Daz Dillinger – Retaliation Revenge & Get Back

Posted on February 27, 2013 by WWC

Artist: Daz Dillinger¨
Title: Retaliation Revenge And Get Back
Lable: Death Row
Year: 1998

1. Gang Banging Ass Criminal (feat. Tray Dee, Soopafly, Kurupt, Bad Azz and Technique)

Great way to kick off the album. What a track. Basically features the whole Dogg Pound posse. Great production here. Perfect to freestyle over. Everyone for the most part is correct with their verses but Technique easily steals the show. Probably his best verse ever.

Technique: “The same thing, different place With snakes, cowards and strong grown Robbery cases, niggas faces On paperchase It was seen, it was written It ain’t forbidden For homies to be splittin’ Disagree, no one was hitten Known with the curls The many obstacles Impressions to the feet from gettin’ served”

2. It’s Going Down (feat. Kurupt)

Nice track. The production is good but after a while it get’s too repetitive. Daz and Kurupt both spit great verses. Nice chorus as well.

3. Playa Partners (feat. B-Legit)

Definently a favorite of mine. The track features Bay Area vet B-Legit. I love the production here. Nice bouncy G Funk. Both Daz and B-Legit are nice on this track. I wish they would work together more often.

4. It Might Sound Crazy (feat. Too $hort)

Classic track. One of the singles from the album. Basically a pimp song about females. Good track overall. Too Short and Daz make a great duo.

5. Our Daily Bread (feat. Kurupt)

Tight track from Daz and Kurupt aka Tha Dogg pound. The beat here sounds oddly familiar to 50 Cent’s “In Da Club”. Both and Kurupt spit great verses on the song. Surprisingly Daz outshines Kurupt.

Daz: “Revolved around forty-four niggaz for the rep Sweat the whole block with the Mack-90, automatic semi-tech Now the whole shit is respected Slowly but surely homies catching death wishes, and laugh You’re trying to catch a check you can’t cash I do, for the rapper the name and for the hood that I claim After the kill, it’s remains the same”

6. In Califonia (feat. Val Young)

The first single from the album. Definently a classic track. Daz flows over the bouncy beat nicely with is trademark style. Daz definently does California justice with this one. Val Young adds to an already great song with a smooth chorus.

7. Initiated (feat. 2pac, Outlawz and Kurupt)

Definently a hot track. Kurupt starts off the track with some crazy battle rhymes.

Kurupt: “For real I got it bought you the blue steel cowards hit the panic button thinkin’ that it was what it wadn’t shit’s hectic the bomb Vietnam rhyme Don with the semi-auto fracture your torso to ya spine the back cracker smack you with my verbals & graphic grammar My verbal murder strech from Alaska to Alabama”

Up next is Pac and The Outlawz. Pac’s verse is pretty good but Fatal totally outshines him and The rest of The Outalwz. Daz is last and his verse is nice, basically spitting gangsta stuff.

8. Oh No (feat. Tray Dee and J-Money)

Nice track. Like a lot of songs on the album it’s mostly about gangsta stuff and shit on the streets. The first verse by Daz is lethal, and it’s directed at all his enemies. J-Money is next and he spits a nice verse. And as usual Tray Dee lays down a hard ass verse.

9. Retaliation Revenge And Get Back

One of the few solo joints on the album. Daz comes off nicely on this. He flows perfect with the beat. Pretty angry track for the most part. The production is what really keeps you listening.

10. O.G (feat. Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg)

Classic G Funk track right here. Definently a good track to ride to. The production is perfect here. Definently reminisent of 1994. Snoop’s first verse is classic. He raps about his first time getting arrested. Nate Dogg is really smooth on this track too.

11. Baby Mama Drama (fea. Lil C Style and Big C Style)

This is a song about how Daz’s ex-girl is filing child support to get his money and support her and her current boyfriend. Both Daz and Lil C Style come off really nice on this track. It was a little odd hearing Big C Style on the chorus, but he did a great job.

12. Only For You (feat. Val Young)

Really nice track. Daz raps about falling in love with a good girl. That’s not something your gonna hear often from Daz. Daz’s storytelling is nice and he flows well with the smooth production. Val Young is simply awesome on the chorus as well. She truly has a gifted voice.

13. Riding High (feat. WC)

This track features West Side Connection member WC. Good track. I really like the production. Soopafly is great as always on the piano. Daz’s verse is so-so, but WC comes off nicely.

14. The Ultimate Come Up (feat. MC Eiht and Bad Azz)

This is a great track. It has one hard ass beat. Definently a lot of bass. Daz’s first verse is about him and everything on his block. Bad azz’s verse is nice too. I love Eiht’s verse. He flows really nice with the beat.

15. Thank God For My Life (feat. Tray Dee and Bad Azz)

More of an introspective track from Daz and Tha Gang. The track is about trying to do right in life, even though life is hard. Daz also sings the chorus. It’s actually pretty good. I wish their were a few more tracks like this on the album.

16. Outro ‘Why Do We Bang’

Just the outro. Daz shouts out Death Row.

Overall rating: 4.5/5. Could possibly be Daz’s finest album. I would definitely recommend this album to any rap fan, especially if you like the DPGs. Daz is a very talented rapper and producer. Definently an album you should have in your collection.

Mobb Deep – Amerikaz Nightmare

Posted on February 27, 2013 by WWC

Mobb Deep first blew in the early-mid 90’s. Hip Hop fans loved their chemistry, Havoc’s dark, grimey production fit perfectly with Prodigy’s strictly gutter style. Since then, their music slowly evolves every time they put out an album, from their original dark shit to more piano-laced, to this.

Amerika’z Nightmare

The title track starts off the album here. The beat is constructed from guitar riffs and a snare that seems too high. The shit that annoys me, though is the constant windy sound in the background. Prodigy’s verses here aren’t his usual illy, and Havoc’s is tpically nothin special. Neither is the hook. (Poor)

Win or Lose

This is the first real deviation from the classic Mobb sound. Over a Jigga-ish, lavish-livin type (think of Annie) beat with horns and shit, and a sample of a woman crooning on the hook late 80’s/early 90’s “romance song” style, seems like a toast to the high life but it’s really about hustlin, doesn’t really fit. The verses are aight, again P’s better den Hav’s. (Decent)

Flood the Block

The beat here is really hard to describe, but it gets type annoying after a while and it’s distracting. There’s some type of buzzing sound in the background that really does it. Havoc actually leads off here. Prodigy’s verse is much better. (Decent)

Dump ft. Nate Dogg

A more urgent “action” beat with a crazy fast violin with a complex snare. Prodigy leads off, finally coming with his sick style, followed by Havoc trying his best…but what was Nate thinking with this hook? The hook god is good until the end of every hook, that monotonous “dump dump dump” throws the whole shit off. (Good)

