Digital Underground – Sons of the P

Posted on February 16, 2013 by WWC

1. D-Flo Shuttle

The moment you start playing this you know the CD will be good! By this time in D.U.’s timeline Tupac had been initiated as a member, although this is his only rapping appearance on the whole album! “D-Flo Shuttle” features a funked out saxophone bass line and a really catchy hook. Its one to sing along to! A fantastic introduction into the CD!

2. Heartbeat Props

“Everybody get ready for the HEARTBEAT PROPS!” The track is about DU giving props out to living black representatives in the media. The song takes up a pumping bass line another sung/ sampled hook and bridge with a few classy choral verses. Great song

3. No Nose Job

Humpty’s own song. Comically strung chords come as a standard and of course, Humpty Hump’s funny lyrics. And once again, disguised in its funny shell of a song, it also holds a deeper meaning, about how young kids are beginning to think they’re inferior because of the media Funny and dope song. And check out the cutting at the end

4. Sons Of The P

Looking at the track time, this is another long jam at over 9 minutes long And once again it’s another original DU beat. You will either like it or you wont. If you like George Clinton’s voice you will be pleased to hear he graces the song with the DU emcees This song is laid back. Like I said, you either like it or you don’t. You decide.

5. Flowin’ On The D-Line

I love this track. It has an almost Michael Jackson sounding beat. Shock-G tells of a story when he was on the D-Flo shuttle! Sadly its only one verse long with no chorus. Has some crazy cutting at the end

6. Kiss You Back

The perfect radio-friendly song with such an oldskool style, this is really chantable It’s a Shock-G and Money-B duet once again! The motto is simple: “kiss me and I’ll kiss you back!” Its all about returning the favour. Full of nice nonsensical lyrics (“see me coco might go pop!”). A very playable tune.

7. Tales Of The Funky

The most noticeable thing about this song is it samples “One Nation Under A Groove.” Shorty-B takes the verses which is different from Shock and Money’s flowing but he does a good job anyway. Humpty Hump supports the hook. This track is worth the boogie!

8. The Higher Heights Of Spirituality

Interlude featuring some preaching and Piano Man’s talent

9. Family Of The Underground

If you were waiting for another Tupac appearance, you can hear his voice at the start (that’s it) Think of “If My Homie Calls” and you will get an idea of what this song sounds like with “Family Affair” as the sampled hook Since DU’s last outing they had initiated a few more members and this track is each of their opportunities to flow. You should already recognise Stretch of Naughty By Nature already The bass on this song bangs! A good song. Each emcee has their own style of flow

10. The D-Flowstrumental

Instrumental of “The D-Flo Shuttle” You may just consider it as a filler because it isn’t too necessary

11. Good Thing We’re Rappin’

Suddenly the atmosphere changes to something more threatening to fit in with the changing sounds an image of rap becoming gangsta. Yet ironically, Humpty Hump takes the verses in alternates with Shock-G! It also kicks some hilarious lyrics and even soulful singing near the end (check it out for yourself!) It’s another long jam (9 minutes). Humpty Hump takes up a lot of time giving shoutouts. And that closes the album!

Well what can i say? DU have pulled it off again. Their sounds still stay original and fun, humorous and friendly Like ‘Sex Packets’ this is another DU release you will want in your collection. Lots of fun and a class CD. DU may be funny but they keep it real.

Rating: 4.5/5

VA – Bones Soundtrack

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

1. Intro

2. Legend of Jimmy Bones (RBX, Snoop and MC Ren)

Fredreck drops a tight dark beat for this one. RBX spits some pretty wack stuff but Snoop and MC Ren come very tight. Especially Ren. Good way to start the album.

3. Lost Angels In The Sky (Kokane and the Lost Angels)

Battlecat’s production on this one is the highlight. Straight Wesct Coast. The rapping is pretty average though.

4. Ballad of Jimmy Bones (Latoiya Williams)

Sooopafly provides a good mellow beat for this one. Latoiya Williams does pretty well on this track. Her voice is very nice.

5. Dogg Named (Snoop and Tray Dee)

Mel-Man provides a dope, thundering beat for this one. Snoop comes tight with his verses and Tray Dee does well on the chorus

6. This Is My Life (Kedrick and C.P.O)

Another R&B track. The production is nice with a middle-eastern feel to it. Kedrick is amazing on this song. His voice is really smooth. The track would have been perfect but C.P.O’s vrse kind of messes up the song.

7. It’s Jimmy (Roscoe and kurupt)

Frdwreck comes tight once again with the production. Kurupt mostly rap’s on the song, and does a good job, but his younger bro Roscoe outshines him. Roscoe ends the song with a 30 secong verse that is short but blazing.

8. Raise up (Kokane)

Kokane flat out sucks. His voice is horrible and he does terrible on this song. His attempts to be funny in the song are just plain stupid. It’s a shame Fredwreck wasted such a tight beat on this crap.

9. These Drugs (D-12)

Im not a big fan of D-12 but this song is just dope. Eminem gives us a dark beat for an hilarious song. Bizarre, who ususal sucks comes tight on this one. His verse is pretty funny.

10. Death of Snow White (Snoop, Bad azz, Chan and Coniyac)

The beat sounds more like a Battlecat beat but it’s produced by Fransisco Rodriguez. The chrous is really ctachy. Bad azz does surprisingly well on this one.

11. If You Came Here to Party (Snoop, Eastsidaz and Kola)

This track is pure funk. Warren G comes up with a banger. Everone on this song comes really tight. Snoop is singing on this one, and at first i didn’t really like it but he’s actually pretty good at it.

12. ***** wit us (Kurupt, Tray Dee and Xzibit)

This sounds like something that come straight out of a nintendo video game. It’s still damn tight though. Fredwreck is always trying new things. The rapping is very solid too. Xzibit and Tray Dee come off really good on this one.

13. Jimmy’s Revenge (Snoop and Soopafly)

More of a laid back track here. Once again snoop is singing but it’s all good. Soopafly does well too.

14. Be Thankful (William Devaughn)

This is a nice R&B track too. William Devaugn does a good job wit his verses. This is not as good as the other R&b tracks but it’s still nice.

15. ***** It Less (***** That)

Ah back to the hardcore shit. I’ve never heard of ***** That but these guys spit fire. One of the guys kind of sounds like redman. The beat is nuts too. I loves the use of the violins. Something a little different.

16. Gangsta Wit it (Butch Cassidy, Snoop and Nate Dogg)

Battlecat serves up yet another solid beat. Butch cassidy steals the show on this one. His verse is amazing. Nate comes good on the chorus and Snoop does weel wit his verse too.

17. Memories (Cypress Hill)

This track is pretty average. The beat is pretty simple and the Lyrics are just boring. The track kind of a filler.

18. Endo

Just instrumentals

Final Rating: 4/5.

