The Dayton Family – Welcome To The Dopehouse

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

The Dayton Family (Bootleg, Shoestring & producer Steve Pitts) gained some fame in the mid 90’s with hits like F.B.I,Stick N Move and What’s On My Mind but never really blew up to the mainstream audience. Most people heard about them but not a lot of people knew about this album being released. Welcome To Dopehouse(2002) is the groups third release. I recommend ya’ll to get both previous releases; What’s On My Mind(1995) and F.B.I(1996).

1. Intro

The albums intro is a lil trumpet/guitar thing. I don’t normally write anything about intros and skits but it’s a real cool piece of work.

2. Big Mack 11

First real track of the album is a banger. “Big Mack 11” has real tight production from Steve Pitts that’ll get you hyped up. On top of that, Dayton Family is spitting some real raw and aggressive shit that’ll get you even more hyped up. Great way to start the album!

3. Do You Remember

Steve Pitts produced all tracks on this album except for one. On “Do You Remember”, he’s managed to design a perfect beat for Dayton Family to do something slower. If you’ve heard the Dayton Family before, you know that they’re not about slow jams so I’d say that this is as close as they can, and should, get. Lyrics about back in the day are topped with a real tight hook making this a very good track.

4. Welcome To Flint

If you’ve heard Dayton Family before, you know that they’re from Flint, MI. If you didn’t know, now you do. “Welcome To Flint” is, to me, what Dayton Family’s all about. An up-tempo beat with raw, adrenaline rushing, hardcore lyrics. Dope song.

5. Feds

If you’d listen to this instrumental, you’d probably think it was a slow jam with g-funk influences… But you know a slow jam ain’t gonna happen on this album. Dayton Family’s making this track to be a raw cut with a smooth hook. I’ve always thought that the Dayton Family should spit on high-speed productions, but I’ve still gotta give it up for them on this one.

6. Gangstarism feat. Goldfish

I’m speechless… This track alone is worth the money spent on this album. The beat’s one of the best beats I’ve heard over the past 3-4 years and the lyrics are making it even better! Raeggie artist goldfish is cool on the hook but they shouldn’t have given him a verse… I’d rather hear Bootleg or Shoestring do their thing one more time on this tight ass beat! “Gangstarism” is the best track of the album this far even tho all of the first 6 tracks have been bangers.

7. Young Thugs feat. Ghetto E & Lori

“Young Thugs” is a nice track but… it’s a slow jam. Dayton Family doesn’t really go well with a beat this slow. They’re supposed to be doing raw and hyped up music, not slow jams. The hook’s real tight and former group member Ghetto E’s doing a nice verse tho. I wanna say that this cut is wack so that The Dayton Family might see it and stop making slow jams, but I just can’t… It’s a real cool track.

8. Drugstore

This is more like it! An up tempo beat with a super-tight hook and raw deliverance from Dayton Family. The hook goes;Let’s go to the drugstore and pull out a shotgun, take all the money then break out and run and that can symbolize the content of the track. Don’t sleep on this!

9. Set Up

Steve Pitts is hitting us with a mind blowing production on this one… First time I heard it I forgot to even listen to the lyrics because of the tight ass production. This track’s not as good as i.e Drugstore and Gangstarism, but it’s a real tight track. Bootleg and Shoestring is doing their thing in a good way as usual. There’s a guest on here not listed on the booklet tho…

10. We Kept It Ghetto

“We Kept It Ghetto” is an other of those slow production with two hyped up rappers on it. They might not be common in general, but they are on this album. I guess you’ve got to hear it to understand. It’s a cool track with a real tight and calming hook on it. Don’t worry about falling asleep tho, I’d not consider this a slow jam considering the group are spitting really raw shit on it. Message of the track: Dayton Family’s keepin’ it ghetto.

11. Dope House

I’m not really feeling “Dope House”, but that’s probably because I’m spoiled from listening to the rest of the album. The Dayton Family’s spitting something that could be called battle rhymes over an up-tempo production. It’s cool but nothing special.

12. Shadows feat. Kalonda & Ryan

“Shadows” is the only track on this album not produced by Steve Pitt. Instead, Gee Pierce stepped in with this beat and it’s a real tight beat. Reminds me of… shadows. The title and lyrics are right on point. Good lookin Dayton Family. The hook should not go unnoticed either. It’s tight.

13. Outlaws

An other banger from The Dayton Family! The group are saying that they are the last outlaws. I don’t know about that, but I do know that they can make some tight ass music happen!

14. Weed Song

Are you wondering what this song is about? Go back to school.
The production’s smooth with some Egyptian type of shit influences, but still not too slow for the Dayton Family to be tight on. I’m sure that all the weedsmokers out there will enjoy bumping this while smoking.

15. Simple Wish

“Simple Wish” is a real good way to finish of the album. The Dayton Family are, as usual, spitting hardcore lyrics over a cool beat. There’s not much to say… Tight track.

16. Outro

Basically the same as the intro.

The Dayton Family had not released an album in 5 years when they released Welcome To The Dopehouse. The album’s no desperate attempt to get back in the limelight tho. It’s a tight ass banger from beginning to end! Tracks likeGangstarism, Big Mack 11, Welcome To Flint, Drugstore, Outlaws and… shit, I could list all of them! Point is it’s a tight ass album. I rate it 4 out of 5 and that could be higher but I don’t want to rate an album above 4 unless it’s a timeless classic and I’m not sure that this is yet. It’s definitely classic material, tho. Don’t sleep on this album!

2pac – Resurrection Soundtrack

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

Telling the story of young Tupac Shakur’s life, “Tupac: Resurrection” is accompanied with the soundtrack. The movie, based on the life of rap legend Tupac Shakur, is in his own words.

2Pac: His story, his words.

