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Album reviews.

Dr Dre – The Chronic 2001

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Dr Dre - The Chronic 200101.) “Intro” (feat. Tray Deee and Xzibit) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

02.) “The Watcher” (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

“The Watcher” is the perfect way too kick-off “2001”. Dr. Dre delivers three outstanding verses over his (and Mel-Man’s) epic production. This was an excellent way to re-introduce Dr. Dre into the rap game after a three year hiatus.

03.) “***** You” (feat. Devin and Snoop Dogg) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

This is another outstanding production courtesy of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man. Dr. Dre spits an excellent verse but is outshined by the outstanding lyrical performances of Devin and Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg’s verse on “***** You” is arguably his best verse since his “Doggystyle” days.

04.) “Still D.R.E.” (feat. Snoop Dogg) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

Dr. Dre puts-on a classic lyrical performance (courtesy of Jay-Z). Dr. Dre and Mel-Man’s hard-hitting production is one of the best in the history of Hip-Hop. There is one word to perfectly describe this track… classic.

05.) “Big Ego’s” (feat. Hittman) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

The hypnotic production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man is what’s best about this track. “Big Ego’s” is the first of Hittman’s nine outstanding lyrical performances featured on “2001”… I’m still waiting for his debut album.

06.) “Xxplosive” (feat. Hittman, Kurupt, Nate Dogg and Six-Two) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

“Xxplosive” is the definition of a West Coast classic. The production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man is arguably the best production featured on “2001”… and that says A LOT! Kurupt and Six-Two both spit outstanding verses (more-so Six-Two). But, in my opinion, Nate Dogg shines the brightest on this West Coast classic.

07.) “What’s The Difference” (feat. Eminem and Xzibit) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

“What’s The Difference” is a personal favorite of mine. Dr. Dre drops what can be argued as his career-best lyrical performance; Eminem also drops a gem of a verse. But I don’t think that I’d be crossing over any lines by saying that Xzibit is the STAR of “What’s The Difference”. Xzibit’s verse on this track is the reason that Xzibit’s classic album “Restless” recieved so much pre-release hype.

08.) “Bar One” (feat. Eddie Griffin, Ms. Roq and Traci Nelson) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

09.) “Light Speed” (feat. Hittman) (4 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

“Light Speed” is a rather simple (yet outstanding) production equipped with a bass-line that is designed to damaged your ear drums. Dr. Dre and Hittman both drop nice verses.

10.) “Forgot About Dre” (feat. Eminem) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

Dr. Dre and Eminem both put-on a lyrical clinic on this track. The production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man is absolutly perfect for the theme of this track. I think that the mainstream media is what’s to blame for me not giving this track a perfect rating. This track was played so much back in the year 2000 that I’m STILL sick of it!

11.) “The Next Episode” (feat. Snoop Dogg) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

I like to think of the summer anthem for the year 2000 as the sequel to “Nuthin’ But A G Thang”. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg both spit FIRE over yet-another Dr. Dre/Mel-Man banger. I especially love Nate Dogg’s short outro on this one. It doesn’t get much better than this right here.

12.) “Let’s Get High” (feat. Hittman, Kurupt and Ms. Roq) (4 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

Dr. Dre, Hittman, Kurupt and Ms. Roq all drop outstanding verses over this outstanding bass-driven production. This track sounds different than any other track on this album… and that’s not a bad thing. The hook makes this track almost irrisistable.

13.) “***** Niggaz” (feat. Hittman, Six-Two and Snoop Dogg) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

The outstanding blues-influenced production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man is on another level. Dr. Dre, Hittman, Six-Two and Snoop Dogg all do justice to the outstanding production. Six-Two is another person whose album I’m still waiting for as a result of “2001”; There is just so much talent featured on this album! Also… why can’t Snoop Dogg always drop verses like this?

14.) “The Car Bomb” (feat. Charis Henry and Mel-Man) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

15.) “Murder Ink” (feat. Hittman and Ms. Roq) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

Hittman and Ms. Roq both drop excellent verses over the sinister piano-driven production. This is another one of my personal favorites.

16.) “Ed-ucation” (feat. Eddie Griffin) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man

17.) “Some L.A. Niggaz” (feat. Defari, Hittman, King T, Kokane, MC Ren, Time Bomb and Xzibit) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

“Some L.A. Niggaz” is yet ANOTHER Weft Coast classic featured on “2001”. MC Ren teases the listener by dropping ad-libs instead of spitting a few bars over the epic production on the tracks intro. Defari and Xzibit hold-down the Likwit Crew on this track by dropping near-classic verses. Hittman, King T and Time Bomb all drop outstanding verses; Time Bomb is especially impressive. And what’s an L.A. anthem without Kokane on the hook?

18.) “Pause 4 Porno” (feat. Jake Steed) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

19.) “Housewife” (feat. Hittman and Kurupt) (4.5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

“Housewife” is more of a remix of a version that appeared on Kurupt’s debut album “Kuruption!”; This version also appears on Kurupt’s classic sophomore album, “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha”. Needless-to-say, this version is MUCH better than the original. The outstanding blues-influenced production fits the theme of the song perfectly. Dr. Dre, Hittman and Kurupt all drop outstanding verses.

20.) “Ackrite” (feat. Hittman) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

This is the track that got me REALLY excited about Hittman’s yet-to-be-released debut album. Hittman spits absolute FIRE over the outstanding production of Dr. Dre and Mel-Man. Good luck trying to get this hook out of your head. Another one of my personal favorites…

21.) “Bang Bang” (feat. Hittman and Knoc-Turn’al) (5 out of 5) Produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man 

Dr. Dre drops a gem of a verse but is outshined by the lyrical-tyrade of both Hittman and Knoc-Turn’al. The production on this track is nothing less than perfect. How many classics can fit on one album?

22.) “The Message” (feat. Mary J. Blige and Rell) (5 out of 5) Produced by Lord Finnesse 

This track sounds NOTHING like any of the other tracks on this album. It is also the most personal that Dr. Dre has ever gotten on a record. I think that this may be Dr. Dre’s best lyrical performance ever. Mary J. Blige sounds outstanding on the hook (along with Roc-A-Fella crooner Rell). This is a personal favorite of mine.

 

CONCLUSION: There is no doubt in my mind that “2001” is a Hip-Hop classic. This album is what pushed West Coast Hip-Hop back to the top in the year 2000. I’m waiting to see if the same will happen this year when Dr. Dre unleashes “Detox” on the world. Don’t forget that this album was responsible for re-establishing Dr. Dre in the music industry. So if it wasn’t for “2001” a lot of music that has dropped since 1999 may have never existed. If you ask me (this may upset some people) but the production on “2001” is a little bit better than the production featured on Dre’s 1992 classic “The Chronic”. Then again, if you ask me, the lyrics featured on “The Chronic” are better than the lyrics featured on “2001”. But keep in mind that a lot changed from 1992 to 1999, so it’s unfair to compare the two albums. No matter how you look at it… “2001” is an undeniable classic.

FINAL RATING: 5 out of 5

Jayo Felony – Crip Hop

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Jayo Felony - Crip HopJAYO FELONY “Crip Hop” Released October 23rd 2001

LABEL: AMC & Loco Records

01. Intro (1.30)
02. Gang Bangin’ Shit w/Spice 1 (2.38)
03. One Shot Kill (3.02)
04. Girls & Boys w/Tikki Diamonds (4.11)
05. What Ya Need (3.45)
06. Trued Up REMIX (Real Anthem) w/Baby Skar (3.25)
07. Swing (3.31)
08. Skit 1 (0.22)
09. Hurt That Nigga w/Soopafly (3.42)
10. Skit 2 (0.37)
11. Do You Love Life (4.53)
12. Please Believe It w/E-40 (4.39)
13. Sherm Sticc 111 (3.51)
14. Hotta Than Fish Grease w/Young Crook (3.45)
15. Catch Em’ In Da Mornin’ (Jay-Z Diss) (3.14)
16. You’s A Character (Snoop Diss) (3.52)
17. Came Round w/Baby Skar, Bay Loc & Chag-G from DuLow Gang (4.45)
18. C Walk & Skip (4.14)
19. She Love’s Me w/Young Nube from DuLow Gang (3.38) 

PRODUCTION: Battlecat, Ric Rock, Tyrone Fyffe, Sandlofer Music, K-Def, Caviar, Overdose, Soopafly, DJ Silk, Chewy, Ecay Uno, Ghetto Warden & Flip Matrix.

