”Nu Mixx Klzzsiks” is a Death Row re-make of old 2pac tracks released on the label. The production team is “Tha Row Hitterz”, and as far as I know that’s Darren Vegas, Jim Gettum, Ambassador Cash and Monster O from Booya Tribe. Since the album’s old tracks remixed, the review will mainly concentrate on the production.

1. 2 of amerikaz most wanted feat. Crooked I

The albums start of with the “Nu Mixx” of “2 of amerikaz most wanted” who originally featured Snoop Doggy Dogg. Snoop’s been replaced with Crooked I on this one. The production’s better than I expected. The beat is banging and Crooked I is ripping it. It’s too bad that the track’s overshadowed by the original version. If 2pac was replaced with i.e Kurupt, this could be a lead single for the upcoming Crooked I album. Now people will compare it with the original, and the original was a classic. The song’s the B-side of the lead single and I can definitely see it getting played at clubs.

2. How do you want it feat. KC & JoJo

Ya’ll probably remember the original “How do you want it”. I know ya’ll remember the X-rated video! This one’s still got those lil bells in there, and the beat’s a lot the same but you can still hear it’s changed. A flute is also added to it. The track’s fresh and I like it.

3. Hail Mary feat. The Outlawz

This Nu Mixx has a nice new beat on it, and the mixing’s pretty nice too. Some people even say it’s better than the original… In my opinion it’s not, but it’s actually kind of tight. I’m positively surprised with the Nu Mixxes thus far.

4. Life goes on

“Life goes on” was the first single for the album. It’s a Darren Vegas Nu Mixx and it’s got a weird sound to it. I can imagine bumping this when smoking or being drunk… It’s funky like that. I don’t know what Death Row was thinking tho, cuz there’s no video out for this track. Not yet, at least…

5. All eyez on me feat. Big Syke

Let me first say that I’m glad they left Syke on this one. Putting an other rapper on it would only result in hating and critics saying that the album’s an attempt to promote the new generation of Death Row artists. The remixing of this song has a nice thought, but the wrong instruments. It sounds too “computer made”. Listen to it and you’ll know what I mean.

6. Heartz of men

Once again “Tharow Hitterz” seems use a cheap keyboard to reproduce a track, and once again that ruins it since the thought behind it is good. The beat’s good but the cheap sounding instruments make it hard to enjoy the music. You can tell they tried to make a sick beat tho – just like Quik did on the original version.

7. Toss it up feat. Danny Boy, Aaron Hall, KC & JoJo

Damn! I’m definitely feeling this one! The Nu Mixx has the same kind of production as the original, but it’s a lil improved. I love the added guitar string, and this might actually be an improved version of the old version of the song. Death Row recently released an unseen video for this track recorded back when 2pac was alive. They should have saved that video and released it with the “Nu Mixx” over it. That would’ve been a hit.

8. Hit em up feat. The Outlawz

Ya’ll remember the original – a classic diss track, maybe the best diss track ever. The Nu Mixx is weak. I’m not feeling the beat at all, and it’s the first track on this album I’m not even feeling a little bit this far. On top of that, they used the clean version… Don’t ask me why.

9. Never had a friend like me

“Never had a friend like me” might be the second track that is, in my opinion, improved. The Nu Mixx has a funky beat with an electric guitar playing over it. I’m definitely feeling this one.

10. Ambitionz az a ridah

This is an other one of those tracks that I’m feeling but can’t help but comparing it to the original, and the original track is a part of a 5 out of 5 classic album. I have to say “Tharow Hitterz” did a good job with this one, tho. I’m feeling the beats different tones and the electric guitar in the backround.

“Tharow Hitterz” seems to have some good ideas, but they need to get better production tools. On some tracks, the beat’s real tight but the instruments are taking it down to a “below average” level. On top of that, EVERYONE listening to this album will compare the remixes with the original versions of them. Topping those versions is a very very hard thing to do. My favourite Nu Mixx is “Toss it up”, where the production team actually improved the original beat. Other nice reproductions are “Never had a friend like me”, “2 of amerikaz most wanted”, “How do you want it” and “Ambitionz az a ridah”. The albums down-falls are “Hit em up” and “Heartz of men”. An other bad thing about the album is that it’s only 10 tracks. I grade these Nu Mixxes 3 out of 5, meaning an average score.

Alot of us watched Da Band on MTV through all the drama and crap. Finally they released their debut album “Too Hot For TV”.

1. Intro 

2. My Life

Real good song, nice beat. Really deep track, basically Da Band’s members are talking about their life, nice track to bump. Sara blesses the chorus with her nice little verse.

3. Living Legends

One of the best tracks on this album. Dylan starts with his “Ragadadon” type shit, which gets annoying after he says it over and over. Da Band member spits some nice verses on that cut. Dylan again is on the outro of this song with his “Ragadadon” type shit. Dylan is on the chorus.

4. Tonight

This is basically a R&B/Hip Hop type of track. They talk about what they going to do with their honeys at night. Nice track if u into R&B/Hip Hop tracks.

5. How You Like Me Now (Featuring Mysterious) 

That track was recorded during the first season, before they even moved to the house, because I know heard this exact track before the second season was released. It is a nice song, the beat is not complicated or anything, but it sounds nice. Sara is on the chorus. Real nice track.

