Jeffrey Atkins has been getting hit from every direction with negativity for about 2 years now, being ridiculed, questioned, second guessed by just about everyone. It almost seemed like he would need a miracle to regain the respect of anyone who now doubted him, which was everyone. In his featured cover story in Vibe Ja spoke on how he was prepared to make the comeback of a lifetime, even he knew just how focused he would need to get in preparing to make his new album titled R.U.L.E. Usually we know exactly what to expect from Rule in his albums, because for the most part he has been reluctant to change anything in his music throughout his career of 5 albums until Blood In My Eye. Blood In My Eye was only molded from his anguish he went through with you know who, Curtis Jackson. After that album hit Irv Gotti stated to the media that Ja would be going back to his “old formula” which had brought him so much success prior to being rattled with bullets of doubt from all directions. But the question remained, “How is this going to work? How are the people going to respond?”, because just about everyone agreed that they were tired of his “formula” and no longer had a desire for the music he was making. But out of all of this came R.U.L.E.

The album starts with a pointless Intro. But then the first track, Last Of The Mohicians, begins with a dark pounding upbeat instrumental. Ja’s voice and flow sound great on this track, which also features Black Child on the hook. Rule shows that he’s prepared to unleash some improved lyrics with this album, “Beg the Lord for forgiveness, cause I sin, I’m a sinner, But I win, I’m a winner, I’m runnin a marathon and you niggas is sprinters.” This track is fire and Black Child lays down the nicely written hook with some authority and emotion. This is followed up with the single Wonderful featuring R. Kelly and Ashanti. You can’t deny that Ja has a talent for writing huge hit songs, this would have been one if the people weren’t still hating him so much. The track New York is really makin some noise here in New York, with guest appearances from Fat Joe and Jadakiss, this song truly is a problem and has the potential to be a hit similar to Lean Back. Fat Joe raps “True Story, I’m bringin the team back, even Roy Jones was forced to Lean Back.” This song was built for the streets, huge track.

There are 3 pointless skits on the album that he deffinately could’ve left off, so they just get skipped. What’s My Name is a solid track, but is more of a party type of track. Ja sounds good on this and shows off his talent for song writing, but if you don’t like Ja because of these types of tracks then you won’t like this 1 and will end up listening once and skipping. Get It Started featuring Claudette Ortiz is another 1 of these types of tracks as well, it reminds me alot of a Jay-Z influenced song. Ja does well with this and the hook is catchy and nicely layed down by Claudette Ortiz. The Manual is a track made for the *****es and about *****es, Rule’s voice sounds nice on this layed back beat.. “No introduction, when I met her she was girl interrupted, grew up became a woman not to be trusted, frustrated and flustered, livin amongst these theives, hoes, and hustlers.” So far the album started off very solid and showed off Ja’s talents well.

At this point the album punches the accelerator and never slows down. Starting with the title track, R.U.L.E. Many of you may have already heard this track because it’s been on some mixtapes and getting some play in the New York area for a while now. Ja Rule completely rips this track apart. Murdering both of his verses with a fast paced growling flow, and speaking on some things that are on his mind.

“Nobody’s livin life the way that I live it Nobody’s spittin it the way that I spit it But who *****in admitted, I wanted the bigger figures Than niggas that done did it, and had it and dealt with it When they’re just after my lyrics So by the time that they hear it, the crimes already committed Natural born killer, plus that im already admittin Murda was the case, but I have since been aquitted The agency’s gettin livid, they wanted us to be finished But we got unfinished business, as God as my witness”

Caught Up featuring Lloyd is the next track. Lloyd has been having a good year ever since The Inc signed him, with 2 hit singles of his own. He and Ja have a great chemistry together. This song has potential to be as big of a hit as an Always On Time type of song.. great song. Now we move on to Gun Talk, a straight gangsta track. Great production on this 1 and a really nice hook. This features Black Child and shows Ja’s grimy side at it’s best.. “Real talk, The Inc bout to run New York, cause there’s no real niggas left to hold the torch, who gon’ hold us off.” This tracks hard.. 1 of the best on the album , and Black Child really shines as well as Rule with his own verse. Ja is obviously talking about 50 Cent/ G-Unit in the hook showing that his anger is still there to an extent. Now we move on to Never Thought, probably my favorite on the whole album. The production is strong and Ja’s lyrics are as advanced as they’ve ever been shown. Shades of Jay comin from Ja’s voice.. I can’t stop listenin to this track. It’s about Ja’s situation with a woman who is a complete opposite of him, this shit’s gangsta and raw. At this point the album is strong and is increasing in strength with every track.

Life Goes On featuring Trick Daddy and Chink Santana is the next track. Im assuming Chink produced this, and he did an amazing job. This song is deep and is about their love for their peers and those who have died. Trick Daddy and Ja’s voices contrasting works very well to push this track completely over the edge. Chink surprisingly drops a solid verse of his own as the third verse. The hook is layed down very well. Great message in the song and performance by the 3 of them. Where I’m From featuring Lloyd is AMAZING, this will be most people’s favorite track im guessing. Ja is being very deep and emotional, pouring his feelings out all over this with Lloyd crooning on the hook just murdering the track. Arguably the best song we’ve heard this year from ANY rapper.