Got it Twisted

You can’t tell me you ain’t heard this recently. The Mobb’s first club banger (I think ever), and it’s not a bad first try. The beat is more like the older style den the previous tracks, it’s pretty good. My only problem is the subpar verses. (Decent)

When You Hear The

AIGHT finally back towards typical M-O-B-B. Prolly cuz Alchemist produced this joint. The beat is annoying as hell, some type of discordant piano with a cheap horror movie horn thing. Sounds more suited to OutKast. P’s verses are nice, tho. (Decent)

Real Niggaz ft. I-20

Really 70’s style beat, Havoc comes on and raps a long, decent first verse. Prodigy comes on after and doesn’t do much better. HATE the hook, deep-voiced motha*****in I-20 (DTP) rumbling almost incoherently. (Poor)

Shorty Wop

Hav n P are startin to scare me. This track is odd to say the least, it’s almost like G-Funk NY style. Listen to hear what I mean. Not that it’s a bad beat, it’s good. But the hook, is just *****in strange, and P’s verse isn’t in his style at all. Track really throws you off if you’re not expecting it. (Good [but *****in odd])

On the Run

I really ain’t feelin this beat, at all. Shit is sloppy, chaotic and just doesn’t fit. On a high note Prodigy’s verse is some illy multies shit, but really that’s the only redeeming quality about the track. (Poor)

Throw Yo Hands

Here’s the Kanye produced joint ehbody been talkin about. It’s a pretty good beat, creative in a good way, wit guitars and a bumpin drum track. As you listen to it it grows on you. Prodigy’s verse is some good shit, too. Even Hav has a good appearance. (Great)

One of Ours pt 2 ft. Jadakiss

This is a beat I can feel. The snare is fast as HELL, can’t figure why, but otherwise it’s a pretty good beat. Jada spits his fire, does his thing for basically the whole song with Hav on the chorus. (Great)

Get Me ft. Littles, Noyd

Seems to sample Raekwon’s classic song Criminology, slightly sped up with a weak, shuffley snare but backed up by a thumpin base..not really feelin it. The verses are good here, notably Littles’. (Good)

Real Gangstaz ft. Lil John

Irrefutable proof that Lil John does not belong tryinna make dark beats and Mobb doesn’t belong on a crunk song. The beat is kinda disorienting, while you’re tryinna listen to Prodigy’s good verse, this construct of whistles and one deep, repeated piano chord is distracting you. It gets old and annoying pretty quickly. Best part about the song, besides P’s verse is the hook, REALLY not feeling Lil John come on and give instructions for the clubbers. (Poor)

Never Change

A more interesting, better sound for the Infamous M; almost like they’re rhymin on a Pete Rock beat. It’s not a bad beat and it seems to fit the track pretty well. The hook is unimaginative, but Prodigy comes nice. (Good)

We Up

The beat here is heavily piano-laced with not much of a snare, but still a good beat. Prodigy laces it with a nice first verse, his next one is aight; Havoc comes next, his verse is of course nothin special. (Good)

Got it Twisted Remix ft. Twista

Don’t like this one as much as the original. Same beat, same hook, but this time Prodigy’s verse is subpar and Twista’s not on his usual level, one of the slowest verses I’ve ever heard him spit and he’s not even that nice on this cut. (Poor)

Bustin ya Hammer

I really feel this beat. It’s flutey, has a kind of Native American tribal/chanting flavor. For once I like the hook, verses aren’t good, aren’t bad. (Good)

We Don’t Love Em

Some type of smooth, jazzy lounge beat. Real smooth, feelin it. One of the ‘woman *****in’ songs that has to be on every hip hop album after 97. P’s flow is sicc, lyrical tip is cool too. Not feelin the hook/bridge at the end, another monotonous hook that makes me ready to smash Hav in the face. Not really the perfect way to end the album. (Decent)

My Rating: 2.5/5

This album really disappointed me. I know Mobb is jus tryinna try a new style, but it’s really not workin for em, but a few really hardcore supporters of the Infamous like these joints. You could say something was wrong with almost every track, or you could say every track sucked but had redeeming qualities.

My Recommendation: D/L this and form your own opinions on it, if you like it cop it, if you only feel a couple joints keep those.

Young Buck – Straight Outta Ca$hville

Posted on February 27, 2013 by WWC

Young Buck. G-Unit’s first Southern member and probably the least “lyrical,” Buck is–like most Southern artists–all about the flow, jewels, hoes, and as indicated by his album’s title, ca$h. Since the G-Unit group album, hip hop heads have increasingly embraced him, and the G-Unit soldier hopes the fame will help sell his album (if not that, then the G-Unit imprint on his CD case will, at least).

1) I’m a Soldier ft. 50 Cent

Bangin, horn-laced southern production has 50 on one of his trademark catchy (but if you listen to it, kinda wack) hooks. Buck doesn’t dissappoint, spittin hard and pretty good verses. (Good)

2) Do It Like Me

This beat sounds like a rugged and almost West Coast beat, laced wit organs like Gangsta Nation. His hook is catchy, his verses are pretty good but not fire. (Good)

3) Let Me In

The first single, I’m sure y’all’s already heard it. A chaotic pots-and-pans, guitar chord beat. Buck spits some wack lines and a few good ones; his hook is catchy as usual, but the beat clearly steals the show. (Decent)

4) Look At Me Now ft. Denaun Porter

A homely organ & violin/fiddle laced beat (think Nappy Roots) is pretty good, with Denaun singing a soulful hook sounding like Jazze Pha. Buck spits about coming up, but his verses aren’t that great (“rappers wanna be suge?”). As on the last track, the beat isn’t enough to make the track quality. (Poor)

5) Welcome to the South ft. Lil Flip, David Banner

A grimey, cheesey violin and hard-kicks beat I’m not really feelin. Back with his southern peers, Buck goes back to spitting wack shit. Banner comes on and spits some more bad shit while tryinna be a Canibus soundalike wannabe. Flip has the best verse on the track, his ain’t bad but it’s not that great (typical Flip). (Horrible)

6) Prices On My Head ft. Lloyd Banks, D-Tay

Beat is much better, a string beat with hard kicks. Buck’s first verse is pretty good, and his D-Tay-assisted hook is nice. Lloyd Banks spits the best verse on the track, but it lacks substance, and for him it’s nothing spectacular. Buck’s second verse isn’t bad either. (Decent)

7) Bonafide Huslter ft. 50 Cent, Tony Yayo

The beat is smooth, sounds like a beat off GRODT, and 50’s hook is smooth. 50 rhymes with his usual so/so-ness, some concepts are cool but his lines suck. Buck’s verse is the same, he uses that same tired rhyme-by-numbers style where only the last word rhymes. Yayo’s not bad, his concepts are sick but he doesn’t seem to flip em right. (Decent)

