being a masterpiece.

Rating:

4.7/5.0

1. That’s What’s Up(Intro)
Drumma Boy produces a hyped up horn heavy beat. Wow, this is pretty great, and this is only the intro. I’m digging Yo Gotti’s energy here. He channels Pastor Troy here, but he doesn’t jack his whole style or anything, and it works for the track. Gotti says ‘What up?” to a bunch of people. Great way to start the album. Good

2. I Got Them(Feat LiL Wayne & Baby)
Fate Eastwood produces a really hard hitting Southern style beat complete with a ton of scratch samples. Wayne starts it off with a pretty good verse. You know, I’m not a huge Wayne fan, I mean, I can see the appeal and all, but he just seems uninspired most of the time. The chorus consists of scratches(Which is a great thing) and constant “Dope man! Dope man! Dope man!” sayings. Gotti up next and he outshines Wayne here, because he actually shows some energy here. Baby with the last verse and….well….it’s Baby, so it may not be great lyrics, but he’s still entertaining. If you’re expecting great inspiring lyrics from Baby, then you should go look elsewhere. Great track. Good

3. Full Time
Electric guitar type synth here. I don’t like the starting, because it sounds so hokey. Gotti shows a ton of energy here though, which is always a good thing. Gotti talks about avoiding the cops, and being a full time hustler. This is like a weird mixture of New Orleans rap & Memphis rap. Needless to say, it really works well. Good stuff. Good

4. Where I’m At
We slow things down just a little bit here, but the beat still maintains that certain hard hitting bounce to it. Gotti switches up his flow here a bit, he goes for a more low voiced approached as opposed to his energetic style. Yea, this is catchy. Good

5. U A Gansta Rite
Well, we go from sort of relaxing to straight up rowdy style. This track is about all the fakes who try to be gangsta, because they listened to some rap, or watched it on TV, but when it’s time to fight, they run away scared. Gotti does a really good job here getting the point across. Good track. Good

6. Spend It Cuz You Got It(Feat Allstar)
Pretty self explanitory here, and I agree with them. Why not have fun and spend some money? Total flossmode stuff here. Gotti does a good job mixing the Atlanta sound, Orleans sound, & Memphis sound all in one track. Good track. Good

7. Cold game
Nice horn heavy beat, but the starting with the singing is just bad. It gets pretty good after that though. Gotti talks about not going to jail, and trying to take his time to make some money. Good track. Good

8. Gangsta Party(Feat Bun-B & 8-Ball)
Easily the best track on the album. Carlos Broady(Who is probably one of the most underrated producers ever) produces a really great soul mixed with Memphis bounce beat. Eightball starts it off and just flows really well over this beat. Great chorus here, very simple but it works. Gotti up next and the beat changes a bit, so what does Gotti do? He rapid spits. That was pretty great. This is the perfect mixture of car music & dance music. Bun-B is up next and of course he rips the track to pieces. Bun-B’s a guy who could make any track sound good. Wow, that was really great. DOPE!

9. That’s What They Made It Foe(Feat Pooh Bear)
Scott Storch produces a pretty good beat(Which Gotti admits he paid a nice chunk of change to get). It’s simple, but it has a Miami style to it. Great chorus here, it’s pretty simple and the singing adds a lot to it. Both men comes tight. Good

10. 25 To Life
Carlos Broady produces another great beat, that mixes hard Memphis style with soul. Gotti does a good job with wordplay, and telling a story about someone going to court and then jail. Nice reflective track. Good

11. That’s Not Yo *****
Electric guitar type synth here, with a piano thrown in. It’s decent. Gotti raps about how women can set you up, and goes into detail about how he trusted some women. This was really a well thought out track, that really will make you think. Good

12. Shawty Violating(Wup That How)(Feat La Chat)
We go full Memphis style here, complete with the repeated choruses. Gotti up first with a really good verse. La Chat up next and she does a good job, it’s nice to hear her get some cd time. Rowdy type track. Good

13. I’m A Thug(Feat D’Nero From The BlockBurnaz)
Hard hitting track here. This is something you can get crunk to, and would probably incite a riot if it was played at a club. Gotti admits he’s a thug, and he will beat you up if you test him. D’Nero does a pretty good job as well. Good