“Kids get killed in ghetto’s, shot up over their Carmelo’s While their mommas at home, tears hitting the pillow Reverand in the middle of the sermon at the funeral Shed a tear cuz he lost his son the same way a year ago It’s the same me but spiritual, we thuggin in harmony They say death brings life, fair exchange, no robbery If im wrong then pardon me, I’m just tired of poverty Why no niggas in the hood ever hit the lottery? Unless they go lottery, first round in the draft They’ll be dustin off them rounds to slip in the mack Then slip on the mask, then go out and mash And we call it feedin our families, ya’ll call it a tragedy Damn, how I could just kill a man Watch his blood flow like the river, then rinse his blood off my hands If you hearin me speak, please Lord, give me a chance And forgive me for my sins, cause we cleanse.. Where I’m From”

Bout My Business follows this featuring Black Child, Cadillac Tah, and Young Merc. This is another hard gangsta track, and Black Child once again impresses and puts down 2 verses that show surprising promise. At the end Ja steps in and rips a verse.. “Bout my paper, I’m on my gangsta, doin this shit for 10 years, niggas I’m Major, Maebach and all that same behavior.” The last track is called Passion. Ja sing/raps it, somewhat like his songs The Reign or Rock Star for example. The lyrics are very good, he talks to God and he speaks on how everyone doubts him. Nice track to finish the album. R.U.L.E. finishes amazingly strong and perhaps may have saved Ja’s career and may make people realize he belongs in his position in the game. This is the first time Jeffrey Atkins has truly been artistic with an album and made it his own. He’s very personal throughout the album and this freshness may revive Ja Rule.

Music Vibes: 8.5/10 Lyric Vibes: 7.5/10 Total Vibes: 8/10

1. Straight Mail(Feat B-Legit)

Nice way to start the album, beat is nice and dark and has that bouncy mob flavor to it. Richie Rich actually shows some enthusiasm in his voice which sounds pretty dope. B-Legit does the same and again it sounds dope, they should rap with enthusiasm more often. Song is what you’d expect it to be, good track. Good

2. Ain’t Gon Do

Wow, this album has gone down in quality already. Annoying piano beat with Richie Rich annoying me with his constant “That’s What I Ain’t Gone Do!” stuff. This is so below concept and is just a horrible track. Wack

3. Playboy

Another awful track. Beat is really annoying and way too forced with annoying “Playboy” vocals by some untalented female. Seasoned Vet? I think not, this track will cause an ear infection. Train Wreck

4. Use Ta Sell

Really sloppy beat, just poor mixing and everything. Awful chorus, this is not the type of beat to go all slow and relaxed on! Richie Rich actually does a good job rapping but everything else is just wack. Wack

5. If

I like the beat, it fits Richie Rich’s flow but the whole content just sucks. I’ve heard all of this stuff before, is this the same guy who made Seasoned Vet? Wow could’ve fooled me. Beat is good…well sort of good not great or anything and everything else sucks. Average(Leaning towards wack)

6. The Truth(Feat Gonzoe)

Good track, now this is a great beat! Chorus is really dated and cliche’d but it’s good enough. Richie Rich actually raps really vicious on here, I’m impressed! Gonzoe comes tight as well. Good track! Good

7. Birds

Richie Rich samples Ice T’s “6 In The Mornin”, it’s not bad but it’s not good. Richie Rich is no Ice T and it shows. Average

8. Game Don’t Stop(Feat Rhythm & Green)

I dig the beat, it’s nice and relaxing. Why are they rapping about killing over this type of beat? Talk about ruining the vibe of the track. Good enough. Good

9. Bringin It Back

Nice track, a nice throw back to the old days. Nice chorus! With some pretty dope singing. Richie Rich raps about the old times. Good

10. Who’s House

I cannot believe how bad this track is, seriously it’s like he’s trying to tank this. The starting is such garbage. Skip this! Train Wreck

11. How Many Licks(Feat Yukmouth)

Really good song, in fact it’s the best track on the album and feature’s Yukmouth. This was obviously done in 1998 because Yuk clearly states the year in his verse. In fact I wish this was a Yuk solo track because he owns it on here. Good track! Good

12. Her Pu**y

Wow what originality in the song title! What a piece of garbage this track is. Such an awful track name and track in general with a beat that sounds like it was done with a Casio. If you like this track then you are not human. Train Wreck

13. Hit Me On The Hip(Feat Rame Royal)

Another awful track, in fact this track is so bad that it’s just…well bad! Chorus is really bad, this track is tiresome. Train Wreck

14. The Game

Very basic beat, very boring. Richie Rich tries but guess what? NO ONE CARES!!!! You have already put this album in the wack category and this track is guess what? WACK! Wack

15. Nothin 2 Lose(Feat Ruffa)

Ruffa’s chorus is really abrasive and for a Richie Rich fan that is not good. In fact this whole track is just off tune. Still don’t care. Wack

16. Tyme-N My Life

Well he goes from killing and slanging dope to being a kid…wow what variety…of course I’m being sarcastic. This track is so phoney and corny that it’s unintentionally hilarious. Awful way to end the album…oh well atleast it wasn’t an outro. Wack

All in all this gets a Wack rating. This was such an awful album! What happened here Richie Rich? Seasoned Vet was such a great album and this album The Game was one big stinky pile of horse feces. This had zero effort and was totally forced. Stay away from this album.

Before I start, Anticon are a group from Frisco who make hippy-like “rap” music.