8) Shorty Wanna Ride

Beat sounds like a slightly warped version of a Nelly summer joint, definitely meant to be a summer popper. Buck’s verses are…eh, the topics suck, the only thing that’s meant to catch attention is the beat and hook. At least it succeeds where it tries to, I can see it becoming a big club banger. (Good)

9) Bang Bang

I LOVE this beat. Beat and hook are sampled off an old song, Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me) by Nancy Sinatra, which you might’ve heard in Kill Bill. Buck flows off this shit perfectly, his verses are aight but he pours his heart out. (Great)

10) Thou Shall

A soulful beat sees Buck spit heartfelt but not that proficient verses, with a good, emotional hook. (Decent)

11) Black Gloves

An epic-sounding action game beat with whiny guitar chords is great. Buck flows off this also great, doing what he does best. The only letdown is his typically nothing-special verses. (Decent)

12) Stomp ft. TI, Ludacris

A dirty south beat that just makes you wanna fight someone. Good shit. Buck spits some boring shit about the same ol same ol (dro, 24’s, hoes, ass, cash, ice, fights). The song is funny as ***** for one reason: TI and Luda take shots at each other, ON THE TRACK. TI’s verse is ok but he lets off the line “Me gettin beat down/that’s Ludacris;” Luda spits the best verse on the track, makes it worth listenin to just for his part, with the most aggression I’ve ever seen from him; his subs toward TI are more obvious (cuz you worth a couple hunned grand and I’m worth millions; stay off the “T-I”-P of my dick). (Great)

13) Taking Hits ft. D-Tay

An action movie-ish beat, Buck and D rhyme unmemorable lines, but they are on the same page lyrically, so it’s a good collab joint, and near the end D-Tay’s flow steps up crazily when he starts to go fast (but he only does it for a few lines). (Decent)

14) Walk With Me ft. Stat Quo

The beat is banging, with a shuffling snare and a lady wailing opera-style in the background. Buck is typical, I almost begin to just tone his words out at this point. Stat’s verse is much better, gettin onto the multies in the beginning, but near the end he starts to go monotone as well. And he has one of the most annoying Southern voices I’ve ever heard. (Decent)

My Rating: 2/5

Buck is clever. He has good ideas, things to say, but he can never seem to get it across in a sicc verse. His style is straightforward, basic and kinda sloppy; only the last word or two of every line will rhyme, and he fits a rhyme in wherever he can. All this combines to make Buck very inconsistent. The album has him showing his “skills,” such as they are; you end up just listening to the beat, and that can get boring as hell.

My Recommendation: D/l it and sort through the tracks, keep your fav’s. Or have a friend burn you a mix with only the ones you like.

Shyne – Godfather Buried Alive

Posted on February 21, 2013 by WWC

At the moment of this review, Shyne Po is Hip-Hop’s most wanted. Originally a Bad Boy-signee, Shyne’s first CD suffered in sales because Po was labeled a Biggie sound-alike. But after being incarcerated just as his career was taking off, Shyne blows up his rep by revealing a deal with Def Jam, a possible appeal and an album of songs recorded right before his sentencing. All this combined, plus his increasingly noticed back-and-forth with 50 Cent, has made all his fans jump out the woodwork.

1) Buried Alive Intro

Shyne over the phone, telling fans to have faith in him.

2) Quasi OG

A dope-as-hell beat with guitar strings and strums has Po rhyme about how the industry says he’s too thug or dark, and his childhood. The track has the feel that he’s pouring his heart out, and his verses are pretty damn good. (Great)

3) More or Less

Another guitar-filled beat, with a woman wailing opera-style in the background. Shyne spits crazy, grimey verses (love the line ‘I sound like who? Yall sound like trash/’). The only letdown really is Foxy’s too-thick, disgustingly deep voice on the hook. (Good)

4) Behind the Walls (Eastcoast Gangsta Mix) ft. Kurupt, Nate Dogg

A remix of Kurupt and Nate’s joint. Kurupt, as usual spits damn good verses and Nate’s hook is his usual smoothness. Shyne comes in and lays good rhymes, as well. (Great)

5) Shyne

Lovin this joint, a string beat laid by Swizz Beatz. Shyne tells the haters to go ***** themselves, borrowing various lines and twisting them, and just generally coming hard as hell. Love the assisted hook, Shyne rhyming and a woman singing “Shyyyyyne…” (Great)

6) For the Record

A clearer, better-qual version of Shyne’s diss to 50 Cent from jail, explaining how 50 sucks and tried to get Shyne to join G-Unit. (Good)

7) Martyr

A very deep record, Shyne spits sick, sick verses to an echoey, heartfelt beat, questioning life. Kinda a really good version of Jada’s “why.” Probably my favorite cut on the album. (Excellent)

8) Jimmy Choo ft. Ashanti

A club banger produced by Irv Gotti, who probably wishes he’d discovered and signed Shyne instead of Ja Rule. This is a look at what Murder Inc could be if Rule was replaced with Po, and it sounds damn good. Shyne spits illness with Ashanti singing a great hook over one of Gotti’s best beats. (Excellent)

9) Godfather

A track with a darker, simpler string beat, where Shyne raps some good shit about people trying to get his spot. (Great)

10) The Gang ft. Foxy Brown

Over a beat that sounds only slightly different (less layered) than that of Raekwon’s Verbal Intercourse w/ Nas and Ghostface, Shyne rhymes pretty good verses about gangsta and hustlin. Foxy comes on with a pretty good verse at the end, too, but really the only thing special about this track is the beat–and that’s bitten. (Good)

11) Edge

Po over a great, darkish Just Blaze-style beat, spitting about being pushed to the edge. Parts of it sound like a diss to 50 (keep it real dogg, you dyin to be me), but he doesn’t say the name. (Great)

12) Here With Me

A bouncier, more West Coast-sounding almost G-Funk beat gives Shyne rhyme some good verses about lost homies and those who’ve stuck by him. (Great)

13) Diamonds and Mac-10’s

Runner up for my fav cut. Just Blaze laces a horn and piano-intensive beat that sounds like something at the end of a really long action movie where the hero wins; great choice for the last track. Shyne spits deep, personal, sicc lines over it as well. (Excellent)

My Rating: 4.5/5

One of the greatest albums of the year, from someone behind bars. The album has few failing points, and those aren’t very disappointing, and it showcases Po’s ability without too many guest appearances but keeping it fresh. Credit for this goes to the producers as much as Shyne himself, as some of the beats were redone after he was jailed, and the producers did a damn good job of building beats around his vocals.

