By late 1997, in a post-Tupac rap climate where fans were fiending for anything Makaveli related, No Limit Records had stepped in to fill that void. From “the don” image Master P perfected, to many of No Limit’s artists sounding like ‘Pac, No Limit put the south on the map with it’s funky basslines combined with hard hitting cliche gangsta rap. C-Murder was no exception. The younger brother of Master P, released his debut album “Life Or Death” in March 1998, at the peak of No Limit’s popularity.

1.) Intro: A short instrumental is being played for a little less then a minute total. Skip it.

2.) A 2nd Chance feat. Master P, Silkk The Shocker: Over a very simple Beats By The Pound production, the 3 brothers trade verses on getting a second chance at life. This was the first, and only single, released for the album. Although the song’s content is decent, both P and C have a notable ‘Pac similarity in their styles.

3.) Akickdoe! feat. Pimp C, Bun B, Master P: Perfect southern song. Almost 10 years after it’s release, any fan of dirty south music, will still have this song in rotation. Master P’s adlibs drag the track down slightly, but Pimp C provides a memorable hook, and everyone comes correct. Great song.

4.) Constantly ‘N Danger feat. Mia X: Decent song, over another simple BBTP production. Mia X’s feature isn’t very memorable, but C provides two noteworthy verses, although the track is short. Decent at best.

5.) Don’t Play No Games feat. Mystikal, Silkk The Shocker: Great song from beginning to end. C-Murder kicks it off with a hard hitting verse, and Mystikal follows it up with his unpredictable New Orleans flavor. Silkk closes it out with the energy he provided throughout most of 1998, that has since dissapeared. Overall, a classic track.

6.) Show Me Luv feat. Mac, Mr. Serv-On: C chooses to go a different route with this track, as he details (with the help of New Orleans legend – Mac, and former NL Soldier – Mr. Serv-On) his experiences at shows, concerts, and across the country. A very smooth bassline is provided courtesy of BBTP, making for a very relaxing, good track.

7.) Picture Me feat. Magic: Anybody that has heard Magic lately, or even in the past 5 years will be surprised at what he used to sound like. Appearing as the first artist signed to C’s “TRU Records” imprint, Magic trades verses with his CEO over a very steady instrumental. The only downfall is the fact he tries too hard to sound like 2Pac, and lacks any originality. C-Murder comes decent. Average track.

8.) On The Run feat. Soulja Slim, Da Hound: Very upbeat, energetic track about runnin from the police. Soulja Slim’s verse is solid, as is C’s verse and chorus. Da Hound, however, is a complete waste on the mic. Great track, just skip the end of the song.

9.) Get N Paid feat. Silkk The Shocker: 9 songs into the album and C-Murder still hasn’t had a solo track. This song, is no different, and features Silkk and C exchanging a verse each, over a funky bassline. Very short song however, which ends up dragging it down.

10.) Only The Strong Survive feat. Master P: NL’s head Colonel in charge appears on this very short song. C-Murder starts off the track with a very energetic verse about getting paid and surviving in this game, and Master P follows it up with a monotonous verse very reminiscent of Tupac in his prime. Good song none the less, as production is top notch.

11.) TRUest Shit I Ever Said: After 10 songs, C-Murder finally is allowed time to shine on his own. And although the song is only 2 1/2 minutes at best, C takes a break from uptempo gangsta to mellow. Great, great, laidback track.

12.) Makin Moves feat. Master P, Mo B. Dick: Overall, not a very good track. While Mo B. Dick croons the hook in a way only he could do, and the piano keys hit hard, this song is another short song that lacks any substance or believeable raps. Master P really needs to let C just shine on his own.

13.) Feel My Pain: The album clearly starts to pick up here, as C-Murder crafts 2 memorable verses, and an impecable hook, over a very solumn instrumental. Deep track. Definatley recommended.

14.) Soldiers feat. Silkk The Shocker, Fiend, Big Ed, Mac, Kane & Abel, Master P, Mia X, Mystikal: One of No Limit’s trademarks is their ‘soldier’ songs. This is basically taking No Limit’s finest, and throwing them all on one song to represent that “soulja shit.” This song is above the average soldier song however, as the beat pounds all the way through. Good anthem.

15.) Cluckers feat. Fiend: A remake of Ice T’s “Colors”, this song is about settin up shop and selling the goods. While the beat hasn’t really changed from the original, C-Murder lazily flows, and serves up two below average verses. Fiend does the hook, but this track is a dissapointment, as he sounds unusually out of place.

16.) Life Or Death: The title track is C-Murder’s third solo track, and does not dissapoint. Although the topics have been discussed many times before, this is a deep, introspective song, that C flows very, very well over. Great track, and definatley up there, in comparison, with any other song on the album.

17.) Where I’m From feat. Prime Suspects: If you haven’t previously heard this track, and are a fan of C-Murder, I don’t know where you’ve been. Over a clever piano loop, C-Murder describes his experiences in the Calliope, as the Prime Suspects come through to lace their first guest appearence on the album. Classic track in every aspect.

18.) G’s & Macks feat. Soulja Slim, Silkk The Shocker: Looking at the features on this song, you think it’d be better then it actually is. While C-Murder and Soulja Slim collaborations hardly ever go wrong, the beat drags down the entire track. This combined with Silkk’s offbeat repetitive flow make for a somewhat boring track.

19.) Commercial feat. QB: This “song” is only a minute long and features new No Limit soldier at the time – QB. He drops 16 average bars, but C-Murder obviously thinks he’s better then he really is, and finishes the cut by telling P to “sign that nigga and bring the weed”. Decent song none the less.

20.) Riders: Much like “G’s & Macks”, this song is lacking something. The production is not on par, and C comes across as lazy throughout this short song. Not really recommended.

21.) Watch Yo Enemies feat. Magic: TRU Records artist Magic shows up and brings his 2Pac biting to another level. While the beat is solid, and C-Murder delivers, in my opinion, a classic verse, Magic only comes across as fake, making for a decent track.

22.) Duck & Run feat. Fiend: Great, great song. Although only 2 1/2 minutes in length, KLC (of BBTP) serves C-Murder with a beat that contains gunshots for the high hat, and snares. C comes suprisingly energetic on this song, and gives the beat the energy nobody else on the tank could carry. Fiend compliments the chorus nicely, and the track ends with an explosion.

