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Album reviews.

Hi-C – The Hi-Life Hustle

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Hi-C - The Hi-Life Hustle1. Hi Life (Intro) 

2. Say Woop

Good way to open up the album. This is a party song and gets you hyped. The lyrics are cool on this song. The chorus is not that good though, it doesn’t make the song wack or anything but it could’ve been better. Song is still got. 8/10

3. I Don’t Wanna Know 

“I Don’t Wanna Know” features Nate Dogg. The lyrics to the song are really good and he talks about something a little different. The beat is heat, and with Nate Dogg on the chorus, you have to know this song is hot! 8/10

4. Talk 

“Talk” features a crazy ass hard hitting beat. Guest appearances on this song include Sly Boogy and E-40. Sly Boogy is one of the best lyrical MC’s out in the west right now, so his verse on this song is fire. Hi C comes in the second verse with a nice verse. Some of the lines were real tight, such as “Niggaz be killing me with these gang bang raps/I got homies so bang’d out they need a gang bang patch/”, that is a fire line. E 40 comes in the thirds verse, his verse is not as hot as Hi C’s or Sly Boogy’s but that doesn’t take away the fact his verse is tight. 8/10

5. Coochie Coochie (Intro)

6. Coochie Coochie 

This song sounds like something you would probably hear at a strip club. Hi C raps a little faster then he usually does on this one. He has some funny rhymes on this too, “What? Wait a minute hold up/Told you before I pays for no butt/I don’t give a ***** if the ***** have platinum and gold in it/Don’t pay to stick my pole in it/”. DJ Quik is on the chorus of this song. This song is cool and gets a little addicting after you listen to it for a while. 8/10

7. Let Me Know

Here comes the highlight of this album. DJ Quik produced song, with DJ Quik on the beat, you know this is a guaranteed hit. This is one of the songs you will be playing the most from this album. DJ Quik is also featured on the track. He takes up the third verse and even after Quik retired, he still got heat. 9/10

8. Pop It 

This is another one of those hard hitting tracks. Hi C’s flow is a little different on this, not very different but you can see a little difference here and there. Big Steele is pretty dope on this track. He has a deep voice, which makes his verse hot, his verse is kind of short though. 8/10

9. Hey Hey

This song for some reason reminds me of “Pop It” beat is similar and the guest appearance is the same. This a party song and I think would be good for a radio single. Overall this song is nice. 7.5/10

10. Big Girls Need Love Too 

This one is one of the nicer tracks on this album. The title basically says what this song is about, some of the shit he talks about on there is pretty funny. Definitely a track you need to check out. 8/10

11. Stalker (Skit) 

12. Fo A Buck 

This beat is nice. The lyrics to the song are real nice. It is basically bout girls so broke they would do anything for a buck. I like this track a lot, a slower track, still dope. 8/10

13. So Good 

This song features James DeBarge. This is kind of like a love song, it is dope, a slower track, and this is one of the better love rap tracks I heard recently. James DeBarge is a good singer, and Hi-C’s rhymes are hot as usual. 8/10

14. Hit Me Where It Hurts 

I do not really like this song, it is produced by Quik, but the beat sounds goofy a little bit, it’s not my style really. This song could’ve been way better. 6/10

15. Run Up, Done Up 

Song produced by Quik, the hook on this song sounds nice, Hi-C’s flow on this one is really nice. Definitely something worth checking out. 8/10

16. X Pills

This beat bangs, the hits and claps go real well on this one. This track is basically about ecstasy and shit like that. Overall this track is dope. 8/10

17. Do It 

Quik is on the beat for this one too, it sounds like some old school shit that would be from Quik’s “Safe + Sound” album. The bass line on this is hot as *****. The hook has that Roger Troutman Talk box shit, real nice song. The song is long too, 8:15!!! Still a dope track. 8.5/10

 

Overall this album is nice, we’ve been waiting for this album for a long time and it is finally here. Most the production is by Crawf Dog (Hi-C) and DJ Quik did a couple of beats. If you are a fan of DJ Quik and his family, you should pick this up, if you are not familiar with them, you should check out this album, it is definitely a hot album!!

Final Rating: 3.5/5

Sheek Louch – Walk Witt Me

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Sheek Louch - Walk Witt Me1. For You 

Odd starting and really an odd beat, atleast for Sheek to be spitting on, not saying it’s wack in fact it’s good, problem is it’s way too short. Good

2. Ok

D-Block cannot and I repeat CANNOT make a party track to save their lives. Case in point: Jadakiss’ whole first album, boy what a flop piece of garbage that was but that’s another story. This track sucks OK! Oh yea this track is wack OK! Train Wreck rating? OK! Train Wreck

3. Turn It Up

Man 3 songs in and Sheek’s already exposed as a rapper that needs to be carried(Have a good guest guide him through a track). I like Sheek but he’s just really REALLY boring. He tries but he’s just getting exposed as not being ready for solo status. Good track for the Alchemist beat and atleast Sheek tried. Good