1. More From June(Deep Puddle Dynamics)

Well this is the best song on the album and that’s because of Slug who has the first verse, yup only one good verse, what a sham this track is. Dose-One is horrible, purely awful. This track is just noise, that’s it! There’s no beat, it’s just experimental crap. Wack

2. We Ain’t Fessin(Double Quotes)(Anticon)

What the hell is this? I would never bump this around other people, you’ll say “Well you only listen to the popular music!” and I say “I like Digital Underground…you know a group that can actually make music instead of mindless coffee shop hippy hop!?!”. This track has no direction, they try to recite pathetic spoken word poetry with awful flows over a beat that cannot make up its mind. This my friends is grade A garbage! Train Wreck

3. Pitty party People(Anticon)

Yes this is the last track ON THE WHOLE ALBUM! Only 3 songs? Bite me *****es! This is such a wussy sing-a-long track that should’ve stayed in the trash. Some kat tries to rapid spit and messes up horribly, this is embarassing. Train Wreck

All in all this is a TRAIN WRECK! Only 3 songs! 3 SONGS!!!! And they all suck, not one good track. People call this progressive rap? This is awful! Stay away from everything Anticon related, they may be the worst group ever. Spoken word never sounded so bad.

Album: Greatest Hits
Artist: Kool G Rap
Label: Land Speed
Year: 2002

Kool G Rap is one of the most infamous gangsta rappers of all time. He started his career off as a member of the legendary, Juice Crew. The Juice Crew was one of the greatest hip-hop crews from the Queensebridge area. Other members of crew were Biz Markie, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane and more. Kool G Rap took gangsta rap to another level. But, he is extremely underrated for all that he did for the genre. His teaming with DJ Polo was a great thing for rap as they released solid albums. This album, is a compilation of his hits when he was with Polo, and when he was solo.

It’s A Demo

The perfect introduction track. It is extremely simple but still very good. It is exactly like a demo. This is one of G Rap’s earlier tracks and that is evident judging by it’s simplicity. “People in the audience Kool G Rap is my name I write rhymes and insert them inside your brain”

Riker’s Island 

Kool G Rap comes strong on this track. He rap’s about a place called Riker’s Island. G Rap tells about everything that happens there. This is a dope track. G Rap comes with straight fire. “Well listen to me, you young hoods, this is some advice You do the crime, you’re payin the price”

Truly Yours

This track is quite odd. Normally, when one raps about a girl, they rap about love etc. On this track he raps about the girl that he hates. It is a dope track, as G Rap flows non-stop. “This I dedicate to the girl I hate It’s a piece of my mind rhyme put on a plate”

Butcher Shop

Kool G Rap raps about himself on this track. He brings pure heat, never toned down throughout the track. Polo also shows his skills on the DJ set. G Rap comes hard with great lyrics. “He’s the big boss when his hands criss-cross Up and down the crossfader turning wax to sauce”

Talk Like Sex 

G Rap spits fire on this track. He talks about, well, his sex life and what will happen once he gets it on with someone. He also talks about his standards and exactly what he does. A dirty, yet great track. “For the ladies, one hundred and ninety-five pounds of beef, chinky eyes, curly hair and gold teeth”

Poison

He raps about his lethal raps on this track. He talks about his and Polo’s deadly combination. This track breaks down his own rapping style and alerts the listener that it is poisonous. He spits venom on this dope track. “This is poison so be alert and cautious Those who act courageous you will get nauseous”

Road To The Riches

Kool G Rap raps about how he is coming back to teach everyone a lesson, and know “what time it is” This is one of the best tracks on the album. It is in some ways about the American dream in a sense. He raps about the rugged road to the riches. An amazing song. “When I was five years old I realized there was a road At the end I will win lots of pots of gold”

Streets Of New York 

This track goes on about the streets of New York. G Rap tells about what goes on in the streets and who goes there. He raps at a nice pace so the listener can absorb everything being said. A dope track. “In the streets of New York Dope fiends are leaning for morphine”

Money In The Bank (Featuring Freddy Foxx, Large Professor & Anton) 

This is a great track. Large Professor starts it off with his laid back sound. He spits nicely before handing the mic over. Freddy Foxx comes correct. His lyrics seem slightly weak initially because their simplicity. Kool G Rap shines on this track. The other two were nice but he rips the mic. Anton spits nicely. He comes with some great lyrics. This track basically says that nothing matter’s if there is money in the bank “Kool G. Rap for your first selection, get up on it To my opponents, let me just demonstrate for a minute”

Bad To The Bone

This fast song starts off with some great lyricism which maintains throughout. This song is all about himself. He raps about how he is bad to the bone and nothing else. But he puts up a compelling argument… “I’m bad to the bone, with a style like Al Capone I’ma smile while I give you the dial tone”

Ill Street Blues 

A classic track. One of G Rap’s best. Kool G Rap comes correct on this fantastic track. This track is pretty self-explanatory. Kool G Rap talks about the streets and what he does. He talks about how he rules the streets. “I’m right in front of my front steps thinking of a plan Looking like Raggedy Ann, no dough in hand kicking a can”

Letters 

The Genius of Rap spits fire on this track with some nice work from Polo. He comes correct on this great track. Kool G Rap etches his sound and name into your head, and he does a pretty could job too. “Rougher than Gotti, in tone Got a body harder than Flintstone”

Fast Life (Featuring Nas)