23.) Ghetto Ties feat. Soulja Slim, Da Hound: Easily the best song on the entire album, C-Murder perfectly describes his ties to the game, although he’s made it out the hood. Soulja Slim offers the best feature on the entire album with his impecable flow and memorable verse. The beat is very laidback, and paints the perfect theme for the song’s concept. The only downfall is Da Hound (Full Blooded), who once again shows that he never deserved to be taken seriously on the mic, as he clumsily mutters his whole verse.

24.) Survival Of The Fittest feat. Gotti: Not one to discriminate, as the album winds down, C-Murder lets several of the lesser known No Limit Army appear on tracks. This is no different, as Gotti from the Gambino Family exchanges verses with No Limit’s finest. The two go back and forth over a slow pounding instrumental, making for a suprisingly great track. Definatley recommended.

25.) Dreams feat. Big Ed: Although this song is only a minute long, the beat provided by KLC is much like “Where I’m From”, with the excessive piano loops. C spits a hot 16, with a memorable hook to close out the album (“I wish that life was a dream, cause sometimes I wake up and just want to scream”). Great way to end the album.

26.) Outro: Same instrumental used in the intro, just a little bit longer.

So, at the height of No Limit’s popularity, did C-Murder serve up a classic album? Not exactly. However, this album solidified the least known Miller brother, and put him directly into the spotlight. And although the topics and concept of the album, has been done over and over again, C-Murder puts his own New Orleans twist on it, and gives the world one of the best No Limit albums of 1998.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Mac’s one of those rare rappers from the south, with a complete East Coast delivery. The clarity in his voice, and his concepts alone, make him appealing to backpackers and MC’s alike. Starting his career off with 1998’s “Shell Shocked”, Mac returned with the completely opposite “World War III” in 1999. Even through the backlash of No Limit Records at the time, this album stands as a landmark in No Limit history, and unfortunatley the last album from Mac.

1.) Intro: Nothing more then a woman talking about Mac’s future plans to help the community, and declaring that it’s World War.

2.) War Party feat. D.I.G., Magic: The only single from the album is unfortunatley nothing more then a typical No Limit track. Soulja stories are traded here, over a subpar beat. Average at best.

3.) Best Friends: Classic track about friends turned enemies. The melodic beat ensensuates the storytelling ability of Mac, as he shares his depression on losing a friend. Excellent track.

4.) Like Before: A typical track directed toward the ladies, Mac smoothly spits 2 verses explaining the need to make it right with his girl. Good track, although a little boring after a couple listens.

5.) We Deadly feat. Master P, Silkk The Shocker: Mac spits one of his most aggressive verses, along with Master P, who does surprisingly decent on this track. Silkk just talks at the end, and somewhat ruins the credibility of the track. Good song.

6.) Bloody feat. Magic: This is one of the better tracks on the album. Sticking to the soulja formula No Limit is known for, Magic and Mac spit two very fast paced verses, with a perfectly laced hook. Some notable lines from Mac include “You might be the next to rip, get shot get stab you get cut up strip/ You boxed up in a ship, thinking niggas on some retaliation tip”.

7.) You Never Know feat. Mia X: A pounding beat is used to describe another tale of friends turned enemies. Both MC’s give arguably their best performance together, as Mac and Mia trade verses about the situation of friend turned foe. Excellent track.

8.) Just Another Thug feat. C-Murder, Ms. Peaches: Finally another C-Murder/Mac collaboration, leaving us to wonder how classic the anticipated “Tank Doggs” album could’ve been. This track, although short, is laced with a very smooth beat, explaining how Mac & C are “just another thug nigga”.

9.) Battle Cry (Tomorrow): One of the deepest songs on the entire album, Mac describes the pain of growing up, and the hope for a better tomorrow. Great song with memorable lines (“But never no love, i witnessed the sickness of unprotected lust/So many children born just because the rubbers bust”). Classic track.

10.) If It’s Cool feat. Ms. Peaches: A lighter song on an album filled with aggressive stories, this track cleverly samples Tupac’s “How Do You Want It” and makes for a smooth tale on Mac trying to game a *****, while stating “I don’t wanna be ya man/I wanna tap something if it’s cool (it’s cool)/But if you not ask your girl what i asked you”. Great song, and completely unexpected.

11.) Cops & Robbers: Re-spitting the classic first verse from “Niggaz N Trouble”, this sympathetic beat, helps Mac describe how life is nothing more then a deadly game of cops and robbers. Above average track.

12.) Lockdown (Remix): Quite possibly the best track on the album, this ended up describing Mac’s life. Detailing an accusation of murder that ends him up in prison, Mac contemplates on the thought of 25-Life, and sadly ends up living it. Classic track.

13.) Paradise feat. Popeye, Samm: Great song, featuring No Limit newcomers Popeye and Samm. Mac’s verse is saved for last, and rightfully so, as he steals the entire song. Great job by Popeye on the hook.

14.) That’s Hip Hop: One of the purest tracks on the album, Mac states the problems of this generations rappers. The bling, the cars, and the “*****es jumpin in the pool”, over a classic hip hop sample. Great song.

15.) Can You Love Me? (Eyes Of A Killer): Classic track. In every sense of the word, this song is nothing less then classic. Another deep song, Mac explains the troubles of a mother loving her son, who has the eyes of a killer. Great beat, and great verses from a great MC.

16.) Genocide Skit: Skit leading into the next song, with children being asked what genocide is.

17.) Genocide feat. Ms. Peaches: Another deep song (which is the perfect way to end an album), Mac details more stories of his past, by stating “if you ride on me, ima ride on you (it’s genocide)”.

18.) Father’s Day: A perfect Tupac-esque track, about lacking any real male influence growing up. Smooth beat, with a great hook, make for another classic track.

19.) Still Callin Me feat. Ms. Peaches, Sons Of Funk: The sequal to “Callin Me” off Shell Shocked, is just an extention of the need to get that girl. Good song, but not on the level of the others.

20.) Assassin Nation feat. Storm: Perfect haunting beat, make for a more aggressive track to end the album on. Good war song.

21.) Outro: Nothing more then that; an outro.