4. How Many Guns

Yup he’s exposed, he’s a 1 trick pony. All he can rap about is guns, oh man who cares how many guns you have? He needs Styles P or Jadakiss to guide him through, hell even J-Hood. Ugh! Wack

5. In/Out(S.P.)(Feat Styles P)

The best member of the Lox joins Sheek. This track is about murder(GASP SURPRISING ISN’T IT?!!??!) but the beat is dope and they try atleast, well Sheek does, Styles P just kind of sleep walks through it. Good

6. I Ain’t Forget

Total filler. Wack

7. Walk Witt Me

Good track as Sheek finally tries something different. Song has a good message. Good

8. Crazzy

Man the skit at the beginning is soooooo long, good track otherwise. Good

9. Ten Hut(Feat Jadakiss)

D-BLOCK!!!!! This is really vintage Lox Ruff Ryders era as they rap about going to war over horns. Good

10. How I Love You(Feat Styles P)

This track is so bizarre as Sheek basically disses the girl he “loves” I’m thinking this track is sarcasm at its finest which is pretty clever having Styles give a totally heart felt chorus. Average

11. 3-5-4(Tarrentino)

Nice storytelling track, it’s about nothing new or anything but it’s good. Good

12. Don’t Mean Nuthin(Feat D-Block)

D-Block are on the song, they forgot to put them in there. Nice east beat mixed with West flavor. J-Hood and Jadakiss own this track. Good

13. D-Block(Feat J-Hood)

FINALLY! I’ve been waiting for J-Hood to rap on here. All J-Hood needs to do is change his subject matter, he’s already better than Sheek. Beat is like a newer West sound, decent beat but they do carry it well. Good

14. Mighty D-Block(2 Guns Up)(Feat D-Block)

DOPE DOPE DOPE DOPE!!!!!! Such a great track, great way to end the album and worth the price alone. Jadakiss starts it off with a good verse then Sheek rips it, I love the scratching in between raps, it just adds to the flavor. J-Hood up next with a hood tale and Styles ends it. DOPE!!!!

 

All in all I’m gonna give this a Good rating. Good first try and unlike DMX’s album, Sheek actually tries to establish himself as a solo and is not unmotivated. There’s really not that many guests. Last track is so dope!

Cypress Hill – Till Death Do Us Part

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Cypress Hill - Till Death Do Us Part1. Another Body Drops

Nice hard rock styled beat by Muggs but still maintains its gangsta appeal. B-Real starts it off with a really dope verse and in fact B-Real carries this song really well. The chorus is really bland though, but it’s not a bad way to start an album. Good

2. Till Death Comes

Softer piano type beat by Muggs, nothing really interesting about the beat, pretty bland. The chorus is cliche’d and just doesn’t fit that well. B-Real tries but this track is really boring. Wack

3. Latin Thugs(Feat Tego Calderon)

Nice Latin style beat with the horns. The raps are in Spanish and well I can’t understand so it’s pointless for me to try and interpet what they’re saying. Decent track. Average

4. Gangja Bus(Feat Damian Marley)

We’rd Nu-Jamaican type track, it’s pretty wack as well. Damian Marley is really annoying and the beat sucks. This track gets worse and worse by the second. Wack

5. Busted In the Hood

Finally, some dope music by B-Real. B-Real starts telling some stories and the production by Muggs is dope, has a hard yet smooth type feeling to it. B-Real is honestly one of the best rappers out and it’s great to hear him rap. Good

6. Money

What’s with the really bouncy West beat? it sounds like a Kurupt track on speed. B-Real tries but this beat is really annoying, come on Muggs atleast make some good dark west production like you have in the past. Average

7. Never Know

Now this is what I’m talking about, very dark beat but the chorus is really annoying with them rapping really slowly in unison. B-Real carries it well. Good

8. Last Laugh(Feat Prodigy & Twin)

NOOOO!!! Not nu-metal Cypress Hill! The beat sounds like DJ Clues Fantastic 4 part 2(Final 5 off Vol 2) but with guitars strapped to it. B-Real really does a great first verse, then the beat changes. Prodigy does the chorus and I think that’s a good idea since Prodigy hasn’t been good since The Infamous. Good

9. Bong Hit

Interlude

10. What’s Your Number(Feat Tim Armstrong)

Well this is the single anjd it’s decent but nothing really good, they use The Clash’s “The Guns Of Brixton” and they use it well. Has a ska’ish feel to it with B-Real’s raps over it. Average

11. Once Again

Has a detectivish type beat to it, like a spy co-vert op beat I can’t explain it but it’s decent but really fast and B-Real raps well over it. Nice track but they can do so much better. Good

12. Number Seven

Interlude

13. One Last Cigarette

This is like Illusions 2004. Nice dark beat with B-Real rapping well over it, they even have the guy who’s tied up make sounds over B-Real’s vocals! Good

14. Street Wars

Nice track, the beat is pretty basic but with chants added and B-Real once again shows that he’s one of the best rappers out. Not a track you’d expect the old Cypress on but whatever doesn’t matter it’s still a good song. Good

15. Till Death Do us Part

I love the organ beat mixed with that West flavor, very tight track and the beat on the album. B-Real raps well over this. This is like a mixture of dark and light type beats and it mixes well. Good

16. Eulogy

Outro

 

All in all this gets a Good rating. Is it good? Yes but is it their best one? No way. I’d suggest getting everyone of their other albums including Psycho Realm’s self titled album before you get this.