Bones is a solid West Coast Compilation. Definently a worthy purchase.

Ice Cube – Kill At Will EP

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

Released in the latter part of 1990, Cube put out the ‘Kill At Will EP’ in a similar move that NWA put out ‘100 Miles And Running,’ as a go-between from one album and the next. The same way NWA put out their EP to introduce their new hard-hitting style, Cube put out ‘Kill At Will’ to introduce us to the production sounds of Sir Jinx Sir Jinx’s production was featured lightly on ‘Amerikkka’s Most Wanted,’ so this EP was his chance to shine…

All songs produced/ remixed by Ice Cube, Sir Jinx & Chilly Chill

1. Endangered Species (Tales From The Darkside) (remix) ft. Chuck D

About the dangers faced by a young black male in George Bush Senior’s America

“You wanna free Africa? I’ll stare at ya/ coz we aint got it too good in America!”

Chuck D comes in and drops it like he does with Public Enemy and he spits fire with the short verse he has. The remix of the OG produced by The Bomb Squad offers a different step in its beat to the original. While the OG had a harder clap to it, this version mellows out a little while still maintaining the OG beat underneath its different bass line Cube & Chuck’s voice seem slightly slower to fit with the tempo. The Bomb Squad version works better really, although after a few minutes your ears should adjust to this version

2. Jackin’ For Beats

The 30 second skit is quite annoying when u wanna listen to this song but bear with it til the track kicks in. It features beats taken from EMPD, Public Enemy, Digital Underground, LL Cool J and the X Clan. The song is about Cube jacking beats (who would have guessed?) and adding that ‘gangsta touch’ to them- even the crews down with him! This song is old school and dope with a constantly changing beat. If you don’t recognise at least 3 beats used, u aint no hip hop fan!

3. Get Off My Dick And Tell Yo ***** To Come Here (remix)

This remix of the OG was already co-produced by Sir Jinx and it keeps its original beat to it. The OG version was only one verse long and not even a minute long, the remixed version sees 2 more verses With the additional verses, Cube goes on to tell the story of a girl bringing her man along to meet him, the man jock riding bringing along a T-shirt and pad to be signed when all Cube wants is his girl! If you liked the OG you’ll be happy to hear the extra verses.

4. The Product

This song has a sing along “yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!” hook! Now get a load of the sounds on this track because this track isn’t a remix. This is the sound of Cube’s production style for the next few years (Da Lench Mob sounds) Cube presents himself as the ‘product’ [of the ghetto, etc] The song gives a brief history of his life… starting with conception back in ’69! Then on to present day (1991) in verse one Verse 2 covers Cube’s younger days to his school years, sensationalising everything (like walking was another struggle in da ghetto!) Verse 3 deals with his how he’s dealing with the world and raising his baby The song’s sounds are fire!

5. Dead Homiez

Possibly the deepest song by Cube Speaks on Cube having to visit a funeral every other week because of the pointless gang violence. Anyone living this style of life will be agreeing strongly with Cube as he puts of a lighter voice to a slow and funky beat. This song shows Cube’s real feelings and maturity on the issue You can soak up the emotion of the song for yourself, but here’s some quotables (of many) from the song

“Why is it the only time black people get to ride in a limo?” “A lot of flowers and a big reef… what good is that when you’re 6 feet deep?” “I remember we painted our names on the wall for fun/ now its rest in peace after every one “How strong can you be when you see your pops crying?”

One of Cube’s best tracks ever

6. JD’s Gaffilin’ (pt. 2)

Skit. More of JD’s dig at the police. Funny

7. I Gotta Say What Up

Cube giving shouts to all those he’s down with. At over 3 minutes long, he knows a lot of people! Set to Public Enemy’s “Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos” beat

Conclusion: Broken down, featuring 2 remixes, 2 skits and 3 new songs, the EP is worth less than buying it than when it was released and there was hype around it. Overall nowadays it’s not quite worth 4 so I give it 3.5/5

Krayzie Bone – Thug On Da Line

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

Following the huge success of his THUG Mentality 1999, Krayzie Bone took another walk down the solo album road to release Thug On Da Line. Less heavier than THUG Mentality 1999, Thug On Da Line offers a deeper insight into what KB has to say on his situation after so much success as a solo Bone…

Yall Don’t Know Me

This is the opening track beginning with a unique sound… unique because the acclaimed LT Hutton produced the beat to it. The song is a dig at how since his last release so many clones have come along and the attention from people he doesn’t know who see him on MTV and BET claiming they know him

Ride The Thug Line – ft The Gunslangers (Keef G, Bam & Young Dre)

This is the first song on the CD to feature some of KB’s new Thugline artists. Their verses come off fine and the beat has a nice sound but coz KB is introducing his new clique you have to wait 3 verses until you get to hear him Dope sounds

Can’t Hustle Forever – ft Lareece & Young Dre

The whole mood changes to something downbeat and slower, the intro of the song is accompanied by rain and thunder and the song tells about KB’s struggle as a thug, caught up where he cant give up otherwise he faces failure. Lareece and Young Dre also tell their thoughts. Song works out nice

Talk To Myself – ft Tiffany

In my opinion this is the best track on the CD. Kicks in with an RnB feel and the chorus with Tiffany and KB. *****ing awesome! The song is very deep and the chorus is true Krayzie Bone soul as he tells of the loneliness of being a thug. The flow and the singing are balanced perfectly to make a class song. Great lead out to the song also.

A Thugga Level – ft Boss & Lareece

This song turns up the tempo from the last as a great club banger. Both Boss and Krayzie tear up their verses as each contributes to theirs and finishes lines etc, although because of that its only two verses. A good duet.

Da Thugz

Irv Gotti had some input in producing this track. You will either like it or hate is as “Da THUGS” is repeated after every bar, which makes it essentially a skipper track

If Only The Knew – ft Lareece

This gem of an RnB song uses Michael Jackson’s ‘Girlfriend’ as the chorus, but put to much better use. A harmonious flow from KB from the verses to the hook with Lareece makes this a very good song. As with stereotypical RnB this is a love triangle type story about creeping with someone else’s girl. At just above 3 minutes you’ll still find time to appreciate this song

I Don’t Give A *****

Good step to it with some brass loops accompanying The song is like and opposite to Y’all Don’t Know Me, now he doesn’t care anymore, biters and clones matter not. A good song

Time After Time

This is another deep song driven by a very simple beat. The message of the song is delivered through singing rather than rapping as KB questions life and prays to God about his issues including marriage Although the song is short it’s catchy and has an impact with another of KB’s harmony flows reminiscent of the solo songs he did on The Art Of War CD

Ride If you Like – ft Lareece, Asu & K-Mont

The guitar is strung for an upbeat song. The song does more Thugline advertising but each manages to pull off their verse fine. KB does another fine job with his verse filling breaks in perfectly and referring to his bud smoking habits. That’s how we like it!