6. I Like Your Style

This is another R&B/Hip Hop type track. This is a little better then the “Tonight” track. This beat reminds me of a Jazze Pha beat for some reason. Nice track though.

7. What We Gonna Do

Nice track with a nice guitar playing in it. Sara is on the chorus, sounds like a club song, nice song to bump.

8. Why

Dylan on the intro of this track, this is another good track; the lyrics to this song are a little better then the lyrics on the other songs. Chopper and Fred ripped it, but Babs and Ness’ verse kinda sucked if u ask me.

9. Stick up

This track is basically Ness and Fred going to rob a bank, and real nice track, really different from the other tracks on this album. A really nice track. Dope lyrics too.

10. Watcha Be Doing? (Interlude) 

11. Chopped Up

Chopper solo, real nice track, with a nice beat. Chopper sounds like Lil Wayne just with more skills. He is a good rapper, not your average south rapper, nice track.

12. Bad Boy This Bad Boy That

I don’t see why this was the first single, it’ not even that good, this is an average song if you ask me, there are way more better songs on this album for this to be the first single. And for a first single, they should’ve picked a song where all the members are in it, not just 4 people.

13. Do You Know (Featuring Wyclef Jean) 

This is a nice song, the chorus to that songs sounds like the chorus to an old Cam’ron feat. Wyclef song. It’s a nice song, Da Band talk about where they are from. Wyclef produces the beat, and it has some electric guitar sound to it. Dylan has a nice reggae type verse on this song. It is a nice song.

14. Hold Me Down

This song is dope. The best verses on this track got to be Dylan’s verse, Fred’s verse and Chopper’s verse. Ness and Babs were aaight too, but not too good.

15. Cheers To Mr. Bentley (Featuring Madd Rapper) 

Ok, I ask myself, why did they have that track on the album why couldn’t they put a Dylan solo or a Ness solo on that track? I don’t see the point of this track, yeah, Bentley lived in the same house as Da Band, but there was really no need to this track. This could’ve been an outro, not a track on the middle of the album. Da Band’s members are not even in it…

16. They Know

The beat to that song reminds of the “Shake Your Tail Feather” beat. Chopper and Fred are rapping on this track. It is a good track.

17. Go Steady

Sara solo, she can sing, she is a good singer. I personally don’t like this track, but that is because I’m not a big R&B fan. If you enjoy R&B music, you will love this track, if you don’t enjoy R&B music, I suggest you skip this track.

18. Holla (Outro)

This overall is a nice album, I expected a little more, but it is still a nice album. Some tracks really saved this album, it’s a nice album. I did not like this album at first, but it grew on me. I would have to grade this album between a 3 and a 3.5/5.

Nice album!

DMX returns with his fifth and possibly final album. After three stellar albums, X left much to be desired with his fourth, the Great Depression. With his fifth, he proclaims to be the five time champ of the rap game. Can he go out the way he came in?

1. Dog Intro – Production: Darryl Trotter 

Starts with a Samuel L Jackson clip from the movie “The Negotiator” proclaiming again his love for the canine breed. Over a piano beat, X spits slowly and laid back, decent track showing the darker side of DMX.

2. My Life ft. Chingy – Production: Dart La

Production in this track is much harder but still deep. The track is a look into the life of Earl Simmons. The idea is good but the chorus is too much coming in after every single line DMX spits out. But his words are there and you can feel his pain.

3. Where Da Hood At? – Production: Tuneheadz 

A classic DMX anthem track for the streets and the first single off the album. This track should be banging millions of speakers around the globe. X proclaims his love for the streets again, “I am the streets”. Everything you could expect from a classic DMX track. Some subliminal disses towards Ja Rule. One of the album’s best, one of DMX’s best tracks ever.

4. Dogs Out – Production: Kayne West 

Another track reminiscent of the DMX of 1999. The production is again some good shit laid out by Kayne West and fits DMX’s style well. The chorus is annoying but at the same time catchy with the classic X barking.

5. Get It On The Floor ft. Swizz Beats – Production: Swizz Beats 

The old duo of X and Swizz reunite which should be a good sign, but the feel of the track is very Southern and doesn’t suit DMX very well during the chorus, but the verses deliver. Decent track.

6. Come Prepared (Skit) 

A skit of someone getting their ass kicked and shot.

7. Shot Down ft. 50 Cent, Styles P – Production: Salaam Wreck

Fred Wreck’s brother lays down a nice laid back beat and it suits the purpose of the track. 50 Cent appears with the first verse and a catchy as hell chorus. DMX gives some disses to Ja Rule. It’s a good combo of DMX and G Unit. X’s verse is mad tight but is outshined by the last verse by Lox member Styles P. Possibly the best track on the album.

8. Bring the Noize – Production: Tuneheadz 

A better uptempo track that we’re used to from DMX. More silent disses towards Ja Rule. The chorus is another anthem type feel to it. The track is better than most so far on the album, a very NY influenced track for X which is what he needs to focus on doing.

9. Untouchable ft. Sheek, Syleena Johnson, Infa-Red – Production: Tony Pizarro 

Very under rated producer Tony Pizarro makes his contribution to this album and doesn’t disappoint. It’s a laid back track again. A good R&B chorus that suits the feel of the track well. Sheek makes an appearance and is mad tight with his flow on this.

