Mack 10 – Bang Or Ball

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

MACK 10 – “Bang Or Ball” Released December 4th 2001

01. Intro (0.50)
02. Hate In Yo Eyes (5.13)
03. Let The Thugs In The Club w/Lil Wayne & BG (4.54)
04. So Serious w/The Big Tymers (5.08)
05. Connected For Life w/Ice Cube, WC & Butch Cassidy (4.23)
06. Dominoes- SKIT (0.58)
07. That ***** Is Bad w/The Big Tymers (5.03)
08. Do The Damn Thing (5.06)
09. King Pin Dream w/Mikkey & The Big Tymers (5.08)
10. Work (4.21)
11. No Dick- SKIT (1.02)
12. No Dick At All w/Skoop Delania & E-40 (4.45)
13. Mathematics (4.15)
14. Let It Be Known w/Scarface & Xzibit (4.39)
15. Announcement- SKIT (0.52)
16. We Can Never Be Friends w/The Big Tymers, Lac & Stone (5.21)
17. Dog About It w/BG (4.55)
18. Murder w/Turk & The Big Tymers (4.11)

PRODUCTION: Dr Dre, Mannie Fresh, Ron, QD III

BILLBOARD 2001 No.48
Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums 2001/2002 No.4
Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles No.98 “Hate In Yo Eyes”

Born D’Mon Rolison in Inglewood California Aug 9 1971, Mack-10 (aka) Mack-one-o, has proved to be one of the future artists representing the Westcoast to date. From his debut self titled album in 1995 to his Westside Connection days with Ice Cube & WC till his debut album under a new label who were dominating the rap game at the time “Cash Money Records”.

As his Hoo- Bangin Records was slowly fading Mack-10 had decided to make the move down to the dirty south, similar to Snoop Dogg’s move to No Limit Records, in 2001 as he felt his career had plunged after his last albums “The Recipe” & “Paper Route” failed to get full recognition. Now where else would you go to get back on top…well the niggas who are on top, & that happened to be the Cash Money Millionaires, who were also looking to expand on the Westcoast. After sealing a deal with Cash Money Records, Mack-10 didn’t hesitate in releasing his first album with the Southerners titled “Bang Or Ball”. The title itself explains what the album is all about & that’s Money, Hustling, Hoo – Bangin, Sex, Drugs & Ballin.

With the first hit single “Hate In Yo Eyes” produced by one of today’s finest, Dr.Dre, Mack-one-o slowly emerged again onto the Westcoast & even the down South scene as Dre was also on top of his game at the time. The track samples the Bee Gees “Stayin Alive” and Dr Dre does a great job in placing down the beats as usual. Mack-10 flows with his typical street smart approach on this track even more so on the entire album.

As part of the Cash Money line up, Mannie Fresh shows his true talent as a producer as his experiment to mix South with West shows how good of a producer he really is and the potential he has. Mannie Fresh somehow manages to pull off a South/West production with genius and in return Mack-10 flows to the tracks perfectly and sounds at home with his new Millionaires. Songs such as “Let The Thugs In The Club” and “That ***** Is Bad” featuring Lil Wayne & other Cash Money Millionaires bring out Mack-10’s real talent as he easily dominates the tracks lyrically compared to his new young family.

Amazingly Mannie Fresh has pulled some great Westcoast beats with a touch of Bling Bling Cashmoney style on this album with bangin tracks such as “Connected For Life” where Mack-10 callabo’s with his old Westside Connect gang Ice Cube & WC. The feel is great in this song making it one of the best tracks on the album and with a hook performed by Butch Cassidy this makes this song a must have. Mack-10 gets his flow on in traditional Cashmoney style as Juvenille did with his hit “Ha” spitting: “Dope money & rappin im all wit IT/And all i know is the streetz so thats how i spit IT, Chicken Hawk see a bird then i gotta get IT/So if yo hood came up short then i probably did IT”.

Other tracks recognized for excellence in West/South production by Fresh are “King Pin Dream” a track about moving weight told in only as a story like tale as Mack-10 can do featuring new Cash Money Millionaire Mikkey who is very talented lyrically, a hilarious track “No Dick At All” with a smooth rap by Skoop Delania & bay area rapper E-40 who tongue twists, as usual, about lesbians in this song as the hook kicks: “She said she don’t wont no dick at all, She said she rather lick a ***** than balls”. Highlights by other producers include Ron who puts together “Work” a true Westcoast California beat & the duo of Scarface & Xzibit on QD III produced “Let It Be Known”.

As the album heads towards the end you can feel the lack of creativity as Fresh struggles to deliver, unlike his first half, as poor beats like “Murder” & “Dog About It” start to drive the listener away with disappointment.

Overall the production by Mannie Fresh is excellent & Mack-10 has lyrically adapted to his new family with ease as he clearly stands out with his hoo-bangin rhymes which over power the young Cash Money Millionaires. Mack-10 has clearly showed he can adapt and Fresh had returned the favour with his producing talent, which stunned critics. With tracks like this Mack-10 can rest knowing his name had resurfaced more than Snoop’s when he attempted to adapt with the South style with Master P. Mack-10 though does belong in the Westcoast and needs to return home to continue chicken hawkin as he once ruled supreme in Inglewood.

