Killer Mike – Monster

Posted on February 16, 2013 by WWC

Big Boi from the group Outkast discovered Killer Mike. After that, he made a buzz in the rapgame and went on to make tracks with rappers and groups like Outkast, T.I., Bonecrusher and more. This album features hits like “Akshon (yeah!)” & the big hit “A.D.I.D.A.S.”

1) Monster (Intro)

2) Monster

Right from the start Killer Mike is letting us know that he’s serious about his rap. You can definitely hear his aggressive style on this track. The lyrics he spit are raw and the beat is fast-paced and very nicely done. I also like the hook – it contains sample from a track with the techno group Prodigy.

3) Akshon (yeah!)

I’m not sure but I think that this was the first single of the album. Although I love this track, it shouldn’t have been the lead single. The lyrics/beat is just to complicated for the mainstream audience and that makes it non-radiofriendly for the mainstream radio listener. For a real rapfan that doesn’t care much about “Rap-Pop” this track will be tight. The beat is hot and the hook is catchy. Don’t forget to listen to the lyrics since they are tight too.

4) Rap is dead

Too many rappers still ride, Big and Pac’s dick “***** that, next year, they more deader. And I write more rhymes, more deadly and more better”.

With these words, Killer Mike is dropping one of the realest rap songs in a long time. This track is real controversial and I’m very surprised that many people still haven’t heard this yet. For those who haven’t heard this song I will let you know what the big deal is. Killer Mike is basically dissing everybody that is on Pac/Biggies dick – without saying names of course (but they know who they are). This track is basically a wake up call to everyone that is unoriginal. No rapper could have done this better then Killer Mike. His style is perfect for this track since it’s very aggressive. It’s the best track on the album and in my opinion it’s a track that everyone should check out!

5) Scared straight

This track is about the dope game. Mike is telling everybody what happens if they continue to sell crack. I like this track because he is dropping knowledge without making it corny or soft. Very tight track with a good message in it.

6) All 4 U (Niecys song)

The producers from Terror Squad ”Cool and Dre” are producing this track. They are using a vocal-sample that is very popular on the east coast. That’s why I’m very surprised that Killer Mike used this production since it doesn’t fit his category. Still I’m not disappointed because Cool and Dre are making a tight beat and Killer Mike flows tight over it. All in all a good track.

7) A.D.I.D.A.S. feat Big Boi

“A.D.I.D.A.S is an other single from this album. This is exactly how a single should be; nice catchy hook and beat with a tight feature from Big Boi and radio friendly lyrics. Not only is this a perfect single, it was the reason I bought this album. For those who haven’t heard this track yet; Check it out!

8) Creep show feat Bizarre of D-12

I was very skeptical since Bizarre of D-12 was featured on this track, he isn’t exactly the best rapper in the game. That’s why I found it very strange that he’s dropping a tight verse here. As a matter of fact, this beat was perfect for the weird rapper from D-12. They pulled of a tight collabo and that surprised me.

9) U know I love u

Andre 3000 from Outkast gives Mike a weird but very funky beat. You’ll either love or hate it. I like the so-called Outkast sound so this beat sounds very good in my ears. Mike is making an “I love you girl” type of track. He pulls it of good without sounding corny. Even the RnB hook is good and will have you singing along to it. Good track, I suggest that you listen to it with your loved one.

10) Home of the brave feat Slimm Calhoun

Another banger by Cool and Dre. They definitely made the best beat on this album. Slimm and Mike make sure that this tight beat doesn’t go to waste when they are spitting hard tight lyrics over it. The hook is also catchy and one of the best hooks on this album. Tight track!!!

11. .L.I.V.E.

This is the only wack track from this album. I don’t know how to describe it… The beat is too weird for my taste. You hardly even hear it. Since the beat is so wack the lyrics and even the hook can’t save the track. Wack track that should have been left off.

12. Blow (Get down)

I like this track. It’s not the best on the album but its ok. I love the hook it’s catchy as hell. The beat is good too. This track could be tight at the club.

13. Sex, Drugs, Rap & Roll

Laid-back rock beat with Mike rappin about Sex, Drugs, Rap & Roll. The theme to this track isn’t original since it’s been done about a hundred times but I still can’t front on the beat or the hook. His flow and lyrics are on point too. Good track.

14. Dragon

This song is very deep and I wish that more rappers would make tracks like this. The beat is very dark and is one of the best on this album. I love the hook too, it goes well with the theme of the track. Killer Mike is dropping heartfelt lyrics that make you listen to them. Tight track! One of the best on this album.

15. Re-Akshon Remix feat T.I., Bun B & Bonecrusher

I don’t know if this track is better than the original. It’s tight tho but that’s what you can expect when you get features like T.I., Bun B & Bonecrusher. Since Lil Jon is producing this track and Bonecrusher is doing the hook this track can’t be anything but “Crunk”. These rappers should form a group since they made many tracks together and they’ve all been tight. God way to end the album with a crunk track.

Bonus track

At nr 30 there is a bonus track. Don’t know the name of it but it’s tight. Got a rock beat to it. Mike is dropping hard lyrics, so check it out.

This album really took me by surprise. I’m very impressed with Killer Mike on this debut album. If he continues to make albums like this he’ll definitely be around for a while. I think it’s good that he doesn’t sound like other rappers. He’s got his own style. He doesn’t rap about money or cars. He’s just spitting raw verses with a message behind them. I recommend this album to everyone and I hope that Killer Mike will keep his own, original, sound.

I give it 4/5 since it’s very original and fresh.

Outkast – Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below

Posted on February 16, 2013 by WWC

Release Date: September 23, 2003

Speakerboxxx Record Label: La Face

1. Intro (1:29)

2. Ghetto Musick (3:56) Produced by Andre 3000

Here is easily a very good song to listen to. It has a nice beat with some nice lyrics to go with it. The song fits just right in with this album. Even though it is not the best on the album, it is one of the better ones. 9/10

3. Unhappy (3:19) Produced by Mr. DJ

Yet again another hot hit. “Unhappy” starts off a little slow, with little sound. By 0:09, the beat starts which automatically grabs your attention. Once again not the best, but still a very nice song. 8.5/10

4. Bowtie (3:56) feat. Sleepy Brown and Jazze Pha Produced by Mr. DJ

At first, “Bowtie” starts off a little, well, blues-ish. To no surprise, it gets a lot better, “Outkast” style. It is a good song, but not the best thing that happened to the world. “Bowtie” is one of the songs I don’t enjoy listening to 3+ times a week. 6.5/10

5. The Way You Move (3:53) feat. Sleepy Brown Produced by Carl Mo. Co-Produced by Big Boi

Now comes the most-heard-about track off of the “Speakerboxxx” album, “The Way You Move.” This song is definately in the running for the best track on the album. Very nice song. 10/10

6. The Rooster (3:57) Produced by Carl Mo. Co-Produced by Big Boi

“The Rooster” is just another one of them “regular” songs, like “Bowtie”, not the ones you hear much about because there are better ones. I do not enjoy listening to it I do like it better than “Bowtie.” 7/10

7. Bust (3:08) feat. Killer Mike Produced by Big Boi

“Bust” is definately interesting. Kind of has that rock/rap effect on it. Everyone knows not every song can be awesome, right? 6.5/10

8. War (2:43) Produced by Mr. DJ

I like “War”, well, somewhat. I love the lyrics, flow just my type, but the beat, I honestly don’t like. The lyrics keep this track something I would listen to frequently. 8/10

9. Church (3:27) Produced by Andre 3000

The first time I heard “Church” was while I was waiting for Madden NFL 2004 to load. I liked it then, and like it now. It’s definately a good track, not the best though. 9/10

10. Bamboo (Interlude) (2:09)

11. Tomb of the Boom (4:46) feat. Konkrete, Big Gipp, and Ludacris. Produced by Big Boi

Here is another very good track, but yet one you don’t hear much about. It features Ludacris, which I like. “Tomb of the Boom” is a definate Top Five for “Speakerboxxx”. 8.5/10

12. E-Mac (Interlude) (0:24)

13. Knowing (3:32) Produced by Mr. DJ

The more I listen to “Knowing”, I like it even more. It is a good track but definate not the Top Five, maybe the Top Ten, a pretty big maybe though. 7.5/10

14. Flip Flop Rock (4:35) feat. Killer Mike and Jay Z Produced by Big Boi. Co-Produced by Mr. DJ

Here is a very good song that has Jay Z in it. It’s not the best, but it will do. 8.5/10

15. Interlude (1:15)

16. Reset (4:35) feat. Khujo Goodie and Cee-Lo Produced by Big Boi

I really like this song, definate a good one. I enjoy listening to it and it’s right up there on my list for the best song of the album. 9/10

17. D-Boi (Interlude) (0:40)

18. Last Call (3:57) feat. Slimm Calhoun, Lil’ Jon, Eastside Boyz, and Mello Produced by Andre 3000

One of the few that I don’t like at all on this album. Definately not that good, but yet it has a good beat, just no lyrics. Not the way to go out on a CD, with a bad song. 6/10

19. Bowtie (Postlude) (0:34)

Speakerboxxxx Final Points: 113/140
Speakerboxxxx Final Grade: 81% (C)
Speakerboxxxx Final Notes: Speakerboxxx has its good
points and it’s bad points. We’ll have to see what “The Love Below” gets to finally judge it. There is way too many interludes in Speakerboxxx.