A great track. Nas starts off with a nice flow and meaningful lyrics. Kool G Rap then raps at a slightly faster pace. Him and Nas’s lyrics match each other, a perfect combination. This is a great track with a strong message. “Champagne wishes of caviar dreams? a penis didn’t cream? With sales of fish scales from triple beams I gleam”

For Da Brothaz

Another great track. A tight track dedicated to his homies. This song contains some of his best lyricism. Kool G Rap shows that he is a great storyteller on this track. He narrates many events of his life. A great way to wrap up this great album. “I knew a youngster, met him at 14, a very short scene Fiendin to make his dreams come true, but see, money was caught mean”

This is a great compilation from the Kool Genius of Rap. With classic cuts this is a definite pick up for new fans and old alike. This is a must have for gangsta rap gans. Surprisingly, Kool G Rap is among the MCs often forgotten when naming the greatest. From his days with DJ Polo to when he was solo Kool G Rap was often slept on. But through everything, Kool G Rap will always remain a legend.

Rating: 4.0

1. Keep It Beautiful(Feat Keith Porter) 

Great way to start off the album. Beat is really dope, it has that 1996 DU feel to it. Shock G raps about the negative side of the world and how we need to change and be more positive. Good message here and Keith Porter is a dope singer. Good

2. Cherry Flava’d Email(Feat Clev MC, Fifth Element, Ant D.O.G., & Delina Dream) 

Nice accoustic guitar type beat. Everyone comes tight here. Good

3. Weesom Hustlas(Feat Money B & Humpty Hump) 

YES!!!! The beat has a nice pimpish vibe to it. Shock, Humpty, & Money trade some verses and the chorus is pretty dope. Great track. Good

4. Cinnamon Waves(Feat DJ Q-Bert, Ray Luv, & Delina Dream) 

Nice slower type song. Shock with the first verse and it’s pretty tight. This song has a really odd beat but I dig it. Q-Bert with some dope scratches. Ray Luv with a very dope verse, he doesn’t sound odd on here at all which is dope. Good track. Good

5. Holmedown Up(Feat Yukmouth, Java, Clev MC, & Fifth Element) 

Nice beat, it mixes gangsta with funk and add’s that DU flavor to it. Yukmouth starts it off with easily his best verse of the year. Java with a very dope verse. Clev with a good verse. Shock doesn’t rap on here which is a little odd. Good

6. Let’s Go(Feat Trevel & DJ D-Sharp) 

Not a big fan of this track. Bouncy club type beat and it just doesn’t have anything worthwhile in it. Average

7. My Opinion(Feat Numskull) 

Great concept here. Numskull starts it off with a hilarious verse just stating his opinions. Shock G with a great verse giving his opinions as well. DOPE!

8. Who’s Clean 

Beat is really weird to explain but it’s tight. Shock G solo track which is always great and it’s easily a DOPE! track. DOPE!

9. Fear Of A Mixed Planet 

DOPE! This track is straight weird and I dig that. This is just some singing and then just a crazy beat and scratches and then some talking. Crazy track! DOPE!

10. Gotchoo 

Beat is basic with a piano thrown in there. Shock tries but it’s just not that good of a track. Average

11. Rime In The Mochanut 

This track is genius! Seriously this track may be one of the most original tracks of the year. You see the concept is that you think Shock will say an explicit word to rhyme but then he switches and says something else. It’s too tought to describe, you have to hear it. I don’t like the beat but the concept alone makes this good. Good

12. Perfect Life(Feat Element) 

Pretty dope track, it’s straight Hip Hop here as everyone comes tight with their verses. Shock comes the tightest. Good

13. We’re All Killaz 

Beat is all over the place with multiple things going on at once, pretty dope stuff here. I like the chorus with the voice morph. Good track. Good

14. Baby You Okay 

Relaxing beat here, very dope stuff. Different approach at rapping, one thing I always dug about Shock is that he’s not affraid to try and make different music. Very dope stuff here. Good

15. Sunshine Rime(Feat Mo & Delina Dream) 

Same beat as Let’s Go. I still don’t like the beat much, but it’s better than Let’s Go and they tried. Good(For the work involved)

16. Clev MC 

This is Clev’s solo track and it’s pretty good, your basic Hip Hop rhyming track. Good

17. Your Sun Iza Pimp(Feat Humpty Hump & K-Lien) 

Very dope bouncy beat. Humpty starts it off with a short but fun verse. Shock with a great verse. Then Humpty with another fun verse and then Shock & Humpty trade lines. K-Lien with a pretty dope verse. Shock & Humpty again trade some lines and Shock with the last verse. Fun song and a great way to end the track.

All in all this gets a Good rating. This is most def an “Album Of The Year” contender. This is a must for music fans. COP

Album: Funky Technician
Artist: Lord Finesse
Label: Wild Pitch
Year: 1990

The funky technician, Lord Finesse is one of the most underrated rappers ever. A legend of underground rap, Lord Finesse did not get much commercial success. He had a legion of dedicated fans but aside from that, word about him went from person to person. A member of Diggin’ In The Crates [DITC], he managed to change underground rap. He even introduced Big L, the Harlem legend to the rap scene. He achieved great underground status and secured his spot as one of those, unheard of legends.

This album is on point. Finesse comes with sick lines although they don’t really hit the leisurely listener. One has to be on the look out for the lines, which just pop out in the midst of a song. His delivery may be difficult to get into, but it is because of this uniqueness that separates him from other rappers. His funky flow is matched only by the words that come out of his mouth. It’s as though he is simply freestyling through out the entire album.