14. We Gonna Be Alright
Carlos Broady produces a softer soulful type beat. Gotti raps about everything is going to be alright, and that he’ll(Gotti) will support them. Wow, this track is really great, and it’s nice to hear a rapper make an emotional track like this. Good

15. A Part Of Thugs(Feat Jazze Pha)
Carlos Broady produces another really great soulful type beat. Isn’t it odd? Jazze Pha on the track, yet Broady produces? That rules. Jazze does the chorus, and he does a good job. Will Carlos Broady every get his props? Anyway, Gotti rules it here as he talks about getting caught up, and not having time with his woman. Great track. Good

16. Warrior
I don’t like this track at all. It has a hard hitting LiL Jon-like beat, but it’s about how a woman looks like a warrior. I’m not digging this at all. Wack

17. Shawty(Feat D’Nero From Block Burnaz)
Now this is what I’m talking about. Great heavy hitting Memphis style track. They both come tight, and show enough energy to power Las Vegas. Great way to end the album. Good

All in all this gets a Good rating. Yo Gotti took elements from New Orleans, Atlanta, & Memphis, and put them on one album. The end result is a great album that should be worth a listen. COP IT!

1. Beef Rapp

Long intro to this track, we’re talking a good 2 minutes but once it gets started it really gets good. Doom raps about the usual(Himself, food, beer, and jibberish). Beat is done by Doom and it’s really good, it has that Operation Doomsday feel to it. Great track to get the album started. Good

2. Hoe Cakes

Doom produced this track, ok to get this out of the way, Doom produced most of the beats on this album except 3 and I’ll address those when I get to them. Nice piano beat here with a beat box. Doom raps about a lady and does it in a way where it doesn’t seemed cliche’d. Good track. Good

3. Potholderz(Feat Count Bass D)

Count Bass D produced the track and it’s a little weird but it’s pretty good. The Count starts it off with a short semi verse then Doom takes over for a little while then The Count again with a verse to end the track. Pretty good track, it shows that Count Bass D is a really overlooked producer. Good

4. One Beer

MADLIB!!!!! produces this track and it’s pretty good but I think he could’ve done better. Lyrics are all over the place but that’s Doom for you. Good track. Good

5. Deep Fried Frenz

Pretty good beat, I can’t really explain it. Track is about friends and how you can or cannot depend on them depending on your state of mind. Doom’s using voice samples to end tracks these days and not a 30 second sample but about a minute or so sample(s), I’m not complaining but it’s a little weird and too Madlib-ish. Good

6. Poo Putt Platter

Skit.

7. Fillet O Rapper

Another voice sample skit.

8. Gumbo

ANOTHER SKIT?!? This is overkill.

9. Fig Leaf Bi

Carbonate-Very long instrumental/skit here.

10. Kon Karne

Nice piano beat here, we waste no time here as Doom gets right into the rapping. Semi relaxing song. Good

11. Guinnesses(Feat Angelika & 4ize)

One of my fav Doom beats of all time, this beat has been around for a little while, glad Doom used it for some rapper. Angelika does the rapping here and she does a pretty good job. The chorus is a little weird but all in all a really good song. Good

12. Kon Queso

PNS Of The Molemen does the beat and it’s basic, not really feeling it. Doom carries the track though. Good(Doom raised the score)

13. Rapp Snitch Knishes(Feat Mr. Fantastik)

Nice guitar type beat here by Doom. Both come tight here. Good

14. Vompitspit

This beat sounds like a J-Zone beat, but Doom produced it and of course it’s pretty dope. Doom raps his usually jibberish, good stuff. Good

15. Kookies

Ok so this is the semi single on the album and was praised by Doom fans before the album came out and it lives up to its hype. Doom uses “Cookies!” samples throughout, cookie monster would be proud. Song is about….well of course COOKIES!!!! Great way to end the album. Good

All in all this gets a Good rating, nothing in between just all Good tracks, nothing mind blowing but I really wasn’t expecting it since Operation Doomsday is a personal classic to me. The cover art is a sheer classic though. Cop this if you’re a Doom fan or looking for something new.