Ruff Ryders – Ryde or Die Volume 1

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Ruff Ryders - Ryde or Die Volume 1Artist(s): Ruff Ryders
Title: Ryde or Die Volume 1
Label: Ruff Ryders/Interscope
Year: 1999

1. Ryde or Die (Lox, DMX, Drag-On, Eve) 

Really tight song. True banger. Everyone is great. Drag-On’s verse is especially good. LOX, DMX and Eve come off nicely. The production by Swizz is awesome. Im not sure but I think this was the first single from the album.

2. Down Bottom (Drag-On, Juvenile) 

Swizz comes with another banger. The beat just makes you nod your head. The opening verse by Drag is fire. Juvenile’s verse is pretty good too. The chorus is ridiculously catchy.

” Do ya’ll niggas bust ya guns? (Hell ya we bust our guns), Do you ***** em til they *****? (Hell yeah we make them *****)…..”

3. What You Want (Eve) 

Eve’s turn to shine. Eve definently came correct lyrically but that production isn’t that great. Swizz kind of switched up his style and he made the beat sound spanish a little bit.

4. Jigga My Nigga (Jay Z) 

Another great song. All of Jay’s verses are fire. The production is on point. The hook gets a little annoying after a while though.

” From the crack tables back in AC, back on the block, Jay Z mother*****er from the the the Roc, went solo on that ass, but it’s still the same, Brooklyn be the spot where i serve them thangs”

5. Takin $ (skit) 

6. Dope Money (LOX) 

The beat here from the start hits you hard. It sets the stage perfectly for the LOX. The LOX are basically spitting about the streets are everything that happens in them.

7. Im A Ruff Ryder (Parle) 

Parle is an R&B group. I don’t like R&B too much but this song is nice. The beat is a little slow so it can take a while to get used to it because of the previous songs. Parle are great here. It’s a shame that they never got a chance to put an album out.

8. Bug Out (DMX) 

Easily one of the weakest tracks on the album. And yes it is the DMX solo. The beat is horrible. Damn, what was Swizz thinking? X is decent but the beat makes it difficult to listen to the song.

9. Kiss Of Death (Jadakiss) 

Nice beat here. Jadakiss spits mostly thug stuff and he throws in some nice punchilnes. His flow is good too. Tight song.

10. The Hood (Drag-On, Beanie Siegal, Mysonne, Infa-Red, Jadakiss, NuChild) 

Nice lineup here. Beanie starts off the song with a really good verse. Drag and jadakiss came with dope verses too. Mysonne and NuChild are nothing special.

11. Platinum Plus (Jermaine Dupri, Mase, Cross) 

Judging from the title you would think the song would be all bling bling. And you’re right. Production is nice but overall lyrically the song is bad. Cross is seriously a joke.

12. Buff Ryder (skit) 

13. Do That Shit (Eve) 

Another solo track from Eve. The production is good but after a while it gets a little repetitive. Damn, Eve has definently surprised me on the album. All of her verses have been really good. This song is no exception.

14. Pina Colada (Sheek, Big Pun) 

I hate the chrous it’s pretty stupid. Sheek and Pun spits hot verses though. Especially Sheek. Most of the album he’s been outshined by the LOX. Production is good but nothing too great.

15. Some X Shit (DMX) 

This is a huge improvement from Bug Out. The beat is just hot! X is really tight too. Not much more to say. Just a dope track.

 

Overall: 3.5/5. The best out of the 3 volume Ruff Ryder compilation series. If you like DMX or most of the Ruff Ryders i suggest picking up the album. It’s a solid compilation.

Benzino – The Benzino Remix Project

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1. 617 Intro

Dope beat for this and nice singing, too bad there’s no rapping on here. Just a dope way to introduce the album. Can’t rate it though.

