Category Archives: From The Vault

From the vault of WorldWideConnected.com

Yukmouth – Godzilla

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

 

1. Godzilla

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

2. Money & Power

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

3. Nothin 2 a Boss (ft. Benjilino) 

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

4. Regime Mobstaz (Ft. The Regime) 

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

5. Stuntastic

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

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

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

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

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

8. Kidnap U (Ft. Nyce/Who’z Who) 

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

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

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

10. Ya boy (Ft. Devin/Ampichino) 

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

11. I want ya body (Ft. Aaron Hall) 

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

12. Thug Lordz (ft. The Thug Lordz) 

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

13. Be Easy (Ft. Ray J/Gangsta Girl) 

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

14. What it do (Ft. E-Roc/Bun B) 

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

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

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

16. Do it B.I. 

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

17. Model Chicks

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

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

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

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

Que The Kid – Street Loyalty

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I never really heard Que The Kid before popping in this album in my system. I know he’s a New York rapper with ties to the south.

1. Where I’m Supposed To Be

The album starts off with a real tight cut titled ”Where I’m Supposed To Be”. A sample is used over a hard hitting beat Que The Kid uses an east coast style with a lil down south crunk built into it. It works out real well. The tight beat combined with the hot spit by Que makes this a real tight track.

2. Shoot To Kill Me

“Shoot To Kill Me” is an other banger. The beat’s real tight and Que is spitting some hot shit over it. The hook, with Que The Kid going “Don’t shoot to shoot, shoot to f*cking kill me”, is real tight. The two first tracks on the album have definitely left me wanting to hear more.

3. Ain’t Gonna Like Me feat. Mac Sug

Que The Kid goes crunk on this one. Like I said before, Que’s got an east coast style with some dirty south flavour. It’s real obvious on this track as the beat’s pretty crunk and east coast rhymes and flow is mixed with a crunk hook. I never heard it mixed like this before, but it sounds real good.

4. The Issue Is Trust

“The Issue Is Trust” is about street life and how everyone’s trying to be a gangster and hate nowadays. Everybody’s switching sides. The issue, according to Que, is trust. The beat’s kind of laid back and Que’s flow is on point. You sometimes hear lyrics with no meaning whatsoever – that’s not the case on this album.

5. Listen Carefully

“Listen Carefully” is an other one of those Kayne West-sounding beats with a speeded up sample in the background. Que The Kid is trying to teach you something as he asks you to listen carefully. Even though Que is a young dude, he seems to have some wisdom. A tight flow over a pretty tight beat makes this track solid.

6. Hard At Work

Even though this is not a reggaeton track, the production kind of reminds me of one. The beat is fresh and has a guitar and some other stuff over it. As he has on every track of the album, Que comes out tight. Solid cut.

7. I Speak For You

“I Speak For You” has a beat that reminds me of “If I Ruled The World” with Nas, with the piano and all. For you who didn’t hear the Nas track… well it’s a flattering comparison. Go listen to it. Que’s talking about how he’s a man of the people and speak for you. It’s a real cool track.

8. Let It Go

So far, I’ve liked all tracks on the album. This is probably the exception. “Let It Go” has a darker and slower beat that I’m not really feeling. Que The Kid’s not coming out wack or anything, but I’m just not feeling the track as a whole. It’s not my cup of tea.

9. It’s On (In The Streets)

Que The Kid “came from the streets, and remain in the streets”. The clean beat with a guitar over it isn’t impressive itself, but the way Que comes on over it makes this a real tight track.

10. Heavy Burdens

Some people have heavy burdens, and I guess Que The Kid is one of them. The beat is cool but what makes the song is the story-telling rap. Each verse is a story about a new person. I like story-telling rap, so that’s a plus in my book.

11. Yeah Yeah

“Yeah Yeah” is a party banger. Once again Que brings out some of the crunk he’s got in him. Mixed with the east coast flavour, the result is great. I could see this cut being played at clubs etc.

12. Get Shot

“Get Shot” is an other party track. However, the result is not as good as on “Yeah Yeah”. The beat on this song is actually pretty wack. Lyrically, it’s an other one of those “I’m gonna ***** you up” songs everyone make.