10. ***** Yall – Producer: Ron Brownz 

The production on this suits DMX’s hardcore style. It’s a slower verse sections but they elevate into a hard “***** Yall” and is another anthem. It’s not as good as most X anthems but it’s still somewhat catchy. The song is very good.

11. Ruff Radio (Skit) 

Just a DJ making his shoutouts before getting taped up and taken over by the Ruff Ryderz.

12. We’re Back ft. Eve, Jadakiss – Production: Tuneheadz 

A reunion of all the Ruff Ryder superstars in X, Eve and Jada. The production is very good. DMX does his old style flow a little bit mixing it up with a little singing. Eve delivers like only the queen on hardcore rap can. Jadakiss is a lyrical force like always. The track is a must hear.

13. Ruff Radio 2 (Skit) 

a continuation of the first one.

14. Rob All Night – Production: Rockwilder 

Rockwilder delivers an electronic mess in the production. Minus the Nintendo shorting out sounds, the production isn’t bad. X is trying to return to “It’s All Good” but it doesn’t slip people’s minds considering this one is nothing near the original. Messy track.

15. We Go Hard ft. Cam’Ron – Production: No I.D. 

This track is more reminiscent of what to expect from X. His flow is good and his voice is on point, lyrics are hardcore. The production is bouncing hard. The chorus is repetitive but it’s far overshadowed by the verses by X and Cam’Ron.

16. We Bout To Blow ft. Big Stan – Production: Dame Grease

Another old X producer returns to deliver a beat more expected for X. Grease knows how to fit DMX’s style and it shows. DMX tries a little too hard to give another anthem chorus but it doesn’t work on this track, but the verses are ill. The track doesn’t disappoint.

17. The Rain – Production: DJ Scratch 

Two things DMX is great at are anthem tracks and deeply painful emotional tracks. He gives the latter on this track, making you feel his pain. It’s dark and inspiring at the same time. Unfortunetely like “My Life” he gives the chorus after each line which takes away from the lyrics a lot.

18. Gotta Go (skit) 

A phone call about some guy defending himself for cheating.

19. Don’t Gotta Go Home ft. Monica – Production: BAM and Ryan 

A cliché track in rap these days to have a relationship song between a hard rapper and the innocent R&B singer. Cliché but it’s still good on this track. The beats are average at best, Monica shines with the chorus and DMX flows well with her.

20. A’Yo Kato ft. Magic and Val – Production: Swizz Beatz 

A tribute track for DMX’s fallen friend Kato. Meaningful tribute with a great chorus by DMX. Talks about his life with Kato and how he’ll miss him. Nice tribute track, one of the album’s better moments. 21. Thank You ft. Patti LaBelle – Production: DMX, Ron H. – The production is surprisingly ill coming from DMX. It’s a little too much to have X and Patti Labelle singing at the same time, but when apart they deliver a hiphop version of gospel music.

22. The Prayer V – Production: DMX 

Another installment of X’s prayer, but this time with the production all uptempo, is it a song or a prayer? It’s nothing like the original four’s deepness in words and lyrics.

23. On Top ft. Big Stan – Production: Mac G 

Bonus track that maybe should’ve been left off. It’s just another average DMX song that doesn’t contribute much to the album. The lyrics and flow by X are good but the chorus is annoying.

While this album doesn’t have many failures, it’s still not the DMX of old. It’s an improvement overall over the “Great Depression” but minus a couple great tracks in “Where Da Hood At” and “Shot Down”, most of the album is very average from DMX. Five Time Grand Champ? No. Three time champ. If this is his finale album, it’s hard to make of how he went out. Maybe he is tired of the game and doesn’t have that fire he used to. He attempted to give us some old DMX, but after a 4 year career in the limelight, it sounds a little like he lost the motivation he used to have.

The album is grimier than his past appearances, but maybe they should have included some unreleased tracks that would have boosted the feel of the album such as “Do You” and “They Want War”. Not a bad album, it’s a must for any DMX fan, but it’s not the greatness overall expected of DMX.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Obie Trice – Cheers – 2003 Shady/Aftermath Records

1. Average Man 

Obie Trice steps right out of the gate with a dark and hardcore track. Shows his lyrical ability and his gangsta side. Great start to the album, the production is dope and suits is perfectly, Obie delivers what we’ve been waiting for. Dominant track.

2. Cheers 

The album’s title track starts with a sound of a lounge playing the piano but switches up into a banger. Obie demonstrates his lyrical ability and unique flow and voice. Some nice metaphors. Another tight track right off the start. The chorus is catchy and good for a party. Cheers.

3. Got Sum Teeth 

The first single off the album. Be prepared to be sick of it because it’s going to be all over TV and the radio. Probably the track that will make Obie a star, like “In Da Club” did for 50 Cent. His flow is crazy over the beats that will make any dance floor crowd up. Like it now because you’ll be overloaded with it soon.

4. Lady ft. Eminem 

The production again is dope as hell. Eminem gives a chorus like only he can that will make the women love this track and the guys will love the lyrical fire delievered by Obie and Eminem. Another shining moment on this album, that has yet to fail.

5. Don’t Come Do 

An R&B influenced track with the scratchy record chorus. But again, the production is amazing. Obie tells the story of his life and about who he is. The lyrics are killer, Obie’s flow is unmatched by most these days. Another great track.