The Love Below
Record Label: La Face

1. The Love Below (Intro) (1:27)

2. Love Hater (2:49) Produced by Andre 3000

I’m going to come straight out to you: I do not like this song one bit. Absolutely a bad song to do as your beginning song. We’ll see what the rest of the CD brings because if the rest of the songs are like, it’s not going to be pretty. 6/10

3. God (Interlude)

4. Happy Valentine’s Day Produced by Andre 3000

Here’s where the first good song comes in. This song is an absolutely awesome track to listen to. 9/10

5. Spread Produced by Andre 3000

Yet again another nice song with some good lyrics. Songs like these bring an albums rating up. 8.5/10

6. Where Are My Panties? (Interlude) (1:54)

7. Prototype (5:26) Produced by Andre 3000

Right off the bat, you can tell this song is going to be good. A very smoothe beat and pretty good lyrics. It looks like “The Love Below” is making up for some of the mistakes of “Speakerboxxx”, right? So far it is. 9/10

8. She Lives In My Lap (4:27) feat. Rosario Dawson Produced by Andre 3000

Okay, with the laughing and then the somewhat weird music, it makes you think this track is gonna be three letters: G-A-Y. But, it’s not. It is actually a decent track. A lot of talking rather than singing, but hey, better off to be somewhat different. 7.5/10

9. Hey Ya! (3:55) Produced by Andre 3000

This is one of the most heard-of songs off of the whole album, “Hey Ya!”. And indeed, it is a good song. I like it a lot. This is definately in the race for the best track on the album, along with “The Way You Move”. 10/10

10. Roses (6:09) Produced by Dojo5 and Andre 3000

Again one of the better tracks, not in the race for the best track, but still. I like this song better than most, but still, it’s not like the first time someone hears it they say they go: “WHOA!! That’s the best song I’ve heard.” No, but, it is still good, don’t underestimate it. 8.5/10

11. Good Day, Good Sir (Interlude) (1:25)

12. Behold A Lady (4:37) Produced by Andre 3000

Here is another one of them “regular” songs, it’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s neutral. 7/10

13. Pink & Blue (5:04) Produced by Andre 3000

Okay, the beginning is stupid, no doubt. And surprisingly, the whole songs stays that way, it’s not good at all. For sure one of the worst on the whole album. 6/10

14. Love In War (3:25) Produced by Andre 3000

Is this CD going downhill or is it just me? This song is another “regular” and “The Love Below” needs a couple good songs for this slump their in right now! 7.5/10

15. She’s Alive (4:06) Produced by Andre 3000

Hmm…this one is a different one. It has it’s good points plus some bad points. More good than bad, though. A definate plus because this album needs some more points because of the last couple songs. 9/10

16. Dracula’s Wedding (2:32) Produced by Andre 3000

Oooh, another plus. I am really feeling it, although it could be longer. The longer the song plays, the better it gets. 8.5/10

17. The Letter (Interlude) (2:38)

18. My Favorite Things (Interlude) (5:13)

19. Take Off Your Cool (5:11) feat. Norah Jones Produced by Andre 3000

Pretty cool track, except for some parts. Not all songs can be awesome, though. 7.5/10

20. Vibrate (6:33) Produced by Andre 3000

Very nice song, a definate plus to end a CD with. 8/10

The Love Below Final Points: 113/140 The Love Below Final Grade: 81% (C) The Love Below Final Notes: Not every album can be perfect, you know that. It is still a good CD though, The Love Below is.

Album Final Points: 226/280 Album Final Grade: 81% (C) Album Final Notes: This album is definately tight, no doubt. A very good album! but not the best album Outkast has produced.

Best Song Race:
1. The Way You Move 2. Hey Ya! 3. Happy Valentines Day 4. Tomb of the Boom 5. Church Worst Song Race:
1. Love Hater 2. Last Call 3. Pink and Blue 4. Bust 5. Bowtie

Do or Die – Victory

Posted on February 16, 2013 by WWC

1. Victory

Nice way to start off the album, sure beats an intro. It gets an orchestra type beat then it turns into a rapid bounce beat, very dope. AK 47 starts it off with a rapid verse and rips it. The chorus is dope. Beelo Zero then rips it and has the best verse(Of course, Beelo has always been my fav). Nard rips it, Nard is overlooked, the guy is like a deep voiced AK 47. AK then rips it again, man AK 47 when he’s on he’s on. Beelo again raps and man this is a dope classic Do Or Die track. DOPE!

2. If U Scared (Feat Snypaz)

Oh yes, great feature. Snypaz and Do or Die are always a great tandem but the beat sucks, but they’re all carrying it. AK 47 with a rapid verse first and he rips it. I can’t stand the chorus. Nard rips it, then Beelo just mutilates the beat, man Beelo Zero is just underrated and easily a top 20 MC. Snypaz with some good shit. Good

3. In A Mode

Man this song sucks, I don’t like it when Do or Die does slow songs because they cannot do them IMO. Ugh this sucks. Wack

4. Keep it Real (Feat Johnny P)

Pretty much a party track but it’s dope, Nard starts it off with a vicious verse. Beelo Zero with a rapid dope verse. AK 47 just rips the shit outta this, yikes this guy has one rapid flow. Good

5. Who knows?

Dope stuff, nice bouncy hard beat. These are the songs that Do or Die should do, they trade verses and all come tight. Makes my head spin on how fast they spit, they are the best group in the Chi Town, I don’t care what any1 says. Good

6. Bank Heist interlude

Just a skit

7. Tha Heist

Sounds like a Heads Or Tails track. They rap about robbing a bank, it’d be a dope song but I’m not into these type of these concepts, they are just not a good idea. Beelo rips it but this has been done to death. Average

8. La, La, La

Nice relaxing beat, but it’s nothing special. Average

9. Can U Make It Hot (Feat Mo Unique)

THIS SONG SUCKS! Ugh what a *****ing farce this was and they had the guts to put this as the lead single. This can laughably be called a club track. Just awful. Train Wreck

10. VIP (Feat Feloney)

Nice party type track, nothing too bad in fact it’s pretty good. Good

11. Bounce For Me

This actually has a Hip hop feel to it, with scratches and all but the chorus just kills it. Horrible *****ing chorus. Average

12. If I Don’t Eat

Beat is something out of an 80’s robot movie. Sucks skip it. Wack

13. Stay Focused (Feat Chilla Of Snypaz)

Decent track, it’s slower but they cannot do slow tracks, sounds weird. We’ll call it average. Average

14. Murderers, Pimps, & Thugs (Feat Ja Rule)

Ok some may not like this song but I do and Ja Rule actually has a decent verse but of course DOD verbally slaughter him, Irv produces a cheap sounding beat but DOD rip it anyway. Good

15. Ride (Feat Fatal)

They actually messed up but whatever. What a waste of Fatal, I cannot stand the chorus and the beat sucks. Skip it. Wack

16. Thuggin it Out (Feat Outlawz)

Another screw up as the Outlawz are on THIS song. Noble rips the first verse. Nard rips the second. Beelo rips both of them. EDI then comes and rips some more of the song. Well I dunno if that was Nard or AK it was a spastic type beat but whoever it was they came tight. Good

17. Already Know (Feat E-40)

Another error as E-40 is on this song. Nice Bay flavor to this but the slowness just isn’t my thing. Average

All in all an Average album. Do or Die’s first 2 are much better. There’s some good stuff in here but all in all it’s just filler. Avoid it.

