Benzino – Redemption

Posted on January 23, 2013 by WWC

1. Stayin 4 Eva
This is your “I’m not goin anywhere” type track. That Nigga Moel produced the track and it’s a sick beat. Benzino actually comes pretty dope.

2. Call my Name(Feat Jadakiss)
L.E.S. produced the track. Jadakiss makes a nasty appearance. The chorus is pretty wack as Benzino tries to sing it. Good track(For jada’s appearance)

3. Rock The party(Feat Mario Winans)
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, this is the lead single and Mario produced this. Nice bouncy club beat, catchy chorus. Sure to be a club banger.

4. Would You(Feat mario Winans and Lisa Raye)
Well I can see Mario Winans in this song but Lisa Raye? I know she hosted the awful Source All Access show but man what in the hell is this? And she raps also. Mario Winans produced this but who cares this track sucks.

5. Make You Wanna Holla
Bangin track produced by Hangmen 3. Benzino talkin about the hard times he’s goin through (Um ok lol). The chorus is pretty good. Dope track.

6. Neva Shuvin(Feat Wyclef and M3)
Hangmen 3 produced a banger. Clef does guitar, sings background, and raps. Good track.

7. Gangstas Touch(Feat Cadillac Tah & Black Child)
Hangmen 3 produced this one and it’s not that great, the beginning singin type chorus will make you wanna skip this one.

8. Redemption(Rosary)(Feat Fatal and Kid Javi)
Former Outlaw Fatal joins Benzino on this track and it’s pretty dope. Tone Capone produced a great beat.

9. X-Tra Hot(Feat Daz & Jewel)
LT Hutton produced the track and the beat is annoying. Skip this one.

10. I Remember(Feat Mario Winans)
Hangmen 3 produced the beat and it’s a slow type beat which isn’t that great. Mario sings a pretty wack chorus. Skip it.

11. Get It On
Mario Winans produced this and all the beats he produced on this album sound the same. Wack.

12. 44 Cal Killa(Feat Scarface & M3)
Houston legend Scarface joins Benzino on this track while Trackmasters lay the beat. Benzino starts it off and comes average, Scarface outshines him(of course). This is your typical “Killa” track which gets very annoying fast.

13. Hoola Hoop
Gary Gizzo Smith produced this and the starting is enough to skip it. Wack.

14. Different Kind Of Lady
Hangmen 3 laid down a very dope beat. This is your “Hey baby I saw you and I have to have you” type track. Atleast the beat is dope.

15. Pull Your Skirt Up
This is the infamous Eminem diss song, it’s pretty good actually, Tone Capone produced a dope beat. Benzino talks about the state of hip hop, callin Eminem a wanksta and such.

16. Rock The Party Remix (Feat LiL Kim, Mario Winans, and Petey Pablo)
Ah man they got all annoying rappers to guest. Everyone comes wack.

17. Some hidden track
Um I don’t know who produced this. Dope beat and track though.

All in all a 3/5, it’s average. The guests really helped this album out. I really don’t suggest copping it. The production was solid though.

DJ Quik – Rhythm-al-ism

Posted on January 23, 2013 by WWC

This was the first Quik album I bought after it got a good review in the source back in 1998. This as I understand was Quik’s first album where he let go of his ‘gangsta rap’ roots and went for the funk.

1. Rhythm-al-ism intro
I can count on less than one hand (if thats possible) the amount of intro’s that can beat this. Straight heat from the start, a great tune and Quik flowing very well.

2. We Still Party
One of few songs on the album where Quik doesn’t share the mic. Great banging drumline and numerous other instruments make this a brilliant track.

3. So Many Wayz (feat. 2nd II none, Peter Gunz)
Another good feeling summer kind of track. Funky production, a talkbox on the hook and the unexpected guest of Peter Gunz works well to create a classic.

4. Hand in Hand (feat 2nd II none)
Great bassline on this. Quik sounds at ease as he spits his usual witty, cheeky and often arrogant rhymes. Still no sign of a bad track on this album.

5. Down Down Down (feat Suga Free, Mausberg, AMG)
The simplist sounding production yet, with the tune made up mostly of the drum loop and bassline. Fast paced track, everyone spitting a nice rhyme. Suga Free drops his usual sexual orientated rap.

6. You’z a Ganxta
I love this track. Great production which even makes a flute sound good. Here Quik asks why he always gets blamed for shit he doesn’t do, and even offers to do a track with his foe MC Eiht ‘when he gets his head together’.

7. I Useta Know Her (feat AMG)
Yet another track which seems somewhat faster paced than most rappers could handle. AMG and Quik spit about a bird they find out they both been banging. Also contains Quik on the talkbox throughout.

8. No Doubt (feat Playa Hamm, Suga Free)
Never used to like this track. It’s certainly not the strongest on the album but no means is it bad. Not really feeling the production.