So while the album could’ve used a little less skits, take them out, and you have nothing less then a perfect album. Mac’s growth is shown here, and is sad considering what could’ve been, if he hadn’t have caught that murder case only months after this album’s release. While not denting the Soundscan Charts (The album only sold around 230K), it’s heralded as a classic to many hip hop fans, not just from the south. Free Mac.

Overall Rating: 5/5

First, let me start the review off by saying that Soulja Slim, next to C-Murder and Mac, is my favorite southern my favorite artist of all time. I love down south rap, and he is what down south rap represents. This album came out amidst 21 other CDs from No Limit in 1998. Somehow though, maybe because the sound was still fresh (this album dropped in May of 98) or because Slim’s delivery was so raw, it stood out amongst other albums from that year like Full Blooded, Skull Duggery, etc. That being said, on to the review:

1) From What I Was Told: 

Slim kicks off the album with a bass guitar influenced joint about his debut on No Limit. This song was also used for the ‘I Got the Hookup! Soundtrack’ released a month earlier, and was made into a video. The song’s hook is what makes it stand out with lines like ‘Niggas say Ima hit No Limit, like Pac hit Deathrow’. Truly a stand out cut.

2) Street Life feat. Master P, Silkk the Shocker: 

Another bass heavy track featuring P giving his signature ‘Uhhhhh!!!’ and Silkk’s stuttering, but standout flow runs a little too long, but Slim’s verse stands out the mostand doesn’t dissapoint. An above average song.

3) Wright Me: 

This cd is full of piano loops and bass guitar rifts, and this song is no different. The theme is Slim being locked down and his girl holding it down for him, even though he knows she’s out doing shit she aint supposed to be doing. Slim delivers three hard verses on this solo track, and doesn’t dissapoint.

4) At The Same Time feat. Snoop Dogg: 

One of the best joints on the album…period. Not because of the beat, but because of the subject matter and the flawless flow of Snoop and Slim. The hook, the verses, everything is almost perfect. Snoop and Slim trade verses on hitting No Limit at the exact same time while Snoop tries to find his flow over No Limit produced tracks and Slim gives hard hittin lines.

5) Only Real Niggas: 

Another solo track for Soulja Slim ( which is rare considering No Limit’s tendency to put at least 3 other soldiers on every song ) is an average track to me. I don’t hate it, but it’s not one of my favorites. The hook gets old after hearing it twice, and the verses are the only thing that stand out. People complain about Slim’s flow, but after hearing him on a certain amount of tracks, it becomes more of an art then a choppy flow, unlike Silkk the Shocker. Average track though.

6) Pray For Your Baby feat. Master P, Trenitty: 

P’s 2Pac influenced monotone rhymes set the stage for this song, as it goes through your average gangsta subjects and themes. P delivers lines like “Mama I love ya cause ya made me, but this ghetto got me crazy, so pray for yo baby!”. Trenitty (of Slim’s Cutthroat Committy click) has a decent verse, and Slim shines once again with his flow and ability to make his lyrics visual to the listener.

7) Head Buster feat. Big Ed, Mr. Serv-On: 

Definatley a stand out joint, with hard ass verses from Slim and Big Ed. The beat is sick, everything’s good. Then Serv-On hits the cut with the last verse, and rips it. Serv’s style had changed, and for the better. Easily one of the best songs on the album.

8) Me and My Cousin feat. Full Blooded: 

Not a bad song, the idea of the song though was even better. Slim’s real cousin – Hound ( Full Blooded ) appears on the song and they go back and forth in what a good collaboration should sound like. The only problem is Hound….he can’t rap. I never thought he could. He’s not even raw on the mic or intense. He slurs his words and sounds like a mess on almost every track he’s on. Slim though once again proves that he deserves to be respected as one of the best MC’s in the game.

9) You Got It (II) feat. Mia X: 

You Got It (II) is an underated track. And the reason it’s a part II, is because it was off one of Slim’s CD’s from Parkway Pumpin Records (originally owned by KLC). It was also featured on Down South Hustlers compilation, the first version that is. The second one is basically the same thing, with better recording quality and a slight change in the hook. It is a good track, until Mia comes on. I dont mind Mia X, but she didnt do shit for this song. She wasn’t on the original, and didn’t deserve to be on the 2nd one. Good track, but skip when Mama Mia drops her verse.

10) You Ain’t Never Seen feat. Master P: 

Despite saying it features Master P, he doesn’t rap and doesn’t even give his signature “Uhhhh!!!”. It’s strictly Soulja Slim. This song is most definatley one of the best I’ve heard from any label in a long time. The chorus is sick wit lines like “You aint neva seen what I seen, or been through what I been through that’s why I got a *****ed up mental!”. Slim delivers bomb ass verses, and this track is definatley a stand out cut. The beat, the lyrics, everything is perfect.

11) Anything feat. Mia X: 

Slim don’t even shine on this one. It’s aint worth hearin,cause the beat and the lines get very repetitive. One of the only skippable tracks on the entire album. Not recommended.

12) Imagine feat. Mac, C-Murder: 

One of my favorite tracks of all time. Definatley the best on the album, with hard street verses from Mac, Slim, and C-Murder. They all rip it, the verses, the lyrics, everything is on point. The beat is also one of the reasons to listen to this song, the piano with the bass, is pure perfection. If you like Slim, down south rap, or rap period listen to this classic.

13) Takin Hits feat. Master P: 

Another song where Master P has just a short cameo at the beginning and Slim spits his shit. This is more of a bounce track, with a bouncing bass in the background. The beat has to grow on you, but it is definatley a hard hitting track. Slim paints the picture of him being a hired hittman with his lyrics. Definatley recommended and in the top 5 joints on the album.

14) Wootay: 

Another solo track from Slim ( which is very good ), doesn’t dissapoint. To me, the album picks up around the second half of the CD, and this song is no exception. After Cash Money blew up usin words like Wootay, nobody realized Slim’s been usin that word. The beat is hot, the lyrics are on point, with Slim addressing his haterz and being Soulja hated. Good song.

15) Get High Wit Me feat. Trenitty, Mystikal: 

A tight ass track bout gettin high, and being down to ride in any situation. Slim delivers a slow, smooth, verse that outshines everybody else on the track. Trenitty’s verse is too short and not that great, and Mystikal does his usual thing. Bottom line though, another great track off an album full of great tracks, definatley recommended for the weed smokerz.