The Luniz – Silver & Black

Posted on February 16, 2013 by WWC

LUNIZ “Silver & Black” Released August 13th 2002

LABEL: Rap-A-Lot Records

01. Street Money w/Benjilino (3.46)
02. ***** You w/C-Bo (4.11)
03. A Piece Of Me w/Fat Joe
04. Oakland Raiders w/Mark Curry (4.48)
05. Fugitive (Armed & Dangerous) w/Benjilino (4.12)
06. Big Face Escalade w/Nic Nac & Dru Down (3.37)
07. Closer Than Close w/Dru Down (4.50)
08. Issues w/Devin The Dude & KB (4.56)
09. Break Me Off w/IMX (4.11)
10. Swang Song (3.50)
11. *Hidden Track (2.39)

PRODUCTION: J Prince, Woverine, Mr.Lee, Felli Fell, Mark Murray, Mo’ Betta, Edwin Delahoz, The Platinum Bros, Rob Lowe, Mr.Clean, Big G & L.T Hutton.

BILLBOARD: Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 2002 No.53 “Silver & Black”

The Bay Area was once again on fire as we were hit with the remarkable dueo of Yukmouth & Knumskull with their third album, “Silver & Black”, as The Luniz after a successful couple of years as solo artists, notibly Yukmouth. The Luniz were first introduced by none other than Dru Down as they made their first appearance to the rap game on Dru Down’s “Explicit Game” album in 1994, which featured the classic hit “Ice Cream Man”. The pair had been long time friends since junior high school and had originally called themselves ‘Luni Tunz’ and after seven years together things finally sprouted quickly as the first debut album in 1995 “Operation Stackola” became a clear classic album which featured the likes of Bay Area vets such as Richie Rich. The hit single from the album “I Got 5 On It” hit charts worldwide and even had the strength to knock Michael Jackson’s “HIStory” off the top of the R&B charts due to the singles success. The remix was released as the video clip and featured the Bay’s infamous artists of all time, Spice 1, Richie Rich, Dru Down, Humpty Hump (Shock G) & E-40. After a great debut the pair returned in 1997 to release “Lunitik Muzik” which was unfortunately a slept on album by the industry.

The Oakland Raiders seperated a while and during this time Yukmouth became a success as a solo artist and a record deal with J Prince’s Rap-A-lot Records, which had artists such as Scarface & Devin The Dude, had Yuk sitting on the dock of the bay. As Yukmouth’s albums, such as his debut solo “Thugged Out: Albulation” & “Block Shit”, became popular in the Bay and all over the underground gangsta rap world we finally saw the Luniz return in 2002 after a long wait with “Silver & Black”. The album had a touch of new school beats mixed with the typical Bay beats to make a perfect Westcoast album. The Oakland Raiders had returned and the name perfectly suited the pair, besides the NFL LA Raiders being moved to Oakland around the same time period, these two are truely Raiders.

The album is pure heat and has no skits at all it goes straight into the first track “Street Money” with Benjilino on the hooks. Produced by Woverine this beat is really tight and has a fat bass line to it as Yuk & Knum tear apart the mic once again on a great Bay Beat. The production by Woverine doesnt stop there as he tweaks the “Fugitive (Armed & Dangerous)” which also feature Benjilino on the hook and a guest spot for the pimp Dru Down who raps his pimp shit all over the track which keeps the clubs bumpin. Both tracks by Woverine are really tight and he has pulled off some great production on the album along with the support from Yuk & Knum’s flowing raps.

The album hasn’t many big time producers from the Westcoast though it still manages to deliver the typical Luniz beats we have all adopted and the Yukmouth style we have grown to love in his solo albums. L.T Hutton does play a role in producing the “Swang Song” which samples the chorus of “Minnie The Moocher” which was performed by Cab Callaway. The track is very messy unfortunately and as a producer in the game with his past productions this doesn’t help the album making it the only poor track on the entire album. On a better note it was still good to see the underground producers prevail and rule the album all over keeping it real.

The album is filled with a few classic tracks such as “***** You” produced by Mr.Lee. The track is a very typical Yukmouth style beat and features the Mobfather on the Westcoast known to us as C-Bo. The hook is helped with Benjilino as he smooth’s the Yuk ‘***** You’s’ with ‘Cause you a ***** ass nigga’. The beat is hard yet funky making a true classic using three of the dopest rappers on the Bay who all rap on point especially C-Bo who callaborates great with the Luniz. Other classic tracks include “Issues” produced by Mark Murray featuring the next Too Short of the rap game Devin The Dude & KB. The beat is funky and has a really mad feel with its pumpin’ bass and Bay influenced tweaks and samples and KB bangs hard on target. The song has Rap-A-Lot’s very own Devin The Dude lace the hook as the content of the song involves *****’s, so who else better to use than Devin The Dude. Devin’s hook has a similarity to Dr Dre’s “***** You” track on the “2001” album which featured The Dude. The raps by Yuk are very hard and really on target as he kicks the song off true playerism. Mark Murray also had the previladge of doing the best songs on the album which also saw “Oakland Raiders” become a pure classic song with a real funky Bay Beat once again. The song features the Luniz spit reality about the real “Oakland Raiders” in Oakland…the players, pimps and hustlers and the Bay rappers. The flow and raps by Knum & Yuk are undoubtably the best the listener can hear them spit here. The track appreciates the rappers in the Bay which see’s a notible shout out to Too Short, as the Luniz once had beef with the veteran, and also a special R.I.P to Tupac Shakur for his contrabution to the Bay in his better days. Comedian Mark Curray, known for his past sitcom “Hangin’ With Mr.Cooper” also makes a guest appearance and throws a few hilarious comments at the end of the track.

The album gets a nice touch from Felli Fell who is responsible for the R&B style beat on “A Piece Of Me” which has Fat Joe hit up rhymes with the Luni Tunz. The rapping is really phat and both Yuk & Knum tear shit up on the beat along with Fat Joe as it turns a mellow beat into a gangsta track. The album also has another slower beat “Closer Than Close” featuring Dru Down. The song talks about the struggle the rappers have faced in their career and has a sentimental meaning to it for all three of the rappers. The beat is produced by The Platinum Bros and for a slow song it has a real nice tone to it, also the rapping again makes the beat slowly disappear and the raps over power to grab your close attention to listen carefully to every single word.

The album has Mo’ Betta & Edwin Delahoz compose “Big Face Escalade” which see’s the return of Nic Nac, who spits like a real down ass *****. The beat is hard and Yuk manages to spit the best on this beat overall with Knum very close behind as they do there back and forth raps between eachother like a rap game of tennis. Towards the last two tracks producers Rob Lowe, Mr.Clean & Big G of Crimelab hook up a tight club banger for the ladies “Break Me Off” which has the Luniz rap about getting their freak on. The track is a pure club banger for clubs all over the world and the flow blesses the beat perfectly as Yukmouth peeps game like a true player: “Yo! Pull up to the club Bentley on dubs/trick they chromed up jus 20’s on up. Drinks on us mink on the rug/smoke so much bud you think we on drugs”.

The album is regretably quite short though we are hit with another track hidden with Knumskull rap solo about drugs. The story telling is done excellent by Knum and the beat is also mad. The song is only short though and as the listener it makes you wonder if it was a teaser of some sought, maybe for a Knumskull solo album coming soon.

The general album was pretty good and the Luniz have kept their reputation up with having Yukmouth’s solo career help boost their ability to rise once again. Apart from the short track listing most of the songs live up to their name and the Luniz have once again achieved a great album for all the Bay/Westcoast rap lovers out there. The beats and production were quite good and the lyrics and flow by both Knum & Yuk make this album better than what it seems. The pair need to release more albums in the future as they are a spectacular team and the talent in rapping puts them on top of the Bay Area with rappers such as Celly Cell, C-Bo, E-40, Mac Mall & Sly Boggy…not to mention there are alot more than that who are all over looked…

RATING: 3.5/5

Dr Dre – The Chronic 2001

Posted on February 16, 2013 by WWC

01.) “Intro” (feat. Tray Deee and Xzibit) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

02.) “The Watcher” (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

“The Watcher” is the perfect way too kick-off “2001”. Dr. Dre delivers three outstanding verses over his (and Mel-Man’s) epic production. This was an excellent way to re-introduce Dr. Dre into the rap game after a three year hiatus.