9. Speed (feat AMG)
A 124 bpm banger. Quik keeps up well on a track which would not be out of place on a Twista album. The name of the track says it all. This highlights Quik’s rapping skills.

10. Whateva U Do
Not really feeling this one, kind of a cheesy track about Quik chatting to a girl.

11. Thinkin’ Bout U
The slowest track on the album, and while the subject is pretty much the same as the previous song, this is a lot better. A great slow track from a males point of view of sex. “Doing what you do to make me do what I did, to almost ***** so hard we almost had a kid”.

12. El’s Interlude (feat El Debarge)
I don’t mind interludes when there’s some kind of point to them. This is a good one. An RnB cut laced by Quik which has Debarge crooning over it. Quik kills the guitar on this one.

13. The ***** Medley (feat Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, AMG, 2nd II None, Hi-C, El Debarge)
A rapping extravaganza about *****! Snoop kicks this one of with a good rap, Nate does what he does best, and everyone else plays their part. Only thing is Quik’s verse is reversed for some reason.

14. Bombudd 2
Quik turns reggae artist on this one. Production, lyrics and rapping style are all reggae style. It’s different, but very nice.

15. Get 2getha Again (feat. 2nd II None, AMG, Hi-C)
A bit cheesy this one but still ok to listen to. Quik and homies rap bout being ‘2gether again’.

16. Reprise
Bit pointless this – same tune as ***** medley but with an awful electric guitar over it.

Quik changed his style for a funky one on this album. It works suprisingly well. With the exception of Dre, you’d find it hard to find a better rappin and producin artist than what Quik showcases here. His beats are a lot deeper than those nowadays from the likes of Neptunes and stand the test of time well. This in my opinion is Quik’s finest hour, and one of westcoasts best releases outside of Death Row.

No hesitation of giving this 4.5/5

Nearly a classic, not quite.

Eminem – The Slim Shady LP

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

Dr. Dre, the legendary producer behind the likes of Snoop Doggy Dogg, NWA, Tha Dogg Pound, among many others stepped up in 1999 with his new prodigy. Eminem. This was his mainstream debut album.

1. Public Service Announcement
The album’s intro, just a warning to not listen to Eminem.

2. My Name Is – Production: Dr. Dre
The first single that brought Eminem into the national spotlight. Although the song sets the stage for Eminem’s haters, the lyrics are funny at moments. While the song is gimmicky, Eminem flows nicely and Dre puts down a decent beat.

3. Guilty Conscience ft. Dr. Dre – Production: Dr. Dre
The 3rd single off the album. Each verse tells a new story of someone at a crossroads. Eminem plays the bad conscience, Dr. Dre the good. Both come through with excellent parts. Production is off the chains too.

4. Brain Damage – Production: Jeff Bass
A decent beat but the shine on this track is Eminem’s crazy flow. While the chorus is well known, when you really listen to it, it’s pretty weak. Something about it is catchy all the same. The song is more or less about highschool, and you can’t help but laugh at some lines.

5. Paul
The first of a now recurring skit on Em’s albums. His attorney Paul Rosenberg leaves a phone message to tone down the lyrics.

6. If I Had – Production: Eminem/Jeff Bass
While the song would never work as a single it’s easily one of the album’s best tracks. It’s not a hip-pop sound and the lyrics are fire. He talks about the struggle of everyday life and rhymes perfectly on it. Even the biggest Eminem hater could relate to this track.

7. 97 Bonnie and Clyde – Production: Eminem/Jeff Bass
The now infamous track brought Em’s daughter Hailie into the picture. In the track he is talking to her after killing Kim. The lyrics are just evil. Not a bad track but hard to distinguish if it’s a gimmick or if he was going through some real shit at that moment.

8. ***** – Skit
About people hating Em’s lyrics.

9. Role Model – Production: Dr. Dre/Mel Man
A good sounding beat from Dre and Mel Man, a song about the Slim Shady charecter. Em delivers a good flow, often times funny but something lacks in the song. The sort of tracks Eminem haters will love to point out.

10. Lounge – Skit
A karoake at some lounge. Useless to the album.

11. My Fault – Production: Jeff Bass
A story about a party where nothing goes right for him. The chorus is crazy weak, lyrics score nicely but the production fails.

12. Ken Kaniff
The first appearance of Ken Kaniff. Funny like usual.

13. ***** on Everybody – Production: Eminem/Jeff Bass
Another shock value song but you can’t deny Eminem’s flow over this track. The beat has a funk feel to it but the chorus ruins the track.

14. Rock Bottom – Production: Jeff Bass
A song about being broke an hopeless. A nice beat once again that totally suits the concept of the song. Em gives a nice flow and the chorus fits (For one of the first times in the album). Another track anyone can dig.