If You A Thug – ft Lareece, K-Mont & Asu

Its more use of line repetition as most lines begin “if you a thug…” Going out to all the fakers in the industry who try to be badass, brought to you by the Thugline rappers. The beat chosen has a Turkish feel to it mixed with light bass farting set to the drum rhythm

Hard Time Hustlin’

Using the same formula from songs like Dummy Man, Hard Time Hustlin’ is the tale of a teenager trying to come up when his mother and father have been laid off and his brother is locked down. The only way he can do this is by selling rocks on street corners to make money quickly. The success gets to him but he doesn’t heed the warnings his brother gives… Hook is provided by one of Krayzie’s favourite singers, Sade

Gemini

KB’s conscience is having a struggle over the way the management is treating him and the stress its causing so the Good and Bad sides tell their view of how to deal with it, done by manipulating KB’s voice to sound higher and lower. Another unique track from LT Hutton

I Don’t Know What – ft Kelis

From the start this is a very typical Neptunes produced song but the beat grows on you (even though the vocals and beat don’t really fit!) Clearly KB chose the Neptunes to produce this song for a fresh sound to fresh vocals, but the vocals are fresher. KB doesn’t take part in the chorus, surprisingly, it’s left to Kelis, but it works

Rollin’ Up Some Mo’ – ft Lareece, Asu, K-Mont, Boss & Keef G

A humorous, blunted take of Mambo No. 5 which is slowed down to work with the subject matter KB’s voice works perfectly with this type of song but the other rappers ruin the mellowed out feel

Everybody Wanna Be Thugs

This song has a hint of THUG Mentality to it A clapped out beat put to deep underlying bass and a xylophone look make a sweet beat KB protests that he was a thug since a child unlike studio gangstaz who claim the same but know it isn’t true. The verses come quickly but they could have left the beat play on a little longer as the song ends

Bloody Murder (skit)

Brings you back to the days or Mr Ouija as KB sings us into the next track…

Kneight Riduz Wuz Here – (By Kneigh Riduz)

Another freaky tune from the Kneight Riduz with their cartoony “thug pirate” vocals There is no KB on this song and you’ll probably skip because the cartoon vocals just sound wack

Ready For Combat (skit)

Another sung-in intro for the next song. Less than 30 seconds but KB’s voice works well enough anyway. You might skip but its short enough that you won’t need to reach for the remote before it’s over

Thug On Da Line – ft K-Mont, Lareece, Asu & Wish Bone

The final song on the album with a super funky beat provided by Super Sako This is the only song to feature another Bone in although Wish only sings a few lines before he’s out! The song tells that Thugline will be taking over in the near future (where are they now?) Verses are fine although when KB breaks into them it rescues what possibly would become boring verses as KB has the edge lyrically and vocally above any rapper other than Bone that appear on a track with him.

Conclusion: Although KB wanted to break into the scene after 2000 with Thugline, sadly the rappers are nowhere near what he can put down on a track in his Thuggish Ruggish style. Had their been less appearances from his own Thugline team the CD would be more personal to him. Although this CD is less hard than THUG Mentality 1999, Thug On Da Line is still an essential CD for any Bone, RnB fan, or someone looking for a good CD released after the year 2000. Overall, you can never resist the sounds of a Bone record, especially KB and the CD is worth: 4.5/5

Westside Connection – Terrorist Threats

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

01.) “A Threat To The World” (Intro)

02.) “Call 911” (4.5 out of 5)
Produced by Young Tre
This is an excellent way to kick-off the album. Ice Cube drops one of his hottest verses in quite sometime (which includes 2003’s best punch-line, “On 9-11 (September 11th) niggas got patriotic/On 9-12 I’m like *****-it nigga blaze the chronic!”). Mack 10 and WC also do justice to Young Tre’s epic production.

03.) “Potential Victims” (4 out of 5)
Produced by Young Tre
Ice Cube, Mack 10 and WC once again spit fire over a simple (yet-effective) Young Tre production.

04.) “Gangsta Nation” (feat. Nate Dogg) (4.5 out of 5)
Produced by Fredwreck
Fredwreck continues his hot-streak by LACING Ice Cube, Mack 10 and WC with this organ-driven production. The only thing wrong with this track is that Ice Cube lacks his typical lyrical presence displayed on the two previous tracks. To say the least, Nate Dogg does what he does best.

05.) “Get Ignit” (3.5 out of 5)
Produced by Ron Feemster
I wanted to give this track a rating of 4 due-to Ron Feemster’s outstanding production; which rivals the likes of Dr. Dre. But it’s difficult to overlook the below average lyrical performances by Ice Cube and WC (more-so WC). The somewhat annyoing hook also taints Feemster’s all-star production.

06.) “Pimp The System” (feat. Butch Cassidy) (4 out of 5)
Produced by Pockets and Rashad Coes
The Gangsta, The Killa and The Dope Dealer all regain their lyrical swagger on this track. The average production of Pockets and Rashad Coes is easily overlooked thanks to Butch Cassidy’s catchy chorus.

07.) “Don’t Get Outta Pocket” (feat. K-Mac) (3.5 out of 5)
Produced by Young Tre
This track seems to be the opposite of “Get Ignit”. Ice Cube, K-Mac, Mack 10 and WC all deliver excellent verses, but the average production of Young Tre along with the below average hook are difficult to overlook.

08.) “Izm” (3 out of 5)
Produced by Bruce Waynne and Dirty Swift There’s nothing special about this track other than Ice Cube’s somewhat above-average lyrical performance. In the end, the track is doomed due-to the average production and the GOD-AWFUL hook.

09.) “So Many Rappers In Love” (4.5 out of 5)
Produced by Pockets and Rashad Coes
Back in 1998 the Westside Connection stood-up for the West Coast on “All The Critics In New York”. Well, they’ve done it once again with “So Many Rappers In Love”. All three MC’s spit-fire over the outstanding piano-driven production of Pockets and Rashad Coes.

10.) “Lights Out” (feat. Knoc-Turn’al) (5 out of 5)
Produced by Damizza
You’ve all heard it, there’s no denying that one of the biggest hits to come out of the West Coast in 2003 is indeed, a classic. Ice Cube, Mack 10 and WC all flawlessly flow over Damizza’s HYPNOTIC production.

11.) “Bangin’ At The Party” (feat. The Hood) (2 out of 5)
Produced by Sir Jinx and DJ Jamal
This is without a doubt the “skipper track” of the album. There aren’t any remotely decent verses on this mess of a production. The hook is also absolutly horrible. Do your sense of sound a favor and just skip this track.

12.) “You Gotta Have Heart” (3.5 out of 5)
Produced by Bruce Waynne and Dirty Swift
Ice Cube drops a gem of a verse (although his flow seems a bit off on his first verse). Mack 10 and WC also drop nice verses. I think that if possibly Butch Cassidy or Nate Dogg had performed the hook it could have taken the track to that next level.

