Not counting Slick Rick, Roots Manuva is England’s finest rapper in my opinion. This is the cool sounding MC’s sophmore release.

1. Intro

2. Bashment Boogie 

Nothing special this track but a decent opener. Simple beat with a nice bassline. Manuva’s flow seems to fit nicely. Annoying bloke singing the hook though.

3. Witness (1 Hope)

Anyone who hasn’t heard this track (probably the majority) download it now. Bangin beat, lyrics, tight flow and check out that bassline. His best song to date.

4. Join the Dots

Real nice beat sounding similar to something Beatnuts might use. Don’t like whoever does the opening rap but normal service soon resumes. Great chorus too.

5. Interlude

6. Ital Visions

Strong Contender for best song on the album. Simple but nice beat with drums and synths, but once again its the amazing bassline which is the highlight. This track also shows how Manuva has improved lyrically since his debut, tackling some political issues amongst other topics.

7. Kicking the Cack 

Everything about this track is horrible. Skip this one everytime.

8. Dub Styles 

Quite annoying and repetitive beat, pretty crap lyrics and flow but something keeps me listening to this. Addictive.

9. Trim Body 

A pretty dark hardcore sound here. But ***** knows what he was smoking when he was recording the lyrics. Can’t hardly understand a word.

10. Artical 

Probably too hardcore for my taste. Beat is a simple drumline and bassline with Manuva spitting bars over it. Decent rap.

11. Hol’ it up 

Another speaker breaker in terms of Bass. Average track. I just don’t like the guest appearances – the English accent on them sounds horrible.

12. Stone The Crows 

I seriously will need some new woofer’s after this album’s bass has finished *****ing with them. I’d love to here a car bumping it. A good track. “Shouldn’t really be here shouldn’t really exist, shouldn’t take these drugs shouldn’t get so pissed”.

13. Sinny Sin Sins 

Another great track and probably the deepest one on here. Drums bassline and strings set the backdrop for Manuva to rap about his past, how he was forced to go to church and life etc.

14. Evil Rabbit 

A fantastic dark beat using a guitar. This track has really grown on me and Manuva sounds brilliant over this.

15. Swords in the Dirt 

A good track with everything from lyrics to beat sounding on point. Nice scrathes on the hook.

16. Highest Grade

Song bout weed. Another great bassline. Pretty average production. Not a particularly ear catching song.

17. Dreamy Days 

Despite this track having a video and some airplay, its still a real good track and not too commerical. Deep lyrics, great production.

Despite UK rappers hardly getting any recognition (and rightly so in most cases), Roots Manuva is certainly one talented rapper. There’s not person in rap who I can think of who sounds like him which immediately makes him unique. Although I imagine this is a hard album to find, if you can hunt one down – buy it, it won’t disappoint true hip hop fans.

3.5 seems like a too low score, and 4/5 seems a little too high – so you do the math.

After Canibus burst onto the scene, he dropped albums many people thought were disappointing. Finally giving up on making the mainstream feel Bis, he took things into his own hands with mixtapes and lyrically laced albums.

This time around, Rip the Jacker is a conceptual album. As the alter-ego of Canibus, Rip the Jacker is the side of Bis that battled LL Cool J and made Canibus his name back in 1998.

Hooking up with eccentric producer Steve Stoupe, the combination is his best work yet.

1. Intro

2. Genabis

The track is to show the birth of Canibus and how he mastered the art of lyricism. The production reflects a coming and suits the feel of the song perfectly. Finally, Bis has a chorus that mixes into the song. A great start to the album.

3. Levitibus 

The first thing you notice on this track is the production with an eerie biblical style feel to it. Of course, there is a reason for that. Leviticus is the Biblical set of ritual rules, Levitibus reflects Canibus’ rituals to making his style. The lyrics are fire, and the production again suits Bis perfectly.

4. M-Sea-Cresy 

A more laid back production to this track that enables you to listen to the lyrics Canibus lays down. It has a very oldschool New York feel to it. If it was made in 93 it would’ve been a hit. The lyrics and production again combine nice.

5. No Return 

Concept of the song is that Canibus is who he is and there is no returning to that Wyclef mainstream style he was forced to have on Universal. The chorus and production is kind of annoying and is the worst track on the album, the lyrics are great again, but like past Bis failures is the mixture into the song..

6. Spartibus

The first single of the album. This track created a lot of buzz for the album and with good reason. The production is dark and the lyrics are straight heat. The chorus is perfectly mixed into the style of the track. One of the album’s best moments.

7. Indibisible 

The production to the track is unbelievably off the hook with it’s Mexican style feel. The concept for this track is “Unspeakable”. Basically, if it can’t be said, Bis can’t rap it. The lyrics are off the hook, the chorus fits in perfectly and the production is off the hook. The song is ill beginning to end.

8. Showtime At the Gallow 

The production on this track is genious. It gives the feeling of being executed with it’s drops which is the concept of the track. “Gallows”. Canibus feels like he was the next thing, how could he be executed for what made him great by the fans? The lyrics and production are tight. Another classic track to this album.