1. Intro (0:05)

2. Ghost (4:17) Written by: Tupac Shakur, Mark Jordan, Luis Resto and Marshall Mathers Previously unreleased

Just that simple saying “Don’t cry, just ask why, and try not to die, as I take you through a ghetto-nigga’z lullaby” just hooks you on this song. It has a nice lyrical flow and some hard beats to go with it. “Ghost” was the second-most anticipated track off of the entire soundtrack in most people’s eyes. 9/10

3. One Day At A Time [Em’s Version] (3:44) feat. The Outlawz Written by: Tupac Shakur, Henry Garcia, Malcolm Greenridge, Katari Cox, Rufus Cooper, Marshall Mathers and Luis Resto Previously unreleased

Okay, honestly, I hate the beat, I’ve hated it ever since the song came out. It is very uneven in the song, especially with the lyrics. I really like what Em did with this song, he made it hott. Eminem gets a lot of hate because he’s with Shady/Aftermath and 50 Cent, no one really sees the actual talent he has. He wouldn’t be as big as he is without the talent and a mind for a rapper. Yeah, he’s white, but is this the 60’s again? No, this is the 2000’s, that shit isn’t necessary. 8.5/10

4. Death Around The Corner (4:07) Written by: Tupac Shakur and Johnny “J” Jackson Previously released on “Me Against The World”

Okay, one simple question: WHAT THE ***** IS UP WITH THE MEXICAN FOR THE CHORUS SAYING ALL THAT SHIT? I mean you listen to it the first time but after the second time it just gets annoying as *****. But the song does have a nice, smooth lyrical flow and a good beat to go along. 8/10

5. Secretz Of War (4:13) Written by: Tupac Shakur, Rufus Cooper, Malcolm Greenridge, Yafeu Fula, Johnny Jackson and Bruce Washington Previously released on “Still I Rise”

Another very righ track with the Outlawz, honestly, I think “Still I Rise” is one of his best albums, and this song adds to it. “Secretz Of War” is a song that you could listen to constantly, it never gets old, very nice choice for the soundtrack. 9.5/10

6. Runnin’ (Dying to Live) (3:51) feat. Notorious B.I.G. Written by: Tupac Shakur, Christopher Wallace, Osten Harvey, Edgar Winter, Marshall Mathers and Luis Resto Previously unreleased

The clash of the titans is resurrected right here, once friends, B.I.G. and 2Pac turned against each other. Each dying young, many people thought it would be good to remember them by one song; Runnin’. Both 2Pac’s and B.I.G.’s music talent is whipped into one in this song, a definite good thing. 10/10

7. Holler If Ya Hear Me (4:38) Written by: Tupac Shakur, Randy Walker, Barrett Strong and Norman J. Whitfield Previously released on “Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.”

Going back to “Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.”, the 2Pac Shakur legacy is still alive. “Holler If Ya Hear Me”, I think, is one high point of not only “Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.”, but for this soundtrack, also. It goes good with the rest of the songs. 8/10

8. Starin’ Through My Rear View (5:11) Written by: Tupac Shakur, Tyrone Wrice, Malcolm Greenridge, Yafeu Fula and Phil Collins Previously released on “Gang Related” soundtrack
When I first heard this song, I absolutely couldn’t go through the day without turnin’ up my headphones and just listenin’, think about shit. In my mind, Tupac is staring through his “rear view”, just looking back at his life, all the shit he’s done, just everything. I think they picked a good song for the movie, here, it goes good with looking back at the late, great Tupac Amaru Shakur. 10/10

9. Bury Me A G (4:59) Written by: Tupac Shakur, Diron Rivers, Tyruss Himes, Walter Burns, Maurice Harding, R. Isley, E. Isley, M. Isley, O. Isley and C. Jasper Previously released on “THUG LIFE: Volume 1”

Well, every CD in my eyes has one “different” song. It goes very well with the movie, very well, but I just don’t like the flow of the lyrics and beat, I mean I love them both, but them together equals, well, not the best! 8/10

10. Same Song (3:57) Written by: Tupac Shakur, Ronald Brooks, George Clinton, Jr., William Collins, Gregory Jackson, J.S. Theracon and Jim Vitti Previously realsed by Digital Underground on “This Is An EP Release”

Totally tight track to have on an album, awesome lyrics and an even better beat rythm. It’s not the best, nothing like that, just a cool song to sit and chill to. 9/10

11. Panther Power (4:36) Written by: Tupac Shakur, Raymond Tyson, Mark Dorado and Jim “Chopmaster J” Dright Previously released on “Tupac: The Lost Tapes”

Hmmm….Not really my type of song, little too “old school” for me, but I still like it. It has nice lyrics, medium beat, but are very tight when mixed correctly. 8.5/10

12. Str8 Ballin’ (5:04) Written by: Tupac Shakur, Osten Harvet, George Clinton, Jr., W. Collins and G. Cooper Previously released on “THUG LIFE: VOLUME 1”

Now, “Str8 Ballin'” is a classic in my eyes, a pure classic. One of Tupac’s best songs, but not the best, maybe top 3, just maybe, however. It has that kind of beat that you hear it and your like “Oh, yeah, this song is tight” and just listen to it. Definate plus to put onto an album. 9.5/10

13. Rebel of the Underground (3:16) Written by: Tupac Shakur and Gregory Jacobs Previously released on “2Pacalypse Now”

Tight lyrics, tight beat, tight song. Nothing else said, “Rebel of the Underground” is a definite good track to have on any 2Pac album, it probably should have been on “Greatest Hits”. 9/10

14. The Realist Killaz (2:58) feat. 50 Cent Written by: Tupac Shakur, Curtis Jackson, Andy Thelusma, Calvin Broadus, Bruce Washington, Yafeu Fula, Rufus Cooper, Katari Cox, Joseph Paquette, Tyrone Wrice, Brad Jordan, mike Dean, James Harris and Terry Lewis Previously unreleased