My Recommendation: Buy it. At this moment, Shyne seems to be perfect at what everyone is trying to do–the modern thug type, sounds good on club records, radio joints, anything. Finally…a much sicker, more authentic, non-***** version of 50 Cent.

Lloyd Banks – The Hunger For More

Posted on February 21, 2013 by WWC

01.) “Ain’t No Click” (feat. Tony Yayo) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Havoc

Lloyd Banks kicks-off his highly anticipated debut effort with a lyrical assault over a very impressive production courtesy of Mobb Deep’s Havoc. Havoc has really been on a hot streak as-of late. Tony Yayo rides shotgun and offers-up a very impressive 16… It’s great to have Yayo home.

02.) “Playboy” (4 out of 5) Produced by Ron Browz

Ron Browz is another producer who’s been offering-up quite a-bit of heat as-of late. Banks does a very nice job riding Browz’ difficult production. “Playboy” serves as proof that Banks is quite possibly today’s top punch-line MC.

03.) “Warrior” (5 out of 5) Produced by Thayod Ausar

“Warrior” is quite possibly Banks’ best lyrical performance to-date. “So, if that’s ya man warn him/’Cause theres enough bullets in here to hit every NBA patch on ’em” is arguably “The Hunger For More’s” best punch-line. The catchy hook along with the impressive production of Thayod Ausar have made this track a staple in my playlist for the past few months.

04.) “On Fire” (5 out of 5) Produced by K1 Mil

The epic production of new-comer K1 Mil (a.k.a. Kwame) is what’s most impressive about Lloyd Banks’ lead single. Banks does the production justice by dropping two outstanding verses and by providing a catchy chorus along with mentor 50 Cent. I just can’t get enough of this track.

05.) “I Get High” (feat. 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg) (3.5 out of 5) Produced by Hi-Tek

Lloyd Banks does a decent job with this track. It almost goes without saying that he’s capable of MUCH better than these two verses… Especially his second verse. Snoopy drops what may-very-well-be his weakest verse to-date. If you ask me… Snoop has smoked himself wack. What saves this tracks fate is the catchy hook and the typical (but dope) production of Hi-Tek.

06.) “I’m So Fly” (4.8 out of 5) Produced by Timbaland

The irisistable hook and the outstanding production of Timbaland make this an almost too-easy choice for the second single. “You think that bandana makes you look gangsta but all I see is a hankerchief!” and “I’m in the hood with more straps than a Jan-Sport!” are just two examples of how brutally Banks treats Timbaland’s keyboard-driven production.

07.) “Work Magic” (feat. Young Buck) (3.8 out of 5) Produced by Scram Jones

Lloyd Banks and Young Buck (more-so Young Buck) do a very nice job with the bass-heavy production of new-comer Scram Jones. The only problem I have with this track is the repetitiveness of the production… It becomes half-way annoying after a while. I also think that the hook could have been better.

08.) “If You So Gangsta” (3.5 out of 5) Produced by Chad Beat and Sha Money XL

The Boy Wonder is obviously following his mentor’s blueprint for multi-platinum success with this track. “If You So Gangsta” is obviously Lloyd Banks’ version of 50 Cent’s 2002 classic, “Wanksta”. Still, the bouncy beat and the catchy hook make this track acceptable… Eventhough it’s obvious mix-tape material.

09.) “Warrior, Part 2” (feat. 50 Cent, Eminem and Nate Dogg) (5 out of 5) Produced by Eminem

If you have-yet to read the album credits then you may think that this track is produced by the legendary Dr. Dre. Well… It’s not. Eminem has really came into his own as a credible producer. It’s really difficult to decide who to call the star of “Warrior, Part 2”. This is because all three MC’s do an outstanding job with their respective verses. I have one question for you… Is it even possible for Nate Dogg to come half-way wack on a hook? Because right-now I’m thinking that it’s damn-near impossible.

10.) “Karma” (5 out of 5) Produced by Greg Doby

Is it just me or does it smell like a smash hit-single in here? This is my personal favorite track featured on “The Hunger For More”. The chorus and the production on this track are absolutly perfect. I wouldn’t be the least-bit suprised if more people are now knocking on the door’s of R&B crooner KC and producer Greg “Ginx” Doby as a result of this track. Call me optomistic… But I’m thinking right about now that Lloyd Banks must have read my review of “Smile” because he’s really stepped-up his rhyme game on this track… Especially when compared to “Smile”.

11.) “When The Chips Are Down” (feat. The Game) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Black Jeruz and Sha Money XL

There is no question in my mind as-to who is the star of “When The Chips Are Down”. The Game absolutly MURDERS the outstanding keyboard-driven production of Black Jeruz and Sha Money XL. In case you haven’t noticed… There is a reason why there has been such a massive buzz around this kid. The Game WILL resurrect the West Coast.

12.) “‘Til The End” (5 out of 5) Produced by Eminem

First off… This is the best production featured on “The Hunger For More”. Eminem’s career-best production is proof that he is well on his way to becoming one of the Hip-Hop game’s premier producers. Lloyd Banks does an excellent job crafting excellent verses over Eminem’s bass-heavy piano-driven production. I’m also REALLY feelin’ Nate Dogg’s background vocals on this track.

13.) “Die One Day” (3.5 out of 5) Produced by Baby Grand

It’s easy to ignore the very average production of this track when you pay attention to Lloyd Banks’ outstanding lyricism. Suprisingly… This is the only track featured on “The Hunger For More” that is worth the listen simply for it’s lyricism.

14.) “South Side Story” (4.5 out of 5) Produced by The Diaz Brothers

“South Side Story” showcases Lloyd Banks’ outstanding story-telling abilities. The first verse in-particular is alone Hip-Hop Quotable material. It may very well be the best verse of Banks’ career. The guitar-driven production of the Diaz Brothers is also great. I’m also lovin’ the hook featured on this track. This was a great way to conclude this album.

CONCLUSION

Lloyd Banks’ debut album “The Hunger For More” features classic material. But is it a classic album? The answer right now is… No. Now, down the line do I think it will creep up into the world of classic material… Possibly. The problem with the album is that it features tracks that just don’t match up to other tracks featured on the album. At times it’s rather obvious that the product was rushed. But it definitly wasn’t rushed to the extent of “Beg For Mercy”. “The Hunger For More” seems to land right-smack-in-the-middle of the status of “Get Rich Or Die Tryin'” and the status of “Beg For Mercy”. Next time around I’m expecting Banks to concentrate on his lyricism to the extent that we were promised that it would be concentrated-on this time around. With the production featured on the album Banks had more than enough inspiration to craft 14 classic tracks… Instead he crafted five classic tracks: “Warrior”, “On Fire”, “Warrior, Part 2”, “Karma” and “‘Til The End”. Now… Is “The Hunger For More” worth checking out? Without a doubt it is! I love this album. If you ask me… “The Hunger For More” is easily the hottest album of Summer 2004. I would DEFINITLY pick-it-up again if I could do it all again. I advise you to do the same as I did and purchase Lloyd Banks’ debut album.

