Joe Budden – Joe Budden

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

Poor Joe. Lovin his single, Fire, I went and picked up his self-titled album. Unlike most though, I immediately got into his deep tracks as well as his party tracks, and I like his underrated, complex style. Maybe it’s his non-thuggishness, or suttin, but Budden’s extremely underrated and constantly being called “joe buddens,” which would piss me off. Still, the man can rhyme, and rhyme he does.

1) Intro

Joe lettin fans know what time it is in rap form, his arrival is here. (Good)

2) # 1

Some lyrical heat about the rap game, on a beat pretty much consisting of a complex drum track, using KRS One’s hook. (Good)

3) Pump it Up

One of the album’s singles, you’ve definitely heard this one. Showcases Joe’s versatility, and he does well, managing not to dumb down while talking about *****ing women over a banging party beat, with an energetic hook. (Great)

4) Pusha Man

A sinister, kinda grimy track about hustlin, thuggin, doin drugs and fake thugs. More complex and good lyrics, including some funny ones–”I don’t drive, I like shotgun/never pull L’s, I like shotguns/hate 22’s, I like shotguns/nondescripts talkin bout they got guns/like tecs, .45’s and shotguns/.” (Great)

5) U Ain’t Gotta Go Home

A horn-laced crunkish club banger, not on par with Pump it Up, but again he delivers damn good lyrics. Still, not on the album’s par. (Avg.)

6) Walk With Me

Ah..now we hit the deep tracks. A sad violin-based beat with a touching sung hook, Joe laments on the affects of rising fame, and questions his friends’ and girl’s and record execs’ motives. Love the line “Should I carry a pen and pad/and ask ehbody in the *****in hood for they suggestion?” (Excellent)

7) She Wanna Know ft. Lil Mo

A disorienting switch from the last track, this is a disappointing, upbeat R&Bish joint directed at Joe’s woman. Definitely not for Budden and his lyrics aint that hot on here, anyway. (Poor)

8) Survivor

Is this an R&B album? An emotional, wistful, hard-drum-laced cut, great except for the fact that Joe Budden is only in the background. He doesn’t rap on the track and definitely didn’t sing it…confuses the hell outta me. (Avg.)

9) Fire ft. Busta Rhymes

A bouncy club banger in the style of Pump it Up. The beat is great–a house beat!–and Joe and Busta both deliver really good verses. (Excellent)

10) Ma Ma Ma ft. 112

This girl-directed song is done well for a change. The beat is good, Budden’s verses are–what?–yeah, good shit. 112 delivers a signature silky hook. (Great)

11) Calm Down

Another deep track, this one is angsty and has Joe talkin to his moms and his life before rapping. More heat from Joe Budden! Tracks like this, confused the hell out of most heads who bought his album for its club banger singles. Still an excellent cut. (Excellent)

12) Focus

A grimey beat has Joe spittin what should be a ballin theme (I think it was on a commercial or in a basketball video game, or suttin). It was also his featured track in Def Jam Vendetta. Pretty good but nothin special; not on par with the album’s best tracks. (Avg.)

13) Give Me Reason

Joey tryina be gangsta. Not feelin the overly-complex, weak-drummed beat. Aside from his usual lyrical heat, Budden says “nicca” after almost every line, gets *****in annoying. (Poor)

14) Stand Up Nucca

Another really good, touching track. Joe on a dark-piano, hard-snare drum beat throwin it up with lyrical siccness for people who have to endure the hood. (Excellent)

15) 10 Mins.

Great, great track. A very personal song about Joe’s situation and issues, tryina get away from all the stress and chaos. The good beat and ill verses make the 10-minute song bearable and even a favorite. (Excellent)

BONUS TRACKS:

16) Real Life in Rap

An underground 50 Cent-type song with a sung chorus, Joey talkin gangsta and speakin on fake thugs on a decent beat. (Poor)

17) Porno Star

A funny-as-hell track about sex with an 80’s-style synth beat. Joey puts ‘dick’ at the end of every line in his first verse, ‘*****’ at the end of every line in his second and ‘sex’ on the third. Real skill. (Great)

Rating: 3.3/5

Bottom line: Def Jam *****ed up the album, not Budden. Joey comes with straight skill on every track, if you really listen to him. But Def Jam put out 2 club bangers as singles, so the man’s laid-back voice and style surprised heads that bought his album thinking it would all be more Pump it Up joints. Plus, they kept better tracks like Dear Angie (a letter to his baby moms) and When Thugs Cry (remake of Prince’s When Doves Cry, on uncertainties of being a father) off the album for commercial shit like She Wanna Know and Give Me Reason, and put on Survivor, which I can only assume must have been unfinished. But there are still many great and a few excellent tracks on the album.

My Recommendation: Buy the album, if you like both deep tracks and commercial ones, and also if you’re willing to really listen for the man’s verbal ill skills.

Kurupt – Space Boogie: Smoke Oddessey

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

(The final word after each song (Poor/Average/Hot/Excellent) simply reflects how i feel about a song. So one song with the same word at the end can still be better than the other)

Kurupt goes for a mainstream approach to the hiphop market. The Smoke Oddessy CD sees more radio friendly and slightly less gangsta tunes to entice a different audience to his music.