2. Who’s Benzino(Feat P-Diddy)

The beat is produced by D-Dot and it’s really good and hard hitting. P-Diddy does the usual here as he goes “Uh huh” “Yea” throughout Benzino’s rapping. Benzino is actually rapping really good here. P-Diddy does a head ache causing outro. Good

3. Bang Ta Dis

This was called “The ebst song on the album” and I laugh everytime I read that. This song is good but basic. Produced by Hangmen 3 and it’s a very good beat and people say Benzino is untalented? The guy sure knows how to produce a beat and ride a beat. Good song. Good

4. Feel Your pain(Feat Outlawz)

Very good track. I love the beat, it has an Oriental feel to it yet has an emotional feel to it. Outlawz do a great job on here, in fact this is one of their best appearances ever. Benzino does a really good verse on here. Hangmen 3 produce the beat and of course you know it’s tight. Kastro has the best verse on this song. Good

5. We Reppin Yall(Feat Made Men)

I love the beat(Produced by Hangmen 3). Benzino does a good job flowing to the beat. You know G-Zus & Twice Thou are both really tight, yet they get lumped in the “Benzino is the worst rapper ever so everyone affiliated with him sucks” category which is so untrue. Everyone holds their own here but Twice Thou easily has the best verse. Good

6. Hallway(Skit)

Skit

7. Figadoh(Remix)(Feat Busta Rhymes & MOP)

YES! One of my fav rappers ever(Busta) is on here and he just rips the track to pieces, easily outshining everyone. Benzino has a horrible verse on here. MOP come with the usual stuff they do which is rowdy dope rapping. Good

8. Bang Ta Dis(Remix)(Feat Prodigy & Bars N Hooks)

Better beat than the original but I think Prodigy started sucking after Murda Muzik so I can’t be bothered to care about his verse. Decent track but seems like a cluster***** and besides why is the OG version on this album anyway? Average

9. Nobody Liver(Feat Pink)

The less the said the better, lets just say that Pink & Benzino go together like Peanut Butter and Mayonaise. Wack

10. Picture This(Feat Foxy Brown)

And it’s the most overrated Female MC ever….Foxy Brown! She has a horrible verse, I never saw what was so great in her, she’s just boring and sloppy. Benzino is sloppy as well and seems to care less about the track. Beat is really boring as well. Wack

11. Any Questions(Feat Black Rob)

Hangmen 3 totally carry the track with their SWANK production! Nice gangsta track, very dark but Black Rob is totally unmotivated here and in this situation he should be giving 100% here since Benzino runs the Source and all and Black Rob hasn’t done anything worthwhile, he even works “Like whoa” in there and I laugh because it sounded totally forced. Benzino compares Black Rob to Shaq HA! Anyway a good track nonetheless. Good

12. No Parts Of Us(Feat Bobby Brown & Prodigy)

Horrible! Just simply horrible garbage! Prodigy starts off with babbling about nothing and then Bobby Brown sings the WORST CHORUS EVER! Then Prodigy raps first and I don’t care because he sucks and needs coffee, man show some energy, I know you’re sick but still atleast act like you’re interested. Benzino outshines him and actually tries. Still a horrendous piece of garbo track. Train Wreck

13. So Beautiful(Feat Dr. Bellatoma)

I liked that song by Benzino that featured Bellatoma that was always on BET Uncut, but sadly this isn’t it. The beat is some bastardized West track, man Hangmen 3 could’ve produced a better beat they’re better than that. Bellatoma is annoying and Benzino annoys me on this track as well. What a sloppy track. Wack

14. G-A-N-G-S-T-E-R

Dope dark piano beat by Hangmen 3 and Benzino rides it well, you know he may not be that great lyrically but Benzino does try to atleast flow with the beat instead of talking over it. Good track. Good

15. Big Trev(Skit)

Skit

16. Boottee(Remix)(Feat Fabolous & G-Dep)

This song is a guilty pleasure of mine and is 100 times better than the original version. Fabolous starts off with a good verse and is one of the only times I can actually stand him. Benzino with an awkward verse but atleast he flows with the beat. G-Dep has good verse but what the hell is with the “Too young is a man in China” line? He is really reaching right there and that came off as one of the worst punches ever! Anyway the song is good. Good

17. The Jump Off(Feat Raekwon, Cormega, & Superb)

What a cluster*****. The beat is some James Bond type beat and it’s wack to me. Raekwon with an incoherent verse, Benzino with a decent but forced verse and I can’t believe he even had the balls to rap with Raekwon, Cormega with a verse so boring it’d put an insomniac to sleep. I could care less about this track. Wack

18. Shine Like My Son(Feat Ray Ray & Case)

HAHAHAHA!!!! Oh man this is such a bad track, Benzino is talking to his son like he’s in his 20’s with his son going “Yea yea” in a little kids voice, then tells his kid(Who’s about 9 or 10) to use a protection when having sex OK……. What a *****ing farce this was. Train Wreck

19. I’m F**cked Up(Feat McNeil)(Skit)

Nice to see Benzino forget what he told his son and act like he’s *****ed up on drugs. Other than that this song is dope with McNeil totally ripping the track. Great way to introduce this guy. He seems very charismatic albeit generic. Good

20. Throw Dem 3’s(Boston N***az)(Feat KT, Prince, Smoke, Luv, Weirdo, & O.T.)

DOPE DOPE DOPE!!!!! This is easily the best album on the whole album. Benzino wisely stays out of this song and lets his rappers shine. I love the beat, this is a head nodder and the dark type mafioso beat adds alot to it. Benzino does a great chorus as well. Great song! DOPE!