16) Law Breakaz: 

Starts off with a 30 second skit, and then really picks up. Probably my 3rd or 4th favorite song off the album. The beat is real uptempo, and so are the lyrics, almost to the point where you can’t understand what Slim’s saying. Nevertheless, the hook (“This is for the law breakaz, kidnappaz, murdererz, and burglarerz”), and all three verses are lyrical masterpieces from one of the most respected artists in the game.

17) What’s Up, What’s Happnin: 

A somewhat short song, but Slim made the most of it. My favorite song off the album, Slim delivers two hardcore verses for what he claims is his “last bounce shit”, and he doesn’t dissapoint. He gives shoutouts to every ward in New Orleans and dead rappers like Kilo G, Pimp Daddy, etc. Definatley a hot track.

18) Hustlin is a Habit feat. Steady Mobb’n: 

This song is straight, but it’s not all that great. The beat has bells incorporated with bass, that No Limit would use much during the end of 1998. Soulja Slim once again has the best verse, with bay area veterans Steady Mobb’n comin average. Average song, nothin more.

19) Gettin Real feat. Silkk the Shocker, Full Blooded, Fiend: 

Rowdy track featuring a number of No Limit soldiers including Slim’s cousin – Hound. Slim’s verse is the best behind Fiend’s who steals the track. Silkk supplies the hook, and nothin more. Good track though.

20) N.L. Party feat. Master P, Silkk the Shocker, Trenitty, Big Ed, Mac, Gambino Family, Prime Suspects, Snoop Dogg, Magic, Kane & Abel: 

This song looks like a soulja song No Limit is known for giving us. Unfortunatley itdoesn’t come down to that. From each rapper, you get about 2 bars, and is most definatley a poor filler track. The beat sounds like some Sega Genesis game, and NOBODY can save this track…weak attempt to end the album.

Well, despite 2 or 3 tracks that aren’t anything to listen to…this album is perfect. Production from Beats By The Pound was never better, and my favorite artist of all time delivers arguably his best shit ever.Despite appearances and being incarcerated during it’s release, Slim manages to shine all on his own, let’s it be known it’s his debut, and manages to sell over 82,000 copies it’s first week. If not for the prison time, Slim, I’m sure, would’ve gone gold, cause the album itself is nothin less then platinum. R.I.P. Soulja Slim.

Overall: 4/5

In the midst of Tupac Shakur’s very crowded catelog of albums (most of which were released after his death), there is some very classic material that no one seems to ever mention alongside commercially acclaimed albums like ‘All Eyez On Me’ or ‘Makaveli The Don: The 7 Day Theory’; including earlier gems such as ‘THUG LIFE Vol. 1’. This album was released in Sept. 94 and offers maybe the last glimpse (with the exception of Me Against The World) of a truly introspective artist at his politically themed peak. THUG LIFE, 2Pac’s first group to release an album, consisted of Big Syke, Macadoshis, Rated R, and cousin Mopreme Shakur. On to the review:

1.) Bury Me A G feat. 2Pac, Mopreme, Macadoshis, Rated R, Big Syke: 

This song features the entire THUG LIFE click and samples an Isley brothers classic. The perfect blend of street life and 70s funk is apparent here, as all members spit introspective verses on growing up in the streets. A very underated song that deserves more recognition.

2.) Don’t Get It Twisted feat. Mopreme, Macadoshis, Rated R: 

1 of 2 songs without group leader 2Pac, three other unknown members at the time get a chance to shine over another funk driven beat…a decent track none the less, with Mopreme’s verse hitting the hardest. Average track, and is lacking a 2Pac verse.

3.) Shit Don’t Stop feat. 2Pac, Macadoshis, Rated R, Mopreme, Big Syke, Y.N.V.:

Released as a single, ‘Shit Don’t Stop’ is a George Clinton sampled song featuring Y.N.V. and is easily the most funk influenced song on the album. With all members delivering good verses over this Bay Area beat, it makes this song another classic among classics.

4.) Pour Out A Lil Liquor feat. 2Pac: 

A very smooth laid back song with guitar rifts finds Pac reminiscing on past friends that have died in the struggle. Also featured during the feature film ‘Above The Rim’ this song is one of Pac’s 2 solo’s and doesnt dissapoint in the least. Yet another classic.

5.) Stay True feat. 2Pac, Stretch, Mopreme: 

Possibly my personal favorite track on the album, 2Pac, Preme, and Stretch trade verses about living the Thug Life and staying tru 2 da game. West Coast influenced production suits the vocals perfectly, and make for another great song.

6.) How Long Will They Mourn Me? feat. 2Pac, Nate Dogg, Big Syke, Rated R: 

One of Pac’s first experiences detailing his own death while reminiscing yet again on dead friends, flows perfectly over the Nate Dogg assisted track. While dragged down by verses from Syke and Rated R, ‘How Long…’ is still a great track that has a tremendous amount of repeat value…making it very introspective.

7.) Under Pressure feat. 2Pac, Stretch: 

A very dark beat on an album filled with party cuts and street themes…this track shows the good collaborations between Randy “Stretch” Walker and 2Pac. Before their falling out, they made many songs together..some of them near classic; this being one of them. The song describes their pain and pressures of growing up in the ghettos and need to clutch a 9 for protection. Great song.

8.) Street Fame feat. Macadoshis, Big Syke, Rated R: 

Terrible outdated production and bad verses make this song a huge letdown on a classic album. A completely skippable track…after one listen.

9.) Cradle 2 The Grave feat. 2Pac, Thug Life:

Another single, this song is an all around classic. Detaling the struggles literally from the cradle to the grave, Pac recollects on his past as does other Thug Life members. Solid production and smooth vocals for a nice hook make this quite possibly the best song on the entire album.

10.) Str8 Ballin feat. 2Pac: 

Pac’s other solo on the cd closes the album out in true hustla fashion. Similar to the later released ‘I’m Gettin Money’..Pac spits four hard verses on this 5 minute track about his hate for the police and need to make money. While no particular verses stand out, the overall theme of the song and sample along with hook make it a classic cut.

In conclusion, this album, although being one or two songs short of an EP release, is an absolute classic that overshadows Pac’s other work in terms of quality. With all but 1 song being near perfect, every Pac fan and hip hop fan in general should own this acclaimed cd. With questionable cd’s like ‘Loyal 2 The Game’ destroying Pac’s legacy, pick this up and remember where it started.