15. Just Don’t Give A ***** – Production: Jeff Bass/Eminem
The albums’ 2nd single. The track is decent, lyrics are allright, the production is a little overwhelming with the high pitched whistle. The chorus is too catchy. Not a bad track.

16. Soap – Skit performed by Royce Da 5’9” and Jeff Bass.
It’s a soap opera satire that leads into the next track.

17. As the World Turns – Production: Jeff Bass/Eminem
One of the albums worst tracks. Nice flow but the shock value lyrics are getting very old at this point in the album. The chorus is garbage and production average. An interesting sidenote look for his shot at the Source magazine .

18. I’m Shady – Production: Eminem/Jeff Bass
Production is decent but not great. It’s basically a drug song with lyrics that go nowhere. The chorus is mad annoying. Another low point in the album.

19. Bad Meets Evil ft. Royce Da 5’9” – Production: Jeff Bass/Eminem
An old west style track about Em and Royce being outlaws. The two spit back and forth all over the track with two incredible flows that make you ignore the beat all together (and it’s pretty good itself). The chorus is nicely done by Eminem. A good track and Royce is a welcome addition to the CD.

20. Still Don’t Give A ***** – Production: Jeff Bass
An unapoligetic track from Em for being the way he is. He puts a little heat behind his flow to match the beat. The chorus is catchy and the track will make you nod your head. The second verse shines.

Eminem’s debut album best displays his ability to flow nicely. While much of the album is gimmicky and relied highly on shock value lyrics, there are some shining tracks that demonstrate his versitility to make meaningful tracks as well. Ex. If I Had and Rock Bottom.

The album served as a nice foreshadow to the Eminem we know today. Dr. Dre came through with some nice production as usual and Eminem honed his skills behind the board a bit. Eminem himself later stated with this album he didn’t know how to put together his flow with the beats and at times it shows. He will flex his lyrical skills on a track that sounds laid back and vice versa.

Although the album is by no means a failure, it’s not a great showcase of what Eminem is capable to do.

Overall rating 3/5

Roots Manuva – Brand New Second Hand

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

I thought I’d ‘keep it real’ here and showcase this English rapper. Roots Manuva is from South London, and released this, his debut album in 1999. His website (rootsmanuva.co.uk) says of the album, “He could, after all, have taken the obvious big-money route and hired in a heap of famous guests to make safe, production-line hip hop. Instead he chose to spread the love a little”, by this meaning Manuva has no well known guests or production teams, just his own close people.

1. Movements
This is a great track to start with. Nice slow production, allowing Manuva to just flow over it with ease. Straight away with this first track Roots Manuva will strike you as a unique rapper, in terms of bothhis voice and flow.

2. Dem Phonies
I don’t like this track. Fairly garbage production andlikewise lyrics. Definately a track to skip in future.

3. Juggle Tings Proper
This is more like it. Hardcore beats which heavily rely on bass and drums. English or not, he can prove difficult to understand at times. Good track to bob your head to.

4. Inna
Make sure you got some good speakers for this one, the bass is a killer. One of the albums better tracks, this is a story about Roots’ escapades at a bar he visits on his own.

5. Soul Decay
Good production using a mix of drums and piano’s. This is a decent track in all respects.

6. Baptism
Garbage production spoils what is a decent few verses.

7. Strange Behaviour
My favourite track on the album. Heavy bass, good melody and a nice rap about Manuva bumping into a girl he used to know.

8. skit

9. Big Tings Gwidarn
Again, poor minimalistic production spoil a potential good song.

10. Sinking Sands
A good track. Whenever he is provided with a better beat, the song benefits as a whole as this proves. Great dark production and a good chorus.

11. Wisdom Fall
Another track which relies on drum beat and bass-line to carry it through. More of the same – good rapping, poor production.

12. Skit

13. Clockwork
A good track which flows along at a nice tempo, and the use of other instruments other than a drum are a welcome sound to the ear!

14. Cornmeal Dumpling
Another decent track but nothing special.

15. Fever
A very good track at last! A speedy piano loop and a keyboard are a good backdrop for this. There is no doubting Roots Manuva’s ability as a rapper.

16. Oh Yeah…
This track wouldn’t sound out of place on an old Wu-Tang album. Dark and hardcore production match the style of rapping nicely. A good track.

17. Motion 5000
Well Manuva goes instrument crazy on this one and gets in an orchestra. A great track not far from the style of Xzibit’s ‘Paparazzi’ track. Nice finish to the album.

Overall, Roots Manuva certainly comes onto the scene in a good fashion. While he impresses with his rapping, style, voice etc, it is the lacklustre production which lets the majority of this debut down. This is not to say the album is bad, just not as good as it could have been. This would have a hard time in America as it stands, but Manuva certainly has potential as a great.