Adding 50 Cent into the mix just makes this album even tighter. You have to admit it, 50 Cent is the best on the market right now, no if’s and/or but’s about it. The song has a “new” beat, very tight, and with Tupac and 50 Cent it is just straight-fire lyrics. One thing I don’t like is “Until Makaveli returns, it’s all eyez on me”, that’s jus’ tellin’ people to buy the album, just to think that Tupac is alive. HE’S DEAD. 9/10

Album Final Points: 116/130 Album Final Grade: 89% (B)
Album Final Notes: This soundtrack is a must have for any true 2Pac fan. The album may be one of the best “mixes” of 2Pac’s songs, all into one.
Best Song Race: 1. The Realist Killaz 2. Ghost 3. Secretz Of War 4. Runnin’ 5. St8 Ballin’

Brotha Lynch Hung – 24 Deep

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

24 Deep was the first record that Sacramento rapper Brotha Lynch Hung released. The ep was released in 1993

1. Thought They Knew (Intro)

Lynch talking, just an intro

2. 24 Deep

Tight oldschool track with a classic sample from Robert Clouse’s movie Enter The Dragon. Lynch flows really hard with some insane lyrics, nothing more to say about this track.

3. Had 2 Gat Ya

This track samples Zapp’s funk anthem “More Bounce to the Ounce” and it has a real old school feeling to it. The beat sounds really mad and I can’t figure out anything more suitable for a Lynch track then this crazy beat.

4. The Next Hoe (Insert)

Just a girl calling a radio station speaking about Lynch.

5. Lose a Hoe, Gain a Hoe

I don’t care what the booklet says because this track must have been produced by the devil. This one might not be the most intellectual track made by Lynch, but this is a real pimp-anthem, all about them hoes.

6. Back Fade

Introduced by the devil, the Ripgut Cannibal gets the track started with the siccness; “Marinating niggas skin like a thick slab of roast beef”. I am feeling this track to the fullest.

7. Jackin’ 4 Joints

A fast tempo beat and a hyped up Brotha Lynch Hung that displays his lyrical skills. The song is quite short but this is as old school as it gets. Jackpot ounce to the bounce!

8. Walkin’ 2 My Funeral

This track features singer Mia Bruce on the chorus and a rapper called T.m. Shades. The only track on the album with a mellow/laid back type of beat. Perfect song to end the album with

9. Fundamentals of Ripgut Cannibalism (Outro)

This is basically a conversation between Brotha Lynch Hung and the Devil. The last thing you hear on this album is one shot. But you really don’t know who pulled the trigger….

If you like Lynch and never listened to this album you won’t be disappointed. Pick it up. Rating 4/5. I consider this as an intro-album to “Season of da Siccness”. Defiantly a great album by the siccest rapper to ever pick up a microphone.

Naughty By Nature – Nature’s Finest

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

1. Hip Hop Hooray

What can I say a Hip Hop classic right here and a classic party jam. This is what sky rocketed Naughty By Nature into the mainstream and the best thing is that this song contains some great lyrics from both Vinnie & Treach. DOPE!

2. OPP

Another song that sky rocketed Naughty By Nature, in my opinion this is not as good as Hip hop Hooray but it’s still good. You’ve heard this before so why explain? Good

3. Uptown Anthem

DOPE! Starts off with a nice little piano interlude then just goes right to the song, great stuff. Treach starts it off with a classic verse, man Treach just spits rapid yet coherent lines, just amazing. I love the chorus. Classic track right here. DOPE!

4. Penetration(Feat Next)

I love the softer beat, Next to me are worthless and Treach carries this song on his back. Treach just rips the track with rapid yet clever verses. They rip off Master P’s “Make Em Say Ugh” chorus which makes me laugh. Good

5. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

Now this track is a classic. This is a Treach solo and he doesn’t hold back. He raps about his life and it’s such a beautiful song. Treach’s storytelling is unbelievable. The beat is very dope, nice little piano type beat and I love the sample chorus. DOPE!

6. It’s On

Song is gritty! I love it! Vinnie disses Sir Mix-A-Lot which makes me smile, and he disses him hard as well. Classic Naughty By Nature track here. This is a very hard track with some dope horns and just has that grimey East feel. DOPE!

7. Craziest(Crazy C Remix)

Well I like the Poverty’s Paradise version better but this one is still classic. It has a Westcoast feel to it and I’m talking a 1995-1996 West type feel to it. Same verses but with different music. I love how the beat changes during the chorus. DOPE!

8. Written On Ya Kitten(QD 3 Remix)

Better than the original, the beat sounds like a track that would be put on the Above The Rim soundtrack. Very good song. Good

9. Feel Me Flow

Ok now everyone knows this song and it’s a classic. Treach solo right here over some West sounding beat and man he just rips it. Treach can adapt to any style he wants and that’s what makes him one of the best rappers ever. Just a classic track. DOPE!

10. Clap Yo Hands(Remix)

The beat is better but why do the edit the track? Weird, still a good track. The original was on Poverty’s Paradise. Good

11. Nothing To Lose(Naughty Live)

DOPE!!!!! One of the best Naughty By Nature songs ever! I love the beat, it’s got that dark East type feel and man Treach disses Wendy Williams hard on the first verse, Treach just rips this track. Vinnie with the second verse and man Vinnie does a great job here, maybe his best verse ever. The chorus is good because it has that live feel to it. They trade the last verses together, just dopeness right there. DOPE!

12. Guard Your Grill

Has a dark type feel, don’t like the talking in the beginning. Man old school Treach sounds basically the same but I think he has gotten better over the years, he’s using the rapid rapping here, very dope stuff. Treach solo here and man it is great. DOPE!

13. 1,2,3

Good track, the Flavor Unit! I love the dope flute beat on here. Very dope track and everyone comes tight. Good

14. Poor Man’s Poetry(From Poetic Poetry)

Very good song, nice semi relaxing beat but Treach still rapid raps on here(DOPE!). Very dope song, it has that old school feel to it and I love the chorus, nice samples. Vinnie with a good verse, man Vinnie can rapid rap as well, very dope stuff. Treach again rips it. DOPE!