13. I Bang Bang

“I Bang Bang” is… a Banger. The beat sounds kind of familiar to me, but it could just be that I’ve been bumping the song a few times now. Even though there are other real tight tracks, this could be the best song of the album. Enough said, really… check it out.

14. Respect Me

A man needs to be respected, no matter size, colour or whatever. The main message in this song is that Que demands his respect. He delivers the message over a pretty dark and repetitive beat. The song’s cool, but after a few bangers I’m a little spoiled.

15. Voice Of The People

“Voice Of The People” is one of those tracks with a speeded up sample in the backround. It works out great! Que delivers an other banger. Just like on “I Speak For You”, Que The Kid explains that he’s the voice of the people. To me, a rapper being the voice of the people is pretty important. When rappers lose touch of their believes and stop speaking on the things they spoke on when coming up, they usually fall off. Either way, this is a banger.

16. I’m A Hustler feat. Mac Sug

An other Mac Sug feature on the album. Mac Sug’s from Tennessee and sounds like it. When he goes on the track, you can hear that grimy dirty south shit most of us like. A real nice way to finish of the album.

Que The Kid has really impressed me with this album. There aren’t really any wack songs on it, even though I wasn’t feeling one or two of the beats. I was afraid this would be one of those albums you throw away after one listen, but that’s not the case at all. Que’s original east coast style with a down south flavour mixes up real good, and with the production being tight as well the album is clearly above an average rating. Compared to the other albums I’ve heard this year, this is probably in the top 5 or even top 3. I rate this album 4 out of 5.

Ras Kass – Rasassination

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Ras Kass - RasassinationThis was Ras Kass´s second album. He dropped his critically acclaimed album “Soul On Ice” in 95. Lets see if this album lived up to the expectations.

 

1. Endtro (Intro)

2. Rasassination 

Ras is getting a good start with “Rasassination”. It’s a dope beat and Ras is dropping tight lyrics all over it. The hook is good too.

3. Ghetto fabulous feat Dr Dre & Mack 10 

I just love this beat. Not to mention the tight performance by Dre, Mack 10 and Rass kass. I wonder how a group with these three rappers would be like. Anyway, back on track to the track. Like I said, the beat is tight and I love the hook since it’s catchy. This is not only the best track on the album, it was also the first single of it. I don’t know why Ras didn’t blow up with this single.

4. LapDance feat R.C.

What the hell is this? Don’t tell me that Ras is trying to make a club song. If that’s the case then this is the worst club song ever. Nothing is good on this track.

5. (Skit)

6. Conceited bastard 

Sometimes I wonder what’s wrong with Ras Kass’s ear – this beat is wack and boring. Since the beat is so wack you hardly get to the hook. That’s to bad since the hook is good. Wack track!

7. Ice age feat Kurupt & El Drex

“Ice age” has got another wack and boring beat. It’s to bad since Ras, Kurupt and El Drez are dropping dope lyrics. The hook is nothing special either.

8. (Skit)

9. H2oproof feat Saafir

Just as I started to lose hope, Ras Kass finally gets a tight beat. He don’t waste any time; he is spitting dope lyrics with frustration and a whole lot of energy. Ras even got a hip-hop quotable in “The Source Mag” for one of his verses. Tight track!

10. It is what it is feat Jazze Pha

The beginning of this track is funny. Then the laid-back beat kicks in and you get the feeling that it’s a serious track. The hook is RnB inspired and is very catchy. It’s a good track that could have been a good single.

11. Interview with a vampire feat God and Satan

This is a track that got a hard dope beat with matching lyrics. It’s a good concept by Ras Kass and it’s a very interesting track. He really pulled of a tight and original track with this one.

12. Wild pitch feat Xzibit, Jah Skillz & Phil Da Agony 

The beat on this track is not good but it’s not bad either. That doesn’t seem to matter tho since the rappers on the track are dropping tight lyrics over it. The hook is definitely good but it’s still an average track.