New fans would be better off checking his follow-up album ‘Run Come Save Me’ before getting this.

Score = 3/5

Snoop Doggy Dogg – Dead Man Walking

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

Around the same time Snoop was ready to drop “Tha Last Meal”, Suge and the staff of Death Row went into the vaults and released this album of previously unreleased tracks by tha Doggfather.

1. May I ft. Lil Malik – Production: Soopafly

Snoop has a nice flow on this track over a Soopafly beat. Reminiscent of tha Doggfather album. Snoop gives a few good shout outs in the lyrics to the other inmates on Death Row. The production could be a little better but it’s a nice speed to match Snoop on this track. The downfall is the chorus.

2. C Walkin – Production: Big Hutch/ Myrion

Hutch lays out a hard beat and Snoop gives a good laid back flow. While the track is nothing to party to it’s good to sit back and chill with. At times it reminds you of a young Snoop, but leaves you hanging as you almost expect him to let loose like he used to. Still not a bad track by any means.

3. Head Doctor ft. Swoop G – Production: Kurt Kobane

The single off the album on probably the best track. A nice beat, good verses by both Snoop and Swoop G, tight production throughout.

4. Hit Rocks – Production: Snoop/ DJ Pooh

Another track that reminds you of tha Doggfather with it’s bouncing beat. The production is definetely on point. A few recycled lyrics but it works well with Snoop’s flow. Takes a bit to get used to the chorus, but doesn’t let you down.

5. Tommy Boy ft. Daz – Production: Daz

As much as you may expect a Snoop/Dillinger collaboration to be off the hook, the beat is a little too slow. Not horrible flows but nothing about the track grabs your attention.

6. Change Gone Come – Production: Snoop/Soopafly/LT Hutton

Slow beginning with a weak jingle but Snoop starts to rip this song up. The beat makes you nod your head but when the chorus starts it takes the song down with it, you wish Snoop would just keep going. Would be a really good track if remixed with new chorus.

7. Too Black – Production: Snoop/LT Hutton

Slow flow to this track, it sounds like Snoop is storytelling but the lyrics go nowhere. Beat is repetitive and slow. It’s a great track if you feel like hearing Snoop mumble for 5 minutes straight like he just smoked 6 pounds of weed.. How many times does he have to remind us that he’s Snoop Dogg?

8. Gangsta Walk ft. Tha Dogg Pound – Production: Daz

A pretty good beat laid down by Dilli. Kurupt spits first and puts down an average verse for him. Snoop drops a decent spot. Daz uses much the same lyrics he did in “Gangsta Rap” on Dogg Pound 2002. Overall a decent track.

9. County Blues ft. KV – Production: Daz/Big Hutch

The beat gives the feeling of being in an old county jail in the south, with the harmonica going. Snoop gives a good spot about life in the pen and the gang life on the inside. An excellent chorus, but the skit in the middle of the song takes away from the tracks massive potential.

10. I Will Survive ft. Technique, Kurupt, KV – Production: Soopafly

Technique comes out of the gate spitting over a smooth Soopafly beat. Snoop slows it down, Technique then speeds it up, Snoop slows it down again. Kurupt gives a good chorus to match Snoop but there is no set tempo to the song. Snoop and Technique didn’t match well on this one.

11. My Favorite Color ft. Big Hutch – Production: Big Hutch

Hutch lays down a G-Funk beat but it still lacks something. Hutch’s verse matches his beat. Snoop does allright over the beat but you get the feeling the other members of Above the Law should step in and save the track. Tight chorus.

12. Me and My Doggs ft. Technique – Production: LT Hutton/Snoop

This beat is crazy, but oh wait, that’s because we already know it from tha Doggfather album when it was already a tight track. Recycled track gives us nothing we already haven’t heard. Unfortunetly, it’s also one of the best songs on this album.

Overall this album makes you wonder about the value of the infamous Death Row vaults. Did someone accidentely grab the discard bin? The best track “Head Doctor” would also be the worst track on “Doggystyle” or average on “Tha Doggfather”. The beats are average, the lyrics decent at best. Album is short, 12 tracks, be thankful for that.

Rating 2/5

Sticky Fingaz – [Blacktrash] The Autobiography of Kirk Jones

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

Onyx member Sticky Fingaz (real name Kirk Jones) released his first solo album in 2001 on Universal Records. The concept of the album was to showcase the life of fictional charecter Kirk Jones:

1. Intro

Sets the stage to the album concept with the Universal Pictures “Feature Presentation” sound. Skit explains Kirk Jones being released from prison. He shows up at an old homies house and they decide to head out to celebrate.