RATING: 3/5

Jay-Z – Reasonable Doubt

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

JAY-Z – “Reasonable Doubt” Released June 25th 1996

01. Cant knock The Hustle w/Mary J Blige (5:17)
02. Politics As Usual (3:41)
03. Brooklyn’s Finest w/ Notorious B.I.G (4:36)
04. Dead Presidents II [New Lyrics] (4:27)
05. Feelin It w/Mecca (3:48)
06. D’Evils (3:31)
07. 22 Two’s (3:29)
08. Can I Live (4:10)
09. Ain’t No Nigga w/Foxxy Brown (4:03)
10. Friend Or Foe (1:49)
11. Coming Of Age w/Memphis Bleek (3:59)
12. Cashmere Thoughts (2:56)
13. Bring It On w/Big Jaz & Sauce Money (5:01)
14. Regrets (4:34)
15. Can’t Knock The Hustle [Fools Paradise] w/Meli’sa Morgan (4:46)

PRODUCTION: DJ Premier, Clark Kent, Big Jaz, Irv Gotti, Ski, Knowbody & Damon Dash

Billboard 1996 No.23 (Album)
Billboard 1997 No.70 (Album)
Hot Rap Singles No.7 “Can’t Knock The Hustle”

Born Shawn Carter in Marcy Projects of Brooklyn NY Dec 4 1970, Jay-Z, as we know him as Jigga introduced himself to the game with his debut “Reasonable Doubt” in mid 1996. With tracks like “Can’t Knock The Hustle” & “Ain’t No Nigga” hittin charts back in the day. Jay-Z introduces himself in this album as the smooth hustler from Brooklyn NY rapping about the struggle in the hustle, money, and rising to the top.

DJ Premier laces a few tracks with his typical Gangstarr sound with scratch samples on the Eastcoast deep flow of “D’Evils” where Jigga flows that NY style which many believe compare to Nas’ “Illmatic”. Jiggas features include artists who were rookies in the game & you can hear rappers like Foxxy Brown on “Aint No Nigga” bust her rhymes hungry to break through the game as Big Jaz laced the track wit a sample of “Seven Minutes Of Funk” by The Whole Darn Family.

“Cant Knock The Hustle” with Mary J Blige blows up and gives you that Brooklyn style funk as she sings on the hook and Jig flows naturally to the beat “Factions from the otherside would love to kill me, spill 3 course of my blood/into the street let alone & heat, *****’em”. Another soulful beat is “Dead Presidents II” where Jig raps about the paper chase & the hustle he been through, with production by Ski on this track you can see the classic of this track grow once again even today.

The controversial “Brooklyn’s Finest” produced by DJ Clark Kent & co-produced by Damon Dash featuring BIG causes confusion with 2pac fans to whether or not it is aimed as a dis as BIG spits “Who Shot Ya” and “If Faith had twins she would have two pacs..get it 2..pacs” the beat is a nice old school sampled beat along with most the production, which became a typical sound on Roc-A-Fellas tracks into the future. This album most recognized for Jiggas hustle like flow & his ability to blend with the old school beats spiced up showed critics how a young nigga from the projects can rock the mic and represent his city.

All his features are all new comers to the game & you can hear there efforts to spit lyrically as Memphis Bleek raps crazy on “Coming Of Age” and Sauce Money tears the mic on “Bring It On”. Irv Gotti, Murder Inc, even has his share of production on tracks like “Can I Live” & “Cant Knock The Hustle Remix” which are not top highlights on the album as they pump out the same kind of style other NY niggas were doin back in 96 & start to sound alike.

With his Scarface influences i see how Jigga tried to break through just like Scarface wanted to do, make a name for himself, which he did. All production is pretty tight apart from a short track “22 Two’s” a short talented freestyle though “Friend Or Foe” which lacked room for Jigga to bust & “Feelin It” which people were’nt feelin as Mecca’s hooks were not in place. This album was bumpin back in the day & you can still hear these tracks today & bop your head to most of them especially real rap lovers of all styles.

This debut album by Jay-Z would have to be one of his best even though rap was different in 96, lyrically he tore the mic as he comes across cool & calm & he had an excellent flow as his rappin purified the tracks. Production was good as long as Jay could flow to the beat & callabos were hungry niggas wanting to make a name for themselves…..a bumpin eastcoast album which cleared the way for fellow Brooklyn rappers & one of NY’s best rap albums of the 90’s..Hard to rate but here go….

RATING: 4/5

G-Unit – Beg For Mercy

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

G-Unit is a group consisting of superstar 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and Young Buck. 50 Cent’s album “Get rich or die trying” was a huge success for him and his Shady/Aftermath camp. Expectations have been high and G-Unit has gotten a lot of fans anticipating their album. Tony Yayo’s in jail and 50 Cent previously stated that they won’t use a lot of old verses from him, so I’m guessing he won’t be on too many tracks.

1. G-Unit

The album starts off with a track titled after the group itself. The beat’s cool and Young Buck does the first verse well. When 50 Cent’s kickin’ in on the second verse, he’s trying some fast kind of rap and he seems to have problems keeping up with the beat… Lloyd Banks is spittin some ncie rhymes on the third verse. It’s a nice track overall.

2. Poppin them tags

“G-Unit” is followed up by a “Poppin Them Tags”, a real tight track and definitely single material. The beat’s west coast inspired with an electric guitar and some other instruments over it. Young Buck, Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent are dropping verses. I guess we won’t hear too much of Tony Yayo on this album…

3. My buddy

When Def Jam lied about NWA being inspired by “Scarface”, they could’ve just used G-Unit instead. They’re using a Scarface sample to start off this track. The beat’s simple with some chorus stuff going on in the backround. It’s a cool track but nothing special.

4. I’m so hood

“I’m So Hood” is on some fruity loops shit. Swizz Beatz didn’t produce the track but it sounds like his kind of production. The hook’s probably catchy and everything but honestly, this track is wack.

5. Stunt 101

“Stunt 101” is the first single of this album and you’ve probably heard it and seen the video. It’s a nice track but it’s no “In Da Club”. The beat’s real tight and the group members dropping tight verses.