1. Dirty Work(B-Legit)

You know naming yourself after a great movie won’t equal a great song and this just proves it. Beat is by Bosko and it’s as basic as it gets, really boring stuff here as B-Legit raps about making money and what not, yawn. Wack

2. Let’s Get High(AllFrumThaI Feat Boo Kapone)

Nice beat here(By Binky Mac), really relaxing. This has a older feel to it and that’s a good thing. Chorus is a little silly but it gets the job done. Good

3. All In Your Face(Marvaless)

Some people don’t like Hollis’ beats and I believe those people smoke crack. Hollis produces a pretty good relaxing beat here, Hollis is one of the bright spots in the Bay/No-Cal scene. Marvaless does a good job here, she’s overlooked, you know people throw around the word “Remy Martin” and “Foxy Brown” around a lot but Marvaless is better than both. Good

4. Murder(Kingpin Skinny Pimp)

Weak track, you know I’m glad Celly is trying to make this compilation different but I cannot stand this Memphis rap, way too boring for me with slow “dark” beats and the word “murder” said a million times. Skip this. Wack

5. Goodfellas(Rich The Factor & Rush N Roulette)

Rich is a pretty good rapper, he had a different style and I dig that. Beat is mobbish and good. Rush also does a good job. Good

6. Thug S**t(SPM, Frost, Jay Tee, Rasheed, LiL One, & Bad Boy)

Yikes talk about a cluster***** ready to happen and it does just that. SPM is one of the worst rappers I have ever heard, seriously how can people like this guy? Not a bad track though, it’s sloppy but I like the beat and some of these guys do a good job. Good

7. Here Come The Stranglaz(Celly Cel Feat The Hillside Stranglaz)

Bouncy beat here, good stuff. Celly Cel does a good job introducing the Stranglaz, whatever happened to these guys? They weren’t that bad, and where is Celly Cel? He’s one of the best Bay Rappers ever, I’d cop a new Celly album. Anyway good track. Good

8. Go To War(Ghetto Mafia)

Beat is pretty good albeit simple. The rapping on this track is sloppy but it actually works. Not that bad of a track, in fact it’s pretty good. Good

9. You Know The Deal(San Quinn, Fully Loaded, The Riddla, & Willie Hen)

Done Deal track here, decent line up of rappers. Not bad of a track though I think San Quinn is heavily overrated. Everyone comes tight. Good

10. How Many B**chez(Richie Rich, Young C Major, & Hogg Boss)

I like the beat, the album title is goofy and the subject matter is stale but it works. Richie Rich actually sounds interested here. Good

11. All I Know(MC Eiht)

Beat is decent, nothing great or anything. MC Eiht hasn’t been good since Section 8 so I’m not feeling him here. Average

12. Biank Zone(Tech N9ne & Don Juan)

DOPE!!! Tech gets things started with a great intro, then Don Juan rips the first verse. I dig the beat, nice mob style beat. Tech takes the second verse and rips it, he doesn’t go crazy on the track, he takes it a little slow here and he still rips it. Chorus is basic but it fits. Don Juan with the third verse and it’s pretty good. Tech with the fourth verse and it’s the best on the song. Track is pretty crazy. DOPE!

13. Connected(Big Pokey & Nino of PKO)

I like the beat by Nino, it has an old school H-Town feel to it, sort of like something Fat Pat would rap on. Pokey is terrible, utterly awful. Nino does a pretty good job on his verse. Good

14. For Da Hood(Celly Cel)

G-Man Stan produced the beat and it’s not that good. Celly Cel tries his best but this track is just not that good and it’s all because of the beat. Average(For Celly’s work)

15. What Would You Do(Luni Coleone, Skee 64, & Mad Dog)

Hollis produces a pretty good beat here. Luni starts it off with a good verse. The chorus is weird but pretty good. Everyone comes tight here. Good

16. Live From The Ghetto(Riderlife)

Decent track, they try and everything but this album should’ve ended after the Luni track. Average

17. Get Em Up(Felony One)

Weak track, really boring, yup this album most def should have ended after the Luni track. Wack

18. Iz Ya Wit Me?(J-Biggz Feat Cool Nutz & Sarkastic)

No I’m not with you, in fact your track isn’t that good. I just don’t care about any of these guys and they make average music to boot, the first guy is really bad talking about parsley and Bob Marley. Don’t care. Wack

All in all this gets a Good rating, pretty good concept here as Celly was trying to bring all the sides together, it worked for the most part. Underrated compilation that should’ve atleast gotten some props. This album serves as a pretty good blue print.