9. Psych Evaluation 

An inner look at the mind of Canibus and the production again is well done again, with Canibus getting more angry in the depths of his mind as the song goes on and the music makes you feel like you are inside the insanity. Song could never be a club banger, but the concept of the song and it’s delivery by Bis and Stoupe is mindblowing.

10. Cemantics 

Semantics is the study of meaning in language. This is the concept of this track, the depths of Canibus’ lyrics. The production again suits the track nice and Canibus’ lyrics are ill. The flow he has is again unbelievable. Nice track.

11. Poet Laureate II 

Back on “2000BC”, Canibus delivered a track called “100 Bars” where he spit 100 and it was recieved by critics as amazing. On his last album “Mic Club”, Bis said he thought 100 was nothing, so here it is. An unbelievable 200 bars on this track. I’ve never heard this done so well by any lyricist and this track alone proves that Canibus is the greatest lyricist of our time. The production suits the 200 bars, never leaving you feeling bored. Amazing.

People looking for another Aftermath style hit, turn away. But for anyone that wants to hear rap and a lyricist perform the art the way it was intended, this is one of the greatest albums ever made. Stoupe and Canibus are a combination that if they continue dropping albums like this could be the next Dre/Snoop, Eric B and Rakim, etc. They have a style together that fits perfectly. Bis’ problem up til now was his production, now that he has it, he dropped the album everyone waited on. The concepts of this album were finally delivered by both Canibus and his producer, which is what every Bis fan has been waiting for. If this album was the one that came out in 98 instead of “Can-I-Bus”, I feel he would be a star today. Now it’ll be slept on which is the ultimate irony of the album. Makes you wonder what will happen with Crooked I as it’s hard pressed to imagine he could ever drop an album like this one.

Again if you want MTV worthy rap, turn away. If you want pure rap and lyricism, this album is great and damn near a classic.

Rating – 4.5/5

Young Roscoe “Philaphornia” was planned to be released a year ago. It was pushed back and finally released in 2003 by Priority Records. To read more about Roscoe, go to our “Upcoming Stars” section.

1. 5 Seconds

“5 Seconds” is a really nice way to start off the album since Roscoe’s showing some really nice lyrics about his journey to get this album finished over a tight beat. On top of that, he’s also letting everybody know what he’s repping. First thing you’ll hear on the album is someone saying “Y.A, Doggpound, Kurupt Young Gotti”.

2. Head to toe feat. Sleepy Brown

The video for “Head to toe” is featured on my album as a bonus thing. To be honest, they could have picked a better single. The track is nice, but this Organized Noise produced beat is way too slow to get heavy airplay on radio and at clubs, even tho it’s tight and the hook is catchy.

3. It’s that time again feat. La Toya Williams

An other kind of slow track from Roscoe. This time he’s got LaToya Williams on the hook. The track reminds me of the Kurupt track “It’s over” even tho I wouldn’t say it’s as pop-ish as that one. If you like a smooth song to bring out your stash to, this is it.

4. Get ready feat. Mr Kane

On track number 4, Roscoe’s bringing in Mr Kane on the hook, and that’s a good move. Mr Kane is really spicing this track up and even tho the production’s slow on this track too, I could see this as a single. Roscoe is, of course, doing the verses and if I may say so, he’s doing what everyone was hoping he would – living up to everyone’s expectations to be like big bro Kurupt.

5. Smooth Sailin’

“Smooth Sailin” is a 70’s influenced track with a really smooth sound. There’s been a lot of buzz around this track and critics were right when they said it was blazin’. Just tune in to this shit, lean back, and relax as Roscoe’s showing off amazing lyrical skillz to one of the best smooth beats in a while!

6. Trouble

When listening to “Trouble” you might think Pharell produces the song, but producer J Wells, who is also working on Kurupt’s upcoming album, brings this beat right here to you. As Roscoe’s spittin’ some tight shit over it, I’m thinking about the airplay this joint could get at clubs. Don’t sleep on this one!

7. Shakedown

It’s no secret LT Hutton is a good producer, but when he’s teaming up with Roscoe things will get out of hand! Roscoe’s spittin’ like a mad man, making this joint the best track on this album this far even tho competition is hard.

8. Get flipped

How tight do you think it’d be if one of the leading rappers of the new generation rappers, and one of the leading producers of the old generation producers hooked up? Well here’s the answer. Dj Quik on the beat and Roscoe on the mic. I have to say tho… Roscoe’s not really the right rapper to spit over a DJ Quik beat. As usual Quik’s bringing the funky shit and that’s not fitting Roscoe. It’s still an okay track tho.

9. Last night

On track number nine, Roscoe’s going back on a slow production to spit some playa stuff. He’s rapping about women and how he’s a playa. The hook’s going “Scodie, why you act like you don’t know me. After all the things you told me, last night…” and is self explained. I have to say that this is a really enjoyable and laid back track.

10. Young Roscoe

“Young Roscoe” is a weird track… The production’s tight, and Roscoe’s tight, but the track isn’t all that. Not to mention the hook – it’s wack. It’s ok tho, since it’s the only track this far not to be above average.