BILLBOARD: Top Independant Albums 2001 No.10 “Crip Hop” Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 2001 No.53 “Crip Hop”

The Westcoast’s San Diego-based rapper Jayo Felony aka Bullet Loco or Peer Pressure grew up as a member of the infamous Crip’s Gang during his teen years in LA and had often found himself in jail. Things changed for Bullet Loco in 1994 when RUN-DMC’s late Jam Master Jay (R.I.P) heard an underground single by the rapper entitled “Piss On Your Tombstone” which was being distributed to local record stores. Jam Master Jay quickly signed the rapper up that year under his JMJ Label and Jayo then released his first debut album “Take A Ride” in 1995. The album was a success in the underground scene on the Westcoast and featured the hit classic “Niggaz & *****es” and also saw Jam Master Jay assist in production. The future for Jayo Felony saw albums such as 1998’s “Watcha’ Gonna Do” hit charts with the single feature the likes of Eastcoast’s MethodMan & DMX which had the rapper on top of his game. As time went past he released “Underground” in 1999 off the Def Jam label, which actually stayed underground and failured to get any recognition. Although Jayo Felony’s role on Snoop Dogg’s Tha Eastsidaz “Got Beef” single also hit the charts giving Jayo more exposure after having a quite year things weren’t looking to good. Little did we realize that the next album to be released was to be the aftermath of his past dealings with certain artists and label Def Jam.

‘Crip Hop’ was a term Jayo Felony used in his lyrics in the past to describe his music and with his past relationships with artists such as Kokane, who later jumped ship to join Snoop Dogg who also used the term, Bullet Loco let out his anger in this gang bangin’ album in relation to these two words full of real street talk and real Westcoast “Crip Hop”. This album was a reality check for certain artists such as Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Kokane and also the Def Jam Recording Label as Jayo released all his fury and showcased true gangsta rap to it’s fullest. The production line up has a few well known Westcoast producers such as Battlecat, Ric Rock and Soopafly but notibly is kept underground with real hardcore tracks by a few unknown producers who help keep this album Gang Bangin’ from Intro. The return of Bullet Loco in 2001 had him come harder than ever and he even has the courtesy to explain his beef’s on the albums booklet to all his fans in question.

The album starts hard with Ric Rock’s produced “Gang Bangin’ Shit” featuring Spice 1 which has both rappers spit real game and the aggression in Jayo’s lyrics and flow can be felt throughout the song. The beat is bangin’ and the combination of Jayo Felony and Ric Rock is excellent making this track a highlight and its also good to see Spice 1 keeping it gangsta. A classic beat for the riders is “One Shot Kill” which is produced by Tyrone Fyffe and the track is a cross between a hard Eastcoast style mixed with some Westcoast gang bangin beats, as the production stays tight along with Bullet Loco’s rhymes. Tyronne Fyffe is also resposible for the classic sequel once again to “Sherm Sticc” as he touches up the beat to roll Jayo up with “Sherm Sticc 111”. The track is just as good as the other versions and its good to see Jayo keeping it real for the smokers and the layed back beat just makes you wanna blaze it up. The “Sherm Sticc” songs have Jayo a sure favourite with the smokers and they are used as a trademark these days by the rapper just like Mystikal’s “Still Smokin” tracks which are both a must on all the albums by both these artists. Jayo Felony still spits the hustle about drugs also as he funks up Sandlofer’s produced “Girls & Boys” with the lyrically talented Tikki Diamonds who tears the mic apart with real ghetto slang on a real phat ass beat thats wild wild west. Jayo kills the speakers with his flow and the hardcore lyrics have ghetto labelled all over it with funk added.

Super Westcoast producer Battlecat helps the LP with his contribution to “What Ya Need” which is also very funky and the synthersizers and tics and tacs of Battlecat’s instrumental samples keep the track stay g’d up. Jayo raps pretty ordinary in this track but the production keeps the listener boppin’. Other G’d up Westcoast funky beats are the hit “Hotter Than Fish Grease” produced by DJ Silk featuring Young Crook. The beat is bouncin’ and the raps are on point buy Jayo while Young Crook’s flow is a little off guard but manages to still sound good. Ecay Uno makes one of the dopest tracks for the West on this album as he touches his magic on “Came Round” featuring the DuLow Gang. The beat is Westcoasting all the way and the raps by the DL Gang and Jayo are the best in the album. A hot beat and great line up of rappers on this beat which has got to be in the top 5 of this album no doubt. The album continues with mad funk but also has the neccessary gangsta ingredients as rapper/producer Soopafly shows how its done on “Hurt That Nigga”. The Soopa beat is perfectly toned with gangsta shit that makes it something to cruise the block to real cool but gangsta as both rappers rap on point through out the song.

Tracks produced by Caviar & Overdose are good and keep Bullet Loco on his toes with his rapping flow and bring out some of his best rapping. Tracks such as “Swing” keep shit G-Funked out along with “Do You Love Life” which has a great beat to it and is a great lyrical test for Jayo, which he passes with ease. The E-40 featured “Please Believe It” is another good production by this dueo who have yet to break through the underground barrier, these beats keep this album representing the West to the fullest and help Jayo Felony’s lyrics sound much more hardcore along with E-40’s unique style of raps. Jayo Felony keeps his gang ties strong in this album, with not only his title “Crip Hop” but songs such as the Ghetto Warden’s produced “C-Walk & Skip” keeps the gang bangers Crip Walkin’ along their blocks. The song is also a diss to Jay-Z & Snoop Dogg as he explains to them that he’s the real gang banger in this rap game. “She Loves Me” composed by Flip Matrix has a tight beat and Bullet Loco raps very good to this hard track with a touch of bounce. The hook is a little out of wack but again the beat keeps the listener intrigued along with the rapping flow.

As the heads keep moving Jayo comes back with the remix version of his anthem “Trued Up” featuring Baby Skar. The beat is hard and produced by K-Def and has the bloods and crips throwin up their gang signs. The track is a diss to Jay-Z and the Roc-A-Fella Camp as Jayo feels that he had to step up for the WestCoast and the LA gangs against Jay-Z’s lyrics in certain songs. The beef started after Jayo Felony took offense to Jay-Z’s intro to “Streets Is Talkin” as Jay-Z sings: “Is he a Blood, is he Crip?/Is he that, Is he this?”. Another lyric taken from “Change The Game” was “I wear more bling to The Source & Soul Trains/More chains than rings, niggaz wont do a thing”. Bullet Loco also took offense to this as WestCoast gangs (Crips & Bloods) have been blammed for several robberies on celebrities when The Source & Soul Train Awards were being held in LA. As a strong Crip in his past and his ties to the gangs he felt the urge to rise to the occassion and put a stop to Jay-Z not only as a Crip member but for the Westcoast, which showed the real gangsta shit that this rapper is capable of…literally gangsta rapping. Jayo Felony rips the anthem up with pride in his Crip ties and calls out to all Bloods & Crips to step up as Jayo represents the Crips & Baby Skar the Bloods. Jayo spits: “Back in the day if i was Kane, cuz, i woulda’ been trippin’/like aint’-no-half-crippin’. When it comes to this C shit they gon’ learn out here/I have Al Sharpton C-walkin’ in his perm out here. Niggaz bangin’ in NY now? Cuz i dont knock it/this fool said he was a blood but had his rag in the wrong pocket. Crips wear it on the left and Damus wear it on the right/I’ma show you mother*****as how to gangbang right, ride back on the same night, how to slang caine right.” Now thats real gang bangin’. Along with these lyrics Jay-Z has rapped in these two songs Jayo Felony also blames Jay-Z for his album “Hotter Than Fish Grease” being pulled back and not released at all. Aparently Jayo Felony was due to release the album on Def Jam and had this song already complete but says that Jigga stopped the album from being released then causing Jayo Felony to leave the label. Jayo also states in his album booklet that Def Jam hasnt any love for WestCoast artists and names certain rappers who are held back. He also disses Jay-Z and the Roc-A-Fella crew on the Chewy produced “Catch Em’ In Da Mornin”. The beat is heavy and the raps and flow are also on target once again as Bullet lets his beef rip no holds barred.