2. Come On – Production: Self

One of the best tracks on the album, it’s a grimy hardcore pump you up style track. The sound brings you into the club with Kirk Jones. “Oh you ain’t know/ Sticky Fingaz went solo” are the first words on the album and sets the stage for the griminess of the album. Lyrics are straight fire, production is bangin. In the track Kirk runs into an old beef, he tries to get his boy to back him but the friend won’t. He instead gives Kirk Jones a gun.

3. My Dogz Iz My Gunz – Production: Joe Naughty

A track about guns being a man’s best friend, after his boy won’t back him outside the club. Black Child lays down a nice verse to complement the dark track.

4. Not Die’n – Production: Self

After the beef outside the club, Kirk Jones is shot. He refuses to go out like that and feels invincible in the track. Nice track with hard lyrics, the song also brings you into the mindstate of Kirk Jones. Bangin hard track.

5. Kirk Jones Conscience

Omar Epps narrates the flow of thought through the mind of Kirk Jones while he smokes some weed 2 weeks after the shooting. It blends into a skit of Kirk finding his place robbed on Christmas Eve.

6. Money Talks ft. Raekwon – Production: Rockwilder

This track is being told in the first person from the view of money itself. Raekwon drops a perfect guest appearance. The song really makes you think, great beat, nice lyrics. One of the album’s shining moments.

7. Why? ft. X1 and Still Livin – Production: DJ Scratch

Kirk Jones purchases a gun and catches up with an old friend. Song itself is their conversation about the old days. Kirk convinces him to give him a ride but gets him to be a getaway driver in a jewelry store robbery. During getaway, they crash and his boy dies. Not the greatest sounding track, but the most important one to the concept of the album. The meaning makes up for any missteps in the track.

8. Oh My God – Production: Sticky Fingaz/Self

Kirk’s conscience catches up with him and he questions life in the track. God answers all his questions. A tight track with deep meaning, lyrics and production. Has a weak chorus, but intentional as it reflects the mindframe of Kirk Jones at the moment. Kirk gets arrested.

9. State vs. Kirk Jones ft. Canibus, Rah Digga and Redman – Production: Nottz

Rah Digga plays the judge, Canibus the prosecutor and Redman the defense. One of, if not the best track on the album. All verses run perfectly together and gives you the entire court proceedings. Canibus shines on this. Kirk Jones found guilty.

10. Kirk Jones Conscience 2

Omar Epps again plays Kirk’s mind. This time Kirk contemplates his choices that brought him to jail, and the people he left behind.

11. Baby Brother ft. Dave Hollister – Production: DJ Scratch

Kirk places a call to his younger brother trying to talk him out of the route he himself chose. Nice production, soulful chorus to reflect his heartfelt plea to his brother who is in the everyday struggle. Call turns ugly.

12. Cheatin – Production: Rockwilder

Kirks girl visits him in prison. While he thought she was holding it down for him, she has other news. The spiral continues for Kirk Jones. An angry track about cheating. Tight production and lyrics.

13. What Chu Want ft. X1 – Production: Buddah

Track about everything Kirk Jones wanted in life that took him to prison. Nice flows by Sticky and X1 as they mention everything you could ever want. “Want to beg Makaveli to come back from the dead” for example. Tight track.

14. Ghetto ft. Petey Pablo – Production: Spyda Man

After 10 years locked up Kirk is released from prison only to find he isn’t welcome back in the streets after everything he did. This track is mad hilarious, the comic relief to a dark album. It plays off Jeff Foxworthy’s redneck bit, except about being ghetto. Funny track with tight lyrics and production.

15. What If I Was White ft. Eminem – Production: Damon Elliot

Kirk Jones robs someone looking for a drug deal. This track is another bit of comic relief to a album filled with a dark struggle. Hilarious lyrics and Eminem adlibs the chorus and background. One of the top tracks easily.

16. Sister I’m Sorry ft. Choclatt – Production: Big D Evans

Kirk gets into big argument with his girl. After she makes a crack about his now dead brother he hits her. The track is very reminiscent of 2Pac’s “Keep Ya Head Up”. He talks about women being strong and apoligizes for all the evils men do. Good chorus. Excellent track.

17. Get It Up ft. Fredro Starr – Production: DJ Scratch

Kirk robs and kills another store owner. 1st single off the album. Hard lyrics, banging beats, the video for the track is off the chain and it explains at that point Kirk is running from the cops. Another killer track.

18. Kirk Jones Conscience 3

Third installment of self reflection narrated by Omar Epps. This time around, Kirk relfects going back to jail, but this time he’d rather die.

19. Licken Off In HipHop ft. Columbo

Production: Punch – A dual meaning in this song. Sticky Fingaz making his hustle off the rap game, Kirk Jones off the streets. A personal reflection on the two roads he could have chosen in his life. He chose being Sticky Fingaz in real life. Kirk Jones is what he would have been without rap. Nice flow, but production could be better. Makes you think.