03.) “***** You” (feat. Devin and Snoop Dogg) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

This is another outstanding production courtesy of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man. Dr. Dre spits an excellent verse but is outshined by the outstanding lyrical performances of Devin and Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg’s verse on “***** You” is arguably his best verse since his “Doggystyle” days.

04.) “Still D.R.E.” (feat. Snoop Dogg) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

Dr. Dre puts-on a classic lyrical performance (courtesy of Jay-Z). Dr. Dre and Mel-Man’s hard-hitting production is one of the best in the history of Hip-Hop. There is one word to perfectly describe this track… classic.

05.) “Big Ego’s” (feat. Hittman) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

The hypnotic production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man is what’s best about this track. “Big Ego’s” is the first of Hittman’s nine outstanding lyrical performances featured on “2001”… I’m still waiting for his debut album.

06.) “Xxplosive” (feat. Hittman, Kurupt, Nate Dogg and Six-Two) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

“Xxplosive” is the definition of a West Coast classic. The production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man is arguably the best production featured on “2001”… and that says A LOT! Kurupt and Six-Two both spit outstanding verses (more-so Six-Two). But, in my opinion, Nate Dogg shines the brightest on this West Coast classic.

07.) “What’s The Difference” (feat. Eminem and Xzibit) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

“What’s The Difference” is a personal favorite of mine. Dr. Dre drops what can be argued as his career-best lyrical performance; Eminem also drops a gem of a verse. But I don’t think that I’d be crossing over any lines by saying that Xzibit is the STAR of “What’s The Difference”. Xzibit’s verse on this track is the reason that Xzibit’s classic album “Restless” recieved so much pre-release hype.

08.) “Bar One” (feat. Eddie Griffin, Ms. Roq and Traci Nelson) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

09.) “Light Speed” (feat. Hittman) (4 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

“Light Speed” is a rather simple (yet outstanding) production equipped with a bass-line that is designed to damaged your ear drums. Dr. Dre and Hittman both drop nice verses.

10.) “Forgot About Dre” (feat. Eminem) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

Dr. Dre and Eminem both put-on a lyrical clinic on this track. The production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man is absolutly perfect for the theme of this track. I think that the mainstream media is what’s to blame for me not giving this track a perfect rating. This track was played so much back in the year 2000 that I’m STILL sick of it!

11.) “The Next Episode” (feat. Snoop Dogg) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

I like to think of the summer anthem for the year 2000 as the sequel to “Nuthin’ But A G Thang”. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg both spit FIRE over yet-another Dr. Dre/Mel-Man banger. I especially love Nate Dogg’s short outro on this one. It doesn’t get much better than this right here.

12.) “Let’s Get High” (feat. Hittman, Kurupt and Ms. Roq) (4 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

Dr. Dre, Hittman, Kurupt and Ms. Roq all drop outstanding verses over this outstanding bass-driven production. This track sounds different than any other track on this album… and that’s not a bad thing. The hook makes this track almost irrisistable.

13.) “***** Niggaz” (feat. Hittman, Six-Two and Snoop Dogg) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

The outstanding blues-influenced production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man is on another level. Dr. Dre, Hittman, Six-Two and Snoop Dogg all do justice to the outstanding production. Six-Two is another person whose album I’m still waiting for as a result of “2001”; There is just so much talent featured on this album! Also… why can’t Snoop Dogg always drop verses like this?

14.) “The Car Bomb” (feat. Charis Henry and Mel-Man) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

15.) “Murder Ink” (feat. Hittman and Ms. Roq) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

Hittman and Ms. Roq both drop excellent verses over the sinister piano-driven production. This is another one of my personal favorites.

16.) “Ed-ucation” (feat. Eddie Griffin) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

17.) “Some L.A. Niggaz” (feat. Defari, Hittman, King T, Kokane, MC Ren, Time Bomb and Xzibit) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

“Some L.A. Niggaz” is yet ANOTHER Weft Coast classic featured on “2001”. MC Ren teases the listener by dropping ad-libs instead of spitting a few bars over the epic production on the tracks intro. Defari and Xzibit hold-down the Likwit Crew on this track by dropping near-classic verses. Hittman, King T and Time Bomb all drop outstanding verses; Time Bomb is especially impressive. And what’s an L.A. anthem without Kokane on the hook?

18.) “Pause 4 Porno” (feat. Jake Steed) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

19.) “Housewife” (feat. Hittman and Kurupt) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

“Housewife” is more of a remix of a version that appeared on Kurupt’s debut album “Kuruption!”; This version also appears on Kurupt’s classic sophomore album, “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha”. Needless-to-say, this version is MUCH better than the original. The outstanding blues-influenced production fits the theme of the song perfectly. Dr. Dre, Hittman and Kurupt all drop outstanding verses.

20.) “Ackrite” (feat. Hittman) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

This is the track that got me REALLY excited about Hittman’s yet-to-be-released debut album. Hittman spits absolute FIRE over the outstanding production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man. Good luck trying to get this hook out of your head. Another one of my personal favorites…

21.) “Bang Bang” (feat. Hittman and Knoc-Turn’al) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

Dr. Dre drops a gem of a verse but is outshined by the lyrical-tyrade of both Hittman and Knoc-Turn’al. The production on this track is nothing less than perfect. How many classics can fit on one album?

22.) “The Message” (feat. Mary J. Blige and Rell) (5 out of 5) Produced by Lord Finnesse

This track sounds NOTHING like any of the other tracks on this album. It is also the most personal that Dr. Dre has ever gotten on a record. I think that this may be Dr. Dre’s best lyrical performance ever. Mary J. Blige sounds outstanding on the hook (along with Roc-A-Fella crooner Rell). This is a personal favorite of mine.

CONCLUSION: There is no doubt in my mind that “2001” is a Hip-Hop classic. This album is what pushed West Coast Hip-Hop back to the top in the year 2000. I’m waiting to see if the same will happen this year when Dr. Dre unleashes “Detox” on the world. Don’t forget that this album was responsible for re-establishing Dr. Dre in the music industry. So if it wasn’t for “2001” a lot of music that has dropped since 1999 may have never existed. If you ask me (this may upset some people) but the production on “2001” is a little bit better than the production featured on Dre’s 1992 classic “The Chronic”. Then again, if you ask me, the lyrics featured on “The Chronic” are better than the lyrics featured on “2001”. But keep in mind that a lot changed from 1992 to 1999, so it’s unfair to compare the two albums. No matter how you look at it… “2001” is an undeniable classic.

FINAL RATING: 5 out of 5

Jayo Felony – Crip Hop

Posted on February 16, 2013 by WWC

JAYO FELONY “Crip Hop” Released October 23rd 2001

LABEL: AMC & Loco Records

01. Intro (1.30)
02. Gang Bangin’ Shit w/Spice 1 (2.38)
03. One Shot Kill (3.02)
04. Girls & Boys w/Tikki Diamonds (4.11)
05. What Ya Need (3.45)
06. Trued Up REMIX (Real Anthem) w/Baby Skar (3.25)
07. Swing (3.31)
08. Skit 1 (0.22)
09. Hurt That Nigga w/Soopafly (3.42)
10. Skit 2 (0.37)
11. Do You Love Life (4.53)
12. Please Believe It w/E-40 (4.39)
13. Sherm Sticc 111 (3.51)
14. Hotta Than Fish Grease w/Young Crook (3.45)
15. Catch Em’ In Da Mornin’ (Jay-Z Diss) (3.14)
16. You’s A Character (Snoop Diss) (3.52)
17. Came Round w/Baby Skar, Bay Loc & Chag-G from DuLow Gang (4.45)
18. C Walk & Skip (4.14)
19. She Love’s Me w/Young Nube from DuLow Gang (3.38)

PRODUCTION: Battlecat, Ric Rock, Tyrone Fyffe, Sandlofer Music, K-Def, Caviar, Overdose, Soopafly, DJ Silk, Chewy, Ecay Uno, Ghetto Warden & Flip Matrix.