6. The Set Up ft. Nate Dogg 

A knocking beat, the production once again doesn’t fail, the trademark of Aftermath. Obie hooks up with the king of hooks. Good production, good lyrics and Nate on the hook only adds up to one thing – a great track. Not as good as the first 5 of the album, but it’s above average.

7. Bad *****

This is where the “too good to be true” moment hits. The production is slightly annoying and the chorus a little more annoying. You can’t put the blame of this track on Obie though, he comes hard once again but the track isn’t near the quality of the first half of the album.

8. Shit Hits The Fan ft. Dr. Dre, Eminem 

The now classic track just from it’s appearances on mixtapes. The production is classic and will be hard to beat by any producer at the apex of their careers. Dre gives an old school flow dissing Ja Rule with some funny lines “you’re a *****, you’re not Pac I knew him/ Pac was a real nigga/ you’re just a *****ing insult to him”. Eminem gives a chorus that is catchy as hell. Obie tears Ja Rule a new one with lyrical fire that Rule couldn’t match any day. Great track, possibly the best on the album.

9. Follow My Life

The production is banging with hard beats and the guitar riff. Obie gives some dope flows and verses on this track. Shows his versatitlity of his style. The track is getting the album back on track for the debut of Obie Trice. The chorus is deep and the verses mix well. Ill track.

10. We All Die 1 Day ft. 50 Cent, Tony Yayo, Eminem, Lloyd Banks 

While the songs has been around for almost half a year now, it shouldn’t have slipped by without being on someone’s album because the production is banging and rumbles. The verses laid out by G Unit and Obie are crazy, Eminem rips the last verse with lyrical ability unmatched these days. Classic track. Shows just how great Shady Records is right now.

11.Spread Yo Shit ft. Kon Artis 

Obie hooks up with one of the members of D12. Production isn’t as good as most of this album, but still better than most you’ll hear today. They chorus isn’t that great. Obie again doesn’t fail with his lyrical flow, but it’s not the best track.

12. Look In My Eyes ft. Nate Dogg 

Again the production on this track is amazing, it’s more laid back but still great in the speakers and Obie Trice spits some real shit over it. He keeps his flow and lyrics on point in this track. Again he hooks up with the hook genious Nate Dogg so you know what to expect of this track.

13. Hands On You ft. Eminem

A recycled beat on this track touched up a bit but it’s too familiar which takes away from the originality of the song. The lyrics are good but it’s all overshadowed by the production, that while it’s good, it sounds like a mixtape freestyle.

14. Hoodrats

The cliché rap track about a chickenhead, but if you’re not tired of them, this track is good at it. Obie has a faster flow to the track but his lyrics again are tight. The production is on point. Slightly a filler track, but that’s because it’s on a far above average album already.

15. Oh ft. Busta Rhymes 

Obie hooks up with a legend of hip hop on this track and over the beats Obie once again states his real name which is getting slightly old by now but he recovers and gives a good verse. The production is a little overwhelming, but it’s still a decent track. The chorus is a little annoying and louder than the rest of the track with Busta yelling it out. Obie delivers but it’s a little messy.

16. Never Forget Ya 

Right out of the gate, Obie starts spitting some deep lyrics about his people from the past. It’s a deep track which just goes to show the versatility of Obie. It’s deep and moving. The chorus is perfect for the track. Instead of the classic whining about stardom, Obie embraces it and touches back down to his past.

17. Outro ft. Eminem, D12 

This track might go down as the best outro ever in rap. The lyrical ability of the members on this track are amazing (minus Bizarre), Eminem spits some crazy shit right off the bat and they trade verses. One of the best tracks on the album and it’s the method of any great entertainer – leave on a high note.

Another debut album from the ranks of Aftermath Records, that goes to show how much talent they have under their system. First it was 50 Cent, now it’s Obie’s turn and he doesn’t fail one bit. Whether or not the mainstream will embrace him like they did 50 and Eminem, that doesn’t matter. He gives us a show from a debut album that is only matched by the likes of Dre, Snoop, 50 Cent, Eminem, Nas and Biggie.

He was a star before his first album, now he’s proven himself. He singlehandidly carried this album beginning to end. It doesn’t hurt when you carry an album and have the likes of Eminem, Busta Rhymes and Nate Dogg to help the cause along.

It was everything you could expect from his debut. Time will tell what history makes of it.

Rating – 4 out of 5.

This is the third album from southern brothers Ying Yang Twinz. A lot of people isn’t feeling the Ying Yang’s style, but I’m not one of those people.

1. Them brave (Skit)

2. Hanh!

The Ying Yang Twinz start their album of with a banger. “Hanh!” has got a banging beat with real cool lyrics to it. The screaming and the “Haaanh” in the backround is making the track extra crunk. Tight track!

3. What’s happenin! Feat. Trick Daddy

“What’s happenin!” is another banging from the Ying Yang Twinz. This time they’re bringing in Trick Daddy to drop some heat. The best part about this track has to be the hook though – it’s tight as ***** getting you all crunk’d up!

4. Grey goose

“Grey goose” is a lil hard to explain. The beat’s crunk but at the same funky, while the lyrics are fitting the beat perfectly. I really like this track tho, and there haven’t been any poor tracks on this album this far!