13.) “Terrorist Threats” (4 out of 5)
Produced by Big Tank
WC drops what is arguably the hottest verse on the entire album. Ice Cube and Mack 10 also spit FIRE over the average production of Big Tank. This is quite possibly the hottest group lyrical performance on the album.

14.) “Superstar” (4.5 out of 5)
Produced by Megahertz
Ice Cube drops another gem (“You number one with a bullet and you took it in the back/God Damn that nigga can rap!”). Mack 10 and WC also drop outstanding verses over the excellent production of Megahertz. The track’s only flaw is it’s slightly-annoying (yet catchy) hook.

In my opinion, “Terrorist Threats” is the Pride of the West Coast for the year 2003 (followed by albums from Yukmouth, Boo Yaa TRIBE and Roscoe). It’s solid production and (for-the-most-part) outstanding lyrics make it a MUST HAVE for ALL fans of Hip-Hop. Although the album may not measure up-to 1996’s undeniable classic “Bow Down”, it’s WITHOUT A DOUBT in your best interest to give it a listen. Make sure you get off your ass and go support the West Coast by purchasing “Terrorist Threats”! FINAL RATING: 4 out of 5

Ludacris – Chicken-n-Beer

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

LUDACRIS – “Chicken-n-Beer” Released October 7th 2003

01. Southern Fried Intro w/Eritza Laues, Tity Boi & Cypress Fluellen (3.55)
02. Blow It Out (4.05)
03. Stand Up w/Shawnna (3.33)
04. Rob Quarters SKIT (1.04)
05. Splash Waterfalls w/Sandy Coffee (4.50)
06. Hard Times w/MJG, 8 Ball, Misty & Carl Thomas (5.15)
07. Diamond In The Back (4.12)
08. Screwed Up w/Lil’ Flip & Misty (4.52)
09. T Baggin’ SKIT (0.53)
10. P-Poppin’ w/Shawnna, Lil’ Fate, Tasnhma Malik & Shakita Shabazz (4.49)
11. Hip Hop Quotables (3.09)
12. Black Man’s Struggle SKIT (0.35)
13. Hoes In My Room w/Snoop Dogg (4.39)
14. Teamwork (3.46)
15. Interactive SKIT (1.03)
16. We Got w/Chingy, 1-20 & Tity Boi (4.21)
17. Wyebrows Down w/Tity Boi & Dolla Boy (5.20)

PRODUCTION: The Medicine Men (Ruh Anubis Yazid aka Mo.B Dick & KLC), DJ Nasty, LVM, Kanye West, Icedrake, DJ Paul, Juicy J, Zukhan Bey, Erick Sermon, Black Key, Ron Browz, Jook, Ludacris & Chaka Zulu.

BILLBOARD 2003 No.1
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 2003 No.1
The Billboard Hot 100 Singles 2003 No.1 “Stand Up”
Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles 2003 No.1 “Stand Up”
Hot Rap Tracks 2003 No.1 “Stand Up”
Top 40 Mainstream 2003 No.22 “Stand Up”

In the year 2000 the rap world was blessed with the new flavor and sound of Atlanta’s one and only Ludacris. As a local DJ on an Atlanta radio station he was later to become one of the first artists signed to Def Jam South as the veteran rapper Scarface had become part of the movement of Russell Simmon’s Def Jam to expand down to the Dirty South. After releasing his debut album in “Back For The First Time” and having success with tracks such as “What’s Your Fantasy” & The Neptunes produced “Southern Hospitality” Ludacris became a house hold name in the rap community. The year later he returned just as strong with 2001 “Word Of Mouf” as it struck the top of the charts with “Rollout” & “Move *****” he had now become the most known and most popular rap artist in the Dirty South. Ludacris released his third album in 2003 entitled “Chicken-n-Beer”. The album and single “Stand Up” hit The Billboard Charts at number 1. With the ability to rap at any pace and flow without skipping a beat this album was sure to be a highly anticipated LP as fans world wide waited anxiously for what was to be the best yet to come from Luda.

The production line up in this album ranges from Erick Sermon to The Medicine Men- KLC & Ruh Anubis Yazid aka:Mo.B Dick-mainly recognized for their days at Master P’s No-Limit Records a few years ago as “Beats By The Pound”. The content in this album is hillarious as expected by Ludacris, from non-stop laughter at his skits to comedic lyrics, this album shines with his full potential on every track. Ludacris continues to flaunt his high energy rapping skills and tongue twisting lyrics that make him the rap artist he is today.

The first single to come from the album “Stand Up” featuring Shawnna on the hook and produced by Kanye West is clearly a club bumper as it has a touch of Neptunes meets Luda beat to it. Ludacris destroys the microphone with his entertaining lyrics as the track keeps the clubs still jumpin’. The DJ Nasty & LVM produced “Southern Fried Intro” kicks off as one of the best tracks on the album, considering its only an intro, as Ludacris spits lyrics so fast your ears find it hard to keep up with the music. The slow mellow sound of “Splash Waterfalls”, which has a slight feel similar to the classic NWA hit “Just Don’t Bite It”, is a perfect example of Luda’s great talent as he raps about the two sides of Love, the “Make Love To Me” & “***** Me” sides, which is used in the songs lyrics. The lyrical talent is also showcased in beats such as “Blow It Out” & The Medicine Men produced “Screwed Up” featuring Lil’ Flip. The ryhthm in these songs is outstanding, as Luda raps about three rhymes and the sound of “Blow It Out Yo Ass” is belled out loudly throughout the song “Blow It Out” directed to all the haters- Luda even goes so far to mention Fox news personality Bill O’Reilly, who went against the rapper and labelled him as a “thug rapper” in relation to Pepsi wanting to use Luda as part of an ad campaign. The track “Screwed Up” also has the same ingredients as the words “***** YOU” are also used every three ryhmes.

The album is best described to be like a stand up comedy jam only just rapped as songs like the smooth “Hoes In My Room” with Snoop Dogg, about the groupies getting up in the room after the show..also mentions O’Reilly as the culprit, brings out the hilarious lyrics by not only Ludacris but also Snoop. The beat is excellent and its content once again is bound to have you in laughter along with the “T Baggin” skit, which is about having nutz on your head and an interesting “Rob Quarters” skit which opens haters to ask whether or not it is directed as a 50 Cent diss?. Not to forget the “Black Man’s Struggle” skit which is a dude struggling to take a shit on the toilet. The typical Ludacris Dirty South style the listeners have loved are all here as tracks such as “P- Poppin” makes you shake that ass and “Teamwork”, about threesomes produced by Black Key, keep the hyped up style Luda has always delivered in the past along with his raps/flow of course. Erick Sermon comes out to play on “Hip Hop Quotables” where Ludacris spits wild lyrics like an AK47 sprays bullets..pure deadly on a tasty Def Squad beat.