BILLBOARD: Top Independant Albums 2001 No.10 “Crip Hop” Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 2001 No.53 “Crip Hop”

The Westcoast’s San Diego-based rapper Jayo Felony aka Bullet Loco or Peer Pressure grew up as a member of the infamous Crip’s Gang during his teen years in LA and had often found himself in jail. Things changed for Bullet Loco in 1994 when RUN-DMC’s late Jam Master Jay (R.I.P) heard an underground single by the rapper entitled “Piss On Your Tombstone” which was being distributed to local record stores. Jam Master Jay quickly signed the rapper up that year under his JMJ Label and Jayo then released his first debut album “Take A Ride” in 1995. The album was a success in the underground scene on the Westcoast and featured the hit classic “Niggaz & *****es” and also saw Jam Master Jay assist in production. The future for Jayo Felony saw albums such as 1998’s “Watcha’ Gonna Do” hit charts with the single feature the likes of Eastcoast’s MethodMan & DMX which had the rapper on top of his game. As time went past he released “Underground” in 1999 off the Def Jam label, which actually stayed underground and failured to get any recognition. Although Jayo Felony’s role on Snoop Dogg’s Tha Eastsidaz “Got Beef” single also hit the charts giving Jayo more exposure after having a quite year things weren’t looking to good. Little did we realize that the next album to be released was to be the aftermath of his past dealings with certain artists and label Def Jam.

‘Crip Hop’ was a term Jayo Felony used in his lyrics in the past to describe his music and with his past relationships with artists such as Kokane, who later jumped ship to join Snoop Dogg who also used the term, Bullet Loco let out his anger in this gang bangin’ album in relation to these two words full of real street talk and real Westcoast “Crip Hop”. This album was a reality check for certain artists such as Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Kokane and also the Def Jam Recording Label as Jayo released all his fury and showcased true gangsta rap to it’s fullest. The production line up has a few well known Westcoast producers such as Battlecat, Ric Rock and Soopafly but notibly is kept underground with real hardcore tracks by a few unknown producers who help keep this album Gang Bangin’ from Intro. The return of Bullet Loco in 2001 had him come harder than ever and he even has the courtesy to explain his beef’s on the albums booklet to all his fans in question.

The album starts hard with Ric Rock’s produced “Gang Bangin’ Shit” featuring Spice 1 which has both rappers spit real game and the aggression in Jayo’s lyrics and flow can be felt throughout the song. The beat is bangin’ and the combination of Jayo Felony and Ric Rock is excellent making this track a highlight and its also good to see Spice 1 keeping it gangsta. A classic beat for the riders is “One Shot Kill” which is produced by Tyrone Fyffe and the track is a cross between a hard Eastcoast style mixed with some Westcoast gang bangin beats, as the production stays tight along with Bullet Loco’s rhymes. Tyronne Fyffe is also resposible for the classic sequel once again to “Sherm Sticc” as he touches up the beat to roll Jayo up with “Sherm Sticc 111”. The track is just as good as the other versions and its good to see Jayo keeping it real for the smokers and the layed back beat just makes you wanna blaze it up. The “Sherm Sticc” songs have Jayo a sure favourite with the smokers and they are used as a trademark these days by the rapper just like Mystikal’s “Still Smokin” tracks which are both a must on all the albums by both these artists. Jayo Felony still spits the hustle about drugs also as he funks up Sandlofer’s produced “Girls & Boys” with the lyrically talented Tikki Diamonds who tears the mic apart with real ghetto slang on a real phat ass beat thats wild wild west. Jayo kills the speakers with his flow and the hardcore lyrics have ghetto labelled all over it with funk added.

Super Westcoast producer Battlecat helps the LP with his contribution to “What Ya Need” which is also very funky and the synthersizers and tics and tacs of Battlecat’s instrumental samples keep the track stay g’d up. Jayo raps pretty ordinary in this track but the production keeps the listener boppin’. Other G’d up Westcoast funky beats are the hit “Hotter Than Fish Grease” produced by DJ Silk featuring Young Crook. The beat is bouncin’ and the raps are on point buy Jayo while Young Crook’s flow is a little off guard but manages to still sound good. Ecay Uno makes one of the dopest tracks for the West on this album as he touches his magic on “Came Round” featuring the DuLow Gang. The beat is Westcoasting all the way and the raps by the DL Gang and Jayo are the best in the album. A hot beat and great line up of rappers on this beat which has got to be in the top 5 of this album no doubt. The album continues with mad funk but also has the neccessary gangsta ingredients as rapper/producer Soopafly shows how its done on “Hurt That Nigga”. The Soopa beat is perfectly toned with gangsta shit that makes it something to cruise the block to real cool but gangsta as both rappers rap on point through out the song.

Tracks produced by Caviar & Overdose are good and keep Bullet Loco on his toes with his rapping flow and bring out some of his best rapping. Tracks such as “Swing” keep shit G-Funked out along with “Do You Love Life” which has a great beat to it and is a great lyrical test for Jayo, which he passes with ease. The E-40 featured “Please Believe It” is another good production by this dueo who have yet to break through the underground barrier, these beats keep this album representing the West to the fullest and help Jayo Felony’s lyrics sound much more hardcore along with E-40’s unique style of raps. Jayo Felony keeps his gang ties strong in this album, with not only his title “Crip Hop” but songs such as the Ghetto Warden’s produced “C-Walk & Skip” keeps the gang bangers Crip Walkin’ along their blocks. The song is also a diss to Jay-Z & Snoop Dogg as he explains to them that he’s the real gang banger in this rap game. “She Loves Me” composed by Flip Matrix has a tight beat and Bullet Loco raps very good to this hard track with a touch of bounce. The hook is a little out of wack but again the beat keeps the listener intrigued along with the rapping flow.

As the heads keep moving Jayo comes back with the remix version of his anthem “Trued Up” featuring Baby Skar. The beat is hard and produced by K-Def and has the bloods and crips throwin up their gang signs. The track is a diss to Jay-Z and the Roc-A-Fella Camp as Jayo feels that he had to step up for the WestCoast and the LA gangs against Jay-Z’s lyrics in certain songs. The beef started after Jayo Felony took offense to Jay-Z’s intro to “Streets Is Talkin” as Jay-Z sings: “Is he a Blood, is he Crip?/Is he that, Is he this?”. Another lyric taken from “Change The Game” was “I wear more bling to The Source & Soul Trains/More chains than rings, niggaz wont do a thing”. Bullet Loco also took offense to this as WestCoast gangs (Crips & Bloods) have been blammed for several robberies on celebrities when The Source & Soul Train Awards were being held in LA. As a strong Crip in his past and his ties to the gangs he felt the urge to rise to the occassion and put a stop to Jay-Z not only as a Crip member but for the Westcoast, which showed the real gangsta shit that this rapper is capable of…literally gangsta rapping. Jayo Felony rips the anthem up with pride in his Crip ties and calls out to all Bloods & Crips to step up as Jayo represents the Crips & Baby Skar the Bloods. Jayo spits: “Back in the day if i was Kane, cuz, i woulda’ been trippin’/like aint’-no-half-crippin’. When it comes to this C shit they gon’ learn out here/I have Al Sharpton C-walkin’ in his perm out here. Niggaz bangin’ in NY now? Cuz i dont knock it/this fool said he was a blood but had his rag in the wrong pocket. Crips wear it on the left and Damus wear it on the right/I’ma show you mother*****as how to gangbang right, ride back on the same night, how to slang caine right.” Now thats real gang bangin’. Along with these lyrics Jay-Z has rapped in these two songs Jayo Felony also blames Jay-Z for his album “Hotter Than Fish Grease” being pulled back and not released at all. Aparently Jayo Felony was due to release the album on Def Jam and had this song already complete but says that Jigga stopped the album from being released then causing Jayo Felony to leave the label. Jayo also states in his album booklet that Def Jam hasnt any love for WestCoast artists and names certain rappers who are held back. He also disses Jay-Z and the Roc-A-Fella crew on the Chewy produced “Catch Em’ In Da Mornin”. The beat is heavy and the raps and flow are also on target once again as Bullet lets his beef rip no holds barred.

As the beef gets deeper he comes strong on DJ Silk’s “You’s A Character” a diss to Snoop Dogg for taking his Crip Hop personna away along with Kokane. The track is pretty slow but the message is clear that Jayo Felony is the real Crip Hopper and that Snoop copied his style. The beef is also described in the booklet where Jayo mentions he was part of the “Up In Smoke Tour” but was taken off because of a certain rapper who paid to go along on the tour. Jayo then mentions that one of Tha Eastsidaz and himself nearly got into a fight with the artist and Dr Dre then put them back on the show’s roster. They were then given the news later that Snoop Dogg had taken them off the show and that was the final outcome.