5. Salt shaker feat. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz

Ahh damn! The Ying Yang Twinz are bringing in Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz. Can this NOT be crunk?!? It’s crunk alright, but it’s not as good as the 3 previous tracks. It’s still tight tho!

6. Georgie dome (Get low sequel)

Dayumn! What can I say? This shit’s tight as *****! Get crunnkkkk!!

7. What the *****! Feat. Bonecrusher & Killer Mike

You know shit’s gonna be crunk when you bring in Bonecrusher and Killer Mike. As I’m listening to this track I’m thinking this is one of the best albums of 2003. Even tho “What the *****!” isn’t one of my favourite tracks from this album, it’s real tight.

8. Calling all zones feat. Hitman Sammy Sam & Khujo

“Calling all zones” is a lil slower than most other track on this album. Ying Yang Twinz are sounding like they’re getting crunk, but I’m not. It’s a nice cut tho.

9. Me & My Brother

“Me & My Brother” is obviously the title track. It’s a nice cut with slow, dark production. It might be a cool title of the album, but the track isn’t all that. Average.

10. Hard feat. K.T.

“Hard” is a nice cut, but if I were the executive producer of this project, it wouldn’t make the final cut. I guess it’s hard to remove tracks from an album with only 14 tracks tho… The track is crunk but nothing compared to the previous tracks dropped by the Ying Yang Twinz.

11. The nerve calmer

“The nerve calmer” is more like a skit, which is good since the few seconds of rapping over a beat is wack.

12. Naggin’

This is the lead single from this album. If you’re reading this review close to the release date, you can check our video section to check it out. Actually, it’s also currently in our musicbox! The track’s real tight and an excellent choise for the first single even tho there are better tracks on the album. The Ying Yang Twinz are complaining about women, just like women complain about men alot.

13. Naggin’ Part II (The answer)

This is the answer to “Naggin’”, performed by female rappers Ms Flawless and Tha Rythum. The production’s still tight, and it’s a new and original idea to make a reply like this. The two female MC’s are tight too. I like it!

14. Armageddon

“Armageddon” is the final track of this album. It’s an average cut and a neat way to finish the album.

Let it be known, that this is a hella tight album! Especially the first part of the album is crunk as ***** and I’m VERY impressed! I’d grade this album 4 out of 5, BUT…

There’s 14 tracks. Out of those 2 are skits and one track’s performed by two female MC’s. That makes it 11 Ying Yang tracks.

11 tracks isn’t enough to get a grade like 4 out of 5, so I’ll grade this album 3.5 out of 5.

The Chicago based Rap a lot trio Do or Die is once again back on the rap scene. You have probably heard their super hit single “Po Pimpin”with Twista and Johnny P from 1996. These cats have been compared to Bone Thugs N Harmony but to me their rap style and music style ain’t close to being similar to Bone.

1. One more way 2 die Featuring White Folks

If you are a big Do or Die fan or if you have heard their earlier albums you will recognize the dark beat on this track straight Do or Die style. The lyrics are about death and dying in other words straight up hardcore.

2. Do U Featuring Twista Johnny P 

Uhh this track gives me the goose bumps. When Johnny P sings the hook on a track, the track as whole always come out tight .This track is in true pimp style. It makes me reminisce back to the 90’s when Po Pimp was a hit. In my opinion this is the ultimate pimp ride track.

3. Fantasy 

This is another smooth track by Do or Die. The lyrics aren’t that freaky, you could almost take this track for a track that could get radio play. Overall a nice produced track with tight vocals.

4. See it through reality Featuring Traxster 

Once again Do or Die drops a darkbeat and raps about the reality’s in society and their life. You can say that the content of the track is a wake up call to the people doing wrong.

5. Lil’Ghetto Featuring Johnny P 

I love Johnny P’s silky smooth voice; combined with Do or Die and Twista you got the ultimate recipe for a tight track. The lyrics on the track are about the poor people livin that Ghetto life wishing for money.

6. Stateville Featuring Traxster and Dun D 

Do or Die switch up the tempo on this track with help from Traxster and Dun-D.The verse goes” murda murda that’s what I am be yelling” in other words a 100 procent gangster track.

7. Don’t give a ***** Featuring No Love 2K3 

This is one of my favourite tracks on the album. The lyrics are hardcore and the hook is tight. The speed these cats raps on this track is very impressive. What more to say than Do or Die doesn’t give a *****.

8. Bomb on contact 

The track start of with an army guy or something talking about what bomb on contact mean. Overall this is a dope track with a nice beat, not the best track on the album but still tight. True Do or Die style.

9. Not 4 u Featuring Johnny P 

Johnny P is back with a bomb ass hook as usual. Not 4 u is probably the smoothest track on the album. I am not that impressed off the lyrics and the way Do or Die raps on the track. Mediocre track in Do or Die standards.

10. In a minute Featuring Navee and Z-Ro

If I had to sum this track up with a three words it would be “pure lyrical skills” for all the rappers got mad lyrical skills and they shows it for real on the track. I especially like the verse that that Z-Ro spits, tightness

11. Who I ***** with 

This is a high-speed track from Do or Die. Overall a nicely produced track. Do or Die proves that they are back on the scene. To sum it up a good track.