21. Go Hard

Very dope beat! Jeff 2 Times and Benzino produce some great beats together. Benzino does a great job at rapping and works his ass off flowing well to the beat. Good

22. N***** Don’t Want It

Nice beat by Hangmen 3, but they repeat the title like 30 times before Benzino actually raps. I love the beat that kicks in when Benzino starts rapping and once again he does a good job at riding the beat. Good

 

All in all this gets a Good rating. All these Benzino haters haven’t listened to this album, this album is filled with great production, good guests, and Benzino working hard. Cop it if you’re a Benzino fan and buy it if you like good production. I have heard people call this the “worst album ever” but of course they are crack smoking morons so ignore them.

 

Cassidy – Split Personality

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Cassidy - Split Personality1. My Interpretation

Weird opera type intro but then it gets really dope as Cassidy spits some dope rhymes. The thing about Cassidy though is that he lacks substance but for what it is this track is good and is a nice way to start off the album. Good

2. Hotel(Feat R-Kelly)

You all have heard this and I cannot stand this horrible piece of fluff they call a single. R-Kelly is worthless on here and Cassidy’s style is not suited for lovey dovey type fluff, man I cannot stand rap love songs and this one is really cheesy. Wack

3. Lipstick Feat Jazze Pha

Club track but it’s really disjointed, Swizz does the intro and of course I could care less, it’s odd when Swizz usually does an intro the song seems to suck and this is no different. Wack

4. Get No Better(Feat Mashonda)

Another love song, Cassidy can not and I repeat CAN NOT do a love song, leave that to LL Cool J or Too Short(heh). I think Cassidy should be tearing it up over some “WW3” type Swizz production. This is just more fluff, skip it. Wack

5. Make U Scream(Feat Snoop Dogg)

Decent use of the Bootsy Collins “I’d Rather Be With You” but it comes off as cheesy. Cassidy once again dissappoints me by trying to do a rap love(Boy is that a *****in oxymoron) song. Snoop earns his pay by doing nothing note worthy. Average at best. Average

6. The Problem

Skit

7. Tha Problem

DOPE! This is what I’m talking about, the beat is nice and has an old school feel. This is what Cassidy should be spittin over. I think he’s alot better when his style isn’t toned down. Your standard Cassidy rips a hard beat but for this type of album it’s refreshing. Good(Not DOPE! material but still a very good song)

8. Pop That Cannon(Feat Styles)

Nice to hear Styles on here, dope Ruff Ryders vintage type beats with the “Whoooo’s” all over the place, Cassidy has some dope lines(“Sicker than full blown aids”) and Styles rips it. Good

9. Blood Pressure

I love the beat, it has an eerie type horror movie vibe mixed with dope guitars in it. Best track on the album, Cassidy doesn’t soften up here, he just goes balls through the walls on this one. Good

10. Can I Talk To You(Feat Jadakiss)

Nice old school james Bond type feel to it and man this song is really dope, maybe I was wrong this IS the best song on the album, I love the old villain type beat going on and Jadakiss only adds more dope to the mix. Cassidy and Jada make for a great team and this song shows it. DOPE!

11. Real Talk

Skit

12. Real Talk

Didn’t think Cassidy would use West slang but still it’s a decent track with a nice 70’s type soul beat, well I take that back it’s a good song and is above decent here. Cassidy has proved me wrong, he has substance when he wants to and this shows. Good

13. Husslin

What is up with the rodeo beat? Then it cuts to some 70’s soul type beat(HUH?) weird styles clash of beats and Cassidy sounds awkward and forced. Average

14. I’m Hungry

The beginning is annoying with the “I’m hungry” said a million times, yea you’re hungry we get it. Cassidy raps about trying everything he can to make money and never be poor again, it’s actually a good concept once you think about it and Cassidy convinces me that he will practically do anything to provide for himself and his family(If he has one). Good stuff. Good

15. Around The World

Really weird beat as it’s some eerie type beat mixed with women singing. I don’t like this track because Cassidy tries to be all “happy and friendly” and it comes off as cheesy. After the consistently good matches this album was getting towards the end I guess something had to stop it. Wack

16. Hotel(Remix)(Feat R-Kelly & Trina)

And well speaking of sucking. Really annoying beginning with 2 women talking on the phone. Same concept who cares about Trina’s rapping ability? I don’t, sure she may have a thick body and a decent face but she’s like death on the mic. Wack

 

All in all I give this an Average(Leaning on Good) rating, there were some really good tracks(And 1 DOPE! track) but it just seemed so forced and Cassidy wasn’t himself on a few tracks, alot of times he seemed awkward on songs and the some of the songs itself were atrocious. Pick it up if you’re a Ruff Ryders fan or in that case a Cassidy fan. Cassidy is a perfectly acceptable rapper and is capable of doing much better.