FINAL RATING: 4 out of 5

Big Syke – Big Syke Daddy

Posted on February 21, 2013 by WWC

‘Big Syke Daddy,’ the second solo album from Tha Outlaw, Tupac’s roaddog, Big Syke. At times, Syke’s flow is noticeable similar to Tupac, and he also rhymes about the same issues.

1. Hey – produced by Temi Ojetunde

A nice introduction to the album. Not too loud, not too soft. The beat is a deep grumble of bass mixed with a few brass tones and a clapper. Syke fits the beat nicely and begins to drop his rapping, sometimes slightly sung mellow flow to it.

2. R.M.F.N. – produced by Nate Foxx

Dedicated to the memory of Tupac, Raw Mother *****ing N*gga has a softly spoken verse and hard (raw) chorus as Syke talks of his memories while rolling with the other half of him, his road dog, Tupac. Basically, Syke is saying that no one knew Tupac like he did, yet at the same time, everyone gives him props anyway, both friends and enemies. It sounds slightly Down South in the beat department.

3. L.A.L.A. – produced by Nate Foxx

The second track with an abbreviated title. A nice sounding LA anthem. Jumpy and catchy, L.A.L.A. is in the department of Makaveli’s “To Live And Die In LA” in both theme and in the content for the love and sights in the hoods of Los Angeles, a lot like any other L.A. ‘love’ song.

4. Time Iz Money ft E-40 & Big Syke – produced by DJ Quik

These days, Quik has been criticised for having a hit-and-miss on the production side. “Time Iz Money” is a mellow beat but manages to pull it off in both sounding quite nice and through the appearances on it. Syke sings the hook, which is a nice touch, while his verse is about hustling to make money. E-40 drops a pimping verse and Quik delivers his standard *****y flow. This was a single released off the album.

5. Big Syke Daddy – produced by Thug Law

It’s a ***** song. It sounds a bit too slow and boring for a title track. A skipper. Listen to the remix instead.

6. Come Wit Me – produced by Nate Foxx

A real blunted out beat with a heavy bassline. A nice listen-to as well. Just about going away to hang with Syke to see what he sees. Romantic in a way. The third verse is a funny listen to! Syke gives a ‘matter of fact’ yet careless verse to it about a lesbian taken advantage of. Some funny stuff.

7. My Block ft Swerv – produced by Vachik

It’s the spot for Syke’s lablemates Swerve to shine on. Although it is a song about struggling and dealing, it sounds pretty wack and the youngstas on it sound a bit retarded, I’m sorry! If you hear the guy with the fat-man’s voice I’m sure you’ll notice, he sounds like he bit his tongue! Another one sounds like Layzie Bone. I’m sorry but although the message is trying to be delivered, I don’t like the song, and the beat sounds a bit further West than the rest of the CD…

8. At Your Convenience – produced by Johnny J

It’s another mellow beat, put down by Johnny J. A song about how the woman is annoyed that Syke is never around when she wants him. For Johnny J, the song is a bit below average and the hook sounds downright terrible.

9. Problemz – produced by Big Syke

A bassline heavy beat, done by Syke who’s renowned for making them that way. Syke is basically letting off some anger at those who got problems that involve him.

10. Why – produced by Vachik

The theme is in the title. Syke is contemplating and questioning the questions of the streets and why people got to hustle and kill just to survive. The beat and the hook itself sounds similar to a Johnny J beat, I noticed.

11. I Got Keyz – produced by Nate Foxx

Most people will remember Syke’s “I got keeeys!” from Tupac’s ‘All Eyez On Me.’ This song goes onto expand on that. The song is about slanging the keys on the block then disappearing right after. Sounds really stealthy! Syke boasts about not getting caught. The beat is a dark and a heavy piano tune adds to the hardness of the tune.

12. On My Way Out – produced by Johnny J

A downbeat song about escapism from the everyday hustling life. While mentally Syke can get away, physically he’s stuck, it sounds pretty deep. The chorus is a choral act between the vocalist and Syke, and makes it sound quite good. In a way, it makes you think.

13. Good Timez – produced by Johnny J

This is some dope Johnny J production. Got the type of vibe that Tupac’s ‘Lil Homiez’ has. Syke is talking about his younger days and the fun and innocence he had as a child. Very summery feel to it. Something to vibe to to catch some good feelings.

14. Past Future ft Swerv, Sundae, Samaria & Daveed – produced by ???

The infamous-to-this-reviewer Swerv make their second appearance on the album! Out of the three songs, I feel this is the nicer one. I can make out the song has some sort of double meaning but it’s a bit confusing to think about… the past being the future and the future being the past; it makes a cycle, in other words, its another ‘not going anywhere’ song. Clever, if not a little mundane to meditate upon.

15. Enjoyin Life – produced by Johnny J

Another really dope Johnny J production. Has a nice and jolly Westcoast feel to it. Like ‘Good Timez’ It’s funny how this song can contrast with Syke’s dope-slanging type songs coz its about the same day-to-day cycle but much more upbeat and happy! It’s a nice song though, on the same level as ‘Good Timez,’ as I said.

16. RideOnUm ft Swerv & Sundae – produced by Vachik

RideOnUm is Syke’s lable, the song is the standard introduction to both label and its line up. In order to make the big impression, the rapping and the beat is both very hard, in fact, the bass is very cutting and sounds like a motorbike engine. Not that good a song though, just the average ‘exploding on the scene’ type track.

Hidden Bonus Cuts

Leave the CD spinning on for about a minute more and you get 2 extra cuts! Both are bonus songs so they’re not involved in the overall result

Big Syke Daddy RMX

This remix sounds a lot better than the original. Instead of being the moany-type ***** song, it has a harder beat with louder drums and a better bassline. Much better

Good Timez RMX

Sounds slightly quicker and has a bit more of a jump to it including some string instruments rather than bass guitar. The original is a bit better though

Conclusion:

‘Big Syke Daddy’ is a dope CD, I don’t doubt that, but at the same time it’s nothing too special. The chances are if you’re a Tupac or an Outlawz fan, you will pick this up. You’ll definitely recognise a lot of reused lines. For those who aren’t too hot on the Outlaw tip, this is a nice CD to pick up for some mellowed out beat and Syke catches a lot of good sounding hooks and his voice is very powerful and ominous, but with the complimentary introduction of Syke’s new acts ruin the OG feel to the overall result and I reward it 3/5.