The Hypnotic Minds of DJ Paul and Juicy J also hit high on this album with Hypnotizing tracks such as “Diamond In The Back” & “We Got” featuring Chingy, 1-20 & Tity Boi rollin on a wild beat. “We Got” samples a unique coughing sample and is actually used quite good and it is truly one of the hardest beats on the album as Ludacris laces his own poison: “Swallow a hollow make em’ digest a 50 calibuur/ Your future not lookin’ so good tomorrow’s not on yo calenduur. Do away with the amateuurs they breathing too long/ I leave em’ coughin’ like the sound effects you hear in this song”. Some meaningful songs such as “Eyebrows Down” where Ludacris rhymes about his struggle from day one to be on top of his game are crazy beats and the consistent rap flow by Luda is breath taking literally…

Ludacris has delivered “Chicken-n-Beer” to be one of his best albums to date. The flow, the lyrics, the beats all are top notch. The amazing talent this rapper produces in this LP is definitely something alot of fans in the rap community don’t hear much of today. It’s amazing how he continues to rap so fast at times then switch to a slow flow with ease. Production was over the expectation mark making this album near classic with Ludacris showing off his spectacular skills in all aspects possible. The outcome of this album is that it was good to see after his third album he still can produce top quality albums and that he is on top of his game regardless of what the haters, such as Bill O’Reilly, have tried to do to him in the media. The Dirty South has come out with a true comedian who is one of the most entertaining rappers in along time who can rock the mic and still have skill while doing it all this time.

I give it 4/5

Willmatic – Sneak Preview

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

Borned in Bronx, NY, Willmatic chose to move to Cali back in 93 to pursue his goal to be a major rap act. Willmatic have been working with some big names in the industry, such as Ice T and the Syndicate crew, Trekan the Governer, Body Snatchas, The Silent Ones and he is now an active member of The Last Kind. Willmatic’s journey in Hip Hop has led him to perform in many locations across the United States as well as overseas in Korea and Japan. His Recent efforts in Hip Hop music has lead him to solo project called ”Sneak Preview” – an EP with six songs. I think it’ll be interesting to hear how influenced a NY rapper moving to LA will be from the both styles. Mega Lawce produced all tracks.

1. Intro

The intro seems to be taken from an interview. Willmatic’s talking about how he like the old late 80’s hiphop and how it’s inspiring him.

2. Surround surveillance

The album starts of with a nice, east coast inspired beat with Willmatic rapping about how you need to keep everyone and everything under surveillance since people and situations change. I really like Will’s flow on this one and he’s clearly outshining the beats even tho they’re nice too.

3. Boogie nights

Boogie nights is probably meant to be a party track considering the lyrics, but I wouldn’t say it’s a club banger. I’d say it’s more of a slow jam. Don’t get me wrong tho, I like the track. I’d rather bump it at home chilling than in the club tho. Willmatic’s once again lacing out real tight lyrics.

4. U and I

“U and I” is a love song. It’s very smooth and I’m definitely feeling it. The hook’s real catchy and Willmatic’s doing his thing over the tight beat. This is my favourite track so far.

5. Certifited assassins feat. Blackout & Doctor Hu

“Certifited assassins” is the only track with guests on it. Blackout and Doctor Hu are both doing nice verses that fits in with the style of the album perfectly. WIllmatic is once again spitting nice, battle-like, lyrics on the very tight east coast influenced beat.

6. Tru story (Ave)

The album’s finishing off with a track about things that has happened in Willmatic’s life. The beat’s real dark and that represent the things Will’s talking about well. I’d also say that this is the only West Coast influenced production. Very tight track.

“Sneak Preview” is a real tight album, but considering it only has 5 tracks the name itself speak for itself. This is a Sneak Preview of what we can expect from Willmatic in the future. I’m looking forward to hearing a full length album from him, but until that’s released this album will server as proof of what Willmatic can do on the mic – drop heat. I grade this album 3 out of 5. If it had 15 tracks with the same quality as these 5, I’d rate it higher.

Kurupt – Tha Street Iz A Mutha

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

01. I Call Shots w/Roscoe (4.23)
02. Loose Cannons w/Daz & Xzibit (2.23)
03. Who Ride Wit Us w/Daz & Bad Azz (4.21)
04. Represent Dat G.C w/Daz, Snoop, Soopafly, Tray Dee, Jayo Felony & Butch Cassidy (5.06)
05. Welcome Home w/Latoya (4.13)
06. Tequilla w/Niva, Daz & T-Moe of Goodie Mob (3.45)
07. Trylogy (2.15)
08. Neva Gonna Give It Up w/Warren G, Snoop, Nate Dogg, Tray Dee & Soopafly (4.45)
09. Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha w/Daz & Big Pimpin (4.08)
10. Ya Cant Trust Nobody w/Daz (2.52)
11. It Ain’t About You w/Soopafly, Tray Dee & Latoya (4.47)
12. Girls All Pause w/Nate Dogg & Roscoe (3.28)
13. Your Gyrl Friend w/Daz (4.07)
14. Ho’s A Housewife w/Dr Dre & Hitman (4.44)
15. I Ain’t Shit Without My Homeboyz w/Daz, Soopafly, Crooked I & Baby S (4.37)
16. Step Up w/Crooked I & Xzibit (4.53)
17. Live On The Mic w/Krs-One [Bonus Track] (5.28)
18. Callin Out Names [Hidden Track] (3.55)

PRODUCTION: Organized Noize, Daz, Blaqthoven, Fredwreck, Soopafly, Bink Dogg, Meech Wells, Dr Dre, Battlecat & Joe Marrone.

BILLBOARD 1999 No.31
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 1999 No.5
Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles 2000 No.62 “Girls All Pause”
Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles 2000 No.62 “Who Ride Wit Us”
Rhythmic Top 40 2000 No.21 “Who Ride Wit Us”

Born Ricardo Brown in Philadelphia in 1972, Kurupt (aka Young Gotti) one half of the infamous but now split Dogg Pound Gangstas returned in 1999 with his second solo album after leaving the highly successful Deathrow Records, which he has recently rejoined. After Kurupt’s first success solo album on Antra Records entitled “Kuruption” 1999 was clearly the year of the Dogg as all members of Tha DPG reunited as one along with former Deathrow artists such as Tray Dee & Dr Dre to bring us “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha”. With features on this album from not only the DPG members and production from the best in the game this was bound to catch the attention of all rap fans world wide.

After a hard couple of years off Deathrow Kurupt had finally launched himself as an official solo artist as many often, and still to date, associated him with his former partner in crime Daz Dillinger (aka Dat Nigga Daz).