Knoc-Turn’al – LA Confidential Presents Knoc-Turn’al

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Knoc-Turn'al - LA Confidential Presents Knoc-Turn'al2002/ Elektra Entertainment / LA Confidential

1. The Knoc ft Dr Dre, Missy Elliot Produced by Producers Coalition Of America/ Wallace Sibley Jr 

Its a favour for a favour from Dr Dre as he he duets on “The Knoc” also featuring Missy Elliot. After appearing on Dre’s “Bad Intentions” he helps out Knoc. This was the first single of the EP with a very flash Missy-influenced video featuring 100s of Knocs, one Dre and three Missys! Unlike the heavily censored video version of the song, this version got the cut-no-corners explicit chorus and verses. Upon first hearing this I thought Dre produced it. Beat is pretty playful and upbeat but slower than I thought it was when i heard it first time round

2. Muzic Produced by Kayne West 

A hip-hop first: “Muzic” was the first rap song to feature a cleared Beatles (Paul McCartney) sample- who better for samples than Kayne West productions?! This is one of Knoc’s finest pieces of work to date. It was on a soundtrack to the film “The Transporters” and featured a blockbuster-action packed video with it. Very simple lyrics but they cause alot of mic-drama and the hook sounds great

3. Str8 West Coast (Remix) ft Warren G, Shade Sheist, Nate Dogg and Xzibit Produced by Dr Dre 

This is a RMX of the song Knoc did for “The Wash” soundtrack. Rather than sounding like a decent RMX its more of a WestCoast party mix where each emcee drops their verse and leaves. That said, Nate’s voice makes a welcome appearance in the middle and the verses are quite hot.

4. Let’s All Roll ft Slip Capone, Timebomb, Jay O Fellony, Butch Cassidy Produced by Fredwreck 

Another hot track. Timebomb drops some classy lyrics. The smooth voice of Butch Cassidy takes the hook, whose voice is perfect for this type of beat. This is a hot WestCoast joint. Knoc drops pure style.

5. LA Nite-N-Day Produced by Knoc-Turn’Al and S-Dog 

True to the Knoc style. Probably because he produced it. A love song dedicated to LA, home of all the big stars. Knoc raps about what he sees. A great laid back track. Smoke a joint to this

6. Cash Sniffin’ Noses ft Too $hort and Slip Capone Produced by Budda 

Its time to drop some pimp sh*t here. Why can’t all hoez be California hoez? Now you’re probably why you’re hearing dope sounds in your ears? That’s because Budda produced this tune, the same producer of Ice Cube’s “Greed” and alot more hot tracks. Sounds are great. All the players drop some pimp. I love it, it sounds great!

CD Extras 
Put the CD in your CD-ROM and you get a few additional extras Watch the video for “The Knoc” – hot vid! Watch a Knoc-umentary following Knoc around (BThere With Knoc) – Filmed on location in NYC. Knoc talks about his promotions, marketing, the bootlegging of his music and then then-forthcoming “Knoc’s Landing,” getting high, Knoc on the drums! Music spots… alot packed into a 5 minute “Knoc-umentary” Weblinks – to his official site

I was lucky to see this CD cheap, on import one day so I picked it up. I HAVE been amused with what I purchased. If you see it around I suggest you pick it up for some hot joints and extras. As its an EP the and about 4 of the tracks are really hot PLUS the extras to raise the score to 4 out of 5! Look it up!

Knoc-Turn’Al – The Way I Am

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Knoc-Turn'Al - The Way I Am01.) “Intro” (feat. Old LeRoy and Nelson Brown) Produced by Knoc-Turn’Al 

02.) “War” (feat. Slip Capone) (4.2 out of 5) Produced by Blaq Rose, Knoc-Turn’Al and Padrone 

I’m not too sure if a politically-driven track was the best way to kick-off Knoc’s debut album. But never-the-less… It bangs. Knoc-Turn’Al and fellow L.A. Confidential MC Slip Capone trade dope verses over a suprisingly bangin’ instrumental courtesy of Blaq Rose, Knoc-Turn’Al and Padrone.

03.) “Love L.A.” (4 out of 5) Produced by Hannon

Knoc-Turn’Al spits a few nice verses over a very nice production courtesy of new-comer Hannon. I’m very impressed with the production of this track. Knoc-Turn’Al has done the Golden State justice with this one. It’s simple… Yet effective.

04.) “The Way I Am” (feat. Snoop Dogg) (4.8 out of 5) Produced by Scott Storch 

The albums title-track features a couple hot verses from Knoc and a rather impressive verse courtesy of West Coast legend Snoop Dogg. The production of Scott Storch is on another level on this track. This was a great choice for the lead single. I’m still suprised that this track didn’t recieve a better reception from radio.

05.) “Watch Out” (feat. Hittman) (3 out of 5) Produced by Mel-Man 

This is the skipper-track of the first-half of the album. The production of this track sounds especially dated. Eventhough Hittman comes-through with two nice verses it’s still very hard to ignore Mel-Man’s rather annoying instrumental. I’m even annoyed by the hook on this one.