1. Blast Off (Intro)

Time to hit that Space Boogie….

2. Space Boogie ft Nate Dogg

Good, hard introduction track from the production house of Fredwreck, nice bassline, im feeling that bassline. Nate’s entrance adds to the charm of the track. Kurupt mainly raps about Westcoasting and himself with the DPG. For all those who never heard a DPG rap song before its the track to introduce them to Kurupt. Good.

3. Hate on Me ft Soopafly & Damani

Personally i dont like this song. I feel the beat is messed up, repetetive and annoying. ‘Fly delivers the usual witty lines and his style eg, the way he takes the hook. Still, i personally dont like it for the beat. Song is generally about the hate they all recieve. Average/poor

4. On da Grind ft Daz

Real catchy Westcoast cavi hit. A good old duet with Daz and Kurupt. Good feelings to this u can really feel the chemistry between the two. Reminds of the old ‘Dogg Food’ days when they talked about slangin their dope on the block. All about good times, piano driven, this song is hot.

5. It’s Over ft Natina Reed

Undeniably a pop song recognisable by its cheeky beat and an appearance from a female rapper! This track was released as a single so Kurupt take the liberty of giving props to fellow homeboys like Dre, Snoop, Tone and Poke. Kurupt comes of fine but Natina is the usual chart-rapper. Does nothing to help the reputation of a legendary Westcoast emcee though. Average borderline poor.

6. Can’t Go Wrong ft DJ Quik and Butch Cassidy

DJ Quik hardly ever fails to impress. The mastering of the song sounds a bit grimey when played loud. One of the hottest joints on the CD. Butch owns the hook with the saxaphone accompanying his smooth voice, Kurupt takes two verses and Quik takes the third with some downright dirty lyrics about “mooshing the goosh!”. A fantastic Westcoast collabo. Hot, excellent.

Xzibit interlude:

The X has a hard dig at those coming to test him all the time. Leads onto the next track…

7. On, Onsite ft Lil HD

A display of Fredwreck’s hottest production, madd tight beat! Kurupt raps about letting off on those coming at him to challenge him and *****-mades with the Dogg Pound. Snoop’s homie Lil 1/2 Dead sings the hook to it which doesnt add too much to a hot track but works fine. Kurupt spits pure venom. It combines to make a hella tight track. Hot

8. Sunshine ft John B

I don’t know too much about John B apart from he’s a white RnB singer with a great pull on emcees! This is clearly another radio-friendly track about the love for a girl and trying to pull her. Although generally i dont like it too much and it is pretty weak, this is a good summer chill-out track and John B’s production is actually quite hot if u give the track a chance. Good

9. The Hardest Mutha *****a’s ft Xzibit, Nate Dogg and MC Ren

Kurupt is joined by two Westcoast legends…. and Xzibit! All jokes aside, excellent track. Hook is bomb. MC Ren begins the track spitting… like the track title says: something hard. The return of Ren is still as powerful and shocking as he ever was. Xzibit is very good too. Kurupt though doesnt come off as hard as the other two which is a shame. More of an “On, Onsite” verse would have been better, but that doesnt knock the track. Excellent

10. Gangsta’s

Oddly the credits dont mention Daz’s appearance coz he takes the hook. Production is pretty weak and hook isnt that good. One of the weaker tracks. Average

G Funk Interlude:

Short break between tracks. Short beat with Kurupt talking about the old G-Funk sound

11. Bring Back That G Shit ft Snoop Doggy Dogg and Goldie Loc

This tune doesnt feel as relevant to Kurupt as it does to Snoop and Goldie. Lyrically, Snoop raps reminiscent of his Doggfather style (i think that’s the point though!) but he’s generally weak and steals the show taking up two verses. Rhyming ‘geology’ with ‘G-ology’ i dont really find funny, sorry. Goldie Loc’s verse is macking for something so short. Damned Snoop, he was too greedy with this appearance. Average.

12. Lay It on Back ft Fred Durst, DJ Lethal and Nate Dogg

Its the collaboration you dont really expect to happen with Kurupt. Yet he prettymuch pulls it off. Kurupt and DJ Lethal rap about the days of way back and hiphop’s old trends and when Kurupt first stepped to the streets. Biker shorts breakdancing and thick laces The verse from Nate sounds great too, but Fred Durst doesnt sound like he cares too much. Actin’ smoothe. Good/hot

13. Just Don’t Give A ***** ft DJ Lethal

Another Limp Bizkit connected song. Better than the last, this one has alot more energy and attitude to it. Generally about not really giving a ***** and not caring for others. Im feeling the bit near the end with the ‘Cyco Lic No’ talking. Song is hot, beat jumps.