Overall: 5/5

1. Candyland

Very dark beat by Phonk Beta, it has a Loaded style to it. Mic-C’s style is really slow, it’s like he’s rapping on Unisom. Really good song here, if you like that Sac-Town style. Good

2. Nonbelievers

Nice bouncy beat here, first it starts off slow then it kicks in once Mic-C starts rapping. Mic does a good job on this track rapping about the people who didn’t believe in him. Good

3. One More Day

I don’t like the slow piano sounds on this track, it’s supposed to create an eerie vibe but it just doesn’t work. Mic-C did ok though. Average

4. Too Much Stress(Feat Hollow Tip & Young Ridah)

No this is not the Ridah from the Mob Figaz. I don’t like the beat here, it’s way too generic for my taste. Hollow does a good job and the rest are just “meh”. Wack

5. Nasty Nights

Pretty good beat here, nice and sleazy sounding. Of course this track is about “ho’s” and “Pimping”. Mic does a good job, but really the beat carries this one. Good

6. Money Talks

Nice bouncy track here. Mic raps about money and how he needs it. Well that’s something everyone can relate to. Good

7. Die Hard(Feat J-Mack)

Decent beat here, it’s pretty basic. J-Mack is awful and really ruins the whole track. I can’t listen to this crap anymore. Wack

8. Don’t Take This Lightly

Slower paced beat, I like it, it has a nice No-Cal vibe to it. This style of beat fits Mic’s style really well as opposed to some seizure inducing crunk beat. Good track. Good

9. Can You Handle(Feat Ballin A$$ Dame)

The beat sounds like that one Vegas level on Sonic 2, same sound and everything. The chorus is mindnumbingly stupid and overall just a weak track. Wack

10. Ghetto Police(Feat Hollow Tip)

Decent piano here with some weird synth type bass, that’s a bit of a styles clash of beat styles there. Hollow shines here. Good(For Hollow’s work)

11. Northside Ridahs(Feat J-Mack, Hollow Tip, & *Kappone)

The beat is just boring, I really can’t listen to it without falling asleep. Just skip this, though Hollow’s first verse is pretty good. Wack

12. Game Over

Some weird poorly done Latin type guitar beat is on this track over some boring backdrop. Is this the best you can do? Pathetic. Wack

13. I Don’t Stop(Feat Slim Loc 1 & Lunaticc)

Really dope track, and a nice way to end the album. Mic-C does a good job here with the first verse. Slim Loc 1 is none other than C-Lim and he does a decent job even though he has a voice that shouldn’t belong in rap. Good track. Good

All in all I’m going to give this an Average rating. There were some positives here(No skits, no intro’s, no outro’s, etc etc) and then there were some negatives(Formulaic beats, weak rapping, J-Mack, etc etc). Listen to this first before buying.

Alright Cypress Hill has made themselves famous by talking about getting stoned. about 70% of their songs are about it. I picked up this album a very long time ago when i only just about heard of them being a beginner in rap. They were the first famous latino Hip-hoppers. this was their second album.

1. I Wanna Get high 

To begin with this song reminds me of sirens you hear in movies when enemy intercepts the enemy place. The drums and nice bass hits and makes this quite a nice quite slow beat. Then B-real delivers a very simple yet catchy hook.The first thing you notice is his voice is very nasal and unique compared to anyone else. He flows well but it aint that hard for a beat like that but thats not a bad thing tho. If you havent guessed what it is about yet put down the Cd!

2. I ain’t going out ike that 

I feel the intro is way to long but after a while the beat hits you. Made of a drum loop, nice bass and some screeching type of thing, It’s great and originality. They flows really well to a uptempo beat. Again the hook is really catchy, Like the last one if you haven’t guessed what the lyrics are about then put this Cd down!

3. Insane in the brain 

This is their most famous song ever, i think everyone intrested in hip hop has heard it. To begin with it has some latino dude saying something which made me smile. The beat, like most of these songs are new sounding due to the latino involement,near the end it changes a little. The hook is catchy as hell but cna be seen as annoying. They flow really well. The lyrics are what i believe them going crazy over cops taking their stuff.

4. When the shit goes down 

This track has a real cam and mellow. This is B-real by himself, The hook is alright on this one.B-real flows well. The lyrics are really about how ‘loco’ they are you better always be ready.

5.Lick a shot 

This is great. to begin with we hear a really nice bass and skreiking type of effect,but then this very uptempo drum loop is added and makes this even better. B-real flows very well . No hook really. Again the title really gives away the topic.

6. ***** the hammer 

A nicely produced track again. The Bass and the drums fitted nicely together what catches my ears on this track. The track is really quite simple. The 1st verse isnt really flowed that well. He does take an approach at saying how he going to sort out his enemy like his weed. Then this bloke comes up and brings a smile to my face. Then B-real starts and spits some better stuff and flows much better and a punchline which brings a smile “up in that ass like a dildo”

7. Lockdown 

Some sort of interlude thing. Nice beat.

8. 3 Lil’ Puto 

The bass is more quite is on this one but the drums are very cool which gets me listening. The beat is pretty simple. the lyrics are pretty good and B-real flows nice but the last verse is what really makes me appericiate him.

9. Legalize 

Some sort of skit and you can tell whats it about,

10. Hits from the bong 

As you can see by the name it is obvoius what this song is about. The beat is a really mellow track with one of the most simplist drums I’ve ever heard with a sample of Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man” as the backdrop. Flows well and like most of the hooks on this album very catchy yet simple.

11. What comes around goes around, kid 

Like most of Cypress hill’s songs the titles are obvious what the song entitles.The beat i havent really got much to say but it is good. There is sampling from their song How i could kill a man. Flows well. The hook is simple but yet it is addictive and catchy.

12. A to the K 

The hook starts this and very simple but very catchy. I like the bass alot on this. The drums are simple and some weird thing being played in the background. Flows well. The title is a big clue what is involves in this song.

13. Hand on the glock. 

The title gives this away like 90% of the song titles of this album. The beat is hard to explain but it keeps upto the standards. Flows well. I dont think there is a hook.

14. Break ’em off some. 

I dont know what is about this beat but it is similiar to another song i’ve heard before. I like the piano i think they are(very quiet version i got) in the background.Flows well. The title gives this away. This is a great way to finish of the album.