In “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha” Kurupt delievers his best performance to date and the featured artists and production team perfectly produce a ground breaking album. Artists such as Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Soopafly, Daz & Dr Dre, already well known for their contribution to the game, all manage to perform to the best of their ability as you can see the full potential shine off all artists as they truely resurrected the DPG and Westcoast Gangsta rap which dominated the rap community for years. We are also introduced to Roscoe’s lyrical flow as he steps up to the stage with his big brother Kurupt and even find the odd callabo with Hip Hop’s Ol’ School Krs-One and Goodie Mob’s T- Mo.

The album is pure Westcoast bangin’ as tracks like Fred Wreck’s produced “Represent Dat G.C” features the enitire click from Snoop Dogg to Jayo felony. As each artist rips the mic apart Battlecat sings the hooks with the talk box, defining the typical G- Funk, DPG classics we all look forward to hearing, we are even hit with the famous and unforgetable “W Balls Radio” skit at the beginining.
Similar G- Funk songs such as Meech Wells’ “Neva Gonna Give It Up” with DPG and a side serving of Warren G is notibly a highlight in the album as Kurupt’s flow and performance with his fellow homies show his full potential along with the featured artists as they fit perfectly together on the beat. Nate Dogg continues the blows on the hook as he proudly sings “Im still a Dogg Pound nigga im Neva Gonna Give It Up…Never Gonna Give It Up”. The Soopafly production on beats such as “It Ain’t About You” & “Welcome Home” with Latoya, are also highlighted as the songs are laced with pure Soopa-doopa-fly flow and filled with Westcoast tweaks and synthesizers as only Priest knows best. Daz has also contributed to the production with hard classic DPG hits such as “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha” which offers Big Pimpin’ as he schools the listener about the streets with his smooth voice and pimped out slang, mostly remembered for his Pimp Preaching on Above The Rim’s “Big Pimpin”. Daz also uses a different style on “Loose Cannons” with Xzibit along with Kurupt as the rapping is done over a sample of NWA’s “Quiet On Tha Set” performed by MC Ren off the “Straight Outta Compton” album. Kurupt’s ability to lyrically perform and flow are excellent on these tracks and the production make Kurupt’s talent explode all over the album even more than usual.

Other bangin’ tracks included are Organized Noize’s “I Call Shots” with Roscoe & “Tequilla” with T-Mo from Goodie Mob, where Kurupt literally tears the beats to shreds. The blessing of the Dr Dre “Ho’s A Housewife” track also is spectacular as Kurupt again lyrically performs smoothly with non stop rhythm along with Hitman on his side. The club joint “Girls All Pause” produced by Bink Dogg with Nate Dogg has a catchy hook and Roscoe smooth sails out the beat with his brothers witty syle of rapping and flow. “Trylogy” also by Bink Dogg uses a classical sample of violins as Kurupt unites the East/West hardcore flow to the track to match the composer, which he performs with ease. The overlooked co-production and background vocals by Blaqthoven on a few songs is perfect as he has earned today the prevlidge to produce for artists such as Tha Realest, C-Bo & Eastwood.

For the Deathrow fans there are lyrical contests in tracks such as “I Ain’t Shit Without My Homeboyz” & “Step Up” as Kurupt goes one on one with the most talented lyricists on the album, besides himself and lil’ brother Roscoe, and that is Crooked I. Together with Daz, Kurupt’s ability to rap together with Crooked I is deadly and both artists spit venom as Kurupt blasts 100mph on “Step Up” “Terror starts, in the midst of your heart, starts/the storm, my vocals float like arts. In the mystic state of mind, when i create a rhyme/my microphone massacres every year the same time”. The lyrical content by Kurupt is extradionary and he has always shown lyrical talent along with the ambition to flow to any beat dropped on his ears from his debut on The Chronic. The album also has a special guest appearance by none other than Hip Hop’s Ol’ School flava of KRS-One on “Live On The Mic”, its good to see KRS with Kurupt putting the Ol’ & New school together in production aspect and in lyrical flow as well. The album also features a hidden track “Callin’ Out Names” produced by Fredwreck, which is directed at Kurupt’s beef at the time with DMX, Ruff Ryders and Murder Inc. The beat is funky and the words are hard to swallow as a lyrical master puts himself at the front line.

Kurupt has gone to extra lengths on this album to ignite DPG and his old homies from Deathrow Records and make this an album to remember. The production on this album was spectacular G- Funked with a tablespoon of DPG & the spices of Westcoast genius. Flow was on point as for the lyrics… well it should be used as a lyrical dictionary for upcoming rappers. To hear the DPG united on tracks laced with Fredwreck beats and other westcoast artists is rare today. To have four to five rappers all on the same dope beat is phenominal. The year of 1999 was obviously the highlight for the DPG as all artists returned on this album with a message… and that was to say WE BACK!. Kurupt had lead the way for the album and did an excellent job on it without a doubt. The album was more or less a highlight in DPG history as the coming together of all former associated artists after years was history itself. Kurupt had set high expectations with this album and they could of got away with calling it The Reunion, because thats what it was a reunion. The DPG has had its greatest moments in its past but “Tha Streetz Iz A Mutha” would have to be on the top of the list. Kurupt has shown a stunning talent more than usual on this album and the production, features and lifetime of the tracks are fantastic. This was an album for all lovers of real rap and if you were a DPG, Westcoast or G- Funk fan this was a bonus by far. Kurupt aka Young Gotti had so much with DPG and it is a shame today the group is no longer together due to their differences. The hope for Kurupt on Tha Row is that the most interesting lyrics were between himself and Crooked I who is also on the same label…together they are a deadly combination of Westcoast thugs with the talent to tongue twist their way to the top.

RATING: 4/5

Ja Rule – Blood In My Eye

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

JA RULE – “Blood In My Eye” Released November 4th 2003

01. Murder Intro (0.25)
02. The Life w/Fatal, Ashanti & Caddillac Tah (4.35)
03. Clap Back (4.56)
04. The Crown w/Sizzla (3.45)
05. Kay Slay- SKIT (0.18)
06. Things Gon’ Change w/Black Child, Young Merc & DO Cannons/2 Punk Ass Quarters(4.01)
07. Race Against Time II (3.53)
08. Bobby Creep- SKIT (0.44)
09. Niggaz & *****es (4.34)
10. The Inc Is Back w/Shadow, Sekou, 720 & Black Child (5.22)
11. Remo- SKIT (1.13)
12. Blood In My Eye w/Fatal (2.25)
13. It’s Murda FREESTYLE w/Fatal (3.36)
14. The Wrap FREESTYLE w/Fatal (5.09)

PRODUCTION: Irv Gotti, Blackout, Ja Rule, Rebel, Jimmy Kendrix, Scott Storch, Chink Santana The Gawd, Sekou & 720.