The guest appearances fit perfectly. Andre the Giant [AG] and Finesse make a deadly combination. According to legend, Andre the Giant was the only man to come close to defeating Finesse in a head to head battle. It’s not hard to see because he comes correct although Finesse tends to dominate the tracks. Chocolate, fits in perfectly with Finesse. Grandpa Finesse does his thing on the introduction and final track. This album is dominated by the “slick brother with a fade and a half-moon” Never does he let the listener down. He says it best himself, “everyone, moving, but eager, to listen” The highlights to this terrific album are “Lesson To Be Taught” “Bad Mutha” “Track the Movement” and “Back to Back Rhyming” But in all of his songs he comes correct, never letting the listener down.

Lord Finesse’s Theme Song

Grandpa Finesse simply introduces the funky technician, the bad mutha, the slick brother with a fade and a half moon and Lord Finesse

Baby, You Nasty

A dope track! Starts off with great lyricism, which sets up the listener for something great in the album. His flow just keeps going and going. His delivery may seem a little high but the listener immediately get used to it. This track is a boastful one. He talks about how great he is in the most creative ways possible “Lord Finesse is the brother that you have to hear I flow smooth like clouds in the atmosphere”

Funky Technician 

The most honest track. The funky technician raps about so many different things on this one track. He is, again, boastful but that just adds to the track. His funkiness is incredible. He is probably one of the funkiest artists around, along with Main Source. “Lord Finesse in effect cause I rhyme hard Look good flow smooth yeah the whole nine yard”

Back To Back Rhyming 

Finesse speeds up his pace on this track. Andre the Giant showcases his skills for the first time. He too, has amazing lyricism. Together, they make a stunning combination. It’s no surprise that this cat came close to Lord Finesse. Lord Finesse still dominates the track though. The production is nice on this but some of the sampling was a bit off.” “Now when it comes to rhymes, I’ll drop a swift one I’m the rap senator, ake about ten of ya”

Here I Come 

The ultimate introduction. He shows all the new rappers that even though he has been around longer; he still hasn’t lost his touch. He drops the truth about himself on this incredible track. He never seems to tire “Lord Finesse is the brother who’s talking And this is somethin funky to pump in your walkman”

Slave To My Soundwave

Finesse is more aggressive on this track. Finesse is extremely different on this track. This is the only time he takes this aggressive stance on the album. The sampling on this song works quite well. “Hear the crowd, and get the stage set You still got time, so put a tape in your tape deck”

I Keep The Crowd Listening

This is no lie. With his incredible flow and unique delivery this is exactly what he does. There is a bit of sampling on this track but it is on point. “Alright, let me kick this fly intro Somethin that’s smooth but quite simple”

Bad Mutha 

He proves his point. He is the bad mutha. Another boastful track. His skills are undeniable. He keeps the track smooth and slow. His diversity is very different from the rest of DITC. He has his way with the mic, there is no denying it. The production is very nice on this album “Turn up the radio, better yet the phonograph And I’ma school the suckers who don’t know the half”

Keep It Flowing 

Andre the Giant is on top form on this track. He and Finesse completely rip apart the track, top to bottom. They completely tear it to shreds. This is one of the greatest tracks on the album. Production is perfect and everything works together. “A man thought he could test me and possess a better skill His man shook his head and his mother said “You’d better chill””

Lesson To Be Taught 

On this track Finesse chooses to educate the youngsters on the things to watch out for in life. This is easily the best track on the album. Finesse drops some major knowledge on this track. The lyrics are timeless. “Here we go, so pay attention to the teacher Here to preach a lesson to reach ya”

Just A Little Something 

Another fast paced song. The funky technician keeps going and going with some great lyricism. The production of the track matches his spectacular lyrics, courtesy of Showbiz “Now I’m the constabulary, great in vocabulary I’m no joke, when up against any adversary”

Strictly For The Ladies

Self-explanatory. This track is strictly for the ladies. He talks about basically how many girls he gets and how they can chill together. This track is basically explaining himself to the ladies “This is strictly for the ladies, no ifs ands or maybes We can chill together but hold on the babies”

Track The Movement 

The perfect ending to a classic album. This track is laid back and mellow. He keeps this track even and drops some of his best lyrics. After a wrap-up such as this, there is no denying his talent. “Finesse, now I’m smooth sensational Educational, here to awaken you”

The production on this album is fabulous. The album was produced by DJ Premier, Diamond D, Showbiz and, of course, Mike Smooth. It can’t possibly go wrong with some of the best producers. The combination of the excellent production with Lord Finesse is tremendous.

This slept on album is one of the finest to come out of the Bronx area. This is a classic underground album. Finesse is unstoppable. There are no weak points to this masterpiece.