14. At It Again

The first of two cuts by Damizza. At It Again is a great party about partying the whole weekend. Real radio friendly (i cant count one cuss word) but at the same time, very catchy, you can really sing along to the hook. Hot

15. Kuruption ft Everlast

Another collabo you really wouldnt expect to go down. Its amazing how a country singer ends up and works well with a gangsta rapper! Atmosphere is built up in the intro to the song and hard hitting as the childrens choir sing. The beat comes in and its better than expected. The hook and general gist of the song is about things in the world being corrupt. Kurupt is about street crime Everlast’s verse is about some sort of country-style ballad and a troubled lover. Hot

***** Da World Interlude:

Brings in the apocalyptic intro to the next track

16. ***** Da World ft Daz

Quite simply, Kurupt’s had enough. Average

17. *****es ft Roscoe and Butch Cassidy

The second and best production from Damizza. “Something to bang.” Please beleive that, this song is simply amazing when used in conjunction with the finest subs. Bass cuts so low the windows rattle. The lyrics are cheeky (sexist in other words) and funny. Roscoe’s verse equals that of Kurupt. Butch steals that hook. Song is excellent

Conclusion

Kurupt took a risk by going more commercial this time. The CD is probably something comparable to the likes of Dr Dre’s 2001- quite a few guest appearances along with the commercial sound. Nevertheless, alot of the songs work and are above average in both production and cameos. Fredwreck’s talent is truly displayed in the likes of the hard hitting ‘On, Onsite,’ ‘The Hardest Mutha *****as’ and ‘Space Boogie’ while Damizza helps with his two cuts (Damizza met Butch Cassidy through the connections made in ‘*****es’ Overall i cant really complain about this CD. i like it, you should like it too but its on a different level from the likes of alot of other DPG releases. I award it a 4/5. It innovative and something new and one of the decent Westcoast releases since after 2000. My advice, if you’re not really into Westcoast sounds and you seem interested, this is a good album to check out.

AZ – Aziatic

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

The first track I ever heard AZ on was The Firm’s “Desperados.” Surprisingly, the man’s verse kept up with the heavyweight Nas and even compared with that of Canibus. His mellow flow sweetened the deal for me, and honestly I DL’d the only album I could find, Aziatic, since his albums are hard to find where I live. I also plan to buy Do or Die. I was surprised people don’t usually pay attention to Z, but then I realized that you have to pay extra attention to dude cuz of his passive voice, mellow style and not-so-emotional delivery. Still not an MC that should be overlooked.

1) Once Again

Using a sample from an older song, a laid-back track that suits AZ’s mellow style and voice, on which AZ raps a positive verse about his return to the game. Makes me feel good, refreshing. (Good)

2) A-1 Performance

AZ pronounces, “no more crystal and Don P–straight Gatorade,” and delivers his promise (lyrically at least) on this bouncy track. AZ raps confident heat, though I wasnt feeling the beat (think of Joe Budden’s NBA) or hook, which didnt seem to fit well with AZ. (Avg.)

3) Wanna Be There

Not feelin the upbeat, piano keyed, 70’s soul beat/singer combination, definitely doesn’t fit AZ. His verses are real good, throwin it up to deceased homies, but the track itself is more suited to Jay-Z. (Poor)

4) Take it Off

A Westcoast club banger, a good beat and def more of AZ’s style. Not feelin the sung hook that comes by way too often, however combining Westcoast club with rhyme skills is a good thing. (Good)

5) Essence (ft. Nas)

60’s-type slow-dance joint…not feelin beat at all. Nas and AZ trade verses like experts with scorching rhymes, but the gangsta/i gotcha back subject matter ABSOLUTELY DOES NOT GO WITH THE CUT. (Horrible)

6) Hands in the Air

MAJOR switch-up, an ILL beat worthy of Kanye West with guitars and a blues singer, a piano and a crazy-as-hell drum beat, put together with AZ’s verses INSANELY well. One of my favorite tracks ever, GOD DAMN THIS IS SOME HOT SHIT. (Excellent)

7) Fanmail

More tolerable beat, average to me but not bad, and it fits AZ’s style as he reads mail from fans; set up extremely similar to Nas’ Book of Rhymes. (Avg.)

8) Paradise (Life)

Not feelin the piano lacing of the track, but the beat does a nice as hell drum beat. AZ spits deep on life. (Good)

9) Take Care of Me

A weirdly catchy string beat with a sinuous hook, a sex track rhymed in story form, takin it to a different area. (Good)

10) I’m Back (ft. El Shaber)

a Spanish, Mamba-styled track, nice, different beat that I’m feeling pretty well, with a cool hook that’s over quick so AZ can get back to spitting. More about AZ’s return to the game, with guest El Shaber laying down some pretty good stuff too. (Good)

11) Hustler (ft. Trav)

Good, emotional beat with a deep hook (I’m a hustler, not by choice), AZ laying vivid images of death and loss. Trav, a second MC, also lays it down pretty well. Only hitch on this is that AZ’s voice isnt really suited to deliver heavy emotion–can’t hold that against him, however. (Good)

12) ReBirth

AZ spittin some str8 fire, not much for subject matter. (Good)

13) Aziatic Outro

Starts with a slow, memories-type beat, AZ talking; then fades and moves into a sick Westcoast, G-Funk beat with him spttin suttin real, as usual. (Good)

Rating: 3.2/5

A few of the cuts on here seem out of place, not fitting AZ at all, and his ill verses are hampered by that fact. However many of his songs are good (not amazing, just good) due to his own skills more than the beat, and there’s the odd Excellent cut on there. If they had, except for a few exceptions, released an acapella album of this I’d cop that and lay the vocals over something more suitable.