As the beef gets deeper he comes strong on DJ Silk’s “You’s A Character” a diss to Snoop Dogg for taking his Crip Hop personna away along with Kokane. The track is pretty slow but the message is clear that Jayo Felony is the real Crip Hopper and that Snoop copied his style. The beef is also described in the booklet where Jayo mentions he was part of the “Up In Smoke Tour” but was taken off because of a certain rapper who paid to go along on the tour. Jayo then mentions that one of Tha Eastsidaz and himself nearly got into a fight with the artist and Dr Dre then put them back on the show’s roster. They were then given the news later that Snoop Dogg had taken them off the show and that was the final outcome.

Overall the album is very hardcore, Westcoast gangsta shit. The lyrics are real and the flow is pretty good all round. The album is one of the most realest albums out there that has been released and the agression once again from Jayo Felony can be felt throughout the album whether the beat is funky or just hardcore. This album represents the real gang bangers of the Westcoast and Bullet Loco did a great job in keeping the Westcoast gangsta. One of the few rappers who can rap lyrics that you can relate to and feel his emotion. At the same time the tracks are bumpin full of great production and one of Loco’s best to date. apart from the beef’s which were a little out of hand this is a great banger to ride to for all…

I rate it 3/5

Eazy-E – Its On (Dr Dre) 187um Killa

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Eazy-E - Its On (Dr Dre) 187um Killa1. Exxtra Special Thankz

This intro has a real nice beat to it, Eazy shouts out Dre and Snoop on this intro, nuthin special.

2. Real Muthaphuckkin G’s

This one of the best diss songs I ever heard in my whole life. This track is just crazy, crazy lyrics. This is a diss song to Snoop, Dre and Death Row basically. Real nice track, nice beat.

3. Any Last Werdz

This is another nice track, the beat is real G-Funk. The lyrics of this song is more like the gangsta type shit you usually hear from Eazy E. Real nice song to check out.

4. Still A Nigga

This track is a little laid-back type track, slow beat. Eazy E comes in nice on this track with some dope lyrics.

5. Gimme That Nutt

This track is kinda like those I wanna ***** You tracks, its kinda funny, not something I would bump all day, still a nice track though.

6. It’s On

This track is real dope, it starts off by Eazy E doing a parody of “Nuthin But A G Thang”, from this you can see that this track is going to be a Dr Dre diss. The disses on this track are really hard; Eazy E also takes some shots at Snoop Doggy Dogg and calling out Death Row. Real nice track. Nice G Funk.

7. Boyz N Tha Hood (G-Mix)

This is an upgraded version of the Boyz N Tha Hood track, the beat is more up to its dayz (G Funk). It’s the same lyrics and everything just a new beat, nice G Funk.

8. Down 2 Tha Last Roach

This track is real tight, it starts off with Dre sayin “I still express yo I don’t Smoke weed or ces” from NWA track called “Express Yourself” and scratches to a dude sayin “Biiitch” cause Dre was smoking weed all the time then. This is a get high song, real nice, dope track.

This album overall is dope. I consider it a classic, all tracks are dope. Beats are crazy lyrics are crazy. I definitely recommend this album if you don’t have it already. It’s a west coast classic if you ask me.

I rate it a 4/5.

Snoop Dogg – The Last Meal

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Snoop Dogg - The Last MealSNOOP DOGG “Tha Last Meal” Released December 5th 2000

LABEL: No-Limit Records & Dogghouse Records

01. Intro (1.20)
02. Hennesey N Buddah w/Kokane (4.12)
03. Snoop Dogg (What’s My Name Pt2) (4.03)
04. True Lies w/Kokane (4.01)
05. Wrong Idea w/Bad Azz, Kokane, Lil’ HD (4.14)
06. Go Away w/Kokane (4.52)
07. Set It Off w/MC Ren, Ice Cube, The Lady Of Rage & Nate Dogg (4.52)
08. Stacey Adams w/Kokane (4.35)
09. Lay Low w/Master P, Nate Dogg, Butch Cassidy, Goldie Loc & Tray Dee (3.43)
10. Bring It On w/Suga Free & Kokane (4.17)
11. Game Court SKIT- Mac Minista (2.10)
12. Issues (2.36)
13. Brake Fluid (Biiittch pump yo brakes) w/Kokane (5.56)
14. Ready 2 Ryde w/Eve (4.21)
15. Losin’ Control w/Butch Cassidy & Soopafly (4.09)
16. I Can’t Swim (4.17)
17. Leave Me Alone (4.12)
18. Back Up Off Me w/Master P & Mr Magic (5.15)
19. Ya’ll Gone Miss Me w/Kokane (4.15) 

PRODUCTION: Dr Dre, Master P, Soopafly, Battlecat, Timbaland, Scott Storch, Jelly Roll, Meech Wells, Michael Elizondo, Studio Tone, Casey Wilson & Carlos Stephens.

BILLBOARD 200 2001 No.4 “Tha Last Meal”
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 2001 No.1 “Tha Last Meal”
Hot Rap Singles 2001 No.8 “Lay Low” & “Snoop Dogg”
Rhythmic Top 40 2001 No.17 “Lay Low”

Snoop Dogg born Calvin Broadus in Long Beach California on October 20th 1972 was introduced to the game called rap in the early 90’s by veteran rapper/producer Dr Dre. The pair got together through Dr Dre’s stepbrother, Warren G, where Snoop later became one of the biggest rap stars on the Deathrow Records Label founded by Marion ‘Suge’ Knight & Dr Dre himself. After high success with his debut album in 1993 “Doggystyle” Snoop became well known in the music industry making a name for himself world wide. The second album released on Deathrow in 1996 “Doggfather” lacked the same potential as his debut and the Dogg was in desperate need to revamp his career. In early 1997 Snoop made an appearance on Silkk The Shocker’s “Charge It To the Game” and later appeared on the “I Got The Hook Up” Soundtrack to later go on to sign with the ghetto Bill Gates and Colonel of the tank, Master P. At this time the No-Limit Records tank was on full charge and the signing of already well known rappers such as Mystikal had Master P on the top of the rap game. Snoop departed Deathrow in 1997 and had his first album drop on No-Limit Records in 1998 entitled “Da Game Is To Be Sold Not To Be Told”. The success of this album later saw Snoop regain his reputation that he had once lost in his last days at Deathrow Records with classic tracks such as “Still A G Thang” making the album fresh once again. The No-Limit Tank was rolling now more than ever and the once small and underground Dirty South label had now reached audiences across the globe making it worth millions. Snoop felt the vapours as his career shot up again and critics became much more suprized with the adapting of the LBC native to the Dirty South of New Orleans Southern hospitality. The year that followed had Snoop re-unite with Dr Dre after nearly 6 years on his second album on the tank “No-Limit Topp Dogg” in 1999. The pair had been always looked upon as the greatest team in rap history and was once compared to the legendary dueo of rap legends Eric.B & Rakim. Everywhere fans and media in the music industry praised the move and had high expectations from the LP which resulted in one of the best Snoop albums since his first “Doggystyle” debut in 1993. The album was packed with features on all aspects with production from Dr Dre to DJ Quik and hits such as “***** Please” featuring Nate Dogg & Xzibit made this album a must for Snoop fans.