Rating: 5/5

1. How It Is(Feat Miami) 

We waste no time getting into the album as there is no 30 second skit as the intro(Thank goodness). Rydah rips it but Miami is really annoying as he repeats Rydah’s last words to a line in a growly type manner. Decent enough. Average

2. Prince Of Tha Projects

Roblo produced the track and it’s really good, got a bounce to it and what sounds like a horn. Rydah rips the first verse, seriously this guy just kills it here. This sounds totally different than any other Mob Figaz solo. Rydah has a great second verse as well. Good stuff here. Good

3. Bonnie B*tches

Traxx produced the track and it sounds cartoony, like when the bad tune gets exploded by some dynamite and it makes that “Wah wah” sound, good beat but a tad odd to use on a rap song. Rydah comes tight. Good

4. How It Should Be(Feat Mac Dre)

“Summer Breeze” is used as the beat here and why is Mac Dre on this type of song? He should be on the goofy type tracks. Rydah has a tight first verse. Mac Dre with the second verse, you know I like Mac Dre but he should only be used on tracks that aren’t meant to be taken seriously, he has a goofy verse. Good enough. Good

5. Throw’d Out(Feat Husalah & Mac Dre) 

See now these are the tracks Mac Dre should be used for. Really goofy type bouncy beat, I love it. Rydah with a good first verse. Husalah rips it here, he also sounds dope over these type of beats. Chorus is Mac Dre “They throw’d us right on out” in a goofy manner, dope stuff. Rydah again with a dope verse. Good stuff. Good

6. Not My Style(Feat Jacka) 

Jacka is a really overlooked rapper, just wanted to say this as he rips the first verse, the beat sounds like something that would be used at a Graduation haha but it’s really dope. Rydah with a really good second verse. Rydah again with a verse, hmmmm that’s a little odd but still a dope verse. Good song! Good

7. Get Yo Money

Banging beat here, hard hitting stuff. Rydah comes tight. Good

8. Undaworld Ties(Feat Keak Da Sneak) 

Speaking of underrated rappers, here’s Keak Da Sneak who is one of the best Bay rappers ever yet he gets slept on, what a shame. Rydah with the first verse and it’s a pretty tight verse. The beat is a little dark but maintains that street sound with a nice organ beat to it. Keak with a good verse, his constipated type flow is an aquired taste but if once you get it then it’s really dope. Good

9. Priveledge

Basic beat, a little boring but Rydah carries it well. Average

10. 50 Shotz(Feat Mac Dre, Husalah, & PSD)

This beat is all over the place. This track in itself is just all over the place and sloppy. Wack

11. Leave Me Alone(Feat Mac Dre) 

DOPE! I love this track here. The beat sounds like something that would play in a lounge. Mac Dre starts it off with a hilarious verse. Rydah with a great second verse, one of Rydah’s best as he flows really well to the beat. Great track. DOPE!

12. I Can’t See(Feat Cutthroat Committee)

Weird beat, pretty sloppy. Not a very good song at all. Wack

13. Fly Gangsta(Feat Yukmouth)

DOPE!!! The beat is nice and bouncy! Yukmouth starts it off with a vicious verse. Chorus is all Rydah and it’s very dope. Rydah with a good second verse and a good last verse. Great track. DOPE!

14. Run Fo It

Wow another dope track, AP-9 starts it off with his best verse ever as he doesn’t yell all over the track and has a great flow on here. I dig the chorus here, a little goofy but it’s dope. Rydah with a great verse. LiL Ric with a pretty good last verse. Great way to end the cd. DOPE!

All in all this gets a Good rating. Easily the best Mob Figaz solo out. You need to cop this album!

1. The Assassination

Crazy 8 produced the beat and it’s good, nothing great but it gets the job done. Kaoz is a rapper who has a semi sloppy flow, he can get ahead of himself and he does that a couple of times on this song. Kaoz has some good lyrics here and comes vicious, good track. Good

2. Shittin On Da World

Sean T produces a really good beat here, it has some Hip Hop flavor to it. Kaoz flows very dope over this beat, he seems comfortable here and has some really good lyrics. I like the chorus, it’s simple and works with the song. Nay sayers should peep this song. Good

3. Get Em(Feat Young Droop)

YES! One of my favorite Westcoast rappers is featured on this song. J Doe produced the beat and it’s hard hitting. Kaoz starts it off with a good verse. Chorus is simple but is decent. YOUNG DROOP!!!!!! Has the second verse and rips it! He outshines Kaoz easily. People like Droop’s older flow better but I actually dig his yelling type flow. Kaoz with another verse, pretty good verse. Good

4. Dirty Deed’s

Hollis produced one smooth beat here, possibly his smoothest. Kaoz raps about women and the dirty deed’s they do. Subject matter wise this song is awful but for music? It owns! Good

5. United We Stand(Feat Messy Marv & Hollow Tip)

Eh I don’t care for the beat, I like Sean T’s production but this beat is basic and quite horrible. Kaoz raps first and has a good verse, doesn’t trip over his words which is good. Chorus is pretty good, gets to the point. Messy Marv with a decent verse, sorry but Marv is one of the most overrated rappers in the Bay. Hollow Tip with the best verse, pretty long verse as well. Average

6. Best Coast

Way Deep produced the track and it’s pretty good, it has a nice eerie type feel to it. Kaoz comes tight here. Good

7. Monsta Rappin(Feat Dutch)

Nice beat here, takes “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and tweaks it into a West beat. Kaoz starts it off with a sloppy verse, it’s a good verse but needed better delivery. Chorus is basic. Dutch with a pretty good verse, he most def outshines Kaoz here. Kaoz with the last verse and I take that back, Kaoz owned it here with this verse. Good track. Good

8. Potency(Feat Stone Kold)

Track is boring, beat is basic and Kaoz tries squeaking his voice during lines, very annoying. Stone Kold with a sloppy rapid verse. This track is the sominex. Wack

9. Whoridin

Sean T with a dope beat, has that West flavor to it. Kaoz brings the lyrics to make this a banging track. Good