Overall the album is very hardcore, Westcoast gangsta shit. The lyrics are real and the flow is pretty good all round. The album is one of the most realest albums out there that has been released and the agression once again from Jayo Felony can be felt throughout the album whether the beat is funky or just hardcore. This album represents the real gang bangers of the Westcoast and Bullet Loco did a great job in keeping the Westcoast gangsta. One of the few rappers who can rap lyrics that you can relate to and feel his emotion. At the same time the tracks are bumpin full of great production and one of Loco’s best to date. apart from the beef’s which were a little out of hand this is a great banger to ride to for all…

I rate it 3/5

Snoop Dogg – The Last Meal

Posted on February 16, 2013 by WWC

SNOOP DOGG “Tha Last Meal” Released December 5th 2000

LABEL: No-Limit Records & Dogghouse Records

01. Intro (1.20)
02. Hennesey N Buddah w/Kokane (4.12)
03. Snoop Dogg (What’s My Name Pt2) (4.03)
04. True Lies w/Kokane (4.01)
05. Wrong Idea w/Bad Azz, Kokane, Lil’ HD (4.14)
06. Go Away w/Kokane (4.52)
07. Set It Off w/MC Ren, Ice Cube, The Lady Of Rage & Nate Dogg (4.52)
08. Stacey Adams w/Kokane (4.35)
09. Lay Low w/Master P, Nate Dogg, Butch Cassidy, Goldie Loc & Tray Dee (3.43)
10. Bring It On w/Suga Free & Kokane (4.17)
11. Game Court SKIT- Mac Minista (2.10)
12. Issues (2.36)
13. Brake Fluid (Biiittch pump yo brakes) w/Kokane (5.56)
14. Ready 2 Ryde w/Eve (4.21)
15. Losin’ Control w/Butch Cassidy & Soopafly (4.09)
16. I Can’t Swim (4.17)
17. Leave Me Alone (4.12)
18. Back Up Off Me w/Master P & Mr Magic (5.15)
19. Ya’ll Gone Miss Me w/Kokane (4.15)

PRODUCTION: Dr Dre, Master P, Soopafly, Battlecat, Timbaland, Scott Storch, Jelly Roll, Meech Wells, Michael Elizondo, Studio Tone, Casey Wilson & Carlos Stephens.

BILLBOARD 200 2001 No.4 “Tha Last Meal”
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 2001 No.1 “Tha Last Meal”
Hot Rap Singles 2001 No.8 “Lay Low” & “Snoop Dogg”
Rhythmic Top 40 2001 No.17 “Lay Low”

Snoop Dogg born Calvin Broadus in Long Beach California on October 20th 1972 was introduced to the game called rap in the early 90’s by veteran rapper/producer Dr Dre. The pair got together through Dr Dre’s stepbrother, Warren G, where Snoop later became one of the biggest rap stars on the Deathrow Records Label founded by Marion ‘Suge’ Knight & Dr Dre himself. After high success with his debut album in 1993 “Doggystyle” Snoop became well known in the music industry making a name for himself world wide. The second album released on Deathrow in 1996 “Doggfather” lacked the same potential as his debut and the Dogg was in desperate need to revamp his career. In early 1997 Snoop made an appearance on Silkk The Shocker’s “Charge It To the Game” and later appeared on the “I Got The Hook Up” Soundtrack to later go on to sign with the ghetto Bill Gates and Colonel of the tank, Master P. At this time the No-Limit Records tank was on full charge and the signing of already well known rappers such as Mystikal had Master P on the top of the rap game. Snoop departed Deathrow in 1997 and had his first album drop on No-Limit Records in 1998 entitled “Da Game Is To Be Sold Not To Be Told”. The success of this album later saw Snoop regain his reputation that he had once lost in his last days at Deathrow Records with classic tracks such as “Still A G Thang” making the album fresh once again. The No-Limit Tank was rolling now more than ever and the once small and underground Dirty South label had now reached audiences across the globe making it worth millions. Snoop felt the vapours as his career shot up again and critics became much more suprized with the adapting of the LBC native to the Dirty South of New Orleans Southern hospitality. The year that followed had Snoop re-unite with Dr Dre after nearly 6 years on his second album on the tank “No-Limit Topp Dogg” in 1999. The pair had been always looked upon as the greatest team in rap history and was once compared to the legendary dueo of rap legends Eric.B & Rakim. Everywhere fans and media in the music industry praised the move and had high expectations from the LP which resulted in one of the best Snoop albums since his first “Doggystyle” debut in 1993. The album was packed with features on all aspects with production from Dr Dre to DJ Quik and hits such as “***** Please” featuring Nate Dogg & Xzibit made this album a must for Snoop fans.

In late 2000 Big Snoop D.O Double Gizzle came back with his third and final No-Limit album “Tha Last meal”. This album saw the departure of Snoop Dogg from the tank as he had paid the cost to be the boss of his own label Dogghouse Records which was in works with Tha Eastsidaz, which consisted of Tray Deee & Goldie Loc, at the time. The album saw Dr Dre produce a few tracks and mix most of the album up and the features once again in this album were just as good as the last. The album was full of Westcoast funk and P-Funk/G-Funk style of beats as Snoop loves best as most of his attitude as a gangsta return with the ability to pimp the game at the same time. The No-Limit tank slowly faded after this album and Master P found that one by one his soldiers were dismissed.

The album starts off with a banging track produced by the one and only Dr Dre “Hennesey N Buddah”. The track has Dre all over it and the hook by Kokane is tight as the Dogg’s raps and flow are pure gangsta, the best he has performed in a long time. The beat by Dr Dre sounds like it has come straight from the Aftermath Classic Shelf where he picked up the beats for his “2001” album released that year also. This song comes up as one of the best on not only the album but in Snoop’s rap career. Another highlight track by Dr Dre is “Lay Low” which features an extreme line up of artists such as Nate Dogg, Butch Cassidy, Master P, Tray Deee & Goldie Loc. The beat once again is a classic for Dr Dre and the callaboration of these artists on a Dre beat is a multi-platinum hit. Snoop raps on point with his fellow Eastsidaz and even Master P cant resist hittin’ the beat. Nate Dogg spins the hook with his gangsta harmony and Butch Cassidy comes through higher than Snoop, literally, we would imagine. The Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg connection is unstoppable in this song and it would be great to see more of these beats from the history making dueo as this song does make history. Snoop raps through the track with real aggression as he barks on the mic:”Lay low nobody move until’ i say so/Limo tint rollin’ deep like the president. See I dont go to clubs I never chase a biiatch/Im here to bang that gangsta shit til’ the apocalypse. We call it stress some of yall call it chocolate/Return of the top dogg and aint’ no stoppin’ it. Whatever the case I aint’ tryin’ to catch it/Lay low blow big dope and slang records”. At the same time Snoop puts some comedy into his album with “True Lies” with Kokane as he has Ex-President Bill Clinton’s recording of his confession to the affair he had with Monica Lewinski, Snoop ask’s him whether or not he *****ed that *****? The beat done by Dr Dre is phat and the beat is slow yet funky with a little Dre tweaks and sqweaks but the rapping by Snoop is too layed back making this a problem in the album.

As the album continues we discover the special production appearance’s by Timbaland, mostly known for his work with the late Aaliyah and up to date music with Missy Elliot. On the single “Snoop Dogg”, the sequel to 1993’s “What’s My Name”, Timbaland lays a typical beat that only he can do and as unique that it may sound the beat is very catchy along with the chorus. Snoop actually raps a little too smooth again and very laid back as he usually does these days. The track is a club banger though and does get the crowd moving. Timbaland also has the privledge of lacing the beat on the jam packed featured “Set It Off”. The track features veterans MC Ren & Ice Cube and also has Nate Dogg with some gangsta shit and The Lady Of Rage step into the beat with her ‘Afro Puffs’. The beat is very funky and has a good rhythim to it along with the hard rapping performed by all the artists. Ice Cube keeps the song beating with his hook and Timbaland keeps the unique sound fresh & funky. Jelly Roll puts in work on another highlight track “Wrong Idea” with Bad Azz, Kokane & Lil’ HD on the hook. The beat is real Westcoast and Bad Azz rips the mic apart as the LBC get together for a great song that keeps the party up all night no doubt. The raps by Snoop are also gangsta and his flow amazingly is on line with the Jelly beat as it Rolls through. Other’s Jelly Roll hits his sticky fingers on are “Bring It On” with Suga Free pimpin his tight lyrics and Kokane on the hooks again. The beat is quite funky and the raps are pretty good on Snoop’s half. “I Can’t Swim” is a very weird track done by Jelly but the actual beat itself has got an addictive sound making it sound hard and Snoop helps the George Clinton sampled beat to be a P/G-Funk hook up all in one song with gangsta influence.