6. Wanna get to know you

After hearing “Wanna get to know you”, it’ very obvious that Young Buck’s from the south and the other 2 rappers from the east coast. I knew it before listening to this track, but this is a perfect example of how you can hear the difference. This Slow Jam would suck if it wasn’t for Young Buck who’s on the first verse. Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent are boring on this one.

7. Groupie love

This track is an other, kind of slow track with cool verses and okay production. It’s nothing special, but at the same time not a wack track. Tony Yayo, 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks are on the verses.

8. Better ask somebody

At this point, I’m very disappointed in this album. 50 Cent’s solo album “Get rich or die trying” had some bangers and real good production right through while this album is filled with fillers.

This track’s having some nice verses but production’s weak, making the verses seem weaker than they really are. Young Buck is again spicing the track up to an average level.

9. Footsteps

“Footsteps” is a Young Buck solo track with 50 Cent on the hook. The hook’s wack and the production is weak. Young Buck, the least anticipated G-Unit member to drop a solo album, is showing the world why they should anticipate his solo album.

10. Eye for an eye

“Eye for an eye” has a tight beat. Unfortunately Lloyd Banks ruin it on the first verse. I used to like Lloyd Banks but he’s just boring on this track. Young Buck’s trying to save the track on verse two but he’s unsuccessful. At the time 50 Cent’s kickin’ in, the track’s already doomed.

11. Smile

This tracks production sounds kinda like “21 Questions”, but it’s not as good. Lloyd Banks’s doing most of the lyrical content and he’s making a decent effort.

12. Baby you got

What’s up with these slow tracks? 50 Cent didn’t gain his fame by doing slow jams, so why is he filling an album with them? This track is just like the previous tracks so there’s not much to say. Only difference might be that this one’s even worse. Once again, Young Buck’s the only highlight. The hook’s ok too.

13. Salute you

Finally a good beat! This is in the “Symphony in X major” style. Young Buck and Lloyd Banks are each doing good verses. 50’s on the hook. Tight track!

14. Beg for mercy feat. Dr Dre

They should’ve released this as the first single instead of “Stunt 101”. Dr Dre on the track means Dr Dre on the production. Dr Dre on the production means heat! G-Unit need a good producer to back them up or their music won’t be nothin’ special. They’ve got the production on this track and that makes them able to shine on the lyrical part of the track too. Even Lloyd Banks sound tight over this.

15. G’d up

This track’s an other example of how G-Unit need good production to back them up. The production on “G’d up” is tight and for some reason that makes G-Unit’s flow better. The album’s definitely improved on the later part of it.

16. Lay you down

“Lay you down” is another slow track, but a tight one! Young Buck’s doing the longest verse and he’s doing it very good. 50 Cent hasn’t been shining as much as one might’ve expected from him on this album. As on most other tracks, he’s doing the hook on “Lay you down”.

17. Gangsta shit

“Gangsta shit” is a nice track. 50, Young Buck and Lloyd banks are flowing over an up-tempo beat and they’re doing it very good. If it wasn’t for these last tracks, I’d be very, very disappointed with this album.

18. I smell *****

The last track of the album starts off with 50 Cent dissing Irv Gotti and Ja Rule of Murder INC. This Sam Sneed produced track is a nice way to finish of the album.

“Beg For Mercy” is a nice album. It’s got some tight tracks like “Poppin them tags”, “Beg for mercy”, “G-d up”, “Lay you down” and “Gangsta shit”. It’s also got weak tracks like “I’m so hood”, “Groupie love”, “Smile” and “Baby you got”. The production was the key when 50 Cent became an overnight superstar with “In da club” and the rest of his first album on Shady Records, and production’s the reason for this album to be weak as most of the production is average or below average. Because of the tight tracks listed before, I will rate this album 3 out of 5. It’s an average album but probably a disappointment for the G-Unit fans. One thing this album made me do was to anticipage a Young Buck debut album more than any other group members album.

Ice Cube – War & Peace Vol. 2 (The Peace Disc)

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

When I first bought this album, I didn’t know what to expect. Could he match the intensity and quality of ”AMERIKKA’S MOST WANTED” and with him growing with age, plus his newer movie commitments, I really wanted to see if he would deliver on this album. Read on to find out…

1. Hello

Length: 3:54
Featured Artists: Dr Dre, MC Ren.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

‘Hello’ has a good production, and really gives you hopes that this album is going to be bangin’. Nice verses by all three former NWA members, but after 2 or 3 times of listening to it, starts to bore you.

2. Pimp Homeo (Skit)

Length: 0:37
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 1 / 5

This is funny skit about some ***** being pimped, listen once then skip.

3. You ain’t gotta lie(to kick-it)

Length: 4:08
Featured Artists: Cris Rock.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Tight track, tight production, but like ‘hello’ it bores you after a while. Listen couple times them skip.

4. The Gutter Shit

Length: 4:31
Featured Artists: Jayo Felony, Gangsta, Squeek Rule
Track Rating: 5 / 5

In my opinion this is the best track on the whole album. Sick Beat, All four spittin’ hard. Gangsta Lyrics.

5. Supreme Hustle

Length: 4:24
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Another boring track, this is just Cube talkin’ about himself the whole way through. But on first listen it’s aight.

6. Mental Warfare (skit)

Length: 1:04
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 2 / 5

Once again, a skit. They’re shit why bother? This one sounds like some racing cars going past; they’re at a track Cube talks some shit, Skip.

7. 24 Mo’ Hours

Length: 3:29
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Aight, now we’re talking again. This track features a wild-ass beat and some nice vocals by Cube. Nice tack indeed

8. Until We Rich

Length: 4:16
Featured Artists: Krayzie Bone.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Now this is your sensitive Ice Cube, rappin’ seriously showing that he can handle any type of track. Although i respect what he attempted to do with the track, its like R&B’sh, I despise R&B, but that’s just my opinion.