11. What I look like

At this point, Roscoe’s just showing off with his lyrical skillz. The music is unnecessary on this track as the only thing you’ll be noticing is Roscoe spittin’ hard. He’s definitely living up to his brother’s name.

12. Get low feat. YA

“Get low” is another J Wells produced track. If J Wells came out super tight on his latest production on this album, he’s just coming out tight on “Get low”. It’s still a nice group track by Young Assassins and show of somewhat what we can expect from their upcoming group album. One thing confuses me tho… I’ve always known YA as Young Assassins, but in the credits for this album Roscoe’s thanking “YA (Young Authority)”…

Bonus track: Call shotz pt. 2

As a bonus track for this cd, they added a remix of the Kurupt hit single “Call Shotz”. Even tho this version might not be as good as the original, it’s still a nice track. Mainly Roscoe is spitting over the original beat but you can also hear Kurupt doing some rapping.

Roscoe’s debut album was long awaited, but still no big hit yet. That might be because of the choose of singles… If they’d choose one of the tracks I pointed out, I’m sure this album would sell more ;).

Roscoe’s tries to live up to his older brother Kurupt’s name. Even tho he’s sounding a lot like Kurupt, I’d say he has his own style, which is good… Kurupt needs to prove himself on his upcoming album if he wants to stay the number one star in the family.

I rate this album 4 out of 5.

Da Brat was found as a young girl by Jermaine Dupri and signed to his So So Def label. When releasing “Funkadelic”, she became the first female MC to go platinum.

Da Brat hasn’t been boosted in my speakers a lot, but I’ll give this album a fair chance.

1. World Premiere feat. JD, Q Da Kid & MOP

“World Premiere” is a nice way to start the album, even tho when hearing it I’m thinking I got the clean version of this album. The damn track is censored! The beat sounds like a JD remake of the MOP track “Warriors”… Speaking of them, they’re on this song too, and I guess they’re still trying to live off of that old track in the eyes of the mainstream since they’re screaming “Warriors” on this one too. Q Da Kid is the tightest rapper on this track.

2. In love wit chu feat. Cherish

The first thing that hit me when I heard this track was that the beat sounds similar. I don’t know if ya’ll noticed it too, but this LT Hutton production sounds very similar to a certain Shade Sheist and Nate Dogg track produced by Damizza. Da Brat has got a nice flow over the beat and I can’t help but thinking about how raw she is compared to other female MC’s.

3. Ain’t got no time to waste

“Ain’t got no time to waste” is an attempt to make Da Brat make a slow jam. It’s not really working… the beat is slow and the mixed in guitar is nice, but Da Brat’s as raw as ever. I don’t mind tho, it’s still a decent track. They got a catchy hook to go with it too.

4. Got a thing for you feat. Mariah Carey

I guess it’s popular for rappers to put Mariah Carey on tracks nowadays. This time Mariah’s singing isn’t making the main act go for a duo tho, it’s more like the other way around! Da Brat’s too raw for this LT Hutton produced track.

5. Who am I

It’s obvious I got the clean version of this album… that sucks but it’s not Da Brat’s fault. On this track, Jermaine Dupri is handling the production while Da Brat once again come out raw. While this track, just like “Got a thing for you” is kind of slow, Da Brat’s coming out tighter on this one… She’s actually got an amazing flow on this one.

6. Boom

Wow! I did NOT expect this on this album! “Boom” has an up speed production and it’s perfect for Da Brat! If you still think this production is too soft for Da Brat, listen to it again. I did!

7. Got it poppin

This far, Da Brat has been having a raw and tight flow. On this track, I’d say that all changes. She’s still kind of raw, but her flow is gone. Too bad on a nice beat like this.

8. Chuch feat. Cee Lo

This track starts off with Cee Lo doing some singing in a way only Cee Lo can do it. It’s very tight and we’re all pumped up when Da Brat start spittin’. Just like I expected, she’s not disappointing anyone and as Cee Loo’s kickin’ in on the hook again, you’ll know that this track is a banger!

9. Get somebody feat. Keisha Jackson

Why are they insisting on making Da Brat doing slow jams? LT Hutton made this one too and even tho he’s a good producer they need to realize that it’s not her thing. I’ve got to say that this slow jam is better than the previous ones, tho. Da Brat’s spitting pretty deep shit and even tho Keisha Jackson is unknown to me she’s doing a very good job on the hook – it’s actually tight as *****! Don’t give up on this track after hearing the first 30 seconds – it’s one of those songs that has to grow on you.

10. I was the one feat. Anthony Hamilton

I don’t really wanna comment this, but I guess I have to… Once again Da Brat’s making a slow jam and it’s wack.

11. Gushy wushy

Finally another production with some speed and bass in it! If they had made more songs like this one this album would’ve been a lot better. Da Brat sounds “right” over fast beats like this one. She’s like a female Crooked I.

Da Brat is a good MC, but Jermaine Dupri isn’t a good Executive Producer for her.

When Da Brat gets to flow over an up tempo production she’s showing off with an amazing flow and really good lyrics, but when they’re putting her on a slow jam it just sounds wrong.

I rate this album 3 out of 5. An average album.