Born Jeffrey Atkins in Queens NY, Ja Rule as known to the rap community, has once again delivered an album for his fans only this time with a different approach. The year 2003 was very quite for Ja as his beef with new comer 50 Cent had escalated since 50’s debut with Shady/Aftermath Records & artists such as Dr Dre & Eminem were guiding him through the game. With talks for Ja Rule to keep low for six months until his next release it shows how the beef with 50 Cent had gotten to the young rapper & had left him without an option but to release “Blood In My Eye”. As Ja Rules beefs continued other rappers such as Benzino, Busta Rhymes & DMX had all had their share in contributing to the fire.

The fire shot out by Ja Rule in this album takes him back to his 1999 debut “Venni Vetti Vecci” as this new release compares to his early work as the Ja Rule we have heard for the last few years with chart hits with Ashanti, J- LO & Bobby Brown has suddenly disappeared and his gangsta, thuggish street raps have resurfaced. With production line tight as usual and Irv Gotti in control, Murder Inc has released a good but rushed album for revenge on all their disses. Most tracks from this album with out a doubt have at least some kind of diss in the lyrics, whether it is directed to 50 Cent, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Dr Dre, Proof or DMX, Ja has managed to take out his revenge on this album to full extent.

Tracks such as Scott Storch’s produced “Clap Back”, clearly aimed at Shady/Aftermath, have a Neptunes influence beat & Ja actually flows to the rhythm quite well as he usually does with catchy beats. The only downfall on this track is the delay as the song starts Ja tends to do his usual Murder shoutouts which get annoying on most of the album. Other highlight

tracks include “The Crown” which is an excellent beat, produced by Chink Santana The Gawd, followed by ruff rugged Ja Rule flows- show how Ja still has the potential to rap as a gangsta rapper, though the sample is a little messy on the hook.

Majority of tracks on this album such as “The Life” & “Race Against Time 2”, which was taken from the original on “Venni Vetti Vecci”, have good beats and Ja Rule does flow to the beats naturally though the songs are spoilt by his continous attempts to sing the hooks as if he were singing a song with Ashanti or J-Lo. All the beats are gangsta & its the only album since his first Ja has come hard, though he clearly fails on these beats to maintain his reputation for catchy hooks as demonstrated in his past albums. If Ja Rule concentrated on his lyrics and not his singing it would show improvement as his callabos with Fatal & other Inc artists show how the beats should be laced & thats gangsta rhymes to gangsta beats. It seems Ja is finding it hard in this album to control his singing & that is a major problem in this album along with his constant disses which begin to get old very quick.

The album still has tracks which Ja Rule tears to shreds such as “Niggaz & *****es” another Neptunes influenced beat by Blackout. In this track he uses a sample of Junior Mafia’s “Players Anthem” for the hook and his flow is at its best in one of a few bumpin songs, in turn Ja’s rapping does work very well with this style of production. Also “The Inc Is Back” has an excellent beat & features artists such as Shadow, Black Child & 720 who all flow lyrically with straight gangsta shit.

Ja Rule has also used alot of reference to the late Tupac Shakur alot as he clearly uses 2pac as an influence throughout the album with quotes from Pac’s “Hail Mary” on “Race Against Time 2” Ja sings on the hook “Ride Ride-dada Ride-da Ride-da daa” & mentions how 2pac was the greatest & how no one could feel his pain. Ja Rule also associates himself with Fatal, most famous for being a member of 2pac’s Outlawz, he is featured on alot of tracks, though only raps on about three which two were released previously as retailiation to 50 Cent disses, which is also disappointing. Another issue is Ja Rule referring to M.I.B (Murder Inc Boss’) as 2pac referred to M.O.B (Money Over *****es etc) now the album is clearly for revenge on Ja’s disses in the past but he has been critisized about being a so called “2pac bitter” by 50 Cent & others so he has added fuel to his beef with making an album strictly used for disses & reference and lyrics associated with 2pac, which does not make any sense.

The extra freestyle tracks “Its Murda” originally from “Venni Vetti Vecci” with Jay-Z & DMX is used as a diss with Fatal replacing the original line up & “The Wrap” which contains Mobb Deep’s “Learning Burn” instrumental has shown Ja rule has clearly struggled with this album from the very beginning and needs to think about whether he wants to continue the previous chart callabo’s, which were all catchy songs or pursue his gangsta personna.

This album had some quite good production & Ja Rules potential to lyrically flow gangsta was all there. The album is ruined by his habit of singing on hooks, using 2pacs lyrics in certain songs & concentrating on all his beefs. Ja was better off releasing a mix tape than an album as he had more disses to express than his usual music talent, which makes this album very disappointing for all Ja Rule & rap fans. The album has been a combination of gangsta rap & chart singing done by Ja in his last few years, which proved success for him with

hits such as “Thug Lovin” & “Livin It Up”. Ja Rule has great potential to be gangsta when he wants to & his beats are all there for him it is just a matter of getting his mind straight & concentrating on music not solely on dissing & singing hooks as much- isnt that what Ashanti is paid to do. Ja Rule will learn from this album & due to his frustration & fans questioning him about 50 Cent disses & come backs it feels Ja was pushed to rush the album as he has much more talent than this album no doubt.

Rating based on previous albums all aspects from lyrics to production, potential & set backs.

Rating 2.5/5

Jay-Z – The Black Album

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

Jay Z is without a doubt one of HipHop´s greatest. All the way through his 7 years long career he has set various trends, released a lot of hit singles and flooded the market with 8 solo Albums (not counting his Best of both worlds project with R.Kelly) . 14th of November all this comes to an end, that’s the date Jiggas 9th and last Album The Black Album drops. On this album he comes with no guest spots and a good mixture of Hip Hop`s star-producers as well as some refreshing newcomers on the beat.

1. Interlude (Produced by Just Blaze)

This Intro is very unusual for a Jay Z album, unlike most of the time Jigga doesn´t drop a verse, it’s just a kinda strange beat played over a long sample from a movie. Sounds like something Common would have done for one of his albums. It does indeed sound dope… but I really waited for another The Ruler´s Back (Blueprint Intro). No rating

2. December 4th (Produced by Just Blaze)

December 4th is the first actual song on this album, Jigga talks about himself growing up and his life before entering the music business. The special thing about this track is that Jay Z’s mother talks about her son on the intro to every verse and he works her words in his lyrics. The concept works very well to me and Hova comes quite nice with his lyrics. Just Blaze did a good job with the beat too which makes this a very good song, tight way to start the album off.Rating : 4.5/5

3. What more can I say (Produced by the Buchanans)

This song starts with a sample from the Movie “Gladiator” followed by 3 verses in which Jay Z explains himself and touches on some things that have been said about him. He also talks to the people that call him a biter for constantly having Biggie lines in his verses, I´m not a biter/I´m a writer/for myself and others/I say a BIG verse I´m only biggin up my brother/Biggin up my borough/ I´m big enough to do it/I´m that thoro/ plus I know my own flow is foolish is all he has to say to shut these acusers up. The Buchanans are new producers to me but they really caught my attention with this hot beat, let´s see what else we´re going to hear from them.
Rating 4/5