15. Wickedest Man Alive

Has a Reggae flavor to it, decent track with the horns and stuff but it’s way too soft here. Treach carries it well though. Good

16. Naughty By nature(Megamix)

Just mixes of their stuff all thrown together. Interesting stuff. Good

17. Mourn You Till I Join You

DOPE! This is the 2Pac(RIP) dedication track that Treach put out and it’s a classic. Great Westcoast beat. Treach is so honest on here just telling interesting stories and reminiscing about his friend. Classic track and it was just a classy tribute to Pac(RIP). DOPE!

All in all this gets a DOPE! rating. This IS the Naughty By Nature album to get next to Poverty’s Paradise. No filler on here, no stupid skits, just pure rap with Treach & Vinnie, with great beats by Kay Gee. COP IT!

City High – City High

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

City High is a trio consisting of rappers slash singers Ryan Toby, Robbie Pardlo and Claudette Ortiz. The two male group members was originally signed to Wyclef Jean’s Booga Basement imprint as a duo, but the group became a trio when Wyclef realized that they resembled another group on his roster, The Product G&B, too much. Ortiz was added to the group after her effort on the groups first hit single “What Would You Do” from the Life OST in 1999. City High drew comparisons to Wyclef’s super-group, The Fugees for two main reasons: the first being that the make-up of the band was two male members and a superstar female member, and also the fact that the members both sang and rapped. Unlike The Fugees, however, City High had more of an R&B slant.

1. Didn’t Ya

Didn’t Ya seems to be a mixture between a song and an intro to this album. The group is singing over a smooth beat and you can sense from the first song of the album what type of music City High is gonna offer.

2. Three Way

Three Way is a funky type of RnB song. I’m not a City High knowitall so I’m not sure on this one but I think this is a solo track from one of the male singers. Either that or it’s a duo between the two male members. Either way, it’s a cool track but nothing you’ll bve hearing at the club.

3. Why

The third song on the album doesn’t have the funky vibe to it like Three Way had. Why has more of a jazzy sound to it. On this song, the three members sing one verse each. It’s a real smooth song that you can bump when your future babymama is coming over (unless you get some rubbers). Yeah, it’s a sexual song.

4. Song For You

On Song For You, Wyclef makes his first appearance on the album, even though he’s just basically doing some adlibs here and there. By the guitarr and just the feel of the song, you can tell Wyclef produced it (I don’t even have to check the credits for this one). Actually, you can tell Wyclef had a big say in this album by the quality of the production – it’s top notch. This track is real tight… it’s got a special feel to it.

5. 15 Will Get You

15 Will Get You is another one of those funky tracks. Hiphop producer Klark Kent produced this song and Wyclef is featuring with a verse, rapping. It’s a funky song and a real nice beat, but nothing all that special. Atleast not compared to most of the other songs on this album.

6. Cat And Dogs

Cat And Dogs is a hiphop track. The group is rapping and by how they mix rapping and singing you can tell that Wyclef has been a big influence on the group members. To me, it’s cool to mix rapping and singing as long as you don’t try to be some hard core gangsta rapper. Wyclef, however, is an all around artist. He can do it, and so can his protige group. It’s dope!

7. Caramel

This is a Claudette Ortiz solo song. It’s a mixture between a funky sound and a smooth Ashanti type of song. I like where this is going. It’s a real good song.

8. Best Friends

Best Friends is a typical RnB song. It’s so RnB it doesn’t even fit in on this album. Even though City High is an RnB group, they have a funky sound that makes their genre more hard to define. They’re in the Wyclef genre which is a new genre where different styles mix. This, however, is RnB. That’s cool though. It’s an enjoyable song.

9. Sista

This song is about how one of the group members is telling a friend how he hooked up with his sister. Now that’s not something you want your homeboy to say… but if it ever happened to me I’d like for it to be said through a song like this. But after the part about how the sister is pregnant comes on, fists would still be thrown. Either way, real nice song.

10. What Would You Do

What Would You Do was the smash single from this album. Everybody was loving it and everybody still is. If you haven’t heard this song, you need to get out more. It’s a real real good song where the band members are talking to a single mom working as a stripper. The message is deep and the different angles is what makes it even better. Ofcourse, the way the band delivers the message and the beat is obviously why this was such a big hit. It’s funny how they got a Dr. Dre beat mixed up into the song for a few seconds aswell. The song could be longer though.

11. So Many Things

Top notch smash single What Would You Do is followed up by So Many Things, a cheezy love song about how the group want to ask questions to their ex or something. It’s a nice slow cut but nothing compared to the previous track.

12. The Only One I Trust

The Only One I Trust is Claudette Ortiz singing about the only one she loves and trust. The beat is what makes the song and I can imagine playing this while smoking a fat blunt. Actually, I will… Give it a minute and you’ll like it too. Don’t be too fast on that next button.

13. City High Anthem

Ok, so for you to name a song the City High Anthem, you need to make a real real dope song. After all, this song is about to represent your group. On this song, the group members sing about their backrounds and where they came from. It’s a real cool song, but I wasn’t impressed until the twist came in after about two minutes. That was a good move by the producer. Also, it’s cool to hear a lil background on the group.

14. You Don’t Know Me

Okay so the group first tells the listeners about themselves, and then they come back saying “you don’t know me”? What’s up? You don’t know me either! ***** you! Nah, seriously though, it’s not what it seems. This song is real funky and Wyclef did his part real well on the production. Real tight song.

15. Do The Right Thing (UK Bonus)

Do The Right Thing is on the UK version of the disc. I guess I’ve got that one. US listeners aren’t missing out on anything major: This is RnB on a Hiphop beat. The track’s got a male rapper featured but the cover or booklet doesn’t say who.