My advice: If you’re a die-hard AZ fan get this album, you can put up with whatever and listen to his illness. If you’re listening to him on recommendation and never heard dude before, you’re better off with Do or Die.

Royce Da 5’9 – Death Is Certain

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

Detroit MC Royce da 5’9″ is definitely one of the industry’s most underrated rappers. From his tight, complex style to his amazing wordplay to his very emotional verses, Nickel Nine is (in this reviewer’s opinion) probably a match for or iller than someone like Jay-Z or the deceased Big L (RIP). 5’9″‘s latest album tries for versatility but ends up seeming to be more than one man can handle alone. Doesn’t stop Royce from delivering fire every time, and many of the tracks are great ones. It’s also absolutely crammed with subliminal disses toward D12 and the Aftermath camp, unsurprisingly enough…

1) Intro

Just a few sound effects; footfals, door opening, etc.

2) Regardless

Great string beat, very soulful, a kanye-styled beat; starts off with the same lyrics as Eminem’s Lose Yourself–His arms are sweaty/knees weak arms are heavy/ (hmmm..) The track has Royce spittin some determined shit about how no one can make him leave the game but himself.

3) Throw Back

Great track; love the energetic, aggresive, get-the-*****-out-ma-way beat, Royce flows to with perfection with a confident, aggresive verse..Nickel’s usual siccness. Hook’s assisted by a female and very catchy.

4) What I Know

A sudden switch from the last track, kinda disorienting; mellow beat, not touchin me that much..however Royce’s sung hook sounds like Nate did it and is oddly catchy and his verses are fire.

5) I Promise

Cool beat; Royce spits more illness, seems to be talkin to God about how no one wants to let him in the game and he’s sittin on all the potential he has (I feel like Nas before he dropped Ether/)

6) Call Me Never!

What seem to be Royce’s phone messages, prolly fake, an attempt at a day in the life of Royce…iono what it’s sposed to do..

7) Hip Hop

Great beat, Royce laying verses about how the game isnt as real as it used to be and the sad state of current rap. Great track.

8) Gangsta

Truthfully, one of the only tracks on the album i wasn’t really feeling at all. Dont like either the assisted hook, or the plain subject matter. At first the beat seems imaginitive, something out of a cliche old western, but soon gets boring.

9) T.O.D.A.Y.

Big change from the last track; this is my personal favorite. Love the piano beat and the chorus sung by Ingrid Smalls and rapped by Royce; a frustrated Royce questions how die-hard his fans really are and his own skills.

10) I & Me

Dark, creepin, Mobb Deep-ish track, great beat but Royce again talks about lack of mainstream success, which is beginning to get old. At points Royce quotes Makaveli’s infamous “Truest shit I ever wrote” line from Hail Mary. Tracks like these Royce starts to fall into monotony, not very interesting.

11) Beef

A remake of the cut “What’s Beef” by Notorious BIG, oddly enough a subliminal diss track toward 50 Cent and rappers who ride 2pac’s dick (Pac should be pissed/50percent of the niggas suckin his dick is *****/) and references to 50’s shooting and the battle with D12.

12) Bomb 1st

Unrelated to the 2pac track, another i wasn’t really feeling, however more imagininative than ‘Gangsta.’ Details instructions to a successful murder, but still a bit monotone.

13) Everybody Goes

Another good, creepy beat, Royce being more aggressive but still not very refreshing.

14) Death is Certain pt. 2 (It Hurts)

YES! The break in the monotony, the title track and one of the best cuts. Another excellent track; Nickel Nine raps about his homie gettin shot and dealing with his distress and the man’s moms. Very emotional track, again one of the best tracks on here.

15) Something’s Wrong With Him

A very emotional, bitter track about how everyone seems to have a problem with Royce and the affect the stress has on his family life.

Overall: 3.5/5

Royce has the potential to drop a classic album, but he tries to tackle more than he’s ready for here and near the end of the CD his energy seems burned out. Through that, and the needless gangsta tracks, Royce does deliver some gems and has more versatility and thought than half the rappers–no, 75% of the rappers in the game right now. No matter the shortcomings, still one of the best albums of 2003 next to Kanye’s College Dropout. Due to the fact that the album was mostly produced by one guy, a lot of the beats will have the same style which can get boring–even though a handful are great. Give the man some funding, and some more renowned producers (RZA, for example, would do a great track for Royce; so would Kanye West or Alchemist) and the man will have a great CD. My advice: Cop this here; we’ll be seein a lot more of Royce in the months to come.