In late 2000 Big Snoop D.O Double Gizzle came back with his third and final No-Limit album “Tha Last meal”. This album saw the departure of Snoop Dogg from the tank as he had paid the cost to be the boss of his own label Dogghouse Records which was in works with Tha Eastsidaz, which consisted of Tray Deee & Goldie Loc, at the time. The album saw Dr Dre produce a few tracks and mix most of the album up and the features once again in this album were just as good as the last. The album was full of Westcoast funk and P-Funk/G-Funk style of beats as Snoop loves best as most of his attitude as a gangsta return with the ability to pimp the game at the same time. The No-Limit tank slowly faded after this album and Master P found that one by one his soldiers were dismissed.

The album starts off with a banging track produced by the one and only Dr Dre “Hennesey N Buddah”. The track has Dre all over it and the hook by Kokane is tight as the Dogg’s raps and flow are pure gangsta, the best he has performed in a long time. The beat by Dr Dre sounds like it has come straight from the Aftermath Classic Shelf where he picked up the beats for his “2001” album released that year also. This song comes up as one of the best on not only the album but in Snoop’s rap career. Another highlight track by Dr Dre is “Lay Low” which features an extreme line up of artists such as Nate Dogg, Butch Cassidy, Master P, Tray Deee & Goldie Loc. The beat once again is a classic for Dr Dre and the callaboration of these artists on a Dre beat is a multi-platinum hit. Snoop raps on point with his fellow Eastsidaz and even Master P cant resist hittin’ the beat. Nate Dogg spins the hook with his gangsta harmony and Butch Cassidy comes through higher than Snoop, literally, we would imagine. The Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg connection is unstoppable in this song and it would be great to see more of these beats from the history making dueo as this song does make history. Snoop raps through the track with real aggression as he barks on the mic:”Lay low nobody move until’ i say so/Limo tint rollin’ deep like the president. See I dont go to clubs I never chase a biiatch/Im here to bang that gangsta shit til’ the apocalypse. We call it stress some of yall call it chocolate/Return of the top dogg and aint’ no stoppin’ it. Whatever the case I aint’ tryin’ to catch it/Lay low blow big dope and slang records”. At the same time Snoop puts some comedy into his album with “True Lies” with Kokane as he has Ex-President Bill Clinton’s recording of his confession to the affair he had with Monica Lewinski, Snoop ask’s him whether or not he *****ed that *****? The beat done by Dr Dre is phat and the beat is slow yet funky with a little Dre tweaks and sqweaks but the rapping by Snoop is too layed back making this a problem in the album.

As the album continues we discover the special production appearance’s by Timbaland, mostly known for his work with the late Aaliyah and up to date music with Missy Elliot. On the single “Snoop Dogg”, the sequel to 1993’s “What’s My Name”, Timbaland lays a typical beat that only he can do and as unique that it may sound the beat is very catchy along with the chorus. Snoop actually raps a little too smooth again and very laid back as he usually does these days. The track is a club banger though and does get the crowd moving. Timbaland also has the privledge of lacing the beat on the jam packed featured “Set It Off”. The track features veterans MC Ren & Ice Cube and also has Nate Dogg with some gangsta shit and The Lady Of Rage step into the beat with her ‘Afro Puffs’. The beat is very funky and has a good rhythim to it along with the hard rapping performed by all the artists. Ice Cube keeps the song beating with his hook and Timbaland keeps the unique sound fresh & funky. Jelly Roll puts in work on another highlight track “Wrong Idea” with Bad Azz, Kokane & Lil’ HD on the hook. The beat is real Westcoast and Bad Azz rips the mic apart as the LBC get together for a great song that keeps the party up all night no doubt. The raps by Snoop are also gangsta and his flow amazingly is on line with the Jelly beat as it Rolls through. Other’s Jelly Roll hits his sticky fingers on are “Bring It On” with Suga Free pimpin his tight lyrics and Kokane on the hooks again. The beat is quite funky and the raps are pretty good on Snoop’s half. “I Can’t Swim” is a very weird track done by Jelly but the actual beat itself has got an addictive sound making it sound hard and Snoop helps the George Clinton sampled beat to be a P/G-Funk hook up all in one song with gangsta influence.

The Westcoast wouldn’t be complete without Battlecat so obviously he done a track or two which were tight beats but lacked the full effort by Snoop to make it a banger. Tracks such as “Stacey Adams” have a nice mellow Battlecat beat but are spoiled by Kokane’s singing and Snoop’s talking rap. “Leave Me Alone” is a much better beat though Snoop once again ruins all the Battlecat beats especially this one in particular as he sings throughout the track sounding high and there is a feeling that he may even of just sang the song without writing any lyrics, very poor lyrics and one of the downfalls of the album. On another note the album has an uplift from Meech Wells who always seems to put good production down for Snoop and helps his lyrics similar to what Dr Dre manages to pull off. “Issues” & “Go Away” are all a highlights for Meech and Snoop helps the tracks at full Westcoast rhyming & flow as you would expect. “Go Away” does lose a little credit in the lyrics department though as Snoop repeats the 1st verse again on the 3rd.

The album is hit with some Scott Storch beats such as “Brake Fluid” featuring Kokane, nice beat and funky but song lyrically is poor. “Ready 2 Ryde” with Eve makes up for the failure of the other Storch beats as Eve raps real hard and has mad flow. Snoop keeps it gangsta also and the beat has a great touch to it. Storch does produce a nice G-Funk beat to end the album on “Ya’ll Gone Miss Me” featuring Kokane which has Snoop pretty much rap about his time at the tank and the way his life has gone the beat is slow but funked out, officially a goodbye song to the Colonel and the NL tank. Master P did get a turn though with Beats By The Pound C-Los aka Carlos Stephens does a Dirty South Club beat “Back Up Off Me” with P and Magic on the beat, which Snoops voice is clearly not suited for and the bass is too soft for a Dirty South Club beat. Snoop had one for the South and No-Limit fans and also managed to DPGC with Soopafly touching on “Losin’ Control” with Butch Cassidy, a slow beat but Priest does do the job as usual with both raps and production and pulls through for this finale.

The album was 80% full of P & G-Funk style beats and the special touch of Dr Dre, Timbaland, Battlecat, Jelly Roll & Meech Wells most notably make this album a mixed bag of tracks. Snoop has some really tight songs in this album and considering it was his last No-Limit album it has had some work done to it to make it bang as much as possible. His lyrics/flow & raps in general were up and down and the only way he performed good was if he was with a producer he was comfortable with. The Dr Dre beats are banging though and are a must. Its good to hear Dre & Snoop doing their thing but he really needed to cut back on the Kokane, well you know what im saying….overall it was a pretty good album but not his best so in saying that the callabos in all aspects yes were tight….

Rating: 3.5

 

Juvenile – 400 Degreez

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Juvenile - 400 DegreezJUVENILE “400 Degreez” Released June 9th 1998

LABEL: Universal Records & Cash Money Records

BILLBOARD: The Billboard 200 1999 No.9 ‘400 Degreez’ Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 1999 No.2 ‘400 Degreez’ Rhythmic Top 40 1999 No.4 ‘Back That Thang Up’ Hot Rap Singles 1999 No.11 ‘Ha’

PRODUCTION: Ronald Williams, Bryan (BABY) Williams & Mannie Fresh.

 

01. Intro (Big Tymers) (2.12) 

The album starts off with the famous Big Tymers Introduction which became a common thing on most Cash Money Albums in the future to come.

02. HA (4.52)

The track that put Cash Money and Juve on the map. Unfortunately this version of this track is very poor compared to the Remix versions with Jay-Z & Hot Boys, lyrically. Juve fails to bring the beat alive with a lack of flow on majority of the beat making the original the weakest of the three versions apart from the tight hook and production.