13. OohWee!

In the beginning of the track Ras is saying that he “doesn’t give a ***** about a beat” (like Snoop said In Doggfather). I believe Ras tho since this beat is wack. It’s to bad since his flow is on point and of course his lyrics are tight. The hook is very catchy too. If this track had a better beat it could have been a single.

14. All or nuthin´ feat Twista 

Twista start this track with an awesome verse. He is not the only one impressing me; Ras is really dropping tight lyrics too. Twista and Ras Kass are very good together and it’s definitely showing on this track. It don’t hurt that the beat is dope and the hook is good, too.

15. Grindin feat Bad Azz

It’s hard to describe this track. The beat and hook make it sound like a party track, but Ras complex rhyme style is making it sound like a battle track. Still it’s a good track, I just don’t get what crowd it’s aimed at.

16. I Ain’t *****ing with you 

Once again Ras gets a boring beat that is kinda laid back. I cant listen to this track for more then one minute. The hook is simple and boring and Ras is saying a few unnecessary racist comments too.

17. Get at me 

This track is better. It’s got a good, laid back beat that fits Rass Kass. The hook is very nicely done by a female singer and Ras is spitting good game.

18. The end feat Rza

Rza is starting the track off with an impressive verse over the good, laid back, beat. Ras is also dropping tight lyrics and it’s a good track, but it feels like it’s too late to save the album.

 

I must say that I’m very disappointed. Ras tried to go mainstream but failed. Most of the beats on this album are wack. The lyrics are tight but sometimes they don’t fit in with the theme of the track. I would only recommend this album to the true Ras Kass fans or maybe people who just care for the lyrics. I give it 3/5

 

Chingy – Jackpot

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

 

1. Jackpot Intro

2. He’s herre

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

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

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

4. Right Thurr

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

5. Jackpot the pimp (Skit)

6. Whurrs my cash

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

7. Chingy jackpot

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

8. Sample dat ass feat. Murphy Lee

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

9. One call away feat. J/Weav

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

10. Dice game (Skit)

11. Gettin’ it

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

12. Holidae in feat. Ludacris & Snoop Dogg

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

13. Juice

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

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

15. Madd at me

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

16. Bagg up

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

BONUS TRACK: Right thurr Remix feat. JD & Trina

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

 

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

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

 

Neptunes Presents: The Clones

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

 

1. Roscoe P Coldchain – Intro

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

2. Busta Rhymes – Light your ass on fire

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

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

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

4. I-20 & Ludacris – It wasn’t us

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

5. Pharell feat. Jay-Z – Frontin

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

6. Vanessa Marquez – Good girl

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

7. Nelly – If

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

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

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

9. Snoop Dogg – It blows my mind

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

10. Spymob – Half steering

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

11. High speed scene – *****in spend

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

12. N.E.R.D feat. Clipse – Loser

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

13. FamLay – Rock and Roll

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

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

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

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

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

16. N.O.R.E feat. Pharell – Put em up

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

17. Dirt McGirt feat. Pharell – Pop shit

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

18. Kelis feat. Nas – Popular thug

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

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

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

Roots Manuva – Run Come Save Me

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Roots Manuva - Run Come Save MeNot 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.

VA – Rhyme & Reason Soundtrack

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Va - Rhyme & Reason SoundtrackThis Rhyme & Reason soundtrack was released back in -97 and I was bumping it heavily for a while there. It’s not 2003 and I’m gonna try to do a fair review of it.

 

1. Mack 10 & Doggpound – Nothin’ but the cavi hit

The soundtrack starts of with a track done by a legendary west coast group mixed with one third of another legendary west coast group. Daz Dillinger’s producing and mixing the track, and if you’re a Daz fan, you’ll hear this. Mack 10’s coming out hard and even tho the Kurupt parts sounds lazy everyone’s doing their fair square on this track. A very good way to start off the album.

2. Busta Rhymes & A Tribe Called Quest – Wild hot

A Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes is the first East Coast contribution to this soundtrack. The first thing on my mind when hearing this is how Busta changed his style. This is the style that got him famous and this is the style he should stick with. The beat is kind of dark, and it’s a tight track overall.