After making the song “Fiesta” a big hit. They decided to make the first Rap/Rnb duo-album. Well are they the “Best of both worlds”, lets find out.

1. The best of both worlds

The first track is kind of an intro for the album. Jay’s dropping heat while R Kelly’s doing some tight singing in the background. The beat is tight and it’s a good way to start the album. They should have made it longer, tho.

2. Take you home with me A.k.A body

This track is on some tight club shit. I like the beat, and the bass is hitting really hard and will make you nod your head. R. Kelly is tight on the hook and Jay is dropping a few nice verses. This track’s very similar to “Fiesta”.

3. Break up to make up

R. Kelly starts this song off with some tight singing and Jay’s spitting tight shit here too, but the track gets boring after a while. It’s an average track.

4. It ain’t personal

Jay and R Kelly go deep over a tight laid-back beat. The track is about how they came up and all the hate they get. This song is tight and in my opinion one of the best of this album.

5. The streets

Man! This is the shit. The whole album should be like this song right here. Tight banging beat and tight drops from both of them. This song is classic. Easily there best song they’ve ever done together.

6. Green light feat Beanie Sigel

The beat on “Green light” is wack. Jay and Beanie’s coming out wack too. The only good part was R Kelly’s verse. R. Kelly’s also throwing a few disses at Sisqo.

7. Naked (R Kelly solo)

R Kelly goes solo here. The track is tight, but it doesn’t fit with the rest of the album. It sounds like a leftover track from “Tp2.com”.

8. Shake ya body feat Lil Kim

Another track with R.Kelly doing the main part. Kim and Jay suck on this one, and the beat is average at best. Overall it’s a wack song.

9. Somebody’s girl

“Somebody’s girl” is some playa shit. The song is good but Jay-Z and R. Kelly don’t exactly impress me here. The beat’s tight tho and it’s carrying the entire song.

10. Get this money

Finally we get a tight, banging beat. The track is on some ballin shit and I play it in my car a lot. R Kelly and Jay’s verses are ok but the hook is tight and catchy. Nice track.

11. Shorty

“Shorty” is another track on this album with a tight production. R. Kelly starts it of with a tight verse while throwing some disses at Sisqo. Jay’s doing his job. The hook is simple yet catchy. Overall a tight song.

12. Honey

This track has got an up tempo beat. I believe the track is sampled from an old school song. I can’t remember which one tho Jay-Z’s doing all the verses, and he’s doing it well. R. Kelly’s doing his thing on the hook. I’m not sure, but I think this was the first and only single from this album.

13. ***** feat Devin The Dude

Last song on the album features the underrated rapper Devin The Dude. The lyrics are funny but very true. The beat and hook is cool and it’s a good way to finish the album.

Overall, I got to say that I’m very disappointed with this album. I don’t understand how these two tight artists could make an album as weak as this one. Maybe I was expecting too much, I don’t know, but this album could and should have been much better. There are way to many club tracks and a lot of the tracks are just fillers. The rest of them just don’t fit in. R Kelly Cleary outshined Jay Z on every song, and he should have been laying more verses. The features on this album didn’t impress me either.

I would only recommend this album if you are a big fan of one or both of these artists.

I rate this album 3 of 5 stars

Oakland rapper Spice 1 has been in this game for a long time, working with a lot of people. Among those: 2pac, Celly Cell, UGK, C-Bo and Jayo Felony. I’m expecting this album to be a solid release.

1. Spiceberg Slim

The album starts off with the title track. It’s a funky but still hard hitting track with Spice 1 spitting some hard shit, and the chorus is catchy as *****. “Spiceberg Slim” is a perfect way to start off this album. If I was at the store listening to the cd, I’d buy it right after hearing the first track.

2. Welcome back to the ghetto

“Welcome back to the ghetto” sounded like a Bone Thugz song when I first put it on. But don’t worry, Spice 1 ain’t on the biting trip, it’s just the chorus kicking in at the beginning of the track… And it’s actually tight. Spice 1 is spitting some hard shit as usual and ya’ll know he can do that in a really tight way. Production’s some tight west coast shit.

3. If it ain’t rough, it ain’t me

If you ever doubted Spice 1’s lyrical skills, listen to this track. Spice 1 is flowing wild as ***** over this west coast beat. I was listening to this when I was kind of drunk once, and I’d repeat it like 10 times cuz the bassline amazed me so…

4. It’s nothing

Everything about this track is catchy, from chorus and lyrics to the beat. Spice 1 is doing some Ja Rule or Nelly shit when he’s combining his rapping with singing. It’s all good tho, I know Spice 1 wouldn’t go pop on me.

5. Thuggin (Feat. Tray Dee & Kokane)

The production on “Thuggin” sounds like something you’d be able to hear on an 80’s party. It sounds kind of funny but maybe that’s what they meant for it to do… Tray Dee’s dropping some tight shit and Kokane’s doing a catchy hook.

6. You got me *****ed up

The Black Bossaline has done it again! The beat on this cut is BLAZING!!! And Spice 1 sounds perfect to it too! Don’t sleep on this one!