03. Gone Ride With Me (4.23) 

A great production from Mannie Fresh as he brings the listener a nice smooth Cash Money beat. Juve does a great job at keepin the track smooth and running on track. This track was most recognized for the gangsta style content Juve spits about riding with his gun till death as it is the only thing that will be by his side until he dies as he swiftly laces the hook: “My nine is gonna die with me, do a homicide with me, pick up the supply with me, be up in the ride with me…who me?”.

04. Flossin Season w/Big Tymers & B.G (4.33) 

Another tight track laced with a funky touch that Fresh can only do. The track is bangin literally with the Big Tymers & B.G spittin their game about Flossin and showing that shit off. Juve does a nice job on this track and keeps the beat buzzing.

05. Ghetto Children (4.05)

As the album continues the beats stay really smooth such as this beat which has the slight touch of a Westcoast spice added to it. Juvenile’s flow on this track is on target and the rapping is on point as he also once again hits the hooks. Another mellow beat to lay back to.

06. Follow Me Now (3.55)

With a Latino heat added to the beat mixed with Cash Money clicks this track is a unique beat brought to the listener from the production team of Williams & Fresh. The rapping is quite good but the beat fails to gain any major attention at all making this track nothing really special and quite poor.

07. Cash Money Concert (0.51) 

SKIT, trying to get into the concert.

08. Welcome 2 Tha Nolia w/Turk (5.52) 

A typical Cash Money track which kept the label on top especially when it came to club bangers. The high paced South Style beats that CM was responsible for is a perfect example in this track. Turk does an excellent job on rapping and comes close to out doing Juvenile in the song, although Juve has a special style that only he can deliver. The song contains a sample of trumpets which blow out the track sounding similar to the movie ‘Rocky’ main anthem song.

09. U.P.T w/Hot Boys & Big Tymers (4.17) 

A classic track for the Cash Money group as the whole label connects to bring a gangsta beat to the album with the funky flow of Hot Boy members Lil’ Wayne, Young Turk & B.G. All members do a perfect job on this song and it has to be a highlight for the album as they all represent their sets on the N.O streets.

10. Run For It w/Lil’ Wayne (4.45)

Cash Money beat mixed with the tweaks and clangs of Westcoast/Bay Area sounds you expect to hear in a E-40 track. The song is another highlight as Lil’ Wayne & Juve rip the mic up together with perfection. The production though in this track has to get the credit though Juve does holla the ‘Run For It’ anthem in a few songs on the album.

11. HA (Remix) w/Hot Boys (4.25)

The second edition to the infamous ‘HA’ track is perfectly remixed with a Mannie beat which is definately FRESH! The Hot Boys callaborate with their much older and experienced partner Juve as they follow in his footsteps in this remix that clearly out shines the original lyrically though the beat in the original cant be beaten as Jay-Z later showcases.

12. Rich Niggaz w/Turk, Lil’ Wayne & Paparue (5.03)

This track has to be in the top 3 of the album’s best let alone Juve’s profile of tracks as the beat is slamming high on fire. The raps are all on point by all rappers and the production delivers a deep Cash Money beat funky and gangsta rolled into one hot 5 minutes of flamming heat by part of the Hot Boys. A classic track that could of had great potential as a single and ideal for the gangsta rap listener of today, Cash Money fan or not.

13. Back That Azz Up w/Mannie Fresh & Lil’ Wayne (4.25)

The beat that got CM major props alongside ‘HA’. Released as ‘Back That Thang Up’ this club banger had everyone asking the girls to back it up and drop it like its hot in and out of the clubs. Juvenile spits the best ever in the album right here on this beat which Mannie Fresh hits from the back after a great production job. Lil’ Wayne also has a quick hit of the song but this in undoutable the best song in Juve’s career that got him on top of his game and onto the charts bringing back the South to the world after the collapse of Master P’s No Limit Records empire. A club banger that would surely still get ass’ droppin today without a doubt.

14. Off Top w/Big Tymers (3.50)

Perfect gangsta beat where the Big Tymers, notibly Baby, do an excellent job rapping to this Westcoast influenced beat which has the touch of FRESH-ness added to keep it Cash Money style. This beat is perfectly executed by Juvenile and is a must hear for all rap lovers, perfect!

15. After Cash Money Concert (1.19) 

SKIT something unusual that compares to what the Luniz sometimes do in their skits and thats make no sense and just be plain weird and tripped out.

16. 400 Degreez (4.09)

This song is really ‘400 Degreez’ hot cause its a party banger for the clubs and is head boppin, ass droppin Cash Money shit. Juvenile raps and flow are on target and dont miss a skip of the beat at all which help this song become one for the party people who wanna bounce on the dance floor. Production by Fresh is great and the use of robotic voice hooks make this sound like Above The Law’s “Black Superman” on steroids and pitched up to full speed.

17. Juvenile On Fire (4.57) 

Tight production by Fresh again and its a real bumpin beat filled with CM tweaks and thumps. Juve spits game on ho’s and how he calls shots on ass and doesnt front on the ladies. Beats added with Juve raps makes another great song for this LP.

18. HA (Remix) w/Jay-Z (4.25) 

Juvenile couldnt resist on not doin a third instalment of his classic ‘HA’ track but this time inviting Jigga to the Cash Money Concert. The beat stays original as the first without any changes and would have to be the best version out of the three Juve performs in this album. Jigga does his usual raps that he rolls out smoothly and laces the Fresh beat without a single problem. The track was used in the clubs more than the original and gave Juve play around more radio and clubs due to Jay-Z’s contribution. CLASSIC

 

This album hits the high points for not only Cash Money Records but for the career of Juvenile who quickly became a household name in the rap game after this long awaited release. This album is full of smooth, club bangin, gangsta Cash Money beats that can be taken in by all rap listeners no matter what style you dig. The beats are perfectly composed and Fresh seems to always amaze the listener with his…well, FRESH beats. Juvenile put Cash Money on the map with this album no doubt.

RATING 4/5

The Luniz – Bootlegs & B-Sides

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The Luniz - Bootlegs & B-Sides1. Scandalous(Feat Suga T) 

We start with an intro with C&H & Richie Rich discussing women, Richie Rich would’ve been perfect for this track. The beat is a nice funky pimp type beat and Yumouth starts off first with a great verse mixed with humor, man Yukmouth is an incredible rapper and this song proves it. Suga T has a decent verse, but I don’t really like her that much unless she’s singing. Numskull has the last verse and man he outshines everyone, Numskull is such a great rapper, he really needs a solo album out and I’m not counting that album with Clee. Yukmouth does a funny chorus making his voice low and sinister talking about ho’s being scandalous then adds a Wizard Of Oz reference to it. Good

2. Doin Dirt(Feat Dru Down)

DOPE! Now this is a track that should have been on Operation Stackola, they use the same beat Brotha Lynch Hung used for his 24 Deep song but they add that Luniz flavor to it. The chorus is so dope, they use samples from “C.R.E.A.M.”. Numskull starts it off with a great verse that only Numskull can do. Yukmouth then with a great verse, oh man this song is crazy! Then DRU DOWN! Dru has such a great verse, his flow here is crazy. Classic song with that Luniz flavor that only they can do. DOPE!

3. Dirty Raps

Beat is on some funky pimp shit, it’s ok but a little annoying. This song is about….well screwing ho’s, funny stuff though as the Luniz can make a dirty song into a humorous track. C&H & Dru Down do the chorus and they just basically talk over it. Yukmouth with a good verse. Yuk & Nukm carried the beat quite well. Good

4. Scope

DOPE! This beat is really weird, I can’t describe it, it’s just odd but very dope. “I know the whole deal on you tramps” is said like 5 times by Yuk in the beginning in this funny ass voice. Numskull starts it off with a funny and dope verse then Yukmouth takes the mic and rips the shit to pieces, man they’re flowing so smooth here, they’re riding this beat well. Numskull raps again and tells a pretty funny story about spilling his Kool Aid. Then Yuk raps again oh man this song is insane, I don’t know why this was never added onto Operation Stackola. DOPE!