Overall this album gets a 5/5

This is a great album. There is no beats below a 4 and lyrically this is great. It also gets the full 5 as they opened up alot of things for people to expand with. The beats brang up a new sub-genre of Hip-hop. The voices are new and pretty cool. Cypress hill still remain one of my favourite groups in hip-hop.

Recommendation: BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!

1. Dont Fight The Intro 

3 min intro, too short raps a little in the beginning, pretty good flows and lyrics, but just for a quik second. later he talks about his peoples, his label and what he is up to. so this is just an intro but if anything 3/5.

2. I’m A Player

GREAT track right here, one of my favorites. no features, straight up HEAT by the one and only Too Short. his flows are amazing, and hes right with the lyrics. and a good beat too provided by Ant Banks, and the dangerouse crew. 5/5 easily.

3. Just Another Day

Real Nice track, short rips it, tells a great story about his everyday life in the streets of Oakland. his flows are pretty good as always, his lyrics are great as well. a nice old school beat as well prodced by the dangerous crew. a great song just to listen to when you want to relax. 5/5

4. Gotta’ Get Some Lovin’

FAVORITE TRACK, jesus what a awsome track, another ‘Short SOLO. OMG his flows are incredible on this and especially his lyrics. love this track man, cant get bored. 100 PERCENT pure pimpin’ this track shows what too short is all about. “Gimme Head While Im Doin’ Bout 90 Biyyyatch” 5/5 EASILY

5. Money In The Ghetto 

Pretty cool track, real old school kinda beat to it. another solo from short, shorts lyrics arnt as good as the others on this one, but flows are always right. and a great hook. 4/5

6. BlowJob Betty 

An OK track from Short, talks about a ***** about Betty, long track kinda boring if ya ask me. not really feelin it, the beat ruins it all, but short got a good story with nice lyrics. 3/5

7. All My *****es Are Gone Ft. Ant Banks

a slow beat, short raps slow, real nice tho, alotta pimp shit, ANT BANKS is in this. truly he saves the track, good flows, his lyrics catch up to him at the end of this song. 4/5

8. The Dangerouse Crew Ft. Spice 1, Ant Banks, Mhisani and Pee Wee 

Real Nice track man, Beat is raw short starts it off with short real nice flows and lyrics. too short shines them all on this, but everyone keeps it right. Good track man fasho. 5/5

9. Get In Where You Fit In

A GOOD beat, Second fav track on here. Pee Wee Is the Narrator i think, what a great track, Too Short disses MC “whats his name” lol again. he hits him hard on this one, great flows and especially lyrics. keeps it right throughout the whole track. 5/5

10. PlayBoy Short* 

Great song, disses all the playa hataz. how he started the game, keeps it right. piano kinda beat, nice flows, lyrics are average. 4/5

11. Way To Real 

A GREAT beat, more newish then the others. Raps Quik, a good pace, how he lives, he keepin it real. good story. puts in alot of tips in for people. good flows and lyrics. 5/5

12. Its All Good

Pretty nice track, talks about a ***** who keep calling him LMAO. he getting sick of her, and shit. GREAT GREAT GREAT hook. a real nice track, short spits nice, and slows are on point. pretty nice no doubt. 5/5

13. Oakland Style Ft. FM BLUE, and Ant Banks 

great speach at the beginning. talkin bout that Oakland Shit yadidmean. shouts out RICHMOND in this (Pee Wee). one of the BEST track in tha whole album. talks about the city of oakland, FM BLUE starts it. great track witha awsome beat. short Rips it as well. FM blue > short on this one tho. 5/5

Like any other Too Short fan, or even a plain rap fan, they would give this Album a 5/5 Classic easily. this is my favorite Too Short album, some debate this or Gettin’ It. gettin it is a close second no doubt but Get In Where You Fit In Is Classic. MUST BUY, PLEASE CHECK IT OUT.

I’ve decided to review this album as this was the first whole album I really enjoyed. I got this from a copy of a mate when I was noticing the favourite genre of music was Hip-hop. In 1997, DMX emerged from Yonkers painting Dark and powerful pictures with this Gem of a debut It’s Dark and Hell is hot. Lately I have been reviewing without single song ratings but I have decided to do it with this one as this one deserves it.

1. Intro (5/5)

This is a great way to begin the album. To begin DMX is talking to someone talking about the Ruff Ryders, then the Bell hits then the drums slowy begin which are very nice. The whole beat is very dark and quite eerie,and I don’t normally say it but Irv Gotti came up good on this one. DMX Flows real nice and DMX spits about his takeover really with Dark lyrics.

2. Ruff Ryders Anthem (4/5)

This is good. It’s not my favourite but its still quite good. I don’t like this as much as the live version on the end of my CD for some reason. The beat is pretty simple but is effective I feel. Not the greatest beat but its by Swizz Beats so I wouldn’t be execting top notch. The lyrics are really what the Ruff Ryders are like and represents them. DMX’s flow is nice with his multi flow. The lyrics are good. The hook is pretty basic but does the job.

3. *****in’ With D (4/5)

This is good. The beat is pretty good I really like the bass. Not much to say on the beat for this one except it’s pretty good and a bit simple. The lyrics are pretty much about *****ing with him is the wrong thing to do.

4. The Storm (Skit)

There these two people and they talking about X and denying his skill. Just an intro to the next song.

5.Look Thru My Eyes (5/5)

This is dope. The beat is very dope, I especially like the piano. The whole beat in all is a slower more dark track and dope in total. X’s lyrics are about judging, street stories all about seeing things through his eyes. He flows well and shouts out most but he can pull it off. The hok is very catchy In all, very dope.

6. Get at me dog Ft Sheek (4/5)

The beat is good. I can’t really explain the beat but its good. Dmx makes threats and tells stories so it’s typical X stuff. The hook is alright which is delivered by Sheek. Flows well as well.

7.Let me fly (5/5)

The beat on this is very dark made with especially dark synthesisers. X raps about violence and pain. The hook is very good almost sounds like X is depressed but it is also very catchy.

8. X is coming (5/5)

To begin with a kid starts signing Freddie’s chant with one or two of the lyrics is changed. This is the hook as well. The lyrics are very dark and I’m still laughing (an evil type of humour) yet shocked at the lines his spits especially the 2nd verse. I feel he used the freddy chant due to him being like a nightmare. The beat is very dark and makes this song very dope.