16. It Ain’t The Same (UK Bonus)

It Ain’t The Same is a pure hiphop track. It’s a good one at that. It doesn’t really go with the rest of the album, but I could care less. Sounds like a Rass Kass track to me. Check it.

What Would You Do is the best song on this album. There is no doubt about that. The song was a mega hit when it came out and it’s still good to hear it to this day. The rest of the album doesn’t keep the same level as that one song, but it does keep a high level. With Wyclef behind a majority of the production, you know that the album will contain quality production.

Wyclef uses a mixture between RnB and HipHop in his music. City High is trying to do the same even though they are more of an RnB group. City High will always be in Wyclef’s shadow. However, being in Wyclef’s shadow might even be a good thing.

I rate this album 4 out of 5 and expect more from future releases.

Xzibit – Restless

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

Front 2 Back – The first song was produced by the Rocwilder, and damn it’s a great start to the album. The beat is relatively fast and heavy, but guaranteed to get you hooked into the album. Xzibit comes off great in this track. If they would have paid slightly more attention to the chorus this song might have been nothing short of perfect. 9/10

Been A Long Time – Battle Cat produced this, I was hoping it would come out a bit faster than this to keep the momentum rolling from the song before it. Instead you have a somewhat slow beat that Xzibit doesn’t seem able to fully flow to. Don’t get me wrong, the beat is still great. Nate Dogg simply rips it with his vocals in the chorus and is the highlight of the song. 9/10

U Know – Finally, the first Dre produced track of the album, and damn you can’t ask for any more. The beat is mainly a piano along with drums on a nice somewhat fast beat. Xzibit is decent on this track and then, surprisingly, Dre drops an amazing verse in the end. The chorus should have been different though, it simply didn’t follow the flow of the beat or verses. 8/10

X – Another Dre beat, you should know this song. Xzibit’s flow in this song is nothing short of perfect. This song is basically an introduction to anyone that doesn’t know X. Snoop’s speech in the end was unnecessary but doesn’t harm the song in any way. 10/10

Alkaholik – I don’t know what to say about this track, all my friends claim it’s the best on the album, but I don’t really find it that great. The song is produced by Erick Sermon who is also featured along with J-Ro and Tash. Xzibit has a good verse to start it off, Erick wasn’t all that great and neither was J-Ro, however Tash was decent. The chorus is sort of addictive and simple. 6/10

Kenny Parker Show 2001 – Xzibit attempted a bit of production with this track. It’s a good remake of the Kenny Parker Show. The beat is nice and addictive. Xzibit’s flow over it is great and he seems very full of himself, “Yo it’s me, down with D-R-E, X to tha Z rocks any party”. KRS One has occasional shout outs in the song. 8/10

D.N.A. (Drugs-N-Alkahol) – The first real appearance of Big Snoop Dogg on the album. The beat is pretty good and produced by Rick Rock. Xzibit’s verse in the beginning is nice and on a medium speed. After a chorus which was actually a bit annoying, Snoop drops a verse with a really sweet flow like only he does. 8.5/10

Double Time – Produced by Erick Sermon, and I really wasn’t feelin this song. Both the beat and the verses got very repetitive and annoying. Further more, the chorus was too simple and repeating the same thing for too long. This song could have been left out of the album. 4/10

Don’t Approach Me – This song was produced by Eminem, and you can see that he learnt from Dre. The beat for this song is very simple, but seems to be very filling and perfect for the sound of both Xzibit and Eminem. The chorus is also amazing. 10/10

Rims & Tirez – Soopafly produced this, and unlike his normal production, this sucks. The chorus was just lame and completely not of the quality of this album. All the verses sounded slow and forced rather than following the beat which is probably impossible on the beat. Another disappointment was Kokane’s chorus, usually he sounds unique on each song with his odd voice in a good way, but not here. 3/10

*****in’ You Right – Well, its Xzibit, what can you expect? A song saying “I’m just *****in all these hoes to get experience to know how to ***** you in the best way possible honey, I swear”. Once again the beat is produced by Soopafly and this time he didn’t screw it up. Xzibit has a fast flow in this song and the chorus is just bangin. 8/10

Best Of Things – The third Dre produced beat of the album, and possibly one of the best. Xzibit’s flow is medium in this song, but drops some amazing verses. The chorus is Xzibit experimenting with his voice attempting to somewhat sing with a soft voice that did not turn out that great, but was still nice over this beat. My favorite track on the album.10/10

Get Your Walk On – Produced by Mel-Man and Battle Cat, and damn its great. The song starts off right away with a fast beat and Xzibit drops fast verses but seems to stop for a second between each line or something like that. The past two songs have been simply amazing. 10/10

Sorry I’m Away So Much – The only DJ Quik produced track for the album, and that’s a shame. This song is great, Xzibit seems able to flow over the beat without any problem, too bad that Quik didn’t make more beats for this album. Suga Free also drops a real tight verse. 9/10

Loud & Clear – A perfect way to end the album. This Battle Cat production has a dark feeling to it. Once again Xzibit starts instantly rapping with the beat and drops another great verse. Everybody has good drops on this song and the chorus is simply perfect. A real good way to finish off the album. 10/10

Overall the album is consistent with the exception of two or three songs. I’d recommend you get this album, another great mark of Xzibit’s career. Overall this gets a 8/10 or 4 out of 5.