5. Just A Freak

Same track as Operation Stackola, I have no clue why this is on here. I don’t really like this track, the beat is slow, the chorus is funny though as they twist the Barney song into something really dirty. Not into this track. Wack

6. Stupid

The outro to Operation Stackola is used as the intro here. Nice funky type song, great Luniz flavor here as Numskull starts it off with the typical dope Nummy Num verse. Yukmouth starts out calm then just rips it. Classic Luniz here. DOPE!

All in all I’m giving this a Good rating leaning towards DOPE!, a very dope collection of songs that never made Operation Stackola, some tracks deserved to be on Operation Stackola. It’s a pretty rare album but I hear they’re re-releasing it and adding some new tracks(!) so if you can find this then definetly cop it, and if not then wait and cop the rumoured re-release.

Rakim – The Master

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Rakim - The MasterTwo years after his comeback album (18th Letter), Rakim dropped another album on Universal. After the dopeness of the 18th Letter, and of course Rakim’s history in the rap game many expected this album to be straight fire, and the lead single “When I B On The Mic” seemed to back up this feeling. But could the rest of the album live up to the hype?

 

Intro 

Flow Forever – (3 of 5) 

The first proper track on the album, produced by long time Rakim collaborator Clark Kent. The beat is alright, nothing special but it does its job, the problem is that it doesn’t really seem to inspire Rakim. He sounded a little bored on this track, and although lyrically it’s pretty good, his flow isn’t as smooth as normal. The hook is also quite bad, the whole track is really just average summed up.

When I B On Tha Mic – (5 of 5) 

Well, what can you say about this track? Straight classic in ever department. Brilliant Premo production based around a chopped up piano loop, Ra spitting fire for three verses, and perhaps one of Premo’s best scratched hooks ever. This track is hiphop in its purest form.

Finest Ones (feat Clark Kent) – (3.5 of 5) 

This is basically a track about women, and it is obvious that Rakim is at ease with this subject matter. His flow and lyrics are definitely on point on this track, the beat is pretty good, but Clark Kent proves to be very annoying on the hook which does spoil the track a little.

All Night Long – (3 of 5) 

Produced by Punch this track never quite feels right. The beat is quite simple, basically some percussion, a bit of bass and a few scratches here and there. Rakim only really drops average verses on this track though, and the hook is once again a very average half sung affair.

State of Hiphop Interlude 

Uplift – (3.5 of 5)

At least this track doesn’t have a wack hook. The beat is once again a pretty simple affair, but I’m liking the build up, and what sounds like a Indian vocal sample. Rakim spits pretty well on this track, not vintage verses but at least he doesn’t sound bored. Rakim handles the hook himself this time, and its certainly a better result than the chanting/singing on previous hooks.

I Know – (3 of 5) 

This track features a pretty nice beat from Tr Love, sounds sort of like a less advanced Premo production. However, it doesn’t seem to inspire Rakim at all, especially on the first verse, and he really does sound bored on this track. The hook is alright I suppose, but the end result is another average track.

It’s the R – (4 of 5) 

This Clark Kent production puts a bit of life back into the album. Although the beat is still quite simple, it’s definitely got some funkiness to it, and this seems to suit Rakim who drops his some real dope verses. The scratching in the hook isn’t top notch but its still pretty good, and is certainly better than the singing/chanting hooks, and actually amounts to a dope track.

I’ll Be There (feat Nneaka Morton) – (3 of 5) 

You have to wait through 38 seconds of the women on this track singing before you get to Rakim, and even then his vocals seem to be mixed very quietly into the mix. His verses are nothing special, and the beat doesn’t really do anything for me (or Rakim by the sound of it). Nneaka Morton sounds like your standard rnb singer, and doesn’t really do anything wrong, its just that there isn’t really much point having her on the track.

It’s A Must (feat Rahzel) – (4 of 5) 

Featuring the beatbox talents of Rahzel was an inspired move on this track, because he provides his version of a scratched hook, and a dope drum pattern throughout the track. Rakim drops some dope verses, and the beat is pretty nice, leading to a dope track.

Real Shit – (4 of 5) 

This track produced by Ron Lawrence and V.I.C, has a relatively dope beat, although it only really comes into its own with the horns that are added for the hook. Rakim actually sounds interested on this track, and therefore drops some quality verses. The hook is rapped by Rakim, and is dope as well.

How I Get Down – (3.5 of 5)

This track has quite an eery feel to it, with some dope strings and sporadic water dropping type sounds. Whether it fits the subject matter of the track or not though is a totally different matter, and I think it would have been more suited to one of Rakim’s deeper tracks. That being said this is still a pretty dope track, with some good verses and a standard rapped hook.

L.I Interlude 

Strong Island – (4.5 of 5) 

This self produced track seems to give Rakim an incentive to spit some hot shit. The crowd noises and scratching on the hook are pretty dope, and the beat itself is better than most of the rest of the material on this album. Rakim is basically giving props to his home Long Island throughout this track, and his flow is top notch on this track.

Waiting For The World To End – (5 of 5) 

The second DJ Premier production on the album, and once again its straight heat. Rakim spits some deep shit on this track, and combined with the brilliant simplicity of the beat, and the scratched hook, you can’t help but get hypnotised by this track. Straight classic.

We’ll Never Stop (feat Connie Mckendrick) – (4 of 5) 

I think one word can describe Connie Mckendrick – annoying. Her voice really annoyed me, and for me spoiled what was otherwise a dope track. The beat is real nice, with a piano loop which sounds straight old school, and some nice strings coming in and out. Rakim also spits dopeness, but it is still spoiled by Connie. This track which a scratched hook, or even Rakim rapping a hook would have probably been a classic, but the singing just makes it sound too soft.

 

Conclussion: For me this album was a pretty large disappointment. The 18th Letter was dope, but this album just seemed to lack any of what made that album great. The whole album seems very low budget, even down to the cover design. The majority of the beats used are very boring, and only DJ Premier actually hooks Ra up with some straight dopeness. Why Pete Rock didn’t do anything on here after the dopeness of the tracks he produced on the 18th Letter I really don’t know, and even Clark Kent, who is normally quite a dope producer didn’t really bring anything to the table for this album, and therein lies the main problem with this album. When Rakim has a dope beat to spit over he takes full advantage of it and drops pure classic rhymes, but when the beat isn’t high quality it just doesn’t seem to inspire him, and he sounds bored. There are a few dope tracks on here, but most of it is average at best, and I don’t think I could really recommend this album to the average hiphop fan because it just isn’t really worth your money at full price. If you are a big Rakim fan (like me), or it you see it second hand for cheap then maybe pick it up, but just don’t expect anything that great from it. Final Rating: 3.5 of 5

Drag-On – Hell And Back

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Drag-On - Hell And Back1. Intro

Just an intro.

2. Feel My Pain

Great way to start off the album, first Drag-On gets *****y with his lyrics, then he switches up to being angry and saying that he’s been gone for 3 years and people thought they’d left him for dead but HE’S BACK! The beat is produced bu Tuneheadz and it’s pretty basic but Drag-On carries it. Good

3. Bang Bang Boom(Feat Swizz)

Eh this is a party track and I don’t really like it. Swizz produced one of the most boring basic beats ever, man whatever happened to the old “World War 3” type Swizz? The chorus is really annoying as Swizz can’t even do that properly. Wack

4. Bronx Skit(Feat Okre Boy, Bar, Haze & neo)

Pointless stupid skit.