9. Damien (5/5)

This is very dope!!!!! Over a dark beat which I can’t really describe except dope and dark he spits about this “friend” he has met called Damien. Damien doesn’t exist I feel hi just the dark side of X telling him to do stuff to please him to be his “nigga”. Quite a storytelling track. This is very dope and this type of song appears on every X album. This is why X has gone to 1st with all his albums.

10.Hows it Goin’ Down (3/5)

Urgh a for the females type of song. These are the worse type of songs in history of rap music IMO and that means not a lot of people can pull this off. X does not do this IMO. The beat is pretty good especially for this type of track. To begin with it has this long skit which I use to skip because it was so long I thought this was a skit. From what I was expecting to come from DMX when females where put into his songs. I was expecting very dark mistreating women type of stuff. Meh it could be worse he could go on about what his going to be doing to satisfy them with dirty puns and metaphors like Cam’ron.

11. Mickey (skit)

I laughed at this skit does this make me evil??? Just a skit

12.Crime story (3/5)

This beat is really quite boring and doesn’t really fit the topic matter. The topic matter is very dark and hectic and the beat is really mellow made up from bongos and drums. No wonder why it’s a Irv Gotti beat, he only ever makes good beats once and a while! This is a storytelling track where x spits about him killing some cops and them hunting him down and what his pressured to doing. The bit where he says he act as a girl is hilarious. In all the lyrics are dope and the beat is very boring.

13. Stop being greedy (5/5)

DOPE!!!! DOPE!!!! AND DOPE!!!!! This might aswell be my favourite X song ever released! Over a very dark uptempo beat made up for violins and organs, DMX spits about the struggle and ho the other ones are being greedy. X spits dope stuff! He really flows well.

14. ATF (4/5)

This dope but way to short it doesn’t get the full 5. It’s like Crime story in the way he is trying to escape from the police but this time he really is pressured in this one and the beat fits this song perfectly with the furious violins almost reflecting on X’s feelings. Shame this beat is way too short.

15.This is for my dogs (4/5)

The typical rap song now days. All about loyalty and how they ride for each other. The beat is nice and all of them spit good stuff. Not much to say except good.

16. I can feel it (5/5)

I love this song. The song has a mellow feel sampling Phil Collins for the hook. X spits about his life and what has made him. The lyrics in all are pretty dope. I’m a big Phil Collins fan and this maybe whyi give this the 5.

17. Prayer

Like on most DMX releases like a Damien song there is a Prayer. X is really religious and you can see why x does this then. Deep stuff displayed on this song.

18. The Convo (4/5)

This is a song which a lot of rappers do where they talk to God. X spits about his fate and his past and how god *****ed him though it yet his still grateful. At the end the topic gets all good by thanking god for positive things. The beat is pretty slow which restricted him from getting the full 5.

19. Niggaz Done Started Something Ft LOX + Ma$e (4/5)

This is pretty good way to end the album unless you have the Germany Extra track one like me. This is with the Lox and Ma$e and they deliver some good verses. The beat isn’t the beast it could be but does the job. X I feel delivers the best verse and Ma4e takes second. The lyrics are about how if you want money you should be prepared to take on haters and how they deal with them.

20.Ruff Ryders Anthem Live (Germany Extra Track) (5/5)

This is audio of a live performance of the Anthem and I like it better than the original one due to the Liveness adds a point o it if that makes sence.

In All this album gets a 4.5/5

This album falls half a mark even tho more than half the album is filled with %’s there are two 3/5 tracks and I feel to get a five you need more than half the album 5/5 and the rest 4. The lyrics are dope and is X at his best! The production is dark and dope and fits X’s lyrical matter prefect. This was the first whole Cd I heard and lit the flame for Hip-hop so I felt it had to be reviewed. This album did news things with hip-hop and you can see why all of X’s came first in the billboard charts.

Recommendation: BUY THIS!!! This is X’s best CD. The rest are pretty tight as wel with Flesh of my flesh blood of my blood getting a 4 from me, And then there was X getting about a 4 (not sure haven’t really listened to that one to review it probably.) The great depression which gets a 3 from me and Grand champ which is 3.5.

1. Fresh Mode

Great way to start off this EP. Young Einstein produces a really good beat, very sample heavy with a lot of scratches. Andy C & Dizzie Dustin to the rapping and they do a great job. Andy C is a guy who I can relate to, the guy raps about stuff he knows about and doesn’t rap about redundant subjects. Just a great track to bump. DOPE!

2. Now Who’s Laughin’

Great beat by Young Einstein, nice bouncy piano vibe to it(With heavy scratches). Dizzie & Andy trade some verses and again they rip the track, the thing about Ugly Duckling is that they have fun when they rap and don’t try to impress the masses with idiotic punchlines and over crowded guests. This track is good stuff. Good

3. Get On This

Great relaxing beat by Einstein, this is a slower track and this is where Ugly Duckling shines. Dizzie starts it off with a great verse about the trials and tribulations of being in a group. Andy with the next verse with a great verse, man these guys are overlooked, they are damn near flawless on the mic and make some great music. I like the chorus as it’s heavy on the scratching. Some more goodness from the UD crew. DOPE!

4. Einstein’s Takin’ Off

This is where Einstein shines, this is a track about his production and his scratching. The beat is really good, sounds like an old school 70’s sitcom. Dizzie & Andy rap about Einstein and how great he is. One of my favorite tracks on the EP. DOPE!

5. Everybody C’Mon

This track sounds like something J5 would rap over. Really good beat here by Einstein, has a dope organ thrown in there. Dizzie & Andy show some great chemistry together. Just a fun track you can play at a party. Good

6. Do You Know What I’m Sayin’

Great piano beat here, nice drums as well. Andy shines on this track. Man these guys are really good, they just flow over the beat naturally, nothing is forced here. Another classic UD track. DOPE!

7. Everything’s Alright

DOPE DOPE DOPE!!!!! I love the beat here, it’s a mixture of relaxation and darkness, just a really well done track. Dizzie raps about the trials of the world and how the end of the world is almost here and that he’s prepared. I love the chorus, just sampling goodness. Andy has the second verse and outshines Dustin, I like how Andy twists up the Nas line(On Live From The BBQ). I also like how Andy shows no shame praising Jesus. Dizzie & Andy trade some verses here and there for the third portion. You have to hear this track, probably one of my favorite Hip Hop songs. DOPE!