Xzibit – At The Speed Of Life

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

Grand Opening (Intro) – Intro

At The Speed Of Life – The album starts off with the album-titled track, which in truth is one of the heaviest tracks on the album. The beat is raw and simple and xzibit laces it with great lyrics all throughout: “Trying to find piece of mind is like trying to find a gold mine, it just wont happen, no time for relaxin, Real soldiers of fortune, the front line of the action, So never show a nigga what you packin’”. The chorus is kinda just a filler for a few seconds until xzibit starts spitting again. A great track to start the album off with. Due to the lyrics and amazing beat, it gets a great score. 9.5/10

Just Maintain – Xzibit, J-Ro and Hurricane Gee. The beat to this song is not as great as the one before it, but it definitely continues along the same feel. Xzibit spits heat, so does J-Ro. They should have made one more verse each and left Hurricane Gee out though. Her voice gets extremely annoying and her lyrics are average. She brings down the score of the song drastically. 6/10

Eyes May Shine – Another raw beat to continue the feeling of the album. Xzibit once again spits some great lyrics, “I’m only comin’ through when it’s time for collection/ Xzibit forever nasty, spread like infection/ Ain’t no protection ever made by man to withstand this punishment/ In other words runnin’ shit”. This time the song actually has a proper chorus and it really adds to the atmosphere of the song with that special horror-style screech in the background.9/10

Positively Negative – The beat to this track sounds a bit different to the others so far, but this does not ruin the flow of the entire album. The song is basically Xzibit and King Tee exchanging lyrics, 2 verses each. Another great song on the album with another simple yet filling beat. 8.5/10

Don’t Hate Me – Skit

Paparazzi – Maybe the best song on the album. The beat is quite melodic and smooth flowing unlike the others but still has that same feeling as the whole album so far. The lyrics to this song are great and show Xzibit’s real ability to drop some deep lyrics. “so my composure is kept while others start to sweat/ A merchant from the fog with my *****ed up dialogue/ try to live high on the hog leaves you bankrupt/ and niggaz you spent it on, would not give a *****/”. In this song Xzibit talks about how rappers are only trying to drop hits to get the money rather than bring a meaning to their songs. 10/10

The Foundation – This song follows off the previous one in a good way, both by the beats and by the lyrics. Xzibit’s lyrics in this song are deep and seem to be inspired by his deep emotions. You can tell that from the very beginning with these lyrics: “When I look you in your eyes I can see my own/ Straight love manifested in flesh and bone/ You’s a breath of fresh air in this world of shit/ You was born to be a soldier don’t ever forget/”. The beat to this track brings out a feeling of some emotional burden and especially the voices in the chorus make it really stand out. A perfect song. 10/10

Mrs Crabtree – Skit

Bird’s Eye View – What a shame that this song doesn’t follow the same method as the previous two. Nevertheless, you are still in for a treat. Xzibit, Tash and J-Ro all spit some good lyrics and do the chorus along with a single line from Hurricane Gee. The beat to this song takes it back to the same feel as in the beginning of the album, the simple raw beats that barely exist these days anymore. 8/10

Hit And Run (Part II) – “I don’t wanna save ’em/ Pay em’ or buy clothes/ All we really wanna do/ Is try to ***** these hoes/”. That is basically what the song is about. Xzibit rappin about hoes on top of a slow paced beat. I felt that this song was not bad and doesn’t bring the album down, but maybe the album would have been better without it.7/10

Carry The Weight – One of my personal favorites. Another more melodic beat with deep lyrics. “You see I don’t like to remenisce about the past/ The lower class, no clout livin’ hand to mouth/ Each and every wrong move the police keep count/ make it real *****in’ easy to get streched out/” to just mention the beginning of the great lyrics. The chorus is basically over the same beat and flow but still sounds great. Definitely a song you should know. If you don’t have the album, I recommend you download this song (or buy the album). 10/10

Plastic Surgery – A song by the Golden State Project: Xzibit, Ras Kass And Saafir. It reminds me of “Just Maintain” a bit, but this is definitely better. The beat is basically the simplest thing you can think of, drums and baseline, but it sounds just perfect for this song. The song talks about how people still sound the same on the mic and now need “Plastic Surgery”. 9/10

Enemies And Friends – Basically a song going over the rules of the game and telling you to watch out for your “friends” that can turn on you any moment. The beat to this song, the last song on the album, still holds that same feeling of rawness and is a great song to finish the album with. 9/10

Last Words (Outro) – Skit

I believe that Xzibit is one of the most underrated rappers ever, no one really seems to care about him. Hhe gave us an album which is so consistent from front to back with that raw feeling and those great lyrics yet he remains a minor name in the rap game. No body should be sleepin on this album, if you are able to, get it. Due to the great lyrics and the beats that give you that same feeling all throughout the album, this gets a 9/10, or 4,5 out of 5.

Naughty By Nature – IIcons

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

1. IIcons

We waste no time getting into this album as they do a short intro demonstrating that NBN are IIcons. Oh yea forgot to tell you, Kay Gee left the group and is not doing beats anymore. The beat is fierce and perfect for Treach to spit venom at, the chorus is great and only Treach can do a chorus like that….well he does use “Hail Mary’s” “Come With Me” for the chorus then adds his own flavor to it. Great track. Good

2. Rock & Roll(Feat Method Man & Redman)

Well we are into song 2 and there are already guests? Blah, I like both Redman & Method Man but they aren’t needed here. Treach just outshines both using a fierce angry fast type flow, it has to be heard to be believed. Method Man gives us a lackluster verse but mentions “Kobra Kai” so he gets cool points. Typical Redman verse, humor filled with dopeness. Good

3. What You Wanna Do(Feat Pink)

Well Treach and Pink were going out around this time so it was to be expected. She really is horrid on this track, and not even Treach can carry this mess, Vinnie tries as well but doesn’t matter because Pink’s ear bleeding vocals are all over this song and when she says “Got blunts?” I just shake my head in disgust. Wack

4. Swing Swang

Alright here we go! This is what I call Feel Me Flow Part 2 but with Vinnie. Beat is a little similar, chorus is different but it really reminds me of Feel Me Flow. Treach starts it off with a great verse, just unbelievable. Vinnie with a very good verse, nice to see uncle Vinnie trying to keep up with Treach but knowing he can’t so he puts his own style to it. Oh yea the chorus is really good as well, very positive. This should’ve been the single, this could’ve been the next Feel me Flow, seriously, this song is one of their best. DOPE!