4. Encore (Produced by Kanye West)

Kanye West and Jay Z allways fit together extremly well but this song is not just another great Jay/Kanye song but also one of the Black Album`s highlights and maybe even Kanye West´s best beat up to this day. Jigga talks about various things (including some of the usual self-praising) over some extremly sick horn samples. Jigga´s delivery, one of his strengths as usual, is on point and his lyrics are very entertaining. This song is definitely a gem
Rating: 5/5

5. Change Clothes (Produced by the Neptunes)

Here we have the Black Album`s first single, one of two Neptuns beats on it Change clothes has a real mellow beat, unfortunately it also sounds a little boring and just doesn´t strike me like the previous beats on the Black Album. Jigga´s lyrics aren´t actually striking either, his verses are not really bad but nothing special really. The worst about this song is the hook which is done by Pharell … this whole track just sounds like a “Excuse me Miss pt.3” . Worst song to me
Rating ; 2.5/5

6. Dirt off your shoulder (Produced by Timbaland)

After the first let down on the Album I´m happy to hear Timbo deliver one of his best beats in a while. A song with this beat, jigga´s flow and a tight hook like this should be a guaranteed hit. Jay Z brings back his pimpin on this songs and it works extremly well. Another banger !
Rating : 5/5

7. Threat (Produced by 9th Wonder)

Hip Hop´s newest uprising Producer 9th Wonder (from the Justus League Camp) sampled R.Kelly´s “A Woman`s Threat” for this song and made a good beat for his first appereance on a major LP. On the intro of Threat Cedric the Entertainer does some shit talking , which doesn´t really fit the track in my opinion. Jigga´s lyrics go in the same direction, it´s a random shit talk track that contains a lot of hot lines. I´m not to sure with this song.. eventhough I actually liked it, it´s still not as good as a lot of other songs on this Album.
Rating : 3.5/5

8. Moment of clarity (Produced by Eminem)

Moment of clarity deals with Jigga´s career and his views on the industry. Jigga also talks about his father in the first verse. The violin sample makes this a very good Eminem beat , to me it seems like Em has stepped his production-game up during the last few months he´s becoming a quiet good producer. Jay Z brings the heat once again, he has some hot lines and talks a lot of real talk on this song. With If Skills sold/Thruth be told/ I´d probly be/lyrically Talib Kweli/truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense he gives us insight on why he allways had to release some poppy singles and states that he really is into real hiphop music. Very tight song , the Black Album seems to be living up the expectations.
Rating : 5/5

9. 99 Problems (Produced by Rick Rubin)

This is a very entertaining track with a crazy beat. Rick Rubin used guitar samples to make this beat, which makes this song really rockish. Jay Z graced the track with an absolutly creative flow that sounds old school as hell. His bragging lyrics (the 2nd verse is ill) came on point too. Rick Rubin should really produce more hiphop beats again. This is just another standout track.
Rating : 5/5

10. Public Service Announcement (Produced by Just Blaze)

The third Just Blaze produced Song on the Black Album appears to be the interlude to the last part of the album. Just Blaze used the same sample as Black Moon’s “Stay Real” for this one, the whole beat sounds very similar to this. Still this is a tight beat. Jigga doesn´t fail to spit some hot shit on this one either, his flow is just crazy on this dark beat. Very tight but very short song.
Rating : 4.5/5

11. Justify my thug (Produced by DJ Quik)

Here we have the long awaited Dj Quik beat for the Black Album. Well, I was pretty excited hearing about the Westcoast allstar-producer being on there, but I have to say that I´m slightly dissapointed with his effort. The beat really isn´t wack, but I hoped Quik would have one of the standout songs, atleast beat wise that didn’t happen. The lyrics Jigga laced on the song can´t really safe it either, like the track title implies, the song is just about bragging and justifiyng his gangsta. Jigga did this job well…still this random gangsta talk can´t hang with the rest of this album. This track is solid at best.
Rating : 3/5

12. Lucifer (Produced by Kanye West)

Here comes Mr. Kanye West (Check for his Album “College Dropout” in january 2004 !) again, just like Encore this is a great beat, Kanye marks his place as one of the best current Hip Hop producers in the game. Jigga rides this beat with just another tight flow and as usual he spits heat. It´s really a blessing for Hip Hop that these two (Jay and Kanye) found eachother, this combo brought us some great music.
Rating : 5/5

13. Allure (Produced by the Neptunes)

Just like Kanye West and Just Blaze (not counting the Intro) the Neptunes made 2 Tracks for Jay Z´s last album. While the other 2 delievered some serious heat the Neptunes had the only bad track on the Black Album so far. Just likeChange clothes and go this beat is really laid back, but this time it works. Jigga softened his flow for this song and tells us about his life , this could be Jigga’s most personal Album ever, it wouldn´t be a Jay Z album though if there wasn´t some bragging going on. The Neptunes/JayZ collabos didn’t let us down twice this time!
Rating : 4/5

14. My 1st Song (Produced by Aqua)

This might be the last Jay Z song we`ll ever hear (eventhough I really doubt it !) : It starts of with an old Biggie snippet of Biggie talking about “staying hungry” (don’t laugh!). Then you get Jigga spitting an incredible flow for this beatiful beat ! Aqua’s beat as well as Jay’s lyrics make this a good ending for the album. To make sure it´s the end of his Album, better yet the end of his career as an MC, Jigga gives shout outs to some of his friends and industry people at the end of My 1st Song. Nice ending for a nice album !
Rating : 4.5/5

Jay Z promised us one of his best albums ever, and the Black Album really is ! Great album full of bangers, even if you ain’t into Jigga’s music usualy you’d surely find some songs that you would like, everybody will find different favorites on the Black Album. The album seems well structured from beginning to end and even the few let downs fit into the tone of the album. Jigga didn’t focus on hot lines and methapors on this Album but trys to give us insight on his thoughts on personal and public things, mix that with his tight flows (and he really doesn’t have just one) and some tight production work : a great album is what you get. This would be a worthy end for Jay Z’s career, if this really is his last album. I don’t know what will happen in the future… but for now Pain in da Ass said it best on Vol.3 : So.. five ten years from now : You’re gonna wish there was American Commision , Five ten years from now…They’re gonna miss Jay-Z

Album Rating : 4.5/5

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Category Archives: Review

Digital Underground – Sons of the P

VA – Bones Soundtrack

Ice Cube – Kill At Will EP

Krayzie Bone – Thug On Da Line

Westside Connection – Terrorist Threats

Ludacris – Chicken-n-Beer

Willmatic – Sneak Preview

Kurupt – Tha Street Iz A Mutha

Ja Rule – Blood In My Eye

Jay-Z – The Black Album