9. You Can Do It

Length: 4:21
Featured Artists: Ms. Toi, Mack 10.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Now we’re bangin’ again! Wild-ass beat and tight verse, makes you wanna grab the blunt and brew.

10. Mackin’ & Drivin’ (Skit)

Length: 0:29
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 1 / 5

Damn Cube, Skits man! No need for a description, read the title.

11. Gotta Be Insanity

Length: 4:02
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

I’m not much of a fan of the production, but tight verses. Average Track.

12. Roll All Day

Length: 3:18
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Decent beat, nice verse. Only worth an average rating though.

13. Can You Bounce?

Length: 3:55
Featured Artists: Jay-Z.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

I’m not usually fan of beats like these, but they did a wild job on this one. Wild-ass verses also. Lovin’ It! Features a Jay-Z Sample.

14. Dinner With The CEO (Skit)

Length: 0:51
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: 1 / 5

For ***** Sakes. Read the title once again.

15. Record Company Pimpin’

Length: 4:48
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Smart Track, Nice production and verses, Bit slow but it suits the track.

16. Waitin’ To Hate

Length: 3:40
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 5 / 5

Aight, now we’re cruisin’. Wild Track; production; verses. You’ll love it.

17. Nigga Of The Century

Length: 4:16
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 2 / 5

Yeah the little kid is cute Cube, stop talking about yourself. Quality though, nice production.

18. You Can Do it (Instrumental)

Length: 4:21
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: -See Number 9.

Make your own raps to this one.

Aight. I’ve just finished listening to one hour and thirty-four minutes of Ice Cube talking about him self. Its only the few bangin’ tracks that saved this album from being wack as *****. Its repetitive, bores you. As I stated up top, only average, 2 / 5.

2pac – Me Against The World

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

Now, Tupac has just been convicted of touching some girl’s ass, 4 Years in hell. This album actually debuts at #1 while he is in prison. Whats the result? Read on my friend.

1. Intro

Length: 1:45
Featured Artists: Unknown.
Track Rating: None.

Basicly the intro is some basic beats, with people talking in a ‘news-reporter’ like way about his 1994 Shooting in the Manhattan recording studio. It’s quite interesting the first time you listen to it, but naturally after a while you’ll be skipping it.

2. If I die 2nite

Length: 3:56
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 5 / 5

I don’t think a better track could have started off this classic album. I think this was the actual time when Tupac started thinking about his own fate. The whole track is about ballin’, about how he is known, his former life and of course, about his own death. A fairly deep track, but gives a decent mental picture of how he lived and what he was thinking. If I were Afeni, i would have featured this track on his Greatest Hits album. A true classic, I don’t think this track gets the props it deserves, but its all good.

3. Me Against The World

Length: 4:40
Featured Artists: Dramacydal.
Track Rating: 5 / 5

This track is defiantly a classic, very nice production, intelligent verses, catchy hook. This track has it all. It is based, similarly to #2, on ballin’ and obvious how Tupac himself as a Rapper and a person is facing the world. Tight verse by Dramacydal, this makes for a quality pac-track. Even a sample of it was played in the movie ‘Bad Boys’ and is on the sound-track, if I recall correctly.

4. So Many Tears

Length: 3:59
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 2 / 5

I don’t like to do this to Tupac, but this track has a wack beat. Which in all slows the whole track down, which I’d rate under average, well under ‘Pacs average. The track is a very deep one mainly about death, his death, god, his peers passing and him trying to give up T H U G L I F E. All in all, sad song, wack beat, simple verses, below average.

5. Temptations

Length: 5:00
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

This is more of a party track, and as the title suggests, its about women. The beat is aight, but you wouldn’t be able to just play it when your chillin’ maybe stoned or pissed. On the movie ‘8 Mile’ while some of the characters are driving around sample of this track can faintly be heard. So this track just reaches average.

6. Young Niggaz

Length: 4:53
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Aight, aight! Now I can really vibe to this track. Nice production, real lyrics. ‘Pac gives a shout out to the young/late Robert Sanderford, who if y’all don’t know that is; young LA gangsta who slang dope, was found shot dead in his brothers room. ‘Pac really thought about this track and the message he was trying to put over. Over-Average for this one.

7. Heavy In The Game

Length: 4:23
Featured Artists: Lady Levi, Richie Rich.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Another tight production, nice verse by Richie Rich and ‘Pac. Although Lady Levi’s random singing lines can get a bit annoying, all in all its a great track based hustlin’ and keeping yourself alive while being, heavy in the game.

8. Lord Knows

Length: 4:31
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

First Line: ‘I smoke a blunt to take the pain out’, simple; the track is based around pain, god and once again ballin’. Tight production, some of the best ‘Pac verses I’ve ever heard. Thus, Over-Average Rating.

9. Dear Mama

Length: 4:39
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

I know y’all is gonna yell at me for my rating on this track, and I’m sorry ‘Pac, but after a while the track is only an average Pac-track. Although it was the track that leaded the album to its Number 1 spot, it’s a highly deep, sensitive song about, you guessed it; his Mother, Afeni Shakur. He’s reminiscing back on all the stress he put on her through the years. But other than that it is, whether you face it or not, a slow and boring track. Not wack but only average.

10. It Ain’t Easy

Length: 4:53
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

***** Yeah! Now we’re bangin’ again. This track has some slow but good verses by ‘Pac, spittin’ about his life, ballin’ and how life ain’t easy. Nice song, but can become boring after excessive bumpin’.