7. Turn da heat down (Feat. Outlawz)

Spice 1 worked with Pac in the past, Outlawz was Pac’s group… So for this album they teamed up to turn that heat up with “Turn da heat down”. Spice 1 and the Outlawz are saying how hell’s coming to earth, or atleast that that’s how they feel when all these bad things happened to them. You know… the usual…. Pac and Yak…

8. Haters come out and play (Feat. Spade)

The first time I heard this track, I thought it was wack. I’ve heard it 3-4 times now, and I think it’s really tight. The chorus is still kind of wack and Spade isn’t the world’s greatest rapper, but it’s a tight track with some very nice production.

9. Niggaz I roll with

Nice production. Nice rhymes. Put together, and you get a weak song. Skipper.

10. Lucky I’m rappin (Feat. Jayo Felony)

Jayo Felony is one of the rappers I think should get more props. On “Lucky I’m rappin” is no exception. If ya’ll go out to buy this album, you should get a Jayo Felony album to go with it… Production on here is tight, but it don’t have the same edge as a few of the previous tracks had.

11. Azz hole naked

There is no doubt that this album had its highlights in the beginning of it, but you’re still able to find a few really tight tracks back here, too. Production is weird but tight on “Azz hole naked”, and Spiceberg’s flowing as if he was borned with a mic in front of him.

12. Das O.K (Feat. Rappin 4-tay)

Right when I thought I’d find a few fillers, I found this track! “Das O.K” has got a funky beat that could be taken off of a N.E.R.D album. The difference is that this track’s got better rappers on it. Rappin 4-Tay, the underrated Bay Area rapper, is rhyming with a raw calm, and Spice 1’s flowing wildly as usual.

13. Pistols, Power, Paper

I guess I won’t find any fillers on this album. I’m at the last track and it’s as tight as most other tracks on this album. “Pistols, Power, Paper” has got a heavy beat with some trumpet shit to it to complete the production, and Spice 1’s flowing about how he’s a gangsta. Tight.

It’s hard to grade this album.

Highlights were: “Spiceberg Slim”, “Welcome back to the ghetto”, “If it ain’t rough, it ain’t me”, “It’s nothin”, “Turn da heat down”, “Lucky I’m rappin”…. Hell just listen to the entire album!

While most tracks were really tight, the album only had 13 tracks. I guess Spiceberg could’ve filled it with 4-5 fillers, but that woulda made me like this album less.

On the other hand; If this album had 4-5 more tight tracks, I would have graded it atleast 4 out of 5. Instead, I’ll grade it 3.5 out of 5.

In my opinion, DMX has always been a tight rapper. I like that raw and aggressive style of rapping. Most rappers that’s got that kind of style fail to get the flow right, but DMX has always handeled it well. This is DMX’s 4th album

1. Sometimes (Skit)

2. School street

DMX’s giving shoutouts to his homeboys over a really tight beat. A very nice way to start off the album.

3. Who we be

“They don’t know who we be” is the message of this song. DMX’s attacking the raw beats, telling people who they are and what they do. It’s a nice track and DMX’s is doing what he’s doing good.

4. Trina Moe

DMX is sounding like a battle rapper on this track. I guess this track is a diss to some people… He’s not mentioning who tho. The production is cool and the hook is very catchy so all in all “Trina Moe” is a good track.

5. We right here

If I’m not wrong, “We right here” was one of the singles from this album and that’s a good choise. Production isn’t exactly blazing but it’s cool. The way DMX is flowing over it is making it sound much much better than it really is tho. The hook’s catchy too so I can see why they made this a single.

6. Bloodline Anthem

“Bloodline Records” is the record label now formed by DMX. I guess this is meant to be their anthem. The rock influenced beat is cool, DMX’s doing a good job, and the hook is nice too. It’s not one of those super hits tho.

7. Shorty was da bomb

“Shorty was da bomb” is about a girl DMX was with for one night, and then she got pregnant… She’s not doing what he’s telling her to do, she’s telling all her friends that DMX is her baby father etc. It turns out that someone else was the father since she had been pregnant for a longer time than she said, tho. It’s a tight song and DMX is showing that he’s a good story-teller.

8. Damien III

DMX and Damien are discussing all kinds of shit over a tight beat. Things are getting hostile there for a while but at the end of the track they’re cool. Excellent track and one of my favourite tracks on this album.

9. When I’m nothing (Feat. Stepha)

The production on “When I’m nothing” is a combination of 80’s pop and east coast rap today. It’s a cool track but not one of my favourites. I didn’t really like Stepha’s hook.

10. I miss you (Feat. Faith Evans)

As soon as there’s a track about someone missing an other person, is seems like they get Faith Evans on it. DMX is talking about his grandmother who apparently passed away. It seems like his grandmother meant a lot to him and it’s a deep track where he’s talking about the past, and about how things are now. Faith Evan’s singing that it’s gonna be ok… as usual.

11. Number 11

“Number 11” is dedicated to DMX’s enemies. There’s not much more to say about this track than that production is tight, and DMX is raw.

