1. 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.

2002/ 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!

01.) “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

1. 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

1. 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

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!

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’

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.

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 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.