11. Can U Get Away

Length: 5:45
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 2 / 5

Ok, this is a wack-ass track. I think Tupac was trying to show his sensitive side towards women or something i dunno what he was smoking, the beat is neary like something in the background of a porno movie. Slow and boring, skip.

12. Old School

Length: 4:40
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

This is a good track, not too fast or slow. Its interesting to just listen to his lyrics, they rock! He’s basicly just reminiscing on the, yep, the old school!

13. ***** The World

Length: 4:13
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Another one of them tracks that are wild to slowly concentrate on what he’s saying. Decent beat, the track is based around all the shit that has or was happening to him at the time, then he’s saying, ***** The World!

14. Death Around The Corner

Length: 4:07
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 5 / 5

This track has one tight-ass beat placed under ‘Pacs crazy verses. Once again speaking on his own death and his life. I personally think this track can be placed up there with ‘Me Against the world’ or ‘If I die 2Nite’.

15. Outlaw

Length: 4:32
Featured Artists: Rah Rah, T.H.U.G L.I.F.E?
Track Rating: 3.5 / 5

This track has a tight-production, decent verses but the OUTLAW, OUTLAW, OUTLAW, will be getting circulated around your mind for days to come. It bores you also after a while. Basicly track is about ballin’ and being an outlaw.

Well there you have it, give the most controversial rapper one *****ed up year, a recording studio and you get ‘Me Against The World’. All in all, This Album is a good sign of Tupac’s amazing talent to give you a mental picture or message through his music. Not only were the tracks bangin’, lyrically they had meaning. I would recommend this album to anyone who is a Hip-Hop fan.

2pac – Until The End Of Time

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

Here we go again, more unreleased material. There was much resistance to these new ones because much people said that it’s not really Tupac’s style and that Afeni (his Mother) had remixed ’em too much and taken out verses and such. So I’m gonna review it as if it was released back in 1995/1996. Anyways, this is his 11th solo album. If you ask me it’s nowhere near his last standards. Anyways, read on my friend.

– Disc 1

1. Ballad Of A Dead Soulja

Length: 4:15
Featured Artists: 6 Feet Deep.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Aight, overall this track isn’t really anything special from Tupac. The production isn’t exactly wack, but it’s not bangin’ either. Once again, hes talking about his death and ways of a thug. Nice track to listen to at first, after few times skip.

2. ***** Friendz

Length: 5:19
Featured Artists: Tiffany Villarrea.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Now this track is more like Tupac. Bangin’ beat, sick-ass verses. Rappin’ about sex, betrayal and ballin’. ‘***** ‘Dre to that ***** he can kiss my ass’, cuss line to Dr Dre. Overall this track is above average.

3. Li’l Homies

Length: 3:44
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 2.5 / 5

This track is a bit like a usual pac-track, but the beat is a bit weird. On first listen it’s bangin’, two or three times later you’ll find yourself skipping.

4. Let ’em Have it

Length: 4:53
Featured Artists: Honey, SKG.
Track Rating: 2 / 5

This is more of a ‘smut’ track. All about sex and *****ing. Track wise it isn’t really what you’d expect from Tupac. Beat is ok but very annoying after sometime, nice verse from SKG but ‘Pacs aren’t that fash. Below Average, Skip!

5. Goodlife

Length: 4:16
Featured Artists: Big Syke, EDI.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Now after those last two tracks, this one makes you feel a bit better. Nice easy beat, Nice verses by all three outlawz. About the street life, their former lives and how everything has worked out. Good Track, above average.

6. Letter 2 My Unborn

Length: 3:55
Featured Artists: Tena Jones.
Track Rating: 3.5 / 5

While listening to this track, its evident he’s basicly talking to his unborn child. Like he’s about to be blessed with one, maybe this was at the time with Kiesha, I don’t know. As the title states, it’s basically a vocal letter to his unborn child. Also rapping about his former life and how hard it is. This is a bangin’ track, but could have done better.

7. Breathin’

Length: 4:04
Featured Artists: Young Noble, Napoleon, Kastro, EDI.
Track Rating: 4.5 / 5

Aight, now im pumped! This has got to be the best track yet! Back to the real ‘Pac-tracks’, nice verses by all tha Outlawz. Any Tupac/Outlawz fan will love this track. Nearly perfect! Never skip.

8. Happy Home

Length: 3:56
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Okay, now we’re on a roll! This track is one that could have been placed in any other album. It’s that good. ‘Pac spewin’ some real lyrics about tryin’ to get a Happy Home and how he can do it. It was dedicated to his sister, Seikywa.

9. All Out

Length: 5:32
Featured Artists: Napoleon, Kastro.
Track Rating: 3.5 / 5

Classic ‘Pac, Outlawz callaboration. Bangin’ production. All Outlawz spittin’ real/tight verses. But after a few times you’ll be skipping it.

10. *****in’ Wit The Wrong Nigga

Length: 3:37
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3.5 / 5

This track is almost identical in the sense that everything is bangin’, but it does bore you. Real lyrics, feels good to listen and really vibe to this song.

11. Thug in You Thug in Me (Remix)

Length: 4:11
Featured Artists: kci and JoJo.
Track Rating: 2.5 / 5

This is another ‘smut-like’ track. Read the title, ‘Pacs verses are bangin’ but i really do hate this track. The only time i could stand to keep it playing was when I reviewed it.

12. Everything They Owe

Length: 3:07
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Aight, after getting a bit bored and pissed off i’m actually thinking more positive now. Bangin’ beat, real ‘pac-like verses. This track reminds me of 1995 type style he had. Don’t skip this one!