12. Pull up (Skit)

13. Ima bang

When I’m listening to “Ima bang”, I’m remembering how DMX could have been the king of New York right about now. DMX had it all going but he couldn’t keep it up all the way to the top of the N.Y game. On this track he’s showing us why we thought he could be the king of New York in the first place. With an aggressive tight ass flow and a catchy and at the same time raw chorus to a tight rock influenced production, the message I get out of this is that DMX ain’t out of the game just yet…

14. Pull out (Skit)

15. You could be blind (Feat Mas).

“You could be blind” was one of the tracks that got stuck on my mind when I first bumped this album. The bass-guitar loop is really catchy and Mas on the hook is completing DMX’s raw flow with a catchy hook. The only bad thing I can say about this track is that it could have used a little more mixing… but then again I might be wrong.

16. The Prayer IV

DMX is doing the traditional praying-on-his-album shit. Man it’s time to take that shit outta your albums.

17. A minute for your son

This track is basically DMX rapping to God or some shit like that. It seems like he’s putting a track like this on every album… the track is tight but I’m tired of hearing DMX talking to God.

18. BONUS TRACK 1

Dj Kay Slay shouting as if this was a mixtape is starting off the track… that’s a minus. After that some Bloodline Records artists are coming in, possibly freestyling, on old DMX beats.

19. BONUS TRACK 2 (They don’t want no problems)

Since this track isn’t listed on my booklet I’m just gonna guess that it’s called “They don’t want no problem”. It’s once again Bloodline artists but this time DMX is coming in, flowing some over the beats. It’s got a tight beat but it annoys me that they didn’t list these tracks…

20. BONUS TRACK 3

I guess these 3 bonus tracks was to promote Bloodline Records, DMX’s label. The third bonus track is better than the first two but it’s no banger. Sounds like some synth shit they just made in a minute for them to flow over. It’s cool tho – 20 tracks is better than 17.

This album is a tight album, there’s no doubt about that. DMX usually spit raw and aggressive shit, and usually Ruff Ryders are putting out tight beats, so combining them can’t really go wrong… Unless you do it 4 times in the exact same way.
This DMX album was said to be his best album this far… Well it’s not. If this would have been his debut album I’d probably have thought so, but it’s his 4th album and all previous albums have been exactly the same.
You got one track where he’s mad as *****, dissing everyone. You got an other track where he’s talking to god, one party track, one shoutout track, one track about how hard life is etc. It’s all the same.
I’ll grade this album 3 out of 5. There is no way that this album can be below average, but it’s too much like DMX’s old albums. I was hoping that DMX would take it to the next level, but he failed. If you don’t own a DMX album I strongly suggest you get this one, but if you got his past 3 albums you might aswell go buy an other album.

Death Row’s been laying low for a long time while its CEO Suge Knight has been in jail. Suge’s out now and Death Row has got an entirely new roster with some exceptions; Danny Boy, Michel’le and Kurupt are all once again signed to Death Row. This soundtrack is the first release in a year or so. Previously, they released “Too gangsta 4 radio”. That album was a personal favourite for me, so I’m hoping that this album will be good too. That was my starting point when copping this album.

1. Crooked I feat. Virginya Slim – Still tha row.

The album starts of with its first single titled “Still Tha Row”. The song is basically Crooked I mocking the police about their raid on the Death Row offices and saying how it’s still “Tha Row” (obviously). The track had an original version and this re-make of it. The original version wasn’t much of a single, but I’d say it was much better. It’s too bad they didn’t put it on the soundtrack since the production is lacking on this version. I’m not feeling it… Crooked I’s holding it up though.

2. Kurupt – I’m back.

Kurupt is back on Death Row, and he’s letting us know on this track. Kurupt’s throwing subliminal disses and nice wordplays over a tight, eastern influenced, beat. I’d say that this is one of the better cuts from Kurupt on record in a while, and maybe he’s really back to his old self. One of my favourite tracks on the album.

3. Crooked I, Eastwood & Danny Boy – Dysfunktional Family Theme.

The theme song of the movie is done by Crooked I, Eastwood and RnB singer Danny Boy. It’s a nice, laid back, cut that’s probably inspired by the movie. I haven’t seen the movie so I wouldn’t really know… It’s a cool track tho and there were talks about making it the second single.

4. Jay-Z – Hovi baby (Remix).

Jay-Z’s making an appearance on this album with a remix of an other tight song of his. Judging from the shoutouts I’d say that trackmasters made this remix, and they did a great job! It’s a very tight beat and Jay-Z’s showing off a nice flow to it.

5. Juvenile, Skippa & Young Buck – I’m a gangsta.

The south are contributing to this soundtrack with juvenile and his crew. The beat’s a west coast beat with some southern influences, and it’s really cool. I’m not feeling how Juvenile, Skippa and Young Buck handles it tho.

6. Eastwood & Crooked I – We ballin.

“We ballin” is a party track, and should have been chosen as the first single. I’m sure it’d be a hit in the clubs… Eastwood and Crooked I are showing off their gangsta-lyrical skills and Eastwood’s giving us a really tight hook. “We ballin” is my favourite track on this album.