10. Other Shit

Awkward, it’s not a bad track but the chant type beat that kicks in really doesn’t work, in fact it makes it very annoying. Kaoz is not one to carry a wack beat. Average

11. Un*****witable(Feat Baby Fluff)

Great beat here, it has that gangsta touch to it, very hard hitting and drives home the message, very abrasive but not to the point where it drives the listener away. Kaoz however is really sloppy here, his flow does not match the track. Baby Fluff’s voice is a bit low here, kind of hard to hear but still pretty dope. I’ll call it good. Good

12. I’m Ghetto(Feat T-Nutty)

Sean T produced the track and the beat is pretty tight, it’s upbeat and bouncy. Kaoz with a pretty good first verse. I do not like the chorus, the low voice is annoying. Kaoz with another good verse and then T-NUTTY!!!!!! Raps and outshines Kaoz. I’d like to hear T-Nutty & Droop try to outshine each other over the Dusted And Disgusted beat. Good

13. Y 2 Kaoz

Has a slower beat to it, really slow starting and again Kaoz doesn’t fit over this beat, slow it down just a little bit here. The chorus is annoying. Not a good track. Wack

14. Real Pimpin

Sean T produced the track and there’s 3 different beats going on here, works well though. Kaoz doesn’t have the charisma to pull off tracks like these, it just sounds overbearing to the listener. Average(For the beat)

15. Ride 2 Dis(Feat Myth)

I dig the beat here, it’s bouncy and upbeat and Myth rips the first verse. Chorus is a little odd but still good. Kaoz with a pretty good verse. Myth raps fast and comes off as sloppy but still decent. Good track. Good

16. Block Hittaz(Feat Trifflin, D Lo, & Dubble J)

Cluster*****, I’m lost on this track as they just go right into it without even an introduction. Wack

All in all this gets a Good rating. Good album but it tended to go off beat and not mesh together. Buy it if you’re a Kaoz fan.

1. Intro

Just an intro.

2. T-Shirt, Blue Jeans, & Nikes(Feat E-40)

Rick Rock produces a semi basic beat, nice and bouncy but it doesn’t really reach out and grab you. Keak carries this track as his flow is perfect over this beat. E-40 gives an average appearance. I like the chorus to this, it’s nothing mind blowing but it gets the job done. Good

3. Hi-Volume

Rick Rock produces a really boring beat, this sounds like a club beat but not nearly as catchy. Keak tries but this track is just boring. The chorus is all over the place. Skip it. Wack

4. Know What I’m Talkin Bout

EA Ski produced the beat so you know it’s tight. Keak flows perfectly over this beat. I dig the chorus as well. Great track. Good

5. Rappin My New Twist

EA Ski produced the beat and it’s basic but once the chorus kicks in it gets much better. Keak sounds comfortable over Ski’s beats which is dope because not only do we get to hear dope beats but we can hear dope rappers flowing over them. Good

6. Copium

EA Ski produced the beat(YES!!!) and it’s pretty good, a little wacky but Keak flows over it well and not out of control. Again the beat picks up during the chorus. Good track! Good

7. Hi Speed Specialist

EA Ski again produces the beat, this is my dream album right here ha! The beat is pretty dope, nice and bouncy with a hint of gangsta to it. Some people don’t like Keak’s flow and I say “You’re all idiots!”, Keak has one of the most original flows I have ever heard and is easily the most overlooked rapper in the Bay. Good track. Good

8. Freakalistic(Feat Rankin Scroo)

I was spoiled with the last tracks because this one is horrible. Rick Rock should be ashamed of himself for producing such a wack beat. Keak is wasted talent here. Wack

9. Set Up Shop(Feat Bra Hef, Big Scoot, & Whoday)

DJ Epik produced this beat and it’s pretty good. The Farm Boyz are on this song, oh yea and people who said the Farm Boyz album sucked, need to get their heads examined because that album was ownage. Good

10. What It Do(Feat Dola Ike)

Rick Rock produces a really good beat, this has a Neptunes flavor to it but still maintains that West vibe. Keak flows perfectly on this track. The chorus is a little goofy but still pretty good and it fits the vibe of the song. Dola Ike is dope. Good

11. I Don’t Wanna Go

D-Dre produces a semi sappy beat, it’s ok but this wasn’t needed. Some girl sings the chorus and it’s pretty good actually. Keak’s flow doesn’t fit on these kind of songs. Average track. Average

12. Raw

Good song, now this is the kind of beat Keak should flow over, he even throws a semi diss at 50 Cent. The chorus is really stupid but it actually fits with the song. Good

13. Love Da Kids

Weird sounding beat, it sounds like some videogame, it’s good though. Keak does a good job flowing over this beat. Good

14. Still Can’t Get Enough

I don’t like the beat much but Keak does a good job here as he carries the track and talks about getting his rap career started. Average

15. That Be Me(Feat Bra-Hef & Whoday)

Ea Ski produces a pretty good beat, mixture of South & West here. Everyone comes tight. Good

16. Think You Real

Nice bouncy beat with some Asian flavor to it. Keak flows viciously on this track, very dope stuff. Good

17. To Wicked

Bouncy basic beat, nice way to end the track with Keak flowing dopely over the beat.

All in all this gets a Good rating. Keak worked his ass off here and it shows, he went with the big producers and the final product was a certified slumper. Cop this album!!!!

1. Creation (Intro)

Along the lines of Frankenstein’s creation, where Pun is created from parts of other artists. Eddie Murpy being part of him gotta be the funniest part though!