13. Until The End Of Time

Length: 4:26
Featured Artists: RL.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Now I’m being impressed! This song was the first single off the album I think. Well it deserved it! Great beat, addictive hook and real lyrics by ‘Pac. Over Average, but you may find yourself skipping it after excessive bumpin’.

14. M.O.B

Length: 5:01
Featured Artists: Fatal, Mopreme, Big Syke, Kadafi.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

You can tell how they’re trying to end this album, on a higher note. This track could nearly knock ‘Breathin’ out of its spot ok Best Track. Beat really suits the track, all artists suit them selves to it. Never SKip!.

15. World Wide Mob Figgaz

Length: 4:40
Featured Artists: EDI, Young Noble, Napoleon.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Aight, this is where it gets too good to be true. I knew three bangin’ tracks in a row wouldn’t last much longer on this album. This track is very annoying. ‘Noble on the chorus is really annoying also. Skip this one.

Aight well after that first Disc I don’t know what to think. It kind of went like a Roller Coaster, up and down in quality. Anyways, lets see if the next cd is any better?

– Disc 2

1. Big Syke Interlude

Length: 1:45
Artist: Big Syke
Track Rating: 2 / 5

Oddly enough Tupac isn’t even on this track. The beat is all right but mostly the whole track is just talking. Skip almost everytime. Bad start to the Disc.

2. My Closest Roaddogz

Length: 4:04
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

I personally love this track. The beat is like Tupac style, the lyrics have meaning and it’s just a great track. Over average.

3. Nigga Nature (Remix)

Length: 5:04
Featured Artists: Li’l Mo’.
Track Rating: 3.5 / 5

This is another one of them tracks that could have been bangers if they made some small changes, like a less wack beat. I ain’t a big fan of this track and would usually skip.

4. When Thugz Cry

Length: 4:22
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3.5 / 5

This is a deep track, nice beat but i don’t really like the hook or much of ‘Pacs verse. Really disapointed with this track. Skip.

5. U Don’t Have to Worry

Length: 5:07
Featured Artists: Young Noble, E.D.I, Napoleon, Kastro, Kadafi.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

although on the first listen this track may be a bit different to you, I think all the verses make up for the lack of quality in the production. Outlawz really spit some good shit on this one. Not worthy of being on any previous albums, but its a damn good track.

6. This Ain’t Livin

Length: 3:41
Featured Artists: Vanessa.
Track Rating: 3.5 / 5

This track nearly as good as the last one, but dosn’t really extend in lyrical ability. The production is a bit different to usual ‘Pac-tracks’. All in this entire track is just below ‘Above Average’.

7. Why U Turn On Me?

Length: 3:32
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3 / 5

Nice Track but not worth anything more than an average rating. Tight production, decent lyrics. But not really anything that special.

8. Last ones left

Length: 3:59
Featured Artists: Kastro, Napoleon.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

Aight, now I’m happy as *****! This is more like ‘Pacs style. This track could have been on any of his albums from ’94-’96. Most Hip Hop fans would be feelin’ this track. Nice verses by ‘Pac, kastro and Napoleon.

9. Thug in You Thug in Me

Length: 4:29
Featured Artists: kci, JoJo.
Track Rating: 2.5 / 5

Sadly, the original isn’t much better than the Remix. Not much to note.

10. Wordz 2 my First Born

Length: 4:07
Featured Artists: Above the Law.
Track Rating: 4 / 5

This track isn’t anything like Tupac’s ’94-’96 tracks. But I still loved it. Nice beat, Above the Law got nice flows. ‘Pac ripped shit up. Never Skip.

11. Let ’em Have it (Remix)

Length: 4:25
Featured Artists: Left Eye.
Track Rating: 2 / 5

Y.A.L.R – Yet Another Lame Remix. Man this sucks so much ass. Weak ass verses, weak beat, Left Eye was shit. Skip.

12. Runnin’ on E

Length: 5:37
Featured Artists: Fatal, Kadafi, Young Noble, Nuttso.
Track Rating: 3.5 / 5

After that last track this one is a nice improvement. Nice verses by all artists. But isn’t up to 4 standard.

13. When I Get Free

Length: 4:30
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 3.5 / 5

Same type of thing happen as before. Everything is good but just under ‘Pac’s potential.

14. Until The End of Time (Remix)

Length: 4:29
Featured Artists: None.
Track Rating: 4.5 / 5

There isn’t much difference between this and the original. Nice Hook, nice verses, wild beat. Well, I’m in shock! After all this like 2 hours I don’t know what to say.

The album went up and down in quality. Three bangin’ tracks then 2 shit and so on. My opinion is that they should have taken the best tracks from both discs and put them on both. That’d result in just one disc full of quality not two full of quality and bullshit. It’s mainly the bullshit tracks that let this album down from being a 4 / 5. To me 4 / 5 would have to have a consistent flow of quality not up and down.

Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E – Westkoasta Nostra

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

Boo-Yaa Tribe released their debut album, titled ”New Funky Nation” as early as 1990. After that, they’ve managed to release 2 other albums. “Westkosta Nostra” has been real hyped because of the presence of Eminem, it’s other guests and its Battlecat production. I’m not expecting too much from the album tho.

1. Bang on feat. Mack 10

The album starts of with a banging west coast beat by Dj Battlecat. The Boo Ya Tribe’s bangin’ on wax and come out real raw. Mack 10’s spicing the track up with a real good verse reppin West hard. “Bang on” was the lead single and it’s an excellent choice if you ask me.

2. On me feat. Kurupt

“On me” is another west coast produced track. Actually all tracks but one is produced by Battlecat. Thing is it’s not the normal 2003 west coast beat we’re hearing, it’s a banger! Kurupt’s featured on this track and doing a decent job. Booya is raw and reppin’ West as usual… Banger!