12. Cold world 

Do or Die ends the album with slow and more meaningful track. It’s hard to hate on this track because it’s not that bad at all but a bit slow for my taste.

I you like some of Do or Die’s earlier album’s you should pick this one up, if you like Midwest high-speed rap you should pick this one up and if you like a solid produced rap album you should most definitely pick this one up. What more to say than that Do or Die is back as tight as ever. Grade 3.5 stars out of 5

This is Yukmouth’s third solo album. For you who don’t know, Yuk’s a member of the group Luniz.

1. Godzilla

The album starts off with a laid-back mystic type of beat. This does not sound like a “regular” Yukmouth track at all, but he drops three tight verses and there is nothing more to say, Yuk is back. Perfect Intro track.

2. Money & Power

The 2nd track has a slow-tempo beat, and this track does not suit Yukmouths flow. The hook is just boring, skip this track.

3. Nothin 2 a Boss (ft. Benjilino) 

It took about 2 seconds for me to realize that this song is not “ok”, not good and not even dope, this is a real masterpiece! Yukmouth flows so hard and represents the West and Rap-a-lot records to the fullest. Benjilino sings the hook; this is a real tight track.

4. Regime Mobstaz (Ft. The Regime) 

The Regime consists of 12 rappers (C-bo, Yukmouth, Tech N9ne, D-Don & Dorasel, to name a few). This song sounds like a declaration of war, everyone comes real hard on this one, but Tech N9ne steals the show with his and the tracks first verse. Good track.

5. Stuntastic

When I first heard this track I really hated it, but after a while I started to like it. The beat sounds like a Neptunes production and I really can’t figure out what Yuk thought when he wrote this song, cause the only thing he raps about is the clothes he wear. An average track.

6. Pimp Da ***** (Ft. Dru Down/B-Legit) 

The title says it all, this is one of those “laid-back pimp tracks”. It features the Pimp Of The year, Dru Down and The King of Sticky; B-Legit. I really like this track, Dru Down comes hard and B-legit´s flow fits this track perfect. Good one

7. Do my thang featuring (Ft. Val Young/Kurupt/Roscoe) 

The production on this reminds me of one of those latino-flava hiphop songs (that I really hate). The lyrics from Yuk, Kurupt and Roscoe is ok, but doesn’t fit in on this type of beat . If you like Ricky Martin maybe, skip this one.

8. Kidnap U (Ft. Nyce/Who’z Who) 

This one is definitely dedicated to the girls, a real slick song .The hook is catchy and Yuk shows that he can turn into Don Juan whenever he feels like it. Features female Regime member Nice. Tight track.

9. Somebody Gone Die Tonight (Ft. Tech-N9ne/Hussein Fatal/The Realest/Benjillino) 

Next time Yukmouth decides which guest-rappers he want to put on his album, he better not invite Tech N9ne to the studio. Tech N9ne rips the track to tiny little pieces. Everyone is coming real tight but Tech N9ne is playing in another league. Yukmouth´s verse is a raw Master P diss. Good one.

10. Ya boy (Ft. Devin/Ampichino) 

Tight beat, Devin comes tight as usual. I never heard of Ampichino before, and it seems like I didn’t miss anything special. He´s ok, but not all that. Devin and Yuk bring this track up one level. Average track.

11. I want ya body (Ft. Aaron Hall) 

A typical party track, Aaron Hall sings the hook. Boring song.

12. Thug Lordz (ft. The Thug Lordz) 

This is actually a 50 Cent diss, and it’s a good one. This is a real tight track, they fire slugs at the whole Aftermath camp;”You niggas think the westcoast are only Dre & Xzibit, they aight but The Thug Lordz handlin buisness”. Yuk is dropping tight lyrics on this one.

13. Be Easy (Ft. Ray J/Gangsta Girl) 

The track features Brandy´s little brother Ray J on the hook and a really wack female rapper called “Gangsta Girl”. Awful track. Skip it.

14. What it do (Ft. E-Roc/Bun B) 

I don’t know if it’s possible to record a wack song that features Bun B, probably not. The beat sounds like a Lil Jon production, real crunk track for the clubs.

15. Go hard (Ft. The Fleet/Ampichino) 

The beat sounds like typical Slip-N-Slide (Trick Daddys Label) beat, but it doesn’t fit Yukmouth, and the guests aint all that. Average track.

16. Do it B.I. 

Finally, a track with only Yukmouth on it. Tight beat, Yuk´s flow is real good, but the hook is boring.

17. Model Chicks

This song is about Models and why Yuk loves ´em. This is a real funny track, but the beat is weird, Yuk got a kind of flute sample on it.

18. Hard Tymez (Ft. Z-Ro/Trae/Tanya Herron) 

This is the last and defiantly the best track on the album. It features Houston Rappers Trae & Z-ro (from the group Guerilla Maab) and the singer Tanya Herron. Heavy beat and deep lyrics.

If you liked “Thug Lord: The New Testament” and “Thugged Out: The Albulation” you definitely should get this album. I give it 4/5.

St. Louis native Chingy used to hang out with Nelly’s St. Lunatics but signed to Ludacris label “Disturbing the peace”. With those two superstars behind him, Chingy couldn’t do anything besides succeeding. “Jackpot” is the debut album from this southern dialect newcomer.