The Westcoast wouldn’t be complete without Battlecat so obviously he done a track or two which were tight beats but lacked the full effort by Snoop to make it a banger. Tracks such as “Stacey Adams” have a nice mellow Battlecat beat but are spoiled by Kokane’s singing and Snoop’s talking rap. “Leave Me Alone” is a much better beat though Snoop once again ruins all the Battlecat beats especially this one in particular as he sings throughout the track sounding high and there is a feeling that he may even of just sang the song without writing any lyrics, very poor lyrics and one of the downfalls of the album. On another note the album has an uplift from Meech Wells who always seems to put good production down for Snoop and helps his lyrics similar to what Dr Dre manages to pull off. “Issues” & “Go Away” are all a highlights for Meech and Snoop helps the tracks at full Westcoast rhyming & flow as you would expect. “Go Away” does lose a little credit in the lyrics department though as Snoop repeats the 1st verse again on the 3rd.

The album is hit with some Scott Storch beats such as “Brake Fluid” featuring Kokane, nice beat and funky but song lyrically is poor. “Ready 2 Ryde” with Eve makes up for the failure of the other Storch beats as Eve raps real hard and has mad flow. Snoop keeps it gangsta also and the beat has a great touch to it. Storch does produce a nice G-Funk beat to end the album on “Ya’ll Gone Miss Me” featuring Kokane which has Snoop pretty much rap about his time at the tank and the way his life has gone the beat is slow but funked out, officially a goodbye song to the Colonel and the NL tank. Master P did get a turn though with Beats By The Pound C-Los aka Carlos Stephens does a Dirty South Club beat “Back Up Off Me” with P and Magic on the beat, which Snoops voice is clearly not suited for and the bass is too soft for a Dirty South Club beat. Snoop had one for the South and No-Limit fans and also managed to DPGC with Soopafly touching on “Losin’ Control” with Butch Cassidy, a slow beat but Priest does do the job as usual with both raps and production and pulls through for this finale.

The album was 80% full of P & G-Funk style beats and the special touch of Dr Dre, Timbaland, Battlecat, Jelly Roll & Meech Wells most notably make this album a mixed bag of tracks. Snoop has some really tight songs in this album and considering it was his last No-Limit album it has had some work done to it to make it bang as much as possible. His lyrics/flow & raps in general were up and down and the only way he performed good was if he was with a producer he was comfortable with. The Dr Dre beats are banging though and are a must. Its good to hear Dre & Snoop doing their thing but he really needed to cut back on the Kokane, well you know what im saying….overall it was a pretty good album but not his best so in saying that the callabos in all aspects yes were tight….

Rating: 3.5

Drag-On – Hell And Back

Posted on February 16, 2013 by WWC

1. Intro

Just an intro.

2. Feel My Pain

Great way to start off the album, first Drag-On gets *****y with his lyrics, then he switches up to being angry and saying that he’s been gone for 3 years and people thought they’d left him for dead but HE’S BACK! The beat is produced bu Tuneheadz and it’s pretty basic but Drag-On carries it. Good

3. Bang Bang Boom(Feat Swizz)

Eh this is a party track and I don’t really like it. Swizz produced one of the most boring basic beats ever, man whatever happened to the old “World War 3” type Swizz? The chorus is really annoying as Swizz can’t even do that properly. Wack

4. Bronx Skit(Feat Okre Boy, Bar, Haze & neo)

Pointless stupid skit.

5. Respect My Gangsta(Feat Styles P)

Lox finest Styles raps with Drag-On and this is a hard hitting song, the beat pounds and Styles starts it off with a very dope verse. Mr. Devine produced this track and I’ve never heard of him but this is a good beat, nothing fancy just a hard hitting beat. Drag-On rips the shit to pieces, why do people overlook this guy? He’s very charismatic and has flows & lyrics for days. Good

6. Tell Your Friends(Feat Jadakiss)

Weird Matrix type futuristic beat with a mix of Arabian flavor to it. Drag-On spits some good lines and some true lines. I don’t really care for the chorus, it’s not bad or anything but it’s just very simple. Jadakiss is…well Jadakiss, always spits hot shit and this is no different. Good

7. Put Your Drinks Down

This was the single to the album, decent club track but this isn’t what Drag-On is suited for. Average

8. Hector The Killer MC Skit(Feat Capone)

Just a skit and a stupid one at that.

9. Trouble(Feat Fiend)

OH YEEEEEEAAA!!! DOPE! This is one of the best tracks on the album. This has a killer hard Southern beat. Fiend only does the chorus but he does a good one at that, the kids doing the chorus gets annoying but it fits the song. Drag-On just rips the track. Drag-On and Fiend work so well together, I’d love to hear a duo album from them. DOPE!

10. I’m A Ryder(Feat Baby & TQ)

To me this track is really dope. Black Key produces a nice bouncy beat. Drag-On adapts really well to the beat and TW sings such a great chorus, TQ is so *****in dope. Baby even drops a decent verse(For his standards). DOPE!

11. Let’s Get Crazy(Feat DMX)

Real basic beat here, but Drag-On & DMX carry it well. Just pure lyrics here. Good

12. Busta Skit(Feat Capone)

Sounds like a Busta diss here, just a skit.

13. U Had Me(Feat Eve)

Nice bouncy type beat, I love the chorus. This is another guilty pleasure of mine, the song is a definite radio hit. Drag-On comes tight, and Eve…well eh she’s decent on this track. Good

14. Holla At Ya Boy

DOPE! Nice beat and it samples “It’s Too Late” by Carole King & Toni Stern. Drag-On just flows so well on this track, it even has a touch of West to it. DOPE!

15. My First Child

Great track, Drag-On raps about his kid and he sounds so happy to rap about him. This is some great songwriting here. Drag-On raps about being a father and how it just changed his life. The chorus is decent but the singing gets annoying, but that doesn’t stop it from being a great track. Good

16. It’s A Party

DOPE! My favorite track on the album. You’d think this was an actual party track from the beginning but then it turns into a grimey dark song with a dark organ beat. Drag-On just rips it giving dark lyrics and adding more to this track. DOPE!

17. Life Is Short

DOPE! Another very dark track with a dope guitar type beat. I love the chorus and Drag-On just rips it. DOPE!

18. U Had Me(2)(Feat Eve & Aja Smoth)

Nice bouncy Southern type beat. Just a dope track and a nice way to end the album. The chorus is good as well. Good

All in all this gets a Good rating. So far(It’s only Feb though) this is the album of the year. Drag-On is back and he made a more solid album overall. Cop this album, but make sure you cop Opposite Of H2O as well.

VA – Bones Soundtrack

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

1. Intro

2. Legend of Jimmy Bones (RBX, Snoop and MC Ren)

Fredreck drops a tight dark beat for this one. RBX spits some pretty wack stuff but Snoop and MC Ren come very tight. Especially Ren. Good way to start the album.

3. Lost Angels In The Sky (Kokane and the Lost Angels)

Battlecat’s production on this one is the highlight. Straight Wesct Coast. The rapping is pretty average though.

4. Ballad of Jimmy Bones (Latoiya Williams)

Sooopafly provides a good mellow beat for this one. Latoiya Williams does pretty well on this track. Her voice is very nice.

5. Dogg Named (Snoop and Tray Dee)

Mel-Man provides a dope, thundering beat for this one. Snoop comes tight with his verses and Tray Dee does well on the chorus

6. This Is My Life (Kedrick and C.P.O)

Another R&B track. The production is nice with a middle-eastern feel to it. Kedrick is amazing on this song. His voice is really smooth. The track would have been perfect but C.P.O’s vrse kind of messes up the song.

7. It’s Jimmy (Roscoe and kurupt)

Frdwreck comes tight once again with the production. Kurupt mostly rap’s on the song, and does a good job, but his younger bro Roscoe outshines him. Roscoe ends the song with a 30 secong verse that is short but blazing.