3. State of emergency feat. Knoc-Turn’al

On “State of emergency” the beat’s getting a lil slower and softer which is too bad since Booya can’t sound anything but raw. It’s simply not a good match. The West’ish sound in this track makes it better tho. Knoc-Turn’al is doing a good jump-in on the guest-spot. I’m really enjoying the hook over this tight west coast slow jam.

4. 9-1-1 feat. Eminem & B-Real

The Booya is really putting up an all-star lineup. On this track, they’ve got superstar Eminem and Cypress Hill member B-Real. The track’s the only non-Battlecat track and is produced by Eminem. Eminem’s doing a good job on it and starts of the track with a good verse. After Eminem’s done, B-Real’s dropping a real tight verse with a good flow. At the time the BooYa steps in there’s already established that this track is tight. Booya’s doing a good job tho and I’m impressed with their lyrical appearances as well as the album this far.

5. Zadiak kreep feat. Gail Gotti

Battlecat’s really putting down those tight ass west coast beats on this album! “Zadiak kreep” isn’t as up-tempo as some of the other tracks, but the Booya fits in on it anyway. Gail Gotti’s dropping a real raw verse showing some of that Gotti attitude. This track’s another west coast banger.

6. Heated feat. Mr Short Khop

This track starts up with a cool Italian mob intro before the very tight, heavy beat kicks in. Booya’s giving us a lil “Booya history” lesion. Mr Short Khop drop a real cool verse that’s spicing up this track.

7. Tha Kalling feat. Murder One

“The Kalling” is probably the first track of this album that I’m not feeling. The beat’s weird… too weird for my taste, and the verses aren’t too special – atleast not good enough to save this one.

8. N full motion feat. WC

Battlecat did a real good job with this one – the beat’s bangin’! WC, a known crip and Booya Tribe, known bloods team up on this track. The result’s real good tho and I’m sticking to my opinion about WC being a very underrated rapper.

9. Legends

“Legend” has got a very enjoyable beat, and the verses may be raw, but they’re enjoyable. The hook’s tight too! I really like this track and I’ll probably bump it more.

10. Carson City feat. Fiji

This beat may be heavy and raw, but it’s way to slow. The track’s kinda ruined by a beat that’s impossible to flow to. Skipper.

11. Tare yo fade feat. Crooked I, Eastwood & Kokane

“Tare yo fade” has a real tight west coast beats. I don’t know if I even have to say that any more… Kokane’s on the hook and it’s very good. Death Row rappers Crooked I and Eastwood is spitting one verse each, and doing it good. Crooked’s very lyrical as usual and with a real tight Eastwood verse, they’re definitely spicing up the album. The track’s another banger!

12. Beautiful thang feat. Baby Brown

Another slow jam for the album and another skipper for the album. The 12th and final track’s got a very slow beat and Booyas raw style doesn’t fit in. Skip this one…

I’m very surprised with the Westkosta Nostra. I expected an average album but got a banger! Battlecat’s just KILLING this album with his tight West Coast beats. What Booya was doing didn’t really matter, it’d be tight even if it was a collab between MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice! They’re not too bad tho, and they did what they were supposed to. The all-star lineup also did exactly what they were expected to. This is a really tight album, but it’s no classic. My final rating is 3,5 out of 5.

2pac – Nu Mixx Klazzics

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

”Nu Mixx Klzzsiks” is a Death Row re-make of old 2pac tracks released on the label. The production team is “Tha Row Hitterz”, and as far as I know that’s Darren Vegas, Jim Gettum, Ambassador Cash and Monster O from Booya Tribe. Since the album’s old tracks remixed, the review will mainly concentrate on the production.

1. 2 of amerikaz most wanted feat. Crooked I

The albums start of with the “Nu Mixx” of “2 of amerikaz most wanted” who originally featured Snoop Doggy Dogg. Snoop’s been replaced with Crooked I on this one. The production’s better than I expected. The beat is banging and Crooked I is ripping it. It’s too bad that the track’s overshadowed by the original version. If 2pac was replaced with i.e Kurupt, this could be a lead single for the upcoming Crooked I album. Now people will compare it with the original, and the original was a classic. The song’s the B-side of the lead single and I can definitely see it getting played at clubs.

2. How do you want it feat. KC & JoJo

Ya’ll probably remember the original “How do you want it”. I know ya’ll remember the X-rated video! This one’s still got those lil bells in there, and the beat’s a lot the same but you can still hear it’s changed. A flute is also added to it. The track’s fresh and I like it.

3. Hail Mary feat. The Outlawz

This Nu Mixx has a nice new beat on it, and the mixing’s pretty nice too. Some people even say it’s better than the original… In my opinion it’s not, but it’s actually kind of tight. I’m positively surprised with the Nu Mixxes thus far.

4. Life goes on

“Life goes on” was the first single for the album. It’s a Darren Vegas Nu Mixx and it’s got a weird sound to it. I can imagine bumping this when smoking or being drunk… It’s funky like that. I don’t know what Death Row was thinking tho, cuz there’s no video out for this track. Not yet, at least…

5. All eyez on me feat. Big Syke

Let me first say that I’m glad they left Syke on this one. Putting an other rapper on it would only result in hating and critics saying that the album’s an attempt to promote the new generation of Death Row artists. The remixing of this song has a nice thought, but the wrong instruments. It sounds too “computer made”. Listen to it and you’ll know what I mean.

6. Heartz of men

Once again “Tharow Hitterz” seems use a cheap keyboard to reproduce a track, and once again that ruins it since the thought behind it is good. The beat’s good but the cheap sounding instruments make it hard to enjoy the music. You can tell they tried to make a sick beat tho – just like Quik did on the original version.