8. We’re Here

Nice bass heavy beat, has a funkish feel to it. Dustin has a mindblowingly great first verse. These guys are like The Beastie Boys but a lot cleaner….not that that’s a bad thing, in fact I applaud them for not cursing in their rhymes. Andy C does a great job on this track as well. Great way to end the track. Good

All in all I’m going to give this a DOPE! rating. Probably the best EP I have ever heard(Hip Hop wise). This was a really well done EP and should be heard by everyone. BUY IT!!!!

Handsome Boy Modeling School is made up of two of music’s most experimental producers/composers/..whatever: Dan the Automator of Deltron 3030 and The Gorillaz, and Prince Paul (formerly) of RZA’s Gravediggaz and De La Soul. This is a two-man group to rival Blue Man Group in terms of sheer creativity with music (and what music actually means); the album, as can be expected, is an excersize in trying to see how many genres they can bend without breaking.

1) Rock ’n Roll (Could Never Hip Hop Like This)

Starts off with a short skit, followed by voice samples over a heavy guitar. The vocals eventually cut out, leaving room for some nice record scratching. Later in the track, the instrumental completely morphs (briefly) into a drum track with some horns blowing over it. Pretty much the intro to the album. (Good)

2) Magnetizing ft. Del tha Funkee Homosapien

A friend of both producers, rapper Del guests over this stifling, dark-piano track with haunting Asian flutes. He does a good job flowing over the odd track, lyrically good as always, and even adds to the effect as his voice can be quite haunting. (Great)

3) Metaphysical ft. Miho Hattori of Cibo Matto & Mike D of the Beastie Boys

The track is based around a gothic organ which alternates with a happy-go-lucky piano. Miho covers the first three “verses” with a Stephen Hawking-sounding lecture on the metaphysical, while Mike D simply talks over the track. No rhyming done, plenty of musical experimentation. (Decent)

4) Look At This Face (Oh My God They’re Gorgeous)

Starts off with a funny skit about a kid trying to show his dad what handsome is; quickly goes into a classical-flavored instrumental, over which drops a heavy bass/drum. The group’s namesake is revealed here, from a skit on a short-lived sitcom. (Good)

5) Waterworld ft. Encore

A dangerous-sounding, banging piano over a marching drum track, dripping sounds and a pulsing organ set the background for Cali rapper Encore to kick some intricate verses. (Great)

6) Once Again (Here to Kick One For You) ft. Grand Puba & Sadat X of Brand Nubian

This beat has a meandering synth mixed with a quick horn and a hard drum. The vocal samples on the hook and the catchy relative simplicity of the beat give it the feel of a DJ Premier cut. The Brand Nubian duo both step up to bless the track with their trademark. (Excellent)

7) The Truth ft. Roisin of Moloko & J-Live

This is a slower track, with a loungy feel to it given by the slow piano, the mournful singing by Roisin, and the jazzy bass and horn blats in the background. A little past the halfway mark, J-Live’s verse comes in; as with the others, he comes correct both flow-wise and lyrically. (Excellent)

8) Holy Calamity (Bear Witness II) ft. DJ Shadow & DJ Quest

This is a creativity-mash which teams Paul and Dan with legendary Bay-area producer DJ Shadow and the predominantly-techno DJ Quest. This energetic track starts off with a yelling vocal sample which moves into a pseudo late-80’s rap beat, complete with break beats, B-Boyish vocal samples, a fat horn, quick trumpet blats and–later on–massive amounts of scratching. About 3/4ths of the way into the track the scratching stops briefly for a beatboxing interlude. (Great)

9) Calling the Biz

A short interlude, a call about the HBMS project.

10) The Projects (P Jays) ft. Dave of De La Soul & Del tha Funkee Homosapien

A disjointed piano set to a drawn-out, high-pitched harmonica drawl over a sloppy bass becomes the perfect mishmash of sounds for Dave and Del to rap slurring, sometimes-humorous verses about the ghetto. Del’s lazy stylings remind one of a version of Ludacris “done right,” as it were. (Great)

11) Sunshine ft. Sean Lennon, Money Mark, Father Guido Sarducci, Josh Hayden of Spain & Paula Frazer of Tarnation

This laid-back, sunny strings track sees a slew of singers–including Sean Lennon, also of Cibo Matto and the son of John Lennon and Yoko Onno–singing about forgetting one’s troubles and longing for love while Father Sarducci speaks in the background. (Good)

12) Modeling Sucks

This track, which samples a certain famous classical composition, finds the enthusiastic young man from earlier in the album disillusioned by the shady work and hard times of the cutthroat male modeling industry.

13) Torch Song Trilogy ft. Sensational

A spaced-out 50’s sci-fi movie style xylophone (?) kicks off the track, reminiscent of Psycho Social LP-era Jedi Mind Tricks, wherein experimental MC Sensational–of the same school of Hip-Hop that birthed Kool Keith and MF Doom–kicks a slurred, mumbly freestyle verse that somehow works. Good if you like lo-fi stream of consciousness type rap. (Good)

14) The Runaway Song ft. DJ Kid Koala

A snoopy tuba over an organ with some vocal samples fills out the round, plodding flavor of this cut. More scratching marks this as a definite DJ track.

15) Megaton B-Boy 2000 ft. Alec Empire & El-P of Company Flow

The banging-on-metal-pipes drums and electronic distortion-turned-background mark this as a definite El-P track. Producto himself shouts in his trademark fragmented style over the mass of electric noise, with cybernetic bleeps thrown in later for good measure; but this is like El-P on overdrive–we’ve rarely heard even El-P this daring. (Good)

16) Father Speaks

A man who sounds like the SoBe commercial guy speaks on his good experiences in the Handsome Boy Modeling School.

My Rating: 4.5/5

In terms of sheer creativity, Dan the Automator and Prince Paul can’t be beat, especially when they team up together. Their magic touch somehow seems to make everything they put their hand to sound good in some way or another. A great foray into all the facets of rap music and musical experimentation, past and present.

Recommendation: Buybuybuybuybuybuy