20. Wonderful World

Police find Kirk. Instead of firing at the cops, he turns it on himself. Game over. Sticky butchers Louis Armstong’s “Wonderful World”, but that’s the point. Life is hard.

From concept to delivery this album scores big. It tells the tragic story of Kirk Jones and the harshness of life. The album follows the story perfectly and the concept not altered. The guest rappers all play their parts in the story perfectly. The production never skips a beat. It’s basically a rap musical and it’s pulled off nicely. In just over an hour Sticky Fingaz delivers an epic Hollywood dreams of. In a time where albums follow no idea and are filled with fillers you wish more would follow Sticky’s lead. Even the booklet itself lends a hand to the album. The story is illustrated in pictures in the credits. While it says “movie coming soon” we can safely assume it isn’t happening due to lackluster sales. A damn shame it would make the album rap’s greatest movie soundtrack. Be sure to check out Sticky’s thank you’s, where he philsophizes for a minute. Either the man is crazy or a mad genius.

In the end the album was highly slept on but cannot be considered any less than it is. Classic.

4.5 out of 5.

NER*D – In Search Of…

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

Before I start, it must be pointed out that there are two versions of this album. Although both have the same songs, they are very different albums. The one I am reviewing is the re-released version, which came out in 2002 on Virgin Records. The picture above is for illustration only and is not the cover for this album, but the older version.

N*E*R*D consists of three members – Shay, Chad Hugo and Pharell Williams, the latter two making up the hit production team ‘The Neptunes’. The name Neptunes may automatically put many listeners off – they are not liked by all, but stick with this album, it doesn’t disappoint.

The original version of the album was released in 2001, and had the signature ‘Neptunes’ sound throughout. In my opinion, the album had highlights, but was no more than average. Album sales reflected this poor quality, and so the artists went back into the studio. The result is this new re-released version. With the same album title, tracks, guest appearances and lyrics – what has changed?

The only thing that is different is the production. On this version, all music and sounds are played by live instruments. This helps take away the familiar Neptunes sounds and turn this album into a very solid release. You would be amazed at the difference in quality between the two releases, and although this version has a more of a ‘rock’ feel to it (due to real drums and guitars being used), it never loses its hip hop and rap roots.

Lyrics are sung and rapped mostly by Pharell who does a good job throughout. Guest appearances include Vita, Kelis, Clipse and Lee Harvey. It is hard on this version to pull out any highlights as the whole album is banging from start to finish, but some people will have heard of ‘Lapdance’, ‘Provider’ and ‘Rock Star’. These in my opinion are not the hottest tracks on the album.

I was suprised how much I liked this version, as the production is closer to rock/Indie than the original release, but it compliments the songs well.

Don’t ignore this album just because you are not Neptunes fans. This is completely out of character than the usual stuff they do, and will be listened to for years to come – unlike some of their production.

Not everyone will like this album though. Steer clear if you are after top class lyrics (there’s nothin special lyrical-wise), steer clear if you detest live instrumentation, and steer clear if the thought of Pharell singing makes you cringe.

However what you do have here is an easy-listening album which you can just slap on and leave playing as there are no filler tracks here. I wouldn’t buy the version you see illustrated at the top of the page, but this 2002 re-release comes highly recommended – certainly one of the highlights of 2002.

Score = 4/5

DJ Quik – Under The Influence

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

This album was released by Quik in 2002, a little before dropping his Greatest Hits. I think DJ Quik is massively underrated both as a rapper and producer, despite consistantly dropping quality albums throughout his career.

1. Tha Proem (feat. Hi-c, Talib Kweli, Shyheim)

This first track doesn’t feature Quik at all, although like the whole album, it is produced by him. Good intoduction to the album with some nice guest appearances.

2. Trouble (feat. Amg)

A superb track, and one which still grows on me the more I hear it. The pairing of quik and amg is as good as ever. This song flows well, with simple yet effective production.

3. Come 2nyte (feat. Truth hurts)

Another decent track, although I think the production on this one is too similar to a lot of Quik’s other stuff. Truth Hurts sings the hook, and makes a good job of it.

4. Put it on me (feat Dr. Dre)

This is what happens when the west coasts premier producers hook up. Excellent production (produced/mixed by dre), and some good verses and a catchy chorus. It has to be said that DJ Quik somewhat outshines Dre on the mic on this one.

5. Murda 1 case (feat. KK, Chukey, Pharoahe Monch)

Not a bad track at all, but you may skip over this one a little. A nice piano on the production, with Quik’s new reggae artist Chukey on the hook. Pharoahe Monch comes as tight as ever.

6. Ev’ryday (feat. Hi-c, James Debarge)

Some pretty innovative production which bounces along and becomes catchy. This track was skipped over a fair bit when I first copped the album, but is now certainly one of my favourites. Check out the chorus. Quik’s choruses are usually excellent, this is no exception.