Digital Underground – Who Got The Gravy

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

1. I Shall Return(Intro With KRS One)

Great intro as KRS does a great job introducing all of Digital Underground and the guests on the album. I’m counting this as a song because KRS also raps the intro’s which is very clever. Good

2. Holla Holiday(Humpty Hump, Shock G, Clee, & John Doe)

Different sound for Digital Underground. Humpty Hump & Shock G trade verses(!) and it’s really dope hearing Shock G get so into character with Humpty Hump. This is a party track and nothing else, a step away from their originality but still a good song. Good

3. Wind Me Up(Humpty Hump & Esinchill)

More bouncy beat, nice to hear a Humpty track, Esinchill sounds alot like Eminem, the resemblance in voice is uncanny. Really weird and Shock even calls him “E” hmmmmm. Humpty Hump doesn’t sound like himself, he’s more yelling here, sounds awkward but is still pretty tight. Esinchill has a pretty tight verse. Good

4. The Mission(Feat Big Pun, Shock G, Styles, & Whateva)

It’s funny to hear Shock insult Pun and hearing Pun respond back with Shock backing off, funny stuff. Big Pun totally rips the track, it’s weird hearing him on a DU track but I can’t complain. This is a love track, but it’s well done. Good

5. The Odd Couple(Humpty Hump & Biz Markie)

DOPE! This is a classic DU track right here. What a great concept, it’s California arguing with New York. It’s funny hearing Humpty & Biz arguing over the stupidest stuff. Classic track right here. DOPE!

6. Blind Mice(Shock G, Humpty Hump, Money B, Black Ty, Rashida, & Malia)

DOPE DOPE DOPE! My favorite track on this album. This is a great concept song with a strong political message but using nursery rhymes as metaphors. I thought I would have never heard Humpty Hump on a political track but here he is and he’s doing a great job, man I love Shock G, in a totally hetero way of course. The beat is really dope with nice singing mixed in. DOPE!

7. The Gravy(Humpty Hump & Truck Turner)

It’s BDP & DU TIME! Dope song with Humpty trying out his lyrical skills and he does a great job mixing humor and battle raps together. Truck does a good job but he can’t compete with Humpty Hump! DOPE!

8. Peanut Hakeem(Shock G & Peanut)

Funny skit with Peanut trying everything he can to throw the criminal in jail and then getting caught so he keeps objecting and then is distracted by a women so he says that “hoochie mama” ruins his client then gets thrown out, really weird yet hilarious skit. I can’t rate this though.

9. Man’s Girl(Shock G, Money B, Clee, & Gruve)

Weird yet dope beat, nice and smooth yet hard hitting at the same time. I’m not to into the beginning though. This song is about women and it’s well done. Good

10. April Showers(Shock G, Mystik, & Money B)

I love the beat and the singing. Yes this is the Mystik female singer/rapper/poet that put out an album with some Hiero rappers. Shock G does a really good job singing, but them talking about doing it in the rain is a little weird but whatever, good melody. Good

11. Cyber Teeth Tigers(KRS One & Shock G)

DOPE! This is straight up Hip Hop right here, Shock G does a great job keeping up with KRS One. Shock G breaks down the different kinds of smiles which is actually a clever concept, I however do not care for the chorus. Wow KRS raps really fast here, very dope. DOPE!(I can ignore the chorus)

All in all this gets a Good rating. This is totally different than the other DU albums put out which isn’t a bad thing. It’s pretty rare so if you can find it then cop it.

Young Droop – Killa Valley Moment Of Impakt

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

1. Under Pressure

DOPE DOPE DOPE!!!! Great way to start off the album. Sure beats some unfunny skit. Droop just tears the track to pieces. Funny thing is this isn’t even the tightest song on the album. DOPE!

2. My Own Thang(Feat P-Dise & Dubble J)

Droop flows like Eminem did on “Way I Am” he even flows over the same beat basically. Average track. Average

3. Moment Of Impakt(Feat Black C)

Good track, nothing really stands out though. Good

4. Final Konflikt

Great track. The beat is relaxing but has a gangsta touch to it. Droop of course rips it. Good

5. F*ck Dem(Feat Hollow Tip)

Hollow on chorus=OWNAGE! Great track as Droop & Hollow have great chemistry together. Good

6. Real Sh*t(Feat Spice 1, Kaoz The Assassin, Dubble J, Woodie, Bukshot, Ballin A$$ Dame, Hurrikaine J, Never, P-Dise, & Stone Cold)

Yikes talk about a cluster*****. Spice 1 has an embarassingly bad verse, oh man this track is awful. They rap over the most unoriginal beat ever(Halloween beat). Wack

7. Damn

Good track, the beat has a nice dark feel to it. Good

8. Had 2 Gat Ya 2001(Feat Brotha Lynch Hung)

Lynch sounds weird on this track and his verse is really disturbing especially when he talks about his mom coming back from the dead. Droop rips it though. Good

9. Wut They Talk(Feat Inferno & P-Dise)

Great track but plagued by guests. Man what’s with all these guests? Did someone not understand the concept of a solo album? Yeesh. Good

10. Present Darkness

Good track but I don’t like the beat. Droop does carry the song though. Good

11. Under Pressure Remix(Feat Tech N9ne)

DOPE DOPE DOPE!!!! My fav track on the album. Same beat and same Droop verses but Tech N9ne does a great chorus and even adds a great verse as he outshines Droop. DOPE!