5. Rah Rah(Feat Rottin Razkalz)

Well we get some weirded out intro with some guy babbling with NBN laughing in the background. Beat is some hard Southern horn type shit. Treach starts it off and man this guy could ride a Casio beat, pretty much the only highlight, oh yea Vinnie does a great job as well. Uneventful but still a good song. Good

6. Feel’s Good(Feat 3LW)

Guilty pleasure of mine, this is one of the most catchiest songs I have ever heard and even though it gets hated on, it’s still a nice party jam and even with Treach unmotivated, he’s still better than 90% of these rappers out, what a wasted talent, to get off topic for a minute, I’m no Eminem fan but I respect him for going out and saying Treach was a huge influence to his style. Anyway the song is catchy, the chorus is catchy, what can I say? Good song. Good

7. Let Me Find Out

This track is really bitter, I mean really REALLY bitter. Gay….I mean Kay Gee diss here, Treach gets really personal here and you can honestly hear his anger and his frustration with the switch hitter Kay Gee. For those who don’t know, Kay Gee did that Next(RnB group with that Real Close single) project and basically said he was done with NBN and done with gangsta music all in all and dissed them, well Treach being a legit tough guy didn’t take it too easy. This song as well as “Real Niggaz” off Doc’s Da Name(You should peep that track not only is there a great Kay Gee diss by Treach but a Yuk diss by Scarface). Anyway this song is really good and to prove Treach rules the school he switches up flows, pure greatness. Good

8. Naughty By nature(Carl Thomas)

A TREACH SOLO SONG! DOPE! This has that old school feel to it, with lots of horns and old beat drums and all that. Carl Thomas is worthless on the chorus but who cares? Treach of course makes this track his ***** and makes it cook him dinner! I can’t give it a DOPE! rating because of Carl Thomas and his Jafaken accent here. Good

9. NJ To LA(Feat Roaddawgs & Rottin Razkals)

Ok the beat is completely horrible, Treach carries it well but the others have no clue how to ride a beat like this. Average(For Treach)

10. Red Light(Feat Queen Latifah)

Good little track, Treach starts it off and of course rips it to pieces. Vinnie does a good job. Treach again and I can’t complain. Chorus was good, luckily Latifah didn’t rap, because that would’ve been horrid. Good

11. Ashes To Ashes(Feat Icarus & Freddie Foxxx)

Treach starts it off and has a funny line about Chris Rock’s fingers, Treach has such dope wordplay, he could be reading off his grocery list and it’d sound like a masterpiece. Icarus is your no substance punchline rapper who I do not care of. Freddie Foxxx disses Bubba Sparxxx. Wow Treach & Bumpy Knuckles on the same track? 2 *****in crazy thugs who no one would ***** with or diss. I would love a duo album from them. Good track. Good

12. What U Don’t Know

Not feeling this track, all it is is “What you don’t know” repeat 1000 times, it gets old. Wack

13. Wild Mutha*****az(feat LiL Jon & Chyna White)

Oh yea, NBN did do a song with LiL Jon and it’s a very dope song except for one thing….Chyna White, she’s just horrible, very irritating and totally messes up the flow of the song. Nice try lady, you ain’t outshining NBN and you for sure ain’t lyrically touchin Treach. Jon gets annoying but atleast you expect it and he does his usual cursing and yelling type schtick that grows on you. Good track. Good

14. Family Tree

Realest song ever! One of NBN’s best tracks. Great way to end the album. Treach gets really emotional here and the beat in the background…ah man I can’t do it justice. Vinnie does a great job as well but lets get real here, he ain’t touchin Treach but I’m glad Vinnie found his niche. Treach even gives a “***** you” to the people who claim Pac was alive, by saying he’s gonna see him in Cuba but then says “When I Moun You Till I Join You”, pure clever. Classic track. DOPE!

All in all this gets a Good rating. Is it the best NBN album? No way, but is it solid? Yes. I’d cop this last though, just get their whole catelogue first then get this. Treach however ruled the school here, trying his best to carry these weak sounding beats, and Vinnie also tried. Kudo’s NBN, good album, please come back and make another one!

Bushwick Bill – Phantom Of The Rapra

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

For those who don’t know who Bushwick Bill is; Bushwick was a member of the infamous group “Geto Boys”. This was his second solo album and was released on Rap-A-Lot.

Phantoms theme (Intro)

What cha gonna do?

First track sounds good with the tight dark beat; that fits Bushwick´s laid-back style of rappin. The lyrics are kind of funny but still serious in some way. Don’t forget to check the hook since it’s a classic and one of the best hooks ever made in my opinion. Overall a tight track.

Time is hard

Bushwick drops some real deep lyrics on this track. It’s about escaping the ghetto life and all the hard times living in the ghetto brings. The beat is laid back and got a little West Coast feeling to it. The hook is simple yet catchy.

Who’s the biggest

This track is dedicated to everybody that doubts Bushwick because his size. He really shows his anger over the dope fast-paced beat. Pay extra attention to the nice hook. Tight track!

Ex-girlfriend

Bushwick is dropping some player like lyrics on this track. The beat is very smooth and laid-back. It’s a funny track that reflects reality in some situations. Very tight concept by Bushwick.

Only god knows

Damn this track is deep! After hearing Bushwick´s previous work, this track was a positive surprise to me. I didn’t know he could make tracks like this. Not only are his lyrics tight the west coast inspired beat is one of the best beats on the album. I hope Bushwick keeps on making tracks like this one.

Already dead

This is also a kind of deep track, you can clearly feel Bushwick´s pain on this track. The beat is very hard with a dark twist to it. Tight hard track!

The Bushwicken

Here is another laid-back track. The hook is very catchy, his lyrics and flow is on point too. The beat is however wack and it makes the track boring. It’s too bad it could have been a tight track if the beat was better.

Subliminal criminal

Bushwicks flow surprised me on this track, he is rapping very fast and I didn’t think he could do that. Not only is he rapping fast he is dropping dope lyrics over the tight beat. He is not the only one tho, there is a rapper that is not listed in the credits but I think his name is “Sherm”, who is dropping an impressive verse at the end of the track.