7. Eastwood, Crooked I, Danny Boy & Ja Rule – Who wants to ***** tonight.

Everybody know that Murder INC and Tha Row collabs now and then, and this is an other example of that. Irv Gotti on the production and 3 Row artists with Ja Rule guesting. The production is kind of slow, and the first thing that came to my mind when listening to it was how it sounded influenced by the “Home Alone” theme. Ja Rule’s not doing the hook on a track he’s guesting for once, but his verse is pretty short and he starts off by doing his Nelly-influenced singing thing. If you like that, you’ll definitely like his verse. All in all, this is a nice cut.

8. Ashanti – All my.

Murder INC is making its second appearance with this track, titled “All my”, by Ashanti.
I’m not a big RnB fan, but I don’t really like the production on this one; it’s pretty much just a beat. Ashanti is a nice singer tho and she’s doing her best to a wack beat.

9. Gail Gotti – Gangstress (How I Roll).

This Gail Gotti track has been criticised a lot, but I like it. The beat is tight, Gail Gotti’s doing a good job on the mic and the chorus is very catchy. The first time I heard this track I thought that Gail Gotti was dissing someone named Reddbone, but I later found out that Reddbone is a group she’s in with her sister Virginya Slim. She IS dissing Kurupt’s ex girl and babymama, Natrina Reed, though.

10. Eastwood, Spider & Ganxsta Ridd – Tha Row (Ya’ll hoes).

Death Row is notorious for dissing anyone that they feel like dissing. On the Dystunktional Family Soundtrack, this is that diss. Eastwood, Spider and Ganxsta Ridd from the Booya Tribe are dissing Snoop, Soopafly, Daz Dillinger, Bad Azz and the entire Dogghouse crew over a really tight beat and a chorus mocking a chorus done by Daz for his upcoming album. Everyone’s coming out raw and tight, and I’d say it’s a very tight diss.

11. Michel’le – I know where I’m going.

“I know where I’m going” by RnB vet Michel’le is the second pure RnB track of this album. Michel’le is singing about how hard it was for her growing up, and what she was exposed to in her “dysfunctional” family. I’d say that this RnB song is better than the one done by Ashanti. Production’s cool too.

12. Ganxsta Ridd & Kurupt – 1 Call (Real talk).

All tracks produced by a Death Row producer’s saying “Produced by the Tha Row Heavyhitters”, but I’d guess that Sir Jinx produced this one – it’s got his style. I’ve heard him produce far better tracks than this one tho and the track itself is pretty weak with Ganxsta Ridd and Kurupt trying to hold it up. Ganxsta Ridd is raw, but the beat isn’t so they’re not exactly a perfect match.

13. N.I.N.A feat Danny Boy – Too street 4 T.V.

Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez aka N.I.N.A was on Death Row shortly before she dies, and this is one of the tracks she left behind her. Darren vegas is on the production and he’s doing a great job on this one. Rumor is that N.I.N.A got help from Crooked I when writing the lyrics on this song, and it sure sounds like it. She’s got some nice lyrics and she’s doing a good job spitting them.

14. Crooked I feat Phobia – Get off the block.

This Crooked I track was a last minute addition to the album, and it was an excellent choise! It’s a really tight produced track with Crooked I spitting some really tight shit over it. This is one of my absolute favourites from this album.

15. Skippa – On the radio.

This is an other of those tracks that people’s been hating on, and I have no idea why – it’s tight as *****! The production’s some really tight west coast shit and Skippa’s spitting some really amusing shit all over it. They shoulda left “I’m a gangsta” off the album and kept this as the dirty south’s contribution for the soundtrack.

16. Crooked I, Eastwood, Danny Boy, Eddit Griffin & The Dramatics – I thought u knew.

“I thought u knew” is a laid back track with the Dramatics and Danny Boy on the hook. Actor Eddie Griffin, for whoms movie the soundtrack is for, is rapping for the first time on this one too and he’s not too bad for being a first-timer. Eastwood and Crooked I are coming out tight as usual and overall this is a really nice cut.

17. Spider feat. Eddie Griffin – Dys-Funk-Tional.

Once again Eddie Griffin is appearing on the track. This time he’s doing the hook. Spider, a very raw rapper, is doing the verses and this track has gotten a lot of props from all kinds of people. It’s not one of my favourite tracks but I can see why people like it.

This album had its up and downs. Some tracks had wack production, and had to be held up by tight rappers like Crooked I and Eastwood. In other cases the rappers couldn’t hold up wack production, so it came out in a bad way.

It’s hard to rate a soundtrack since its got so many different artists and styles. None of the RnB cuts impressed me, even tho Michel’le’s song was nice. The “guests”; Jay-Z, Juvenile, Ja Rule etc did a good job on most tracks even though I wasn’t feeling “I’m a gangsta” by Juvenile and his crew..

Crooked I is dropping his solo album in a near future, and I really hope that he’ll get better production on his album since I’m hoping that it’ll be a classic. This album was a wakeup call for Suge. He needs to get better production for his label.

Darren Vegas and trackmasters are the only producers that’s doing what I expected on this album. The other producers aren’t 100% wack, but I expected better.