12. Quik Lik

I like Droop’s yelling like rapid flow, it makes him stand out more than the average rapid flow. Good track. Good

13. Haunted By A Dream(Feat First Degree The DE)

This is “Mo Shit” from Now Eat. Great track, very dark beat and Droop just rules it. First Degree does a great job singing the chorus. Good

14. Overshadowed By Darkness(Feat Inferno)

This is a sequel to Present Darkness with a better beat. Good

All in all this gets a Good rating. Droop is such a great overlooked rapper from Merced California, with his rapid flows to his witty rhymes to his low growl rapid flows. It doesn’t get any better.

Digital Underground – The Body Hat Syndrome

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

‘The Body Hat Syndrome’ – 1993 Tommy Boy/ TNT Recordings under Warner Strategic Marketing

Its 1993 and Digital Underground have had a slight change in style…

1.Return Of The Crazy One 4:38

Once again, Humpty Hump kicks into the CD with another crazy song. After playing for a few bars you will see the change in DU’s production styles. Not only this but Hump’s nasal voice has changed slightly, perhaps matured? Pity is isn’t reflected in the lyrics! Still a funny song but Hump is a lot more mack than usual… beat could have been better.

2.Doo Woo You 7:36

Aah yeah! Sit back and jam to this! Over 7 minutes long! Another DU jam. Real catchy hook and nice vibes. Can’t say much more about this, its just a nice jam!

3.Holly Wanstaho 3:35

Holly’s just a lazy, crazy girl who wants to sell herself instead of trying to make it. “What a wonderful” I quote, track. Bass is reminiscent of That Dogg Pound’s “Ridin’, Slippin’ & Slidin’”

4.Bran Nu Sweater 4:58

That’s a metaphor for a groupie woman! The clingy type too, therefore you are “stuck wearing a sweater” DU got the track laced once again. Beat is jumping and bass kicks with energy. Another great track

5.The Humpty Dance Awards 4:51

For all the Tupac fans out there, this is the first you’ll get of him on the CD. It’s a skit about a spoof dance ceremony. Personally I think its filler.

6.Body Hats (Part One) 1:35

“Protection from FADES- Falsely Acquired Diluted Educational Syndrome” – that is, the hype the media brings – we shouldn’t believe all of it This CD doesn’t just have one title track it has three! The first of 3 parts with a very catchy hook.

7.Dope-A-Delic (Do-U-B-Leeve-In-D-Flo?) 4:07

Has a go at those using the DU sound coz its so funky and fresh. A beat not too hot. I feel more could have been done to it.

8.Intermission :54

Short interlude of clips of DU on the radio from around the world

9.Wussup Wit The Luv 6:35

Perhaps it would be typical of me to say that coz this song has Tupac on it makes it special? I’m afraid I think this one is. It is deep and touching. The second dose of Tupac on this CD. A very deep song about racial tension and black-on-black killings, problems with the police and the fact that even though a black man can be from America and the other from Africa, they still cant get along. We really see Pac’s early potentials in his short verse. Great beat. Touching chorus. Lots of meaning to this song, one of my favourites. DU at their best, giving serious messages out. One of DU’s best songs ever.

10.Digital Lover 4:38

Mainly a lot of sampling and repeated chants. Nothing too special, just a jam.

11.Carry The Way (Along Time) 4:15

A real bass-digger. Even gave me a slight headache. Play in your trunk

12.Body Hats (Part Two) 1:31

More of the same. Hook has an additional chant to it. As dope as the last part.

13.Circus Entrance 1:54

A confused skit and intro to the next song. Full of cheesy masturbation jokes!

14.Jerkit Circus 4:50

FINALLY- a song that reflects men’s habits! Hella funny OTT lyrics about doing it with yourself instead of a woman! Too many funny lines to mention. Great playback value for a laugh. DO NOT BLAST OUT THE BACK OF YOUR RIDE!

15.Circus Exit (The After-Nut) :43

Outro. Feels to me like filler as well

16.Shake & Bake 4:34

A “More Bounce To The Ounce” sampler. Humpty Hump on the mic and his sexual habits are rapped about. This track jumps more than the last Hump solo (Return Of The Crazy One). Bumping.

17.Body Hats Part Three 3:07

The third and final instalment of the Body Hats tracks and the longest of them too. A bit more soul to this one and a bit more of Hump

18.Do Ya Like It Dirty? 4:45

A switching duet between Shock-G and Humpty Hump and doing it dirty. They take it in turns to tell it. Speaks on some freaky sex with food and sexual preferences!

19.Bran Nu Sweat This Beat :33

Instrumental

20.Whee! 5:08

Clearly the MCs took to the mic high on this one! What a laugh though. Great sounds though and lyrics are hilarious

Conclusion: DU have changed their sound for 93. They still sound far out for a rap group and they still keep it jumping but this CD I don’t think was as good as the rest. Still, its DU and they never fail to impress. There are lots of good tracks on here, even though a slight bit of filler. Overall I give this a Humpty Dance Award (buy the CD and you’ll know what I mean) 4/5

Richie Rich – Nixon Pryor Roundtree

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

1. Wake Up

Good song, it has a nice dark psychadelic type beat with nice funk bass. I’m glad Richie Rich didn’t do an intro, it has some nice voice samples including E-40’s. The chorus is just Richie Rich blurting “Wake Up” over and over. Good