5. Respect My Gangsta(Feat Styles P)

Lox finest Styles raps with Drag-On and this is a hard hitting song, the beat pounds and Styles starts it off with a very dope verse. Mr. Devine produced this track and I’ve never heard of him but this is a good beat, nothing fancy just a hard hitting beat. Drag-On rips the shit to pieces, why do people overlook this guy? He’s very charismatic and has flows & lyrics for days. Good

6. Tell Your Friends(Feat Jadakiss)

Weird Matrix type futuristic beat with a mix of Arabian flavor to it. Drag-On spits some good lines and some true lines. I don’t really care for the chorus, it’s not bad or anything but it’s just very simple. Jadakiss is…well Jadakiss, always spits hot shit and this is no different. Good

7. Put Your Drinks Down

This was the single to the album, decent club track but this isn’t what Drag-On is suited for. Average

8. Hector The Killer MC Skit(Feat Capone)

Just a skit and a stupid one at that.

9. Trouble(Feat Fiend)

OH YEEEEEEAAA!!! DOPE! This is one of the best tracks on the album. This has a killer hard Southern beat. Fiend only does the chorus but he does a good one at that, the kids doing the chorus gets annoying but it fits the song. Drag-On just rips the track. Drag-On and Fiend work so well together, I’d love to hear a duo album from them. DOPE!

10. I’m A Ryder(Feat Baby & TQ)

To me this track is really dope. Black Key produces a nice bouncy beat. Drag-On adapts really well to the beat and TW sings such a great chorus, TQ is so *****in dope. Baby even drops a decent verse(For his standards). DOPE!

11. Let’s Get Crazy(Feat DMX)

Real basic beat here, but Drag-On & DMX carry it well. Just pure lyrics here. Good

12. Busta Skit(Feat Capone)

Sounds like a Busta diss here, just a skit.

13. U Had Me(Feat Eve)

Nice bouncy type beat, I love the chorus. This is another guilty pleasure of mine, the song is a definite radio hit. Drag-On comes tight, and Eve…well eh she’s decent on this track. Good

14. Holla At Ya Boy

DOPE! Nice beat and it samples “It’s Too Late” by Carole King & Toni Stern. Drag-On just flows so well on this track, it even has a touch of West to it. DOPE!

15. My First Child

Great track, Drag-On raps about his kid and he sounds so happy to rap about him. This is some great songwriting here. Drag-On raps about being a father and how it just changed his life. The chorus is decent but the singing gets annoying, but that doesn’t stop it from being a great track. Good

16. It’s A Party

DOPE! My favorite track on the album. You’d think this was an actual party track from the beginning but then it turns into a grimey dark song with a dark organ beat. Drag-On just rips it giving dark lyrics and adding more to this track. DOPE!

17. Life Is Short

DOPE! Another very dark track with a dope guitar type beat. I love the chorus and Drag-On just rips it. DOPE!

18. U Had Me(2)(Feat Eve & Aja Smoth)

Nice bouncy Southern type beat. Just a dope track and a nice way to end the album. The chorus is good as well. Good

 

All in all this gets a Good rating. So far(It’s only Feb though) this is the album of the year. Drag-On is back and he made a more solid album overall. Cop this album, but make sure you cop Opposite Of H2O as well.

Master P – Ghetto D

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Master P - Ghetto DMASTER P “Ghetto D” Released September 2nd 1997

LABEL: Priority Records, No Limit Records

BILLBOARD: The Billboard 200 1997 No.1 ‘Ghetto D’ Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 1997 No.1 ‘Ghetto D’ Hot Rap Singles 1997 No.2 ‘I Miss My Homies’ The Billboard Top 100 1998 No.16 ‘Make Em Say Ugh’

PRODUCTION: Master P, KLC, Carlos Stephens aka C-Los, O’Dell, Craig B, Mo B. Dick, DJ Darrel, K-Lou, Randy Jefferson & Dez.

 

01. Ghetto D w/C-Murder & Silkk (4.37)

The infamous track that got Master P and the No Limit Soldiers on top of the rap game. This track would have to be the best song on the entire album as the three Miller Bros. rap about the dope game and making crack, which is also portrayed as slangin albums like crack. Master P does a great job in rapping in this track and the production by KLC is 100% on point with a great sample and tight bass line. C-Murder & Silkk also lace the track well with pure ghetto and helped make this track one of the most controversal songs ever by the tank let alone the album title already added fuel.

02. Let’s Get Em’ w/Mystikal & Silkk (5.49)

This beat produced by C-Los is tight with a nice hard No Limit beat taste to it. The appearance by Mystikal and Silkk rappin’ hard as hell make this beat come alive. Master P also tears the mic apart and sets the record straight for the haters who he rides on in the tank with aggression in all raps in this track, a hard beat to ride to.

03. I Miss My Homies w/Sons Of Funk, Mo B Dick, O’Dell, Pimp C & Silkk (5.23) 

Master P takes time out to remember his fallen homies and all the fallen soldiers with Pimp C and Silkk. The song is a dedication to 2pac, B.I.G & Kevin Miller (Master P’s Brother) and also all fallen soldiers we have all lost. The pain of the ghetto is expressed through the raps of Pimp C and the track had the world mournin’ as it hit charts and hearts all over the world. The background vocals and hooks are put into place with Mo B Dick, who also produced the track, Sons Of Funk and O’Dell. A song to blaze up to and remember the fallen homies.

04. We Riders w/Mac (3.57) 

Another tight song by KLC who composes another classic beat to ride to which helped make the tank the best label at the time. Master P is assisted with the raps of the talented Mac who does a great job on this hard No Limit beat and rides all the way through the beat with a nice smooth but hard flow.

05. Throw Em’ Up w/Kane & Abel (3.23) 

Phat, Phat, Phat! This track is produced by O’Dell and has a mad ass beat to it that Master P raps perfectly on. The dueo of Kane & Abel who spit on this beat make it another classic to ride to. Kane & Abel make this song bump to its full potential as Master P calls out to his Soldiers on the hooks.

06. Tryin’ 2 Do Something w/Fiend, Mac & Mo B Dick (3.23) 

Produced by DJ Darrel this song is for the ladies and features the likes of Fiend and once again the talented Mac. Mo B Dick helps the hook out with Fiend and the track samples the famous Thug Life classic “Bury Me A G”. The beat is mellow and the raps are smoothly delievered for the ladies.

07. Plan B w/Mia X (3.50)

A modern day Bonnie & Clyde as Mia X joins the colonel in a Craig B produced beat that rocks the head from side to side. Mia X posts here raps on time with every beat that Craig B drops. The track is for the players who keep some ho’s on the side for pleasure only.

08. Weed & Money w/Silkk (4.05) 

A song for the pimps and hustlers who play the everyday dope game of the ghetto. Master P anthems up he lives for ‘Weed & Money’ as others live for ‘*****es & Blunts’. The beat is produced by Mo B Dick who does a great job on makin a perfect beat for the lyrical content. A layed back song for yall to smoke to and roll low with your skrilla. Silkk raps on the beat making it soar with his unique rapping style which fits just like a missing piece of a puzzle.

09. Captain Kirk w/Fiend, Silkk & Mystikal (5.05)

C-Los brings Master P back to Richmond California with this Cali inspired beat he produces. The Cali hit is laced with Southern hospitality as Silkk, Fiend & Mystikal ride on the track with the colonel making it another classic beat from the tank. The song is lyrically filled with how to becareful of these skandolous *****’s and how to be the mack in the game of *****. Another great track and a highlight to hear Master P return to his Californian influence in rap.

10. Stop Hatin’ w/Fiend, Silkk, Mo B Dick & O’Dell (5.04)

A dedication to the player haters and enemies who hate on players in the game doing their thing. Master P along with Fiend and Silkk lay the smackdown on the jealous ones and with the help of Mo B Dick & O’Dell on the hooks make their message clear. The beat once again is laced with a lil Cali love which is produced by Randy Jefferson. Another layed back track for the cool cats.

11. Eyes On Your Enemies w/Silkk, O’Dell & Mo B Dick (3.30)

Produced by O’Dell this song is a slow yet hard beat which explains how we gotta keep our eyes on our enemies. Silkk does an excellent job on the rapping and O’Dell and Mo B Dick keep the beat freaky with the harmony singing in the background. A song that will get mixed emotions by different listeners.