7. Get Loaded (feat Amg)

An ok track (another good chorus carries the song somewhat), but again I think this sounds too much like an old reworked track in terms and does nothing special for me.

8. Gina Statuatorre (feat. Chuckey)

A fairly decent track which see’s Quik and Chuckey rapping and singing about a girl who is underage, but continues to flirt and tease older men – who if give in have to face the consequences. The typical funny and ‘cheeky’ lyrics of Quik are complimented by Chuckey’s regga influence.

9. 50 Ways (feat Wanya Morris)

A suprisingly serious track for Quik, who tackles issues of life, death, his career etc, with Morris from Boyz II Men handlin the chorus. Despite being an unusual kind of song for him to do, it works well and doesn’t seem out of place. The use of the military style drum loop is effective. And is that a subliminal diss to Suge Knight on there, or simply satan himself? The jury is out.

10. Quik’s Groove 6

The mandatory quik groove, like the title suggests, the sixth one. These tracks are instumental only, and serve to show DJ Quiks all-round musical ability. Although not the best one he’s ever done, there’s certainly nothing wrong with having a break from hip-hop to listen to a bit of jazz – this fits the bill.

11. Get tha money (feat. Suga Free)

The famous pimp rapper suga free has this track to himself, and sticks to his usual flow and style. Not a bad track, but nothing special.

12. One on 1

It’s debateable, but this is the best track on the album. If there was one track to stir up the emotions with a lady friend, its this. Very sexy track, El Debarge does some excellent background vocals, and Quik keeps Roger Troutmans legacy alive with the talkbox on the chorus. The only problem I have with this song is its only 3 minutes long.

13. Sex Crymee

Quik lives up to his name on this one, spitting some pretty fast verses. Good production and a solid track.

14. Birdz and da beez (feat. Hi-c, Amg)

It’s all down to personal taste but I’ve never been a fan of this track. No real flow to the production, and a horrible chorus doesn’t help matters. Possibly the weakest song on the album.

15. Oh well

Another solid decent track, although the high-pitched tune can get annoying. The talk-box helps this song out, and is not a bad finish to the album

Hidden tracks:

Leave the last track running and the outro will appear – an instrumental, featuring some nice production. Bit pointless but nonetheless better than nothing. After this has finished, leave the cd running again to hear a brief message from Quik, giving shoutouts and thanking you for the purchase. How nice of him!

Another solid release from Mr Quik, one which any west coast fan should not be without. Again this album highlights DJ Quiks abilities both as a rapper and a producer. This is not as good as his Rhythm-al-ism album in my opinion, but will certainly not disappoint. There is talk that this may be his last album. Lets hope not.

Total mark for album 4/5

Fiend – Street Life

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

This was Fiend’s second album on No Limit, and his third solo album overall. This album is different from the typical of No Limit records productions. The producers here Beats by the Pound delivered some tight original beats mixed with blues and rock.

1. Intro

2. The rock show

The album starts off with a nice rock sample over a tight hard-hitting beat. Fiend is dropping a tight verse with a lot of energy. Great start to kick off an album.

3. Talk it how I bring it

I think this is the only single of the album. In my opinion they picked the wrong track. The beat is average, the only thing that saves it is the catchy hook. I don’t even think the song fit in with the rest of the album.

4. War 4 reason

KLC starts talking then the beat kicks in. It got that raw sound with some nice drums in the background. Fiend comes raw and the hook is tight.

5. Get in 2-it feat Mia X

This is one of the hardest beats I’ve ever heard. If you got a tight system bump this track with high volume. The bass is just crazy, and as always Fiend is dropping heat. Mia X is dropping a tight verse too. Very tight song.

6. Ak`n bad feat Skull Duggrey & Mystikal

This track got a hard kind of dark and raw beat. Both fiend and Skull is dropping some good verses. But when Mystikal is dropping his verses you know who the star is.

7. Heart of a ghetto boy

Fiend goes deep and makes you want to listen to what he is saying. I love the hook too. I also liked the way he used a blues felling on the beat. The track is good and very deep.

8. Trip to London feat Kage

I don’t understand what he means with the song title, and don’t know who Kage is. But it’s a good song. The hook is the best on the song .The raps are just average. But the song should be a bit longer.

9. The truth is

This track got a good beat and the hook is tight. I like this track cause Fiend is dropping some serious shit to a girl, the song is’t the normal pimp shit it’s deeper than that.

10. Been thru it all feat Magic

This song got a rock beat to it. If u like rock samples you will love this song, because everything else is on point.

11. Mr. Whomp Whomp

This should have been the first single. The track got a tight party beat to it and a catchy hook to match it up. They couldn’t go wrong with this song as a single its perfect to play in the club.