Eazy-E – Eazy Duz It

Posted on February 21, 2013 by WWC

Eazy is hot off the streetz of Compton and got a CD packed with more plays on the name ‘Eazy’ than you could shake a stick at!

For maximum enjoyment, this CD has been reviewed with a remastered edition of the CD.

0. Prelude:

“Now you got the album- what the ***** u gonna do with it?!”

1. Still Talkin’

Starts off with two OGz talking about how they knew E when he was just a kid. Actually its really just the NWA boys! Eazy chats *****y in each verse broken down by the OGz talking and a crazy sample from the maestro in between. A great start to the CD.

2. Nobody Move ft MC Ren

Possibly one of the oldest stickups in rap. Eazy and Ren decide to perform a stickup and in true gangsta style, there are mishaps! The beat and Eazy’s storytelling style draw you in while the hook is tight as *****- “Nobody move, nobody gets hurt- BLAM!”

3. Ruthless Villain

Ren kicks a ‘corner of the block’ freestyle over a hyped drum look. Actually, the beat isn’t that hot but Ren’s lyrics are and E takes the hook. I’m still not even sure it’s even a freestyle but the Ren’s lyrics are still tight.

4. 2 Bad Mutha’s

Forget any Neptunes beat you heard, this is what a true drum driven beat is about. Yella takes the live drum kit (whether its live drums or programmed, I don’t know) to make one hell of an energetic drum driven beat. One of NWA’s best from before their EFIL4ZAGGIN style production. Quite possibly my favourite Eazy collabo, or Eazy song, period.

5. Boyz N The Hood

Straight oldschool classic. One of E’s most memorable songs. E raps about driving round the hood in his ride and the day to day happenings he sees. Sounds very much true to 80’s rap. You totally have to feel this song. Make sure you turn up your speakers to fully experience this classic.

6. Eazy-Duz-It

FEEL the intro to this track! When I first heard it I hoped it would continue throughout the whole track. The actual song is still straight dope and got a nice selection of loops to keep it jumping

7. We Want Eazy

Made to sound like a live performance. The type of song that would sound dope on a live set. Sit back and vibe to this, its like being at an NWA concert! Great live-sounding instrumental. At the breaks people step to test E but he brushes them off with his *****y remarks!

8. Eazy-er Said Than Dunn

Slightly less up-tempo than the other cuts on the CD, “Eazy-er Said Than Dunn” has the same loop throughout and is broken down at the choruses. Not my favourite song on the CD

9. Radio

Another true classic from E. Eazy and the NWA posse are in the at the local radio taking phone calls. When I heard this song after a long while I thought it was a bit faster but the slightly slowed down beat adds to the funky step of the song. E is yelling his verses into the mic rapping about always having his music on the radio, the song has not one cuss word in it! Also utilises some aspects from NWA’s Eastcoast ‘cousins’ Public Enemy (listen to the chorus I mean)

10. No More ?’s

Great concept for a song. E is being interviewed but raps his answers instead of speaking them! I particularly like this song for its main loop which isn’t too dissimilar to some of Prince’s guitar riffs. The second verse is also commendable for the darker atmosphere of ‘ganking’

11. I’mma Break It Down

I heard NWA kicked out the Arabian Prince for making their beats too dancey. “I’mma Break It Down” is an example of the work he probably worked on. The sounds are quite jumpy and it sounds like “Something 2 Dance To,” but it’s still a pretty cool and energetic song.

12. Eazy-Chapter 8 Verse 10

The outro to the CD. Really is nothing special, just a church ceremony but in Eazy’s name (to add to the already numerous amount of ‘Eazy’ jokes made on the CD. Rather than a religious passage, its about a driveby. Typical Compton style…

Conclusion:

Eazy-Duz-It is an album hard to fault. It represented the old “Straight Outta Compton” sound NWA had before their EFIL4ZAGGIN change in later years. Dre and Yella’s productions are tight and above the average sounds of the oldschool sounds of its day. Eazy is young, *****y and humorous and pack with lots of plays on his name. He is trendy, cool and dope, the anti-role model for ghetto kids. No one but Dre and Yella could have put together what they did. E’s voice is very recognisable and unique and made the style of shouting into the mic cool! E managed to pull off a classic, and the CD will hook you into the oldschool sounds. Its an essential.

4.75/5

Digital Underground – Future Rhythm

Posted on February 21, 2013 by WWC

1. Walk Real Kool(Shock G, Erika “Shay” Sulpacio, & Marsha Lurry)

Nice way to start off the album, this isn’t a rap song so don’t get it twisted, this is pure funk right here with the master of it Shock G. I never got why people never gave Digital Underground especially Shock G his props, he brought 2Pac into the game and still gets no praise, it’s a shame. Nice song to chill to with a great chorus sung by Shock G, Erika, & Marsha. DOPE!

2. Glooty-Us-Maximus(Money B, Numskull, Saafir, Shock G, Skatz, & Humpty Hump)

DOPE! This song is about…of course the bootay(heh). Money B starts it off with a funny verse then Numskull with the typical Luniz humor, then Saafir with a dope verse(Man Saafir is such an underrated rapper, he has one of the dopest flows ever), Shock G with a good verse, Skatz with a decent verse but compared the the others he just doesn’t cut it, but he tries. Shock G and Humpty Hump(Best Alter Ego EVER!) do the chorus and Humpty Hump adds his 2 cents after Skatz. Man this song is crazy. DOPE!

3. Oregano Flow(Gumbo Soup Mix)(Shock G)

One of many Oregano Flow mixes, this one is the more dark and eerie one but it’s still very dope. Nice song to just relax to. DOPE!

4. Fool get A Clue(Shock G & Black Spooks)

The beat is so off the wall and dope, it’s very eerie and funky that it’s classic. Shock G with a very funny yet disturbing verse, but still Shock G owns and he can never have a bad verse. Shock G sings a great chorus(The man can do it all!). The Spooks do a great job as well. I love the ending when they sing the “My Country Tis Of Thee” yet they add their own sarcasm to it over a great beat, that’s pretty much the only time you’ll hear cursing here. DOPE!

5. Rumpty Rump(Money B)

One of my favorite skits ever. Money B leaves a message on Shock G’s answering machine and gives this weird albeit great idea about Humpty Hump’s sister called Rumpty Rump with a fake ass and all, Money B’s cracking up giving this idea really funny stuff but it’s a skit and I can’t rate it.

6. Food Fight(Humpty Hump & Del)

DOPE DOPE DOPE!!!! Del of Hiero fame joins the original big nosed rapper Humpty Hump on this song and man this is some straight up weird hip hop. Humpty Hump starts it off with a great verse about….what else food. He talks about swinging melons and all that, great stuff and the chorus is so bizarre that it’s classic. Del with a good verse but he just can’t match Humpty Hump and I’m a Hiero fan as well. Humpty Hump with one of his best verses ever after Del, talking about what rappers when they eat. This was such a great concept song. DOPE!