1. Jackpot Intro

2. He’s herre

The album starts off with a bouncy production with Chingy flowing with his distinct accent. He’s basically saying that he’s “herre”. It’s a real cool track. The beat’s making it, mostly, but Chingy’s got a nice flow too.

3. Represent feat. Tity-Boi & i-20

“Represent” is a lot like “He’s herre” production wise, but in a lower phase. It’s still got the bounce style I like tho and it’s definitely above average. Chingy, Tity-Boy and i-20 are representing with some freestyle-like lyrics. It’s a real good track.

4. Right Thurr

I’m sure ya’ll heard this one. “Right Thurr” was and is a big hit. The production’s perfect for the club, radio, tv or whatever. Chingy’s rapping about how he like the way the b*tches shake that ass. Definitely a hit.

5. Jackpot the pimp (Skit)

6. Whurrs my cash

Chingy’s building on his “Herre, Thurr, Whurr” slang, which is cool with me. This time he’s doing it over a real mellow beat with some funky sounds in the backround. The subject is money, fame, women… Not very original but I’m still enjoying this cut.

7. Chingy jackpot

“Chingy jackpot” is an other party track. It’s not as partyisch as “Right Thurr” but it’d be a good pick for a second single. Chingy’s rapping about money, which is getting pretty boaring, but the production and his nice flow with the slang is holding it up. The hook’s real good too.

8. Sample dat ass feat. Murphy Lee

Again, Chingy’s rapping about b*tches. Murphy Lee’s doing the same thing. The production’s good but this track’s still not one of my favourite tracks on this album.

9. One call away feat. J/Weav

Now Chingy’s rapping about a girl he fell for? I guess he’s not very faithful if you choose to believe all the previous tracks. The song goes to show how Chingy can do story telling rap tho, and that’s a good thing. The production’s very good with a guitar string, and the hook’s very catchy so if this was a single, it’d be a hit.

10. Dice game (Skit)

11. Gettin’ it

On “Gettin’ it” they’re bringing in that club-hit production again. This time it’s a little darker with some trumpets or something in the background, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I heard this at the club later on. Chingy’s flowing about how everybody’s gettin it…

12. Holidae in feat. Ludacris & Snoop Dogg

Chingy’s bringing in label head Ludacris and west coast veteran Snoop Dogg. The beat’s real tight and Luda’s tight as usual and Snoop’s on the hook. Snoop’s also doing some talking at the end of the track but no real rapping. Tight cut.

13. Juice

Again, Chingy’s on a pimpin tip. “Juice these hoes” is the message on this track, and it’s nothing new so I’m not really impressed. Production’s still lasting tho.

14. ***** dat n*gga (Skit)

15. Madd at me

They’re mad at Chingy cuz he’s got money, *****es etc. Same ol’ same ol’. I’m not impressed by that, but I’m impressed how well the production’s been throughout this album this far.

16. Bagg up

“Bagg up” has a real funky beat and it’s very tight. Chingy’s flowing nicely over it making it a real tight track. Too bad it’s about the same things as most other tracks. It’s still a really tight track.

BONUS TRACK: Right thurr Remix feat. JD & Trina

Same Trackstar beat is used on the “Right thurr” remix, but JD and Trina are dropping while Chingy’s doing a new verse. Trinas flow seems lazy, and that’s not what I’m used to hearing from her so I won’t give her the OK. JD’s not known for being lyrical, but his verse is accepted to this reviewer. It’s a tight track, of course, but the original’s better.

Chingys debut album has got very tight production from producers like Trackstar and Dj Quik. The production’s holding up the album, no doubt. It’s actually pushing the album to an above average status. It’s too bad Chingy’s not rhyming about different things than money, cars and b*tches. He’s showing that he can do story telling rap with “One call away”, but he’s not using it on any other track which is too bad.

Since production’s a big part of albums today, and because of Chingy’s catchy slang and nice flow, I grade this album 3.5 out of 5 – a very good debut album.

I think every one of you have heard of the Neptunes. They’ve done production for a lot of the mainstream artists and produced popular songs like “Beautiful” from Snoop Dogg and “Excuse me miss” by Jay-Z. This time they’ve done a compilation and put a lot of well known names together with their own protégés.

1. Roscoe P Coldchain – Intro

Why is Roscoe P Coldchain credited for this? There’s a beat and someone saying “1, 2, 3, 4, 5”… Unless he produced it that’s just weird.

2. Busta Rhymes – Light your ass on fire

According to XXL, this song is in the Guiness book of world records since no other track has the word “ass” in it as much as this one. The beat is ok but Busta’s wack. Pharell’s on the hook with his porno-voice. It’s a pretty weak track overall… Honestly, they can stick it up their ***.

3. Pharell feat. Clipse & Ab Liva – Blaze of glory

Neptunes are trying to sound like some old school New York stuff with some new Cloneisch stuff. It turns out pretty well but Pharell should just stick to producing and leave the rest for the professionals. Good thing the guests are taking up most of the track.

4. I-20 & Ludacris – It wasn’t us

On “It wasn’t us”, the Neptunes are trying to do some new age shit. I’m feeling it a lil, but they’re overdoing it in my opinion. Ludacris is coming out tight as usual, and I-20 is doing a good job too. I’ve got to mention that he sound a lot like Scarface, so there, I mentioned it.