06.) “Radio” (interlude) (feat. Old LeRoy and Nelson Brown) Produced by Knoc-Turn’Al 

07.) “Peepin’ Tom” (3.8 out of 5) Produced by Precision 

This is the type of lyricism I’ve been expecting from Knoc-Turn’Al. Knoc-Turn’Al manages to weave together various classic punch-lines from various West Coast classics to create his own classic LYRICAL performance. What taints “Peepin’ Tom” is the rather simple production of Precision. Needless-to-say… this track could have been a lot better had Knoc-Turn’Al recruited the proper producer for this track. It’s still well-worth the listen. The perfect word to describe the lyrical performance on this track is… BRILLIANT!

08.) “Click-Click” (feat. Slip Capone and Yykkes) (3.5 out of 5) Produced by Padrone

This may be the first time I’ve ever been dissapointed with a verse from Slip Capone. Knoc-Turn’Al seems to be MILES ahead of his L.A. Confidential counter-parts on this track. If you ask me… “Click-Click” would have been just fine as a Knoc-Turn’Al solo cut. Eventhough the theme of the record is becoming rather played-out in today’s Hip-Hop scene.

09.) “Love Slave” (4.8 out of 5) Produced by DJ Quik 

DJ Quik LACES Knoc-Turn’Al with this outstanding production. It doesn’t get much better than a dope production courtesy of the legendary DJ Quik. Knoc-Turn’Al proves that he’s worthy of rhyming over such an outstanding production with his outstanding lyrical performance. I’m sure that in a matter of week’s I’ll re-read this track breakdown and be pissed-off when I realize that I didn’t give this track a “5”. “Love Slave” is clearly the albums stand-out track.

10.) “What We Do” (feat. Nate Dogg, Warren G and Xzibit) (4.2 out of 5) Produced by Warren G 

The bass-driven production of Warren G is rather simple on this track. I’m feelin’ it though. The timing to put-out this track is almost perfect with summer coming right around the corner. Knoc-Turn’Al drops the hottest verse on “What We Do”. I must say that I’m pretty dissapointed with the lyrical performance of Xzibit on this track… never thought I’d be saying that.

11.) “I Like” (feat. Yero Brock) (4 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre 

Knoc-Turn’Al rides the rather average production of Dr. Dre damn-near perfectly. Knoc-Turn’Al did his part on this track by dropping a couple outstanding verses… it’s just too bad that Dr. Dre didn’t match the lyrical performance with the production

DJ Quik – Safe + Sound

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DJ Quik - Safe + Sound1. Street Level Entrance 

2. Get At Me 

This song has an old school funk type track feel to it. Reminds me of a Zapp & Roger track. This is one of the tracks I like less on this album. That doesn’t take away the fact that this song is dope. 8/10

3. Diggin’ U Out 

By the title you should know what this song is about, Quik basically talks about *****ing his girl. Quik’s delivery is nice on this song. 8/10

4. Safe + Sound

First single off the album. What can I say? This is one of my favorite DJ Quik songs. The bass line in this song is hard and dope. The chorus in this song is really nice “Some believe in Jesus, some believe in Allah/But niggas like me, believe in making dollaz/ Cause even when yo niggas wanna be untrue/You Know the money is still good to you”, and that is some real shit right there. 9/10

5. Somethin’ 4 Tha Mood 

P Funk is the shit. That’s all I can say. This song is an example of that. I mean damn, this track is dope, laid back feeling, makes you feel good. The beat is dope as usual. 9/10

6. Don’t You Eat It 

7. Can I Eat It? 

Another classic DJ Quik song. The bass on this song is nice. This is the type of song I’m sure a lot of guys can relate to. The instruments on the beat go real nice together and lyrics are dope. 9/10

8. Itz Your Fantasy

This song in my opinion has a smooth jazz feel to it. I think this one of those tracks u can bump while making love to your girl. Its similar to “Diggin’ U Out”. Quik comes in nice on this. 9/10

9. Tha Ho In You 

“Tha Ho In You” sounds like it was recorded live, and I like that. I think this is what Quik and the other ones on this song were aiming for. Hi C is featured on this song and comes in nice. There is a nice guitar playing in the background of this song. Dope ass song. 9/10

10. Dollaz + Sense 

Killer diss song!!! This track was dedicated to MC Eiht. I mean damn, this track is one of my favorite songs off this album. The beat has a nice west coast feel to it. Some of the lines on there just killed MC Eiht. Lines such as “Tell me why you act so scary/Givin yo set a bad name with your misspelled name/E-I-H-T, should I continue/Yea you left out the G cause the G aint in you” make you say daaamn!! One of the best songs on this album, one of the best diss songs in west coast hip-hop. Quik also shouts out Deathrow Records at the end of the song.9.5/10

11. Let You Haveit 

This is another dope ass P Funk song off this album. The bass line on this song is dope too on this. Will sound nice if you have a system on yo ride. Quik takes a couple of shots at MC Eiht on this one too. 9/10

12. Summer Breeze

This one I’m not really feeling. The song is not wack, but I never really got into it. It is still a dope ass song. Quik talks a little about how he was growing up with little kids playing in the summer breeze. It is overall nice but not the best Quik song. 7/10