7. Future Rhythm(Introducing Krazy Horse & Mac-Mone)

Different song but very dope, nice rapping and a great introduction to these 2. Good’

8. Hokis Pokis(A Classic Case)(Humpty Hump & Piano Man)

DOPE! Man this is such a weird song that I love it. The make quack songs like a duck and Humpty Hump tells them to “SHUT UP!” very funny stuyff. It has to be heard to be believed. DOPE!

9. We Got More(Shock G & the Luniz)

Yup Num & Yuk join Shock G for this song, nice egyptian type beat, very dope song and if you’ve heard this on “Don’t Be A Menace…” then you’ve heard this song. Still a classic song with Shock G carrying it but the Luniz are no slouches themselves. DOPE!

10. Hella Bump(Feat Krazy Horse & Shock G)

This has to be one of the best beats I have ever heard. This song is about music and how they are addicted to it and that putting fake music into your veins is bad for you PREACH ON! Shock G does a great job with his singing/rapping style. I am a bump junkie! DOPE!

11. Stylin(Kenya, Shock G, & Tyranny)

DOPE! The beat has some funk to it but it’s hard to explain. Very dope stuff, classic Digital Underground. This doesn’t have your stereotypical rapping to it, they all add their own style to it and make it a classic. DOPE!

12. Midnite Snack(Piano Man)

This is moreso a skit than anything else so I can’t rate it.

13. Oregano Flow(Hot Sauce Mix)(Shock G)

DOPE! The best version of this song, they even add tribute to George Clinton to it. Great song with Shock G just owning it on vocals, man why can’t people just realize that this guy is one of the best musicians out, not just a rapper but a MUSICIAN! Nice bouncy funk beat. DOPE!

14. Want It All(Digital Underground)

Very nice way to end the album with all the camp just having fun. Shock G, Money B, & Humpty Hump just do a great job on this song with Shock G doing his singing rap style and Humpty Hump rapping about wanting a whole bunch of food and women. I love the happy style smooth relaxing beat. DOPE!

I’m giving this album the DOPE! rating because it is one of the best albums I have ever heard. There was hardly any cursing and they didn’t even need to curse to get their point accross. This album is a real breath of fresh air out in the cutthroat word of rap and this album just shows how politics in the rap business suck. Get this album! You need this album in your music collection as it has everything from funk, to rap, to soul. BUY IT!

Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx

Posted on February 21, 2013 by WWC

Raekwon, one of the most lyrically gifted members of of the 9-deep Wu-Tang Clan, dropped his classic debut in the mid-90’s. Rae is a great complex lyricist, extremely grimey wit the rhymes and up there with Mr. Meth himself. It took me a while to get used to RZA’s weird production style but now that I’m used to it I see he’s a genius.

1) Striving for Perfection

Rae and his guest through the album, fellow Wu-head Ghost Face Killer talk back and forth about their last attempt at a big payoff. The music in the background is tight, probably some old kung-fu movie shit. Sets the tone for the album perfect.

2) Knuckleheadz ft. Ghost Face Killer AKA Tony Starks, Golden Arms AKA Lucky Hands

Raekwon and co. lay tight rhymes over a hard drum track with a kinda bouncy piano chord. (Good)

3) Knowledge God

RZA shines here, the beat is dark and creepin with a little trumpet blare and a sinister piano, and the hook is backed by a 70’s movie-type wistful violin sample. Gotta hear it to know what I’m talkin bout. Rae carries the song nicely. (Excellent)

4) Criminology ft. Ghost Face Killer

Starts off with a clip from the movie Scarface, goes into a strong drum beat with a 70’s-style suspense music sample. Rae and Ghost Face lay their usual great verses. (Excellent)

5) Incarcerated Scarfaces

Begins with a clip from an old Japanese kung-fu movie, which you’ll hear throughout most of the album. RZA’s beat on here is excellent, a dark cut with a disjointed piano. Raekwon fits it nicely as always with hard, grimey lyrics. (Excellent)

6) Rainy Dayz ft. Ghost Face Killer, Blue Raspberry

Starts with a woman singing the hook over the same music from the intro track. A kung-fu movie clip is cleverly used. The beat here is nice, dark and sinister. All verses tight as usual, but I felt the screechiness in the chorus unnecessary and the woman’s singing a little overdramatic. (Good)

7) Guillotine (Swordz) ft. Ghost Face Killer, Inspectah Deck AKA Rollie Fingerz, Genius

This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. The beat is crazy and sinister, Inspectah and GZA/Genius are on this track! Great shit, always laugh at the lyric “hypnotized wit hypnosis.” (Excellent)

8) Can It All Be So Simple (Remix) ft. Ghost Face Killer

A remix of a track off the Wu’s first album 36 Chambers. Starts with a skit about someone bein shot in a shootout. The beat is real cool, pretty laid back. Rae and Ghost are good on here and the girl wit the chorus gives it an eerie feel. (Great)

9) Shark Niggas (Biters)

About biters. Rae talks about them with Ghost, no rapping or beat.

10) Ice Water ft. Ghost Face Killer, Cappachino

Another laid-back beat, nothin that special (for this album). Lyrics are still top-qual tho. (Good)

11) Glaciers of Ice ft. Ghost Face Killer, Masta Killa

Starts out with Rae talkin about ice, goes into a song about riches with a really good, dangerous organ-like laced beat. The chorus, a Mariah Carey-style whine, isn’t that good, but each Wu member on here delivers a good verse. (Great)

12) Verbal Intercourse ft. Nas, Ghost Face Killer

DAMN. The beat laced with a violin is great, but this has to be one of the most lyrically proficient tracks on the album. Nas, on some early 90’s shit back when he was still ’matic, introduces the track with a fiery-as-hell verse, and Rae and Ghost hold their own. (Excellent)

13) Wisdom Body ft. Ghost Face Killer

Starts off with a pimp’s monologue about hoes (probably from a movie). Goes into a song about women (of course), but Rae talks about meeting the woman of his dreams, instead of hoes. The beat is again great, a deep piano counterbalanced by a whistle. (Excellent)

14) Spot Rusherz

One of the few solo joints on here, Rae kills another piano-ish beat with a story flow, grimey as hell. (Excellent)

15) Ice Cream ft. Method Man, Ghost Face Killer

With no ado, over a crazy, dark killers’ beat with cries of the damned in the background, Meth opens the song with a few crazy bars before Ghost comes in with his great verse. Of course Rae comes correct; another one of the best songs on a great album. (Excellent)