2. How I Ride(Feat Justice)

We go from good to horrible. The beat is really sloppy and could cause seizures when listened to. Richie Rich can’t rap over fast beats, his voice just can’t match with the beat, he’s way too laid back and some rapper named Justice joins him who’s really annoying as he does the chorus. Really terrible. Wack

3. Say B*%*!(Feat Too Short)

Wow it’s my favorite guest Too Short, you know if someone could bring this album even more down it’s Too Short. I cannot stand the chorus as Too Short says “Say BEEEYIITCH” with Richie Rich’s monotone voice after it. Too Short with the usual. Wack

4. What It Do(Feat Replacement Killerz)

Bland track as the beat sounds like it was done on a Casio, Seasoned Veteran this is not. Replacement Killerz are annoying and really bland. Richie Rich raps unmotivated. Wack

5. Smoke N F**!

These track names are really horrible. All Richie Rich wants to do is “smoke n *****”….yea it’s that bad. With a beat so boring that it could put an insomniac asleep. You know if I was Richie Rich I’d be more worried about putting out a good album and making money instead of “smoking and *****ing”. Train Wreck

6. NPR(Feat DeeDee)

Richie Rich says he’s three faced(Huh?) in the beginning. The chorus amuses me for some reason but the beat is pretty basic. Richie Rich isn’t even trying on this song. Oh man this album is so bad and it’s only the 6th track. Wack track. Wack

7. Scrapers(Feat Stalin)

Decent track, the beat is all over the place but it isn’t bad. Richie Rich raps about riding in his car and all that bland and boring stuff I could care less about. Stalin is basic and sloppy, he tries though so I’ll give him points for effort unlike Richie Rich who could care less. Average

8. Betta Luv Ya B*%*!(Feat The Replacement Killerz)

Horrible track with an even worse track title. These edited curse words in the beginning annoy me. I can’t believe Richie Rich even made a track like this and the Killerz are horrible. Train Wreck

9. No Degreez(Feat PSD)

Beat is really goofy sounding and basic. Richie Rich starts it off dissing someone who he doesn’t say, funny thing is that the one who he is dissing has made a better album than this tripe. Wack

10. Thru With It

A track title that states my mindset about this album, but I have about 3 more after this. It’s the same topic that Richie Rich has been talking about and that’s “sex” is he trying to be Too Short junior? Wack track that has no redeeming qualities. Wack

11. Pretty B*%*!*s(My Anthem)

If this is his anthem then we are in big trouble, horrible track with a bastardized Carribean type track that sounds like it was rejected by the creators of the “Little Mermaid”. Wack

12. Still My N*%!@(Feat Harm)

Annoying chorus, man this is such a horrible track, I don’t even have words for this…well I do and they are none too good. Take a basic beat with a basic topic and mix it with an unmotivated Richie Rich and you have this track. Wack

13. NY 2 Da O(Feat Wayno)

This is suppose to test Richie Rich’s versatility I think but it doesn’t really work. Average track with Wayno giving an ok verse, actually Richie Rich doesn’t do too bad, if he rapped with this fire then he’d have a decent album, he picks the last track to get motivated, sounds like the same old Richie Rich, nothing ground breaking with an average beat but I’ll boost it since Richie Rich actually tries. Good

All in all a Wack rating. This is the worst album I have ever heard with tracks so bad that I cannot believe Richie Rich even put this out, the tracks didn’t even have humor quality, they were just boring and so horrendously cliche’d that you had to skip the tracks. Avoid this album like the plague.

Bad Azz – Money Run

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

1. Intro

Dope beat but it’s just an intro so no rating.

2. If It’s Hot

Nice smooth production by Big Hollis(Who produced every track on this album). Bad Azz flows well over this beat and has some dope lyrics on here. This is actually a different vibe you are used to hearing Bad Azz on. Song is about Bad Azz only rapping over hot beats and talking about dope topics. Good

3. Checking All The Spots(Feat Big Hollis & Kenya Baker)

Well so much for that, the chorus is really bad and this is such a Neptunes rip off track, with a fake Pharrell wannabe on the chorus. Bad Azz is totally unmotivated here going through the motions and not really caring, can’t say I blame him. Wack

4. Do The Damn Thing(Feat Bonnie)

Nice bouncy West beat. Hollis to me is either hit or miss and this is most def hit right here. Bad Azz sounds comfortable on this track and Bonnie sings a really good chorus. Good

5. N 2Gether Now(Feat 40 Glock)

Nice smooth type beat, 40 Glock starts it off with a nice verse I like the soul voice samples. Bad Azz does a good chorus as well. They both feel comfortable on this track. Back to the beat, it has a nice symphony type flow with some reflective sounds. Very dope stuff. Good

6. Ghetto(Feat Marcel)

Again a Neptunes type track but it’s still good with Marcel doing a decent chorus but I don’t like the numerous “ghetto” chants going on throughout the song, it tends to annoy me. Good

7. My Street(Feat LiL Tip Toe, Conflict, & Terror)

This sounds alot like “This Can’t Be Life” from Jay-Z’s “Dynasty” album, and I loved that song. This song is really good but one complaint is the damn booklet which mixes up the track names and switches them all over the place. Track is about chilling out with your family and friends. Good track and my favorite on this one. Good