2. Watch Those Prod. by Knobody

Good first track. Uses the Starsky and Hutch theme tune. To good effect as well. About those who act shady and to be aware of them. Good use of electric guitar loops.

3. Off Wit His Head ft Prospect Prod. by Just Blaze

Would i expect any less from a Just Blaze production? Dueting with Prospect, this makes a tight combination. The only down side is each verse is only four bars long and you hear the chorus many many times throughout. It’s still tight though, just a little repetetive.

4. It’s So Hard ft Donell Jones Prod. by Younglord

Piano driven beat. Simple, but i love it. Jumpy feel to it. Pun flows over it perfectly. Pun is talking about his fame and recognition. Donell Jones also supplies a nice hook too

5. We Don’t Care ft Cuban Link Prod. by Younglord

Its such a shame this track is only 2 verses long. Pun really goes off on this one with his lyrical flow. Pun’s best flow performance on the CD is on this track. Its a dark and traumatic beat. Going out to tell others about the Terror Squad.

6. New York Giants ft M.O.P. Minnesota

I’m not too big a fan of M.O.P. coz i feel they shout too much! However they’re relegated to only one verse between them and the hook! The beat is horn driven, it reminds me of a background beat Tim Westwood would use on his radio shows! Tight beat. Bad choice of guest appearance.

7. My Dick ft Tony Sunshine Prod. by KNS and Guy Boogie

Love the hook! Just have to mention the hook! Something to sing to yourself when people keep getting at you Tony Sunshine has a good one-and-a-half long verse, but that’s no bad thing coz he’s a nice singer, although i think this is more of a Sunshine than a Pun one. Nice and laid back though despite the song content, and its good to chill to.

8. Leatherface Prod. by Mike Trauma D and Jugrnaut

Another electric guitar driven track. It seems by now that Pun is a fan of decapitating people! It’s not really that good i don’t think, i think its just average to me compared to “Off With His Head” (same concept, right?) although the distress samples do at to the buildup in the bridge. Average, i say.

9. Air Pun (Skit)

LOL. Only the lead into the next song so it’s a bit pointless. Pun is asleep on an aeroplane. I find that a strange scenario, coz Fat Joe isnt allowed to fly because of his weight, so how is Pun on a plane?! Hell, its just a skit! Funny when Pun farts though… always gets me!

10. 100% ft Tony Sunshine Prod. by Sean Cane

The hook is all in Latino so i don’t understand it. While i mention the hook, the sound sample appears to be quite muffled when it plays. I don’t think it was equalised very well. That doesn’t mean i don’t like the song. Got a real Latino vibe to it and makes you want to jump to it. Pun is talking about putting his all into the rapping effort and doing it all to be the number one.

11. Wrong Ones ft Sunkiss Prod. by Just Blaze

Not a 5/5 Blaze beat (nice bass throb with drums) but Pun manages to tear it up. His performance is on the level of what he spits on “We Don’t Care” Sunkiss also delivers a slick verse on his behalf, but is outdone by Pun.

12. Laughing at You ft Tony Sunshine Prod. by Ogee

You can’t knock the mocking tone of this song. Has a real holler at those who denied Pun anything as he was growing up and how he’s completely overcome those who thought they were bigger than him yet look what he got now?! Those with a wide music interest will recognise the “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” interpolated hook too. HA HA HA! Adds to how you may relate to the song. Deep. And i like it, although it isn’t too special if you don’t feel you’ve never been in Pun’s place.

13. N*gga Shit Prod. by Buckwild

Poetry on wax really. Boring if you ask me, just repetition of the first line over and over about the stereotypical black culture set to a piano loop. You’ll skip it after you heard it a few too many times.

14. Ms. Martin ft Remi Martin Prod. by DJ Shok

I’m not too big a fan of the Ruff Riderz productions or rappers. Too much emcee-based rapping but leaving them with boring beats (not particularly the RAW type either) Pun’s hook is dire. The most annoying you’d ever hear Pun at I’m afraid. Skip it coz Remi gets the whole song and gets boring.

15. My Turn Prod. by L.E.S.

Dark feel to a piano-tinkling and cymbol beat. It’s a bit boring however. Feels too slow and very depressing and lonely. Below average. Also note that Pun said it features Tony Sunshine but he doesn’t appear on the track. Its a posthumous mix and a badly done job too

16. You Was Wrong ft Drag On, Fat Joe and Remi Martin Prod. by DJ Shok

Another below-par DJ Shok production. Too boring with the beat making. All the verses feel average too. Pity.

My copy of the CD came witha Sony “Urban Classics” sticker attached to it, which is a shame because it shows that it shifted a good few and Pun wasn’t even around to witness it blowing up. I had to listen to this twice before writing the review because i wanted to get into the mood of the CD then compare it to Capital Punishment.

I like this CD. Its no Capital Punishment so it doesn’t mean i’ll be running out to tell all my friends about it like i did with his first but it’s still dope and does sort of grow on you. Lyrically Pun is a Latino rhyme-god and the majority of the beats are on point too, just why Pun felt he had to link up with the likes of Remi Martin and DJ Shok productions i wont know why because at about the point you hear the first Ruff Rider track the CD becomes a turn off. I guess this is the trouble with posthumous releases.

I feel they did a good job with it but messed up some appearances and productions and even just put a few boring Pun cuts in from left over material

3/5