Inhale exhale

This is the smoke song for all the weed smokers. The beat is kind of hypnotic. Bushwick and I think it’s Menace Clan that are featured are dropping good verses on the song.

Mr. President

This track is aimed at the President. It’s a good concept by Bushwick but the beat is so wack that it’ boring to listen to it. If you can look past the beat you will find heartfelt lyrics that are being spit with anger. Like I said tight concept by Bush it’s just too bad that the beat is wack.

Phantom’s reprise (Outro)

Well all in all it’s a good album. Bush’s dropping dope lyrics all over the album, the hooks are good and a few beats are tight. Still there are beats that should have been better and it should have been more tracks on the album.

I give it 3.5/5

Ice-T – The Iceberg/Freedom of speech…Just watch what you say

Posted on February 18, 2013 by WWC

Release: October 10, 1989 Production: Ice-T & Afika Islam. Label: Sire/Warner Bros.

Tracks:

Shut up, Be happy

In this intro America has been put under marshall law, it features Jello Biafra [of Dead Kennedy’s] speaking on the new rules of society, it basically says, Here we’re giving you the country you want, you dont have to do anything, but there is a price to this – Freedom.

The Iceberg

It starts off with some mellow flute type sounds to make you think its a soft love song but then comes the old skool funky sounds of Afrika Islam, This a layed back mellow beat and Ice-T kicks some cool-as-Ice flows. He speaks on this crew and himself…He lets you know his crew is the illest. This is some funky shit.

Lethal Weapon

Ice comes with a nice flow on this, Ice plays with the words and for squares listenin’ to this there gonna say “oh hes talkin bout guns”…but no, hes talking bout his mind, “My lethal weapon is my mind”…this is a real track, one of 1989’s best.

You played yourself

This is a tight anti-drugs/anti fakes track, it has afew jazzy notes and a funky OG beat. Ice talks about the fake emcees in the game, he speaks about wannabe macks and fools taken drugs on the streets and the results of doing that…to quote a line: “Society’s fault? No…Nobody put the crack into the pipe, Nobody made ya smoke off your life. You thought that you could do dope and stay cool?!? fool you played yourself”. A classic track with a real message.

Peel their caps back

This one has Ice talking about gang warfare and the reality of what gos down after the news cameras have gone, one of Ice’s cats gets killed so Ice and the gang roll to get some payback, its midnight and Ice and the crew go looking to find the cats that killed his buddy so they have a shoot out and Ice gets hit. He gets into the gangsta mentality in this one and answers the question “Why?”. Hopefully this track will make these kiddies think before they start wearing there rags behind there computers. It aint cool.

The girl tried to kill me

I like this one, Its a rock n roll beat and Ice puts it down, it sounds perfect. Ice gets with a chick and the ***** is a freak…He basically talks about a sex freak and all the freaky thangs she does with Ice with whips, baby oil and tying him up [..shes trying to kill me] and at the end of the track the chicks husband comes in [..trying to kill me]. Peep

Black n decker

This is the first skit on the cd, it starts with Ice reading an article that says the Syndicate is only about volience and blood. So Ice and the Syndicate get a drill and use effects to make it sound like they drill thru a mans head. [gives the suckers what they wanna hear]

Hit the deck

We get fast paced on this one, it has a Rakim sample in there and is a party track. The flow matchs the beat and the cuts are timed well, he gives afew words to up-and-coming emcees and breaks down some of his own styles, this track has some great DeeJay cuts too.

This ones for me

Another jazzy beat with a laid back flow, Ice speaks his mind on this one, he speaks on haters, fakers and sell outs, he talks about the Public Enemy situation and how cats didnt support them but on this Ice makes it known he’s supporting them. He also speaks on the drugs game in the streets and how cats are killing each other over that shit. this is a nice relaxed track.

The hunted child

Ice plays the role of a 17 year old killer from South Central and raps about why this kid killed and he touchs on cats killing each other on the streets, this beat has got some nice bass to it.

What cha wanna do?

What cha wanna do? Party!! man this a 1989 party track, if you ever have a party at your place and need an old skool throw back track then this is the one to peep, this is a Syndicate cut with the Syndicate putting down a rap and each member adds his own style to the track, the result is a dope old skool party track.

Freedom of speech

man this is the beat track on the whole cd, he speaks about censorship and the PMRC, Ice talks about how they are trying to hold back the freedom of speech of recording artists and he uses some creative words to express his feelings which surely caused peoples panties to get wrinked up in 1989. I agree 100% with the message in this track, we need freedom of speech and we should be able to say anything, Ice-T fought alot of battles for what he believed in and what you may not know is that he played a major role in helping recording artists to be able to say anything without being banned or censored. This is without doubt one of the greatest Hiphop tracks ever. Listen, repeat and listen some more.

My word is bond

T and the Syndicate raps about fake cats and the bullshit they do and some bragging is throwin’ in for good measure, its a ligth hearted track, if you dont understand it you’ll miss the whole point of it.

Overall:
As you can guess im Ice-T’s #1 fan, this rates as his best work. Its old skool and has meaningful messages and many views on censorship, sex, rap and of course drugs. If you want to step into the world of reality rap this is a good starting point. This is a prime example of what Rap used to be about, its hardcore but not fake and it has powerful messages and strong view points. I havent said there is a wack tracks, which is rare but i feel all the content is worth listening to. The only thing that i can think of that would hold people back from buying this cd is the fact that some of the beats may sound alittle too old skool for them, but regardless its a classic album and reality rap at its best. Ice-T is one of the only rappers to start real and stay real, everything he said on this album he remained true too and thats something only the very best of emcees can do, sure Ice-T doesnt freestyle and he doesnt make rnb complex rhymes and all that bullshit but that aint the point. This music is real.