8. Money Run(Feat LiL Tip Toe & Conflict)

Decent West fast beat, nothing great, it’s pretty average with your usual rappers half assing it. Average

9. Come & Get It(Feat Bonnie)

Man does there have to be a feature on every song? Cheesy singing by Bonnie, this is a really corny song that I just don’t care for. It’s just a bunch of lovey dovey fluff. Wack

10. It’s A Party(feat Soopafly & Latoiya Williams)

Latoiya is a really talented singer, she’s probably my favorite female singer out now. Soopafly with a boring verse that I can care less about, man he’s worthless on here. Latoiya is carrying this thing on her back. Bad Azz with your average boring stuff, man I remember when he actually used to rap about meaningful topics but on this one he’s just unmotivated it. Average

11. Groupie(Feat Conflict, LiL Tip Toe, & Terrell Carter)

Song is about a groupie, this is a cluster***** and I don’t really care for this song. Wack

12. California Sunshine(Feat Skee 64, Big Hollis, LiL Tip Toe, & Sene)

Cluster***** in the making! The beat is a nice bouncy West type beat, decent chorus, this is a track to play in your ride and nothing else. Good

All in all I’m gonna give this an Average rating, just nothing notable here. This album has some really boring tracks. Some good ones but the boring outweigh the good here. Get his Word On The Streetz album and avoid this.

Nas – Illmatic 10th Anniversary Platinum Edition

Posted on February 19, 2013 by WWC

Artist: Nas
Title: Illmatic 10th Anniversary Platinum Edition
Label: Columbia/Sony
Year: 1994, 2004

1. The Genisis

The intro to the album. Nas and AZ are just talking about all these weak rappers and Nas proclaims he’s about to rap about that real shit. Cool intro.

2. N.Y State Of Mind

Immediatly from the start the beat kicks in a with a nice bassline and a piano melody in the backround. One of Dj Premiers finest beat. Nas kicks into his storytelling mode rapping about how it is in New York. Classic.

3. Life’s A ***** feat. AZ

Probably my favorite song on the album. AZ is the only guest on the album. The production is really good here. I love the jazzy sound. AZ and Nas spit amazing verses especially AZ. Another classic.

4. The World Is Yours

I love the beat. Real old school. Pete Rock did a great job with it. He’s also on the chorus but he is not credited. Nas raps about his own feelings and stuff he’s experianced in his life.

5. Halftime

Another tight joint. Nas’ raps are amazing and well crafted as they match the beat very well. Dope track.

6. Memory Lane

Another classic beat by Premier. It has a nice gospel feel to it. Nas is once again spitting pure fire. His rhymes are very intelligent and very poetic.

7. One Love

Q Tip produced this one. The production is pretty tight. Nas is rapping to his friend who is in prison telling him about everything that has happened to him. Great track.

8. One Time For Your Mind

Good track. The production is nice here. Nas raps about the usual stuff. His experiances in Queensbridge and stuff thats happened to him. One minor problem is that the chorus is a bit dull.

9. Represent

After the more slow tracks we get “Represent”. The beat kicks off nicely with a tight keyboard melody. Nas raps about violence in the streets and a bit off some street braggadiocio. Classic.

10. It Ain’t Hard To Tell

A great way to end the best album of all time. The production is nice. Nas’ raps are intellignet and his flow and worldplay are awesome. It remiends you of the days when hip hop wasn’t about bling bling or fast cars.

Illmatic The Album: 5/5. The greatest album of all time. Period.

Disc 2

1. Life’s A ***** Remix

I like this remix. It really surprised me. Unlike the jazzy laid back original. This one has a more bouncy club feel to it. But surprisingly it’s still dope. Nice remix. It’s a lot easier for the new fans of hip hop to digest.

2. The World Is Yours Remix

Another great remix. It can’t touch the orignal but it’s still tight. The piano melody is touching and the soft little sounds in the backround keeo the song moving. One bad thing is that the old scrathes by The large professor are taken out, and thats one of the things that I thought made the original such a classic.

3. One Love Remix

I like the production here. The flutes in here sound really cool. Nick Fury also has a sped up sample in here which gets a little annoying. He should leave that stuff to the Diplomatic. Anyways, good track

4. It Ain’t Hard To Tell Remix

Why oh why did we have to have this crap on the album? Nick Fury really messed up the song. It sounds like some Neptunes or Timbaland stuff. Just doesn’t work well with Nas.

5. On The Real

KRS 1 and Marly Marl drop the beat here. Nice stuff. This song was recorded almost 10 years ago. Nas’ is terrific as usual. Nas raps about the stuff he does best: ghetto life. Great wordplay and flow.

6. Star Wars

My favorite track on disc 2. I love the beat. The Large Professor drops some more classic shit. It has these really cool video game sounds in it. Nas raps about beef and how we need to keep it on wax and avoid the violence. Dope shit

Disc 2: 4.5 stars

Overall: 5 Stars. If you already own Illmatic I still say get it because of the remix’s and new songs on Disc 2. If you don’t have it, it makes it even better. The greatest hip hop album off all time. Illmatic.