16) Wu-Gambinos ft. Ghost Face Killer, Method Man, RZA, Masta Killa

Starts off with a clip of an FBI agent asking the Wu clan to kill a drug lord in central america. An insane piano-laced beat over a whiney siren, Meth comes in with the chorus and a nuts verse. Everyone kills it on here, even RZA. (Excellent)

17) Heaven & Hell ft. Ghost Face Killer

An okay, harp-like string beat sees Ghost and Rae trade rhymes crazy on some gangsta story shit. (Great)

18) North Star (Jewels)

Rae ends the album with another solo track. The beat is great, an emotional string chorus that gives it a sad, regretful feel. Rae spits about doin what he gotta do for money to feed his kid. (Great)

Rating: 5/5 (Classic)

Only Built for Cuban Linx helped establish the gangsta phase of hip-hop and definitely the grimey style of NY in the 90’s. There is nothing wrong with the album, especially when you start to get used to RZA’s production. It helped establish the Wu as a rap powerhouse, and Raekwon as one of the greatest lyricists of the time.

My Recommendation: Pick this album up!! Don’t matter if you’re lookin for a good album, or if you wanna go back to the roots of new-school Hip Hop, or whatever, just buy this shit!

VA – Eastern Conference All-Stars 3

Posted on February 21, 2013 by WWC

The album cover is a drawing of an EC team member throwing a punch on a red carpet entrance, the back cover shows the cat that got clocked. It’s always a good thing if the cover already implies violence, that way I know I won’t have to deal with 16 songs about how some guy can’t get his girl to perform fellatio on him. It’s doper than the Volume 2 cover but not as dope as the one for Vol. 1

booklet: 6 shermheads out of 10

The booklet is pretty cool: there’s pictures of the artists, a couple of lyrics to verses probably written by Mighty Mi’s mentally challenged little niece going by the spelling errors. You also get all the production credits which is alright I guess, but what’s really lacking is…well the lack of the nekkid *****es, no beaver shots in this booklet.

songs: 8 Rasheed Wallaces out of 10

Tame as it ever was – Tame 1

the original Brick City kid does his aggressive rhyming routine over a solid J-Zone beat with a lot of movie and rap samples scratched in the hook. Overall a pretty decent cut, about as good as you’d expect from a Zone and Tame collaboration.

Won’t stop – Copywrite

Punchlines, punchlines, punchlines…it’s Copy so what did you expect? RJD2 laces him with a keyboard driven backdrop with some Premier like flavor on the chorus. Simplistic but highly effective…”plus your girl looks like a great *****! but that’s only from the face down and the waist up”…vintage shit.

5 left in the clip – Weathermen

They might just be the most dominant crew in the underground and they showcase why on this track. The beat is centered around a heavy bass drum and a nice little vocal sample. Every member comes off nicely but Breezy Brewin takes the cake with a nice multi-syllable rhyme scheme and lines like “we weather whatever men, y’all wether or not to continue living given you’ll never have sex…with women”

Rumble – High & Mighty

A standard High & Mighty track, with some strings thrown in the mix giving the track a little operetic feel. All in all it’s a by the numbers track for Mi and Eon. Nothing special bout it

Bart Burnt vs. Sherm Penn – Smut Peddlers

Mr. Eon once again takes on his Bart Burn persona while Cage plays the part of Sherm Penn. Like the prequal the track deals with how dro can ***** you up. Cage gets props for the “…woke up in Canada stuck eh?” line. If you’re a pothead you’ll probably relate to the track. Above average.

Special Ladies – Cage

The track kicks off with a gully Andrew Dice Clay sample before Cage commences to spitting over a bassline that’s remeniscent of the one on Agent Orange. The song deals with the shady doings of CAgE! and his sexual conquests within the handicapped demographic. The track also reps the once great CageKennylz.com site. Killer track.

Brawl – RA the Ruggedman

Okay, the beat by J-Zone is great albeit predictable and RA comes correct but the problem is RA’s rhymed this white trash jibberish about 20 times already. If you’ve never heard of RA this is as great an introduction as you can possibly get, if you’re aware of his steelo then it’s still enjoyable for the cartoonish zone beat.

Not all there – High & Mighty

High & Mighty fair better their second time out. The track simply bumps and features some witty insights on post 9/11 behaviour alongside some entertaining braggadocia.

Nighthawks – Nighthawks

The songs starts out with some dialogue from the movie with the same name starring Billy Dee Williams and Sylvester Stallone. Cage and Camu Tao rap about the lifestyle of NYPD’s most infamous over a track that takes you back to the seventies. Why don’t more rappers rhyme about crooked cops in first person? Good shit.

Talk like sex pt. II (original mix) – Smut Peddlers and Kool G Rap

It’s got a more polished production edge to it which makes it less dope than the remix on Porn Again. The lyrics are the same, it’s still a dope cut, not as dope as the remix (which oddly enough was released first) but it’ll do.

Dreamz – Tame 1

Tame Weezy covers the same turf Big Daddy Kane did on Vol. II, rhyming about how life would be if everything was just perfect. The vocal sample on the hook brings it all together. Great feelgood track, “while you were influenced by the underground I was on the ground under the influence”.

Jeah – Copywrite

Mighty Mi laces Copy with a nice beat on some melancholic type shit. Copy sticks to the script and spits some more punchlines. The hook is once again on some shades of DJ Premier vibe.

Gut you – Weathermen

The beat is pretty pedestrian and doesn’t allow the featured weathermen to shine like they should. It’s still a dope track but nowhere near as good as 5 left in the clip. Lots of violent threats though, that’s a good thing.

Ballad of worms – Cage

I don’t say it often but…classic. This joint is a flat-out classic. The strings, the guitar flourishes, the great vocal sample and Cage’s heartfelt ballad. Supposedly this shit was about the state of hip-hop, personally I don’t hear it but regardless it’s an outstanding track.

And 1 – High & Mighty

Eon rhymes about his favorite subject, basketball fanticism. Taking it back to the golden era of the NBA to the current league. The beat has a ‘blaxploitation on speed’ feel to it. Good showing.

Last hit (original mix) – High & Mighty and Eminem

Again, the version of the song released earlier on Home Field Advantage is better than this one. The lyrics also stay the same but taken on it’s own terms it’s still a dope track. Eminem shows why he was considered one of the underground’s finest back in the day with a great punchline orientated rhyme. A couple of internet references are just icing on the cake.

bottom line: If you haven’t copped this joint by now you probably never will but it’s a solid compilation front to back that showcased EC’s championship potential back in the days of old. It might just be the best installment of the series so far and will definitely hold you down during those hour long drives. If this is the first time you’ve heard about the album you already slept on it so wake up dunny