5. Pharell feat. Jay-Z – Frontin

Frontin was the first single off the album, and if you got MTV or any other music channel you’ve probably heard it. The beat’s real tight and makes you bump your head, but if you ask me Pharell should stay off the tracks and let someone else do that part. To quote Ice Cube: Pharell, “Stick to producing!”. I mean seriously… is Pharell even singing or is he making a squeaky voice makin sounds? If not sticking to producing he could atleast stick to hooks. The hook’s coming out tight on this one but the verses are just wack. If it wasn’t for Pharell singing on it, this track would have been real tight. Jay-Z and the production is saving the track.

6. Vanessa Marquez – Good girl

“Good girl” by Vanessa Marquez is an RnB track. It has a real cool beat and Vanessa’s doing her thang to it. Since I’m not a big RnB fan it’s not one of my favourite tracks of the album, but I admit it’s real cool.

7. Nelly – If

Nelly’s got his own style, no doubt about that. It’s questionable if it’s RnB or Rap, but I’m not gonna hate on Nelly. He’s doing his thing and he’s doing it good. This track has real cool production and Nelly’s doing his thing. It’s a real cool track.

8. Roscoe P Coldchain feat. Pusha T & Boo Bonic – Hot

“Hot” has a beat, nothing more, and the rappers are flowing over it. It’s a cool track but nothing more than that. The lyrics are sounding like freestyle lyrics but it’d definitely not a freestyle. It’s just that the track has no message whatsoever.

9. Snoop Dogg – It blows my mind

I really recognize this beat, but I’m not sure where I heard it before. It’s a real cool beat with some bells over a beat. Pharell’s on the hook as usual and west coast superstar Snoop Dogg is doing the rapping. Snoop’s flowing better than he has the past years but it’s not helping – Snoop fell off.

10. Spymob – Half steering

The Neptunes throwed a rock song up In this. It’s a real cool track but it doesn’t fit in at all with the previous tracks. I’m not sure but I don’t think rock and rap goes hand in hand when talking about fanbase and target audience.

11. High speed scene – *****in spend

An other rock track. This one’s just 1:30 but it still counts. Again, I don’t understand why they put rock tracks on a rap compilation, or the other way around. The track’s ok.

12. N.E.R.D feat. Clipse – Loser

N.E.R.D is Neptunes rock group. I have their album (the second and way better edition) and they’re a tight rock group, but why are they on this compilation? I guess The Neptunes are trying to take over both genres. In the middle of the track Clipse’s taking over and flowing over this rock beat. It’s weird but they’re doing it pretty well. It’s a good song.

13. FamLay – Rock and Roll

Is this rock or rap? Nowadays you can’t tell sometimes. Someone talking or rapping over a rock beat. The track’s called “Rock and Roll” so maybe that’s a hint… I’d say this track is weak tho.

14. Jadakiss feat. Supercat – Don of the Dons (Put de ting pon dem)

Okay, I like Jadakiss, but this track’s just too wack. The beat’s wack as ***** and Supercat is *****ing it up even more. Jada’s doing the last verse and he’s trying to do the best of it. He’s actually holding it up there for a while but not even Jada can hold this track up completely. It’s wack.

15. Clipse feat. Ab-Life & Roscoe P Coldchain – Hot damn

“Hot damn” is the second single from this album. I just saw the video on the other day. It’s a neat track with a real cool production so it’s a good choise. Even tho the rappers on this aren’t exactly the most tallanted rappers ever, it’s a real good track. Pharell’s rapping on it too, haha. I guess he’s got 3 different voices now.

16. N.O.R.E feat. Pharell – Put em up

N.O.R.E over a tight beat, that’s cool. This is one of the best track from the album but why the ***** does Pharell insist on being on every god damn track? Get the ***** off the tracks! He’s doing his rapping thing again on this one. Pharell, don’t rap, don’t sing with your porno voice, don’t do squeaky voices, stick to producing!

17. Dirt McGirt feat. Pharell – Pop shit

Dirt McGirt aka Ol’ Dirty Bastard is out of jail and ready to make his entrance again. He’s coming out tight on this track but the beat’s too weak. I don’t even know if Pharell is on this track. If he is he’s using a 4th voice.

18. Kelis feat. Nas – Popular thug

The Neptunes finish off their compilation with a track from Kelis and Nas. Excellent choise! This track’s got real tight production and Nas is coming out real tight on the verses as well as Kelis on the hook. Putting this as the last track will probably make me nicer when grading it.

This album received an XL in the XXL. That’s bullshit. The album’s an orgie of recycled sounds and Pharells attempts to be in the limelight. The album’s been heavily advertised and heavily overrated. I can see how Neptunes fans like the album – if you liked their past works you’ll most likely like this compilation too. That, and a bunch of popular rappers are the plus side of the album. Now… if you’re tired of Pharell and Neptunes beats in general, you will not like this album. I’m one of those people. I’ll probably never bump this album again and if I see Pharell next time I turn on the TV I’ll throw it out the window. And what’s up with putting 3 rock tracks in the middle of the album? The album’s advertised as a rap compilation so keep the rock out of it. I’ll be nice when grading this tho, since I know there’s a lot of Neptunes fans out there.

I grade this album 2 out of 5. Enough said.