12. I was placed here feat Holloway of Ghetto Commission

Holloway and his group Ghetto Commission are very underrated. Holloway is dropping a very tight verse here. Fiend comes next and does well too. The beat is very nice. The hook could be better though.

13. I’m losing my mind

Fiend flows very well over this beat and the hook is tight too. Overall a good song.

14. They don’t hear me

This is some hard shit. Fiend brings a lot of energy to this track, the only setback is that the track should been a bit longer.

15. If they don’t know

This song got a tight beat and fiend flows well over it. But it’s only about a one minute long; it’s too bad because it could have been a very tight song.

16. Walk that line

Wack track could and should have been left out.

17. Waiting on god

I love the beat here its very deep and raw. Fiend comes with some deep lyrics; the hook is very well done. It’s my favorite song on this album.

Overall it’s a very impressive album. Fiend is very talented he can cover all areas in the rappin game. From making deep tracks to make us get crunk, or some straight street shit. It’s too bad that this album wasn’t promoted right because he was one of No Limits best artists. The problem with the album is that some songs are too short and some tracks just didn’t fit in, but I recommend you to check it out. I give it 4 of 5 Stars.

Trick Daddy – Thugs R Us

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

The Miami rapper Trick Daddy hasn’t been one of my favourite rappers during the years, but a lil trip to the Dirty South made me change my mind. That’s also where I got this album from…

1. Intro

2. I’m a thug

I like the production of this track, and the chorus are cool too. Trick Daddy’s saying he’s a thug. Tight track right here. Good way to start the album.

3. Where U From (feat. Trina & Duece Poppi)

Trick Daddy, Trina and Duece Poppi’s representing where he’s from and other places I guess. Persionaly, I like this track. That could be very affected by the fact that I used to stay at one of those places. Trick’s representing and if he’s representing where you’re at, you’ll love this song. If not, you’ll probably like it anyway.

4. Noodle

This production may be loved by some, but I’m not feeling it. It’s ok tho. It’s a nice track to put on on the after party when you’re lighting up that last one tho. Trick Daddy’s lifting this track.

5. Take it to da house (feat. Slip-N-Slide Express)

Definitely a party track with a cool hook. You might not be stunned by the lyrical capacity of the guests on this song, but they’re ok. If you play this track at a party you’ll definitely enjoy it.

6. Trump in the trunk (Skit)

7. Can’t ***** with the south (feat. J.V.)

Sure the other coasts can ***** with the south, but Trick’s doing a very good attempt to claim that the dirty south owns the game. This is a realy tight track with tight lyrics, tight hook and tight production. Definitely one of my favourite cuts on this cd.

8. Survivin’ tha drought (feat. Duece Poppi)

This track is kinda weird. The production is mellow, but the raps are kinda raw. Not one of my favourite songs on this album.

9. Pull over (remix) (feat. Trina, Kase & Duece Poppi)

If you like the original version of this track, I’m sure you’ll like this one too. It’s an up tempo beat with cool lyrics to it. A party track.

10. Have my cheese (feat. J.V. & Money Mark)

I don’t know if I should love or hate the production on this track. It sounds kinda wack at first, but then when the hook shoots in I’m feeling it. It’s still not one of the better tracks on this album tho.

11. Bricks & Marijuana (feat. Kase)

I haven’t heard much from Kase, but he’s wack on this song. He ruins it. The production is ok at most, so this track is a “skippable” track.

12. N Word (feat. Tre+6 & Duece Poppi)

Yeah we know you use the N word, Trick. You didn’t have to do a wackass song about it.

13. 99 problems (feat. Tre+6)

99 problems but a ***** aint one… The production on this track is ok but the lyrics are kinda wack.

14. For all my ladies (feat. Trina)

Wow. A few wack tracks are followed up by this tight ass track! And an other tight assed rapper is on it – Trina. She’s coming out really well on this one. Actually, Trick Daddy isn’t even on this one!

15. The hotness (feat. Society)

I’m actually feeling this cut. I’m probably one of the few tho… Not much of a production and the lyrics aren’t all that either. I’m feeling the beat, tho.

16. Somebody shoulda told ya (feat. Migraine)

What the ****! I thought this was a Trick Daddy album! He hasn’t appeared a lot on these past tracks at all! This track has ok production and wack flow.

17. Amerika

Slow jam. Tight. You’ll definitely feel this track. Trick Daddy’s criticising the government… All in all a good song.

18. Duece Poppi snippits (Bonus)

A lil promotion for the upcoming star of Slip-N-Slide – Duece Poppi. Sounds cool… but has nothing to do with this album.

This album has its ups and downs. Personally I was feeling a lot of the tracks, but that could be because I’ve heard it at a lot of parties etc. The best songs are really tight, but the others are kinda wack.
I give this album 2.5 out of 5 stars.