8. Raise up (Kokane)

Kokane flat out sucks. His voice is horrible and he does terrible on this song. His attempts to be funny in the song are just plain stupid. It’s a shame Fredwreck wasted such a tight beat on this crap.

9. These Drugs (D-12)

Im not a big fan of D-12 but this song is just dope. Eminem gives us a dark beat for an hilarious song. Bizarre, who ususal sucks comes tight on this one. His verse is pretty funny.

10. Death of Snow White (Snoop, Bad azz, Chan and Coniyac)

The beat sounds more like a Battlecat beat but it’s produced by Fransisco Rodriguez. The chrous is really ctachy. Bad azz does surprisingly well on this one.

11. If You Came Here to Party (Snoop, Eastsidaz and Kola)

This track is pure funk. Warren G comes up with a banger. Everone on this song comes really tight. Snoop is singing on this one, and at first i didn’t really like it but he’s actually pretty good at it.

12. ***** wit us (Kurupt, Tray Dee and Xzibit)

This sounds like something that come straight out of a nintendo video game. It’s still damn tight though. Fredwreck is always trying new things. The rapping is very solid too. Xzibit and Tray Dee come off really good on this one.

13. Jimmy’s Revenge (Snoop and Soopafly)

More of a laid back track here. Once again snoop is singing but it’s all good. Soopafly does well too.

14. Be Thankful (William Devaughn)

This is a nice R&B track too. William Devaugn does a good job wit his verses. This is not as good as the other R&b tracks but it’s still nice.

15. ***** It Less (***** That)

Ah back to the hardcore shit. I’ve never heard of ***** That but these guys spit fire. One of the guys kind of sounds like redman. The beat is nuts too. I loves the use of the violins. Something a little different.

16. Gangsta Wit it (Butch Cassidy, Snoop and Nate Dogg)

Battlecat serves up yet another solid beat. Butch cassidy steals the show on this one. His verse is amazing. Nate comes good on the chorus and Snoop does weel wit his verse too.

17. Memories (Cypress Hill)

This track is pretty average. The beat is pretty simple and the Lyrics are just boring. The track kind of a filler.

18. Endo

Just instrumentals

Final Rating: 4/5.

Bones is a solid West Coast Compilation. Definently a worthy purchase.

Krayzie Bone – Thug On Da Line

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

Following the huge success of his THUG Mentality 1999, Krayzie Bone took another walk down the solo album road to release Thug On Da Line. Less heavier than THUG Mentality 1999, Thug On Da Line offers a deeper insight into what KB has to say on his situation after so much success as a solo Bone…

Yall Don’t Know Me

This is the opening track beginning with a unique sound… unique because the acclaimed LT Hutton produced the beat to it. The song is a dig at how since his last release so many clones have come along and the attention from people he doesn’t know who see him on MTV and BET claiming they know him

Ride The Thug Line – ft The Gunslangers (Keef G, Bam & Young Dre)

This is the first song on the CD to feature some of KB’s new Thugline artists. Their verses come off fine and the beat has a nice sound but coz KB is introducing his new clique you have to wait 3 verses until you get to hear him Dope sounds

Can’t Hustle Forever – ft Lareece & Young Dre

The whole mood changes to something downbeat and slower, the intro of the song is accompanied by rain and thunder and the song tells about KB’s struggle as a thug, caught up where he cant give up otherwise he faces failure. Lareece and Young Dre also tell their thoughts. Song works out nice

Talk To Myself – ft Tiffany

In my opinion this is the best track on the CD. Kicks in with an RnB feel and the chorus with Tiffany and KB. *****ing awesome! The song is very deep and the chorus is true Krayzie Bone soul as he tells of the loneliness of being a thug. The flow and the singing are balanced perfectly to make a class song. Great lead out to the song also.

A Thugga Level – ft Boss & Lareece

This song turns up the tempo from the last as a great club banger. Both Boss and Krayzie tear up their verses as each contributes to theirs and finishes lines etc, although because of that its only two verses. A good duet.

Da Thugz

Irv Gotti had some input in producing this track. You will either like it or hate is as “Da THUGS” is repeated after every bar, which makes it essentially a skipper track

If Only The Knew – ft Lareece

This gem of an RnB song uses Michael Jackson’s ‘Girlfriend’ as the chorus, but put to much better use. A harmonious flow from KB from the verses to the hook with Lareece makes this a very good song. As with stereotypical RnB this is a love triangle type story about creeping with someone else’s girl. At just above 3 minutes you’ll still find time to appreciate this song

I Don’t Give A *****

Good step to it with some brass loops accompanying The song is like and opposite to Y’all Don’t Know Me, now he doesn’t care anymore, biters and clones matter not. A good song

Time After Time

This is another deep song driven by a very simple beat. The message of the song is delivered through singing rather than rapping as KB questions life and prays to God about his issues including marriage Although the song is short it’s catchy and has an impact with another of KB’s harmony flows reminiscent of the solo songs he did on The Art Of War CD

Ride If you Like – ft Lareece, Asu & K-Mont

The guitar is strung for an upbeat song. The song does more Thugline advertising but each manages to pull off their verse fine. KB does another fine job with his verse filling breaks in perfectly and referring to his bud smoking habits. That’s how we like it!

If You A Thug – ft Lareece, K-Mont & Asu

Its more use of line repetition as most lines begin “if you a thug…” Going out to all the fakers in the industry who try to be badass, brought to you by the Thugline rappers. The beat chosen has a Turkish feel to it mixed with light bass farting set to the drum rhythm

Hard Time Hustlin’

Using the same formula from songs like Dummy Man, Hard Time Hustlin’ is the tale of a teenager trying to come up when his mother and father have been laid off and his brother is locked down. The only way he can do this is by selling rocks on street corners to make money quickly. The success gets to him but he doesn’t heed the warnings his brother gives… Hook is provided by one of Krayzie’s favourite singers, Sade

Gemini

KB’s conscience is having a struggle over the way the management is treating him and the stress its causing so the Good and Bad sides tell their view of how to deal with it, done by manipulating KB’s voice to sound higher and lower. Another unique track from LT Hutton

I Don’t Know What – ft Kelis

From the start this is a very typical Neptunes produced song but the beat grows on you (even though the vocals and beat don’t really fit!) Clearly KB chose the Neptunes to produce this song for a fresh sound to fresh vocals, but the vocals are fresher. KB doesn’t take part in the chorus, surprisingly, it’s left to Kelis, but it works

Rollin’ Up Some Mo’ – ft Lareece, Asu, K-Mont, Boss & Keef G

A humorous, blunted take of Mambo No. 5 which is slowed down to work with the subject matter KB’s voice works perfectly with this type of song but the other rappers ruin the mellowed out feel

Everybody Wanna Be Thugs

This song has a hint of THUG Mentality to it A clapped out beat put to deep underlying bass and a xylophone look make a sweet beat KB protests that he was a thug since a child unlike studio gangstaz who claim the same but know it isn’t true. The verses come quickly but they could have left the beat play on a little longer as the song ends

Bloody Murder (skit)

Brings you back to the days or Mr Ouija as KB sings us into the next track…

Kneight Riduz Wuz Here – (By Kneigh Riduz)

Another freaky tune from the Kneight Riduz with their cartoony “thug pirate” vocals There is no KB on this song and you’ll probably skip because the cartoon vocals just sound wack

Ready For Combat (skit)

Another sung-in intro for the next song. Less than 30 seconds but KB’s voice works well enough anyway. You might skip but its short enough that you won’t need to reach for the remote before it’s over

Thug On Da Line – ft K-Mont, Lareece, Asu & Wish Bone

The final song on the album with a super funky beat provided by Super Sako This is the only song to feature another Bone in although Wish only sings a few lines before he’s out! The song tells that Thugline will be taking over in the near future (where are they now?) Verses are fine although when KB breaks into them it rescues what possibly would become boring verses as KB has the edge lyrically and vocally above any rapper other than Bone that appear on a track with him.

Conclusion: Although KB wanted to break into the scene after 2000 with Thugline, sadly the rappers are nowhere near what he can put down on a track in his Thuggish Ruggish style. Had their been less appearances from his own Thugline team the CD would be more personal to him. Although this CD is less hard than THUG Mentality 1999, Thug On Da Line is still an essential CD for any Bone, RnB fan, or someone looking for a good CD released after the year 2000. Overall, you can never resist the sounds of a Bone record, especially KB and the CD is worth: 4.5/5