13. Quik’s Groove III

This is in my opinion the best Quik Groove. Its real laid back and real nice if you just chillin’. 8/10

14. Sucka Free

This is a Playa Hamm solo track. The beat like usual is nice. Playa Hamm’s delivery is dope. 8/10

15. Keep Tha “P” In It 

Again, this is one of those songs that make you say, “P Funk is the shit”, laid back type song. Good feel to it, all the instruments on this beat go well together. All rappers on this have a nice delivery. 9.5/10

16. Hoorah 4 Tha Funk (Reprise) 

This is the outro of the CD. DJ Quik talks a little bit in the beginning and the rest of the song is just a beat and some dude singing on the P Funk beat. Dope song for an outro. 8/10

17. [Untitled Hidden Track] 

This is and old school type party track. The lyrics on this song are basically about a party going and stuff like that. It is nice and Quik comes nice on this. 8/10

 

Overall, this album is classic!! This is a classic P Funk album. DJ Quik can get the “Legend” label, he is just that good. This album is great and I don’t think people today give Quik the props he deserves. If you are a west coast rap fan or just like good music, I urge you to go get this album. This album is a must have in your collection.

Final Rating: 4.5/5

Yukmouth & C-Bo – In Thugz We Trust

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Yukmouth & C-Bo - In Thugz We Trust1. Go Hard In The Paint 

“Go Hard In The Paint” is a good way to open up the album. It features Killa Tay. The beat reminds me of a New York type beat for some reason. All the verses on this song are hot. 8/10

2. 44 Mag Glocc

This is another hot ass track. The beat on this song kicks real hard. This track also features Killa Tay. Dope ass Thug Lordz Killa Tay collabo. 8/10

3. She’s A Hoe 

This is different from the first 2 tracks of the album. The style of the beat and shit like that. The lyrics are basically about Yuk and Bo *****ing other niggas’ *****es. The beat is dope. Produced by Mo’Betta. 8/10

4. He Aint A Thug

50 Cent diss record. This track features Bang Em Smurf (former G Unit member) and Silverback Guerillaz. They accuse 50 Cent of bragging about a lot of shit, about how he got shot and shit like that. They also accuse him of being a snitch. Bang Em Smurf’s verse was weak on this song. Yukmouth’s delivery was nice and C Bo’s delivery was also nice. Domination’s verse was also dope. He has that hard New York type lyrics. At the end of the song someone is impersonating 50 Cent and how he talks and shit like that, the outro is pretty funny. 9/10

5. American Dream (Yukmouth Solo) 

This is another hard beat. Yukmouth solo track, I do not think this is better then C Bo’s solo track but this song is still hot. Yukmouth comes in nice like usual. 8/10

6. Get Away 

West coast bounce type track. Makes you bop ya head. Dope song, C Bo delivers the first verse, C Bo verse is hot. This is one of the best songs on the album. 9/10

7. Killa Cali 

This is the official best song of the album. Features Spice 1, the beat has a grand piano on it, its real dope. Spice 1 has the best verse on there. This song bangs. Spice 1, C Bo and Yukmouth talk about the thug life they live out in California. 9/10

8. Bulletproof Love 

Produced by Rhythm D. This sounds like a Kanye West beat. Sounds like a love song, but they really talking bout they guns. Kinda like how Pac was talking bout his gun on “Me And My Girlfriend”. This is a dope song. Eastwood from Deathrow Records is also on there. 9/10

9. Get Ya Money (Be A Thug Lord)

This is another dope ass west coast bounce song. Yukmouth outshines C Bo on this in my opinion. This is one of those tracks you need to check out from this album. 8/10

10. Made Men

The beat has nice strings on it. Features Killa Tay. The beat is pretty hard. Killa Tay has a dope verse on there. He probably has the best verse on this song. Yukmouth’s verse was alright on this song; not wack but Yuk had better verse. C Bo comes off better then Yuk on this track. 8/10

11. My Life (C Bo Solo) 

C Bo’s solo is way better then Yuk’s solo. The beats, the lyrics everything. C Bo raps a little fast on this, faster then he usually does. It kinda reminds me of a song Twista would be on. 9/10

12. Let’s Flip Her 

This song has the same feel as “She’s a Hoe”, they don’t talk about the exact same thing but there are some similarities. Yuk and Bo are talking bout they hoes and shit like that.. Dope song. 8/10

13. 21 Gun Salute 

As this beats starts, you don’t really think it is going to be that hot. But as Yuk’s verse starts, the beats gets harder and tighter. Instruments get added and the beat goes well. E A Ski produced the beat. This is another hot ass song from this album. Yuk and Bo both deliver hot ass verses. 9/10

 

Overall this album is one of the best to come out in 2004. Pick this up if you a fan of west coast gangsta rap. The production on this album is hot, the lyrics are hot, good guest appearances. Definitely a hot album.

Final Rating: 4/5