3. Eight Ball & MJG – Reason for rhyme

œReason for rhyme  is a Dirty South contribution for the album. Eight Ball and MJG. The beat is kind of slow but both rappers are giving it lil hype, making your pulse go up. If you ask me, it’s a very western influenced production.

4. Ras Kass, Helta Skeltah & Canibus – Uni-4-Orm

Ras Kass, Helta Skeltah and Canibus on a track will mean a lyrical orgy with blazing metaphors and tight flow. This is no exception. Unfortunately they’re doing it over a beat not fitted for doing so.

5. Crucial Conflict – Bogus Mayn

œBogus Mayn  from Crucial Conflict is a nice track with a tight rapper over an arcade kind of beat. The hook’s very catchy, and the baseline is really cool. Overall an above average track.

6. E-40 – Every year

We all know E-40 is a West Coast legend. On this track right here he’s showing his original flow and style over a really nice, slow beat. I like it! The track is enjoyable and the hook’s perfect for it too.

7. The RZA – Tragedy

Okay. First thing I have to say here is… this track is a classic! I don’t know how many times I’ve been bumping this at home, at parties, when playing basketball or whatever. RZA is coming out super-tight over a very tight beat with an extremely tight hook. There’s no need to write more about this. It’s very extremely super-tight!

8. MC Eiht – Represent

Many consider West Coast artist MC Eiht a legend, and he’s done a lot of tight tracks in my opinion. However, this is not one of them. The production’s wack, make’s me feel bad for MC Eiht who had to rap over this.

9. Lost Boyz – N*ggaz don’t want it

If you ask me, Lost Boyz is a legendary group. I’m a huge fan of them and Freakie Tah is in my opinion one of the worst losses in the rap game. He was giving the tracks that little extra to make them tight. This track is not one of the best Lost Boyz tracks I’ve heard… It’s actually one of the worst I’ve heard. It can’t be easy being a rapper when you get beats like these to rap over.

10. KRS-ONE – Bring is back

Krs, you’re tight and all, but how about making a track about something new? ANYTHING but how raps from New York or how it’s so unfair how you don’t go multi platinum. I still like KRS-One, tho, and this track is a good one.

11. Master P – Is there a heaven 4 a gangsta?

This track made a lot of people notice Master P. It’s a nice track and if you’re a No Limit fan but didn’t hear this track, you should. UUUGHH

12. Volume 10 – Liquor store run

I’m sure there was something different to put on the album than this. It’s a quite wack track with a below-average rapper. I guess the executive producers found the hook catchy, cuz that’s all there is.

13. Guru, Kai:Bee & Lil’ Dap – The way it iz

This is another of those classic tracks! Guru on the production really did it this time! The beat is tight and the fluit is completing this masterpiece! That’s not all there is. The flow’s amazing from all rappers and the lyrics are tight down to the last word. This is an absolute classic!

14. Nyoo & DeCoca – Buisness first

Classic track œThe way it iz  is followed by a funky cut by Nyoo and DeCoca called œBuisness first . I really like the beat and as for the rapping part, it’s good too. Very nice, funky, track.

15. Delinquent Habits – No identity

This cut is a bump friendly, head moving’ song with club-friendly gangsta style and a nice hook. It’d be a nice way to finish of the album, if there weren’t any bonus tracks.

BONUS TRACK: Mack 10 & Doggpound – Nothin’ but the cavi hit (remix)

This bonus track is a remix of the first cut of the album “ œNothin’ but a cavi hit . It’s basically the same track with some mixing changes. I used to like the original better, but now I’m having a hard time changing my mind about it, so I bump both.

 

Rhyme & Reason is a soundtrack, and soundtracks usually have a few tight tracks, a few wack tracks and a few average tracks. This one had a few classic tracks, a few not so good tracks and then some above average tracks.
The album is also a personal classic, so for me personally it’s a 5 out of 5 grade. However, if I was forced to pretend I didn’t hear it before I’d grade it: 4 out of 5.

Canibus – Rip the Jacker

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Canibus - Rip the jackerAfter 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

Roscoe – Philaphornia

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Roscoe - PhilaphorniaYoung 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 – Limelite, Luv and Nightclubz

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Da Brat - Limelite, Luv and NightclubzDa 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.