12. Make Em’ Say Ugh w/Fiend, Silkk, Mia X & Mystikal (5.06) 

The song that got the whole world riding the tank and people all over screaming ‘Ughhh’. This song is a pure classic and showcases the all star team of the No Limit tank. The production by KLC was once again tight and backs up the fact that he can do some really awesome tracks. The Soldiers all had their turn with the mic on this one and it still gets the party bumpin’ til this very day. Rappin’ 4 Tay & comedian AJ Johnson make a quick appearance on the intro which is funny and Master P fires first: “Nigga im the colonel of this mother*****en tank/yall have the big thangs, we after big bank. 3rd ward hustlers, soldiers in combats my comrades is dealers and killers wit TRU tats”

13. Going Through Somethangs w/Big Ed & Mr Serv-On (4.41)

Master P rides with two of the most deadliest soldiers on the tank Mr Serv-On & Big Ed aka The Assasin (R.I.P). Produced by K-Lou once again Master P delivers his Cali style beats to the listeners and runs through the struggle of ghetto life. Tracks such as these help this album become as popular as it is and the credit earned by Master P was well deserved as he stuck with the Westcoast influence which rap listeners could not ignore. A classic song on the album along with the other Cali based beats.

14. Only Time Will Tell w/Mac & Sons Of Funk (4.08)

Only time will tell whether we go to heaven or hell? Master P brings another relaxed flow and beat that bumps with a good meaning on the way of life and where we go after death. Mac drops a few bars on the beat making all his appearances on this album well felt and kept all the fans anxious for a solo album which was finally delivered a year later. Produced by Dez and rapped on by MP and Mac this had a great ingredient for a song.

15. After Dollars, No Cents w/Silkk (3.34)

Producer K-Lou has his second hit on this album after his impressive ‘Going Through Somethangs’ track which was perfectly executed. Master P does well on this Cali based track and passes an assist to his younger brother, Silkk The Shocker for a grand finally. Great track all round all over.

16. Gangsta’s Need Love w/Silkk, Mercedes & Lawand (4.07) 

A song for the boo’s down with their man. Master P and Mercedes go at it with the stories of ghetto love and just having a down ass ***** by your side. Mercedes harmonizes the hooks and the beat is composed perfectly by Mo B Dick. An excellent track for you to listen to with a down ass B’…

17. Pass Me Da Weed (3.05) 

All rap album’s wouldnt’ be complete without the traditional weed anthem. Master P has Craig B produce the track which is full of lil tweeks that are bound to hit a spot with the weed smokers out there who listen to this track. The song is another typical weed song and is a must for a successful album that is full of pimping, ho’s, crack and ghetto life in general.

18. Come And Get Some w/C-Murder & Prime Suspects (2.31) 

Produced by KLC a short track but yet still has the strength to hit the ear-drums with full force. Master P, C-Murder & Prime Suspects all manage to squeeze real gangsta shit in just over 2 and a half minutes of real ghetto talk. One of the most gangsta tracks on the album its a shame they couldnt’ of extended the song a little bit more, which makes you think maybe it was more of an introduction for the new soldiers Prime Suspects?

19. Burbons & Lacs w/Silkk, Lil’ Gotti & Mo B Dick (4.10) 

To end the album Master P goes out rollin in the cadi with Gambino Families Lil’ Gotti & Miller brother Silkk The Shocker. The track samples ‘Sexual Healing’ and along with his production hand Mo B Dick also sings the hooks. A track that caught the attention of many rap listeners most notibly non No Limit fans.

 

After a successful run on the tank back in 1996 with ‘Ice Cream Man’ and ‘Bout It Bout It’ Master P returned bigger than ever with ‘Ghetto D’. This album marks the era where it all began for No Limit and its success brought the South into the spot light. The all star features from the tank, the production by Beats By The Pound and Richmond Cali influence all rolled into one to deliver one of Master P’s best ever LP’s. This album was full of classic tracks after each other that not only hit the charts but also signed new soldiers to the tank. A near classic for Master P and a highlight in his career as he moved a small label from the Dirty South to one of the biggest labels in history next to Deathrow Records. RATING: 4.5/5

Digital Underground – Sex Packets

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Digital Underground - Sex Packets1. Humpty Dance 

The CD kicks in with the track that made DU explode on the scene. Humpty Hump takes the lead introducing himself (Shock G’s alter ego) and his signature dance This song is a classic and you can see why with its funky clapped out bass line (which Humpty acknowledges) and ‘dope-a-delic’ lyrics.

2. The Way We Swing 

“Are you hip-hop? RnB?” DU reply in their own honesty, they are themselves with their own original sound. The song is about how other people hear their music and try to take their styles. Features a lot of shout outs at the end to countries across the world that like the way they swing

3. Rhymin’ On The Funk 

Just check out this beat! This dope beat is a duet from Shock G and Money B. Both their vocals and the beat fit together because of their smoothness. Great track

4. The New Jazz (One) 

A very quick interlude. Its over before you even have a chance to skip it. Some piano beats. Funky, very short

5. Underwater Rimes (Remix) 

Somehow this song actually has an underwater feel to it especially when MC Blowfish takes a verse! This track has some of the cleverest lyrics on the CD. It pretty much takes an every day situation and turns it into an underwater dimension

6. Gutfest 89 (Edit) 

The intro of this song should have been separated from the song because it lasts over a minute meaning you have to fastforward it to get to the song Another Shock-G and Money-B duet In case you hadn’t guessed the song is about taking a road trip to a music palooza with a lot of sex going on! The beat is nice and quick and the breaks are filled with snippets of commentary from the Gutfest festival. Good song for breaking to

7. The Danger Zone 

Another song to show DU’s totally original sound. The bass is so low I cant get under it! Feel the kick drum! This is funky, through and through, laced with a few strings. Guitared hook What its really about is the situation of drugs in the hood and the dramas and dangers that follow. A message which is delivered in DU’s independent style

8. Freaks Of The Industry 

Sexual ‘freaks’ that is! It’s another Shock G and Money B collabo, Money busts some nice quick flows. Beat is slooow and chilled. Mainly about a multiple choice of what you would do caught in a dodgy sexual situation. Piano Man takes us out of the song. Real smooth.

9. Doowatchulike 

Its another DU classic and it plays at over 8 minutes long! Most of the lines end with “Doowatchulike” but its all good because the beat is constantly moving with variations in the beat every few bars. Its all about being yourself and basically doing “watchulike,” whenulike, howeverulike, as long as its cool This song is just straight dope… halfway through an announcer announces that radio stations may fade out, but it still keeps going! Samples, chants, Piano Man, break beats, pumping bass! This is one of those few songs that can go on for ages but still remain dope.

10. Packet Prelude 

Piano Man takes the prelude to Sex Packets

11. Sex Packets 

A very slow, mellow, smooth and sensuous beat. The idea is to capture the feeling of a sex packet in this song so this song is like trying one, apparently. The track is all sung. Smooth, something to blaze to and full of synthesised sounds No doubt this is another DU classic. Not often you get to hear stuff like this ever.

12. Street Scene 

A packet-dealing skit

13. Packet Man 

A Shock-G and Humpty Hump duet this is funky! It’s the song to the Street Scene skit basically. Real funky. DU got the styles!

14. Packet Reprise 

Instrumental lead out from the album

Verdict:

What can i say, this CD is smoooth! Digital Underground are unknown to alot of people except those who heard Shock-G and Money-B on ‘I Get Around’ by 2Pac. They were around years before the start of gangsta rapping. Their style always had been different and more fun yet often holding political meaning.

Sex Packets is a classic CD no doubt. Their sounds are original, their lyrics are clever and the rappers have character. If you call yourself an ‘oldskool rap fan’ then this should be in ur collection

Although this is definately DOPE some of the beats become uninteresting. An essential nonetheless

4.5/5