Crooked I, Eastwood and Kurupt are holding up this soundtrack, and making it a solid soundtrack.

I grade this album 3,5 out of 5.

1. In da hood we trust (feat. Gonzoe)

The album starts off with a nice track with a female rapper on it. Keita Rock’s is starting off the first verse with a nice drop and then the female rapper kick in with some nice shit. In the third verse Keita Rock’s dissing Snoop some while saying he’s a General. The beat is nice and the hook is really cool. I have no idea where Gonzoe was supposed to be on this track unless that’s him on the hook.

2. I’m on oneâ! (feat. Bruce Wane)

This is a cool track with nice production and Bruce Wane is a cool rapper. You can tell Keita Rock isn’t really a rapper tho. He’s still doing good for not being an experienced rapper. Beat is kinda slow – speed it up.

3. Be my lady (feat. Young Hogs & Me-Me)

This is more like it. The production on this isn’t as slow, and it’s a lot tighter than on the past 2 tracks. Young Hogs and Me-Me is spitting some good shit and Keita’s doing his part good too. The hook is off the hook! 😉

4. Can’t f#@ck wit this (feat. Low-Lifes)

Another tight beat. P.S. Dog produced it and he also produced the first track on the cd. Low-Lifes seem to be a good group. I didn’t really hear a lot from them before but they seem cool. The hook is cool too, but what’s making this track special is the neat beat.

5. I know! (feat. Suga Free & Jaz’mina)

“I knowâ!” is probably my favourite track of this album so far. Suga Free’s coming out tight like he usually do, and the production is amazing. The beat isn’t special but the way they mixed it is really cool. Jaz’mina is a good female rapper. Keita Rock’s coming out hard too.

6. Represent’n (faet. De Ja Vu)

When I first heard this track I enjoyed the beat, but after listening to it a second time I’m thinking the song is kinda wack. The beat is ok but the lyrics are weak. Keita Rock’s saying he’s gonna kill the haters etc.

7. Straight from the streetz (feat. Bruce Wane)

Bruce Wayne’s opening up this track nicely to a cool, kind of mellow, beat. If anyone got this cd, please tell me if Keita Rock is on this song at all. Maybe I’m crazy but I don’t think he’s on it at all. It’s a very nice track tho.

8. Fast Life (feat. Dre’sta da gangsta)

Dre’sta is one of the rappers that rarely come out wack. This is no exception, because Dre’sta is doing a great job and saves the track. The production’s cool too. It’s a Dj Quik kinda beat with a nice piano roll over it. Kenny KcCloud produced itâ!One question thoâ! did Keita Rock stop appearing on his own album??? This sounds like a solo-track to me. If Keita Rock’s on it he’s just doing the hook with Dre’sta or something.

9. Let’z Get It Crackin’ (feat. Malikaih)

This is an other of those slow jams Keita Rock seems to like. Malikaih’s a good rapper with a raw flow. They could have chosen him to be featured on another, more raw song, but that’s up to them to decide. Keita Rock’s showing that he doesn’t have much of a flow.

10. That’z big (feat. Mista Cavi)

Nice beat, but wack verses and wack chorus. Too bad on Mista Cavi since I know he can do better than this. Skip this track.

11. Hit’cha upside yo’ head (feat. Tha Young Hogs)

Another Kenny McCloud production. This time he dropped his Quik kind of style and brought in some other west coast hard hitting kinda beats. I’m sorry to say tho: He should’ve done them for an other rapper. Keita Rock should stick to being an A&R. The track’s getting a few levels better after his verse is done and Tha Young Hogs do their thing.

12. Where da hoodstas at? (feat. Gonzoe)

I don’t know much about the producer Kenny McCloud, but I’d like to know more about him and his works! This beat is blazin and he’s probably the one holding this album up to a average level since Keita Rock isn’t doing it. We all know Gonzoe can make some tight shit, and he’s doing it again on this track. Keita Rocks lyrics are cool on this one too, actually.

13. Ouch! (feat. CJ Mack)

CJ Mack is featured on this song and he also produced it. The production’s kind of slow, and it’s tight! CJ Mack’s dissing some people, like Hittman. He’s saying Hittman probably won’t be droppedâ! He was right. Keita Rock’s dissing Snoop, Xzibit and some other people. He’s naming a lot of West Coast rappers and saying if they’re cool or if they’re a fake. It’s a good diss track.

14. L.A. Crime bosses (feat. Mista Cavi & Me-Me)

From what I heard, this was the single off the album. I doubt it got a lot of airplay but I don’t think they expected it to either. It’s a nice track tho and once again Kenny McCloud produced a tight beat. I can see why it wasn’t a super-hit tho. This album belong on an underground level and so does the single.
I like this album. The production was good – especially the tracks produced by Kenny McCloud. The one thing they coulda done to make the album better was to remove Keita Rock from some verses and put others on it. That way it’d be a compilation. It’s almost a compilation as it is!

I’m being honest: Keita Rock isn’t a rapper. He was an A&R on Death Row. I gotta give him props for trying tho. I’ll rate this album 2.5 out of 5.