7. Toss it up feat. Danny Boy, Aaron Hall, KC & JoJo

Damn! I’m definitely feeling this one! The Nu Mixx has the same kind of production as the original, but it’s a lil improved. I love the added guitar string, and this might actually be an improved version of the old version of the song. Death Row recently released an unseen video for this track recorded back when 2pac was alive. They should have saved that video and released it with the “Nu Mixx” over it. That would’ve been a hit.

8. Hit em up feat. The Outlawz

Ya’ll remember the original – a classic diss track, maybe the best diss track ever. The Nu Mixx is weak. I’m not feeling the beat at all, and it’s the first track on this album I’m not even feeling a little bit this far. On top of that, they used the clean version… Don’t ask me why.

9. Never had a friend like me

“Never had a friend like me” might be the second track that is, in my opinion, improved. The Nu Mixx has a funky beat with an electric guitar playing over it. I’m definitely feeling this one.

10. Ambitionz az a ridah

This is an other one of those tracks that I’m feeling but can’t help but comparing it to the original, and the original track is a part of a 5 out of 5 classic album. I have to say “Tharow Hitterz” did a good job with this one, tho. I’m feeling the beats different tones and the electric guitar in the backround.

“Tharow Hitterz” seems to have some good ideas, but they need to get better production tools. On some tracks, the beat’s real tight but the instruments are taking it down to a “below average” level. On top of that, EVERYONE listening to this album will compare the remixes with the original versions of them. Topping those versions is a very very hard thing to do. My favourite Nu Mixx is “Toss it up”, where the production team actually improved the original beat. Other nice reproductions are “Never had a friend like me”, “2 of amerikaz most wanted”, “How do you want it” and “Ambitionz az a ridah”. The albums down-falls are “Hit em up” and “Heartz of men”. An other bad thing about the album is that it’s only 10 tracks. I grade these Nu Mixxes 3 out of 5, meaning an average score.

Da Band – Too Hot For TV

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

Alot of us watched Da Band on MTV through all the drama and crap. Finally they released their debut album “Too Hot For TV”.

1. Intro

2. My Life

Real good song, nice beat. Really deep track, basically Da Band’s members are talking about their life, nice track to bump. Sara blesses the chorus with her nice little verse.

3. Living Legends

One of the best tracks on this album. Dylan starts with his “Ragadadon” type shit, which gets annoying after he says it over and over. Da Band member spits some nice verses on that cut. Dylan again is on the outro of this song with his “Ragadadon” type shit. Dylan is on the chorus.

4. Tonight

This is basically a R&B/Hip Hop type of track. They talk about what they going to do with their honeys at night. Nice track if u into R&B/Hip Hop tracks.

5. How You Like Me Now (Featuring Mysterious)

That track was recorded during the first season, before they even moved to the house, because I know heard this exact track before the second season was released. It is a nice song, the beat is not complicated or anything, but it sounds nice. Sara is on the chorus. Real nice track.

6. I Like Your Style

This is another R&B/Hip Hop type track. This is a little better then the “Tonight” track. This beat reminds me of a Jazze Pha beat for some reason. Nice track though.

7. What We Gonna Do

Nice track with a nice guitar playing in it. Sara is on the chorus, sounds like a club song, nice song to bump.

8. Why

Dylan on the intro of this track, this is another good track; the lyrics to this song are a little better then the lyrics on the other songs. Chopper and Fred ripped it, but Babs and Ness’ verse kinda sucked if u ask me.

9. Stick up

This track is basically Ness and Fred going to rob a bank, and real nice track, really different from the other tracks on this album. A really nice track. Dope lyrics too.

10. Watcha Be Doing? (Interlude)

11. Chopped Up

Chopper solo, real nice track, with a nice beat. Chopper sounds like Lil Wayne just with more skills. He is a good rapper, not your average south rapper, nice track.

12. Bad Boy This Bad Boy That

I don’t see why this was the first single, it’ not even that good, this is an average song if you ask me, there are way more better songs on this album for this to be the first single. And for a first single, they should’ve picked a song where all the members are in it, not just 4 people.

13. Do You Know (Featuring Wyclef Jean)

This is a nice song, the chorus to that songs sounds like the chorus to an old Cam’ron feat. Wyclef song. It’s a nice song, Da Band talk about where they are from. Wyclef produces the beat, and it has some electric guitar sound to it. Dylan has a nice reggae type verse on this song. It is a nice song.

14. Hold Me Down

This song is dope. The best verses on this track got to be Dylan’s verse, Fred’s verse and Chopper’s verse. Ness and Babs were aaight too, but not too good.

15. Cheers To Mr. Bentley (Featuring Madd Rapper)

Ok, I ask myself, why did they have that track on the album why couldn’t they put a Dylan solo or a Ness solo on that track? I don’t see the point of this track, yeah, Bentley lived in the same house as Da Band, but there was really no need to this track. This could’ve been an outro, not a track on the middle of the album. Da Band’s members are not even in it…

16. They Know

The beat to that song reminds of the “Shake Your Tail Feather” beat. Chopper and Fred are rapping on this track. It is a good track.

17. Go Steady

Sara solo, she can sing, she is a good singer. I personally don’t like this track, but that is because I’m not a big R&B fan. If you enjoy R&B music, you will love this track, if you don’t enjoy R&B music, I suggest you skip this track.

18. Holla (Outro)

This overall is a nice album, I expected a little more, but it is still a nice album. Some tracks really saved this album, it’s a nice album. I did not like this album at first, but it grew on me. I would have to grade this album between a 3 and a 3.5/5.

Nice album!

DMX – The Grand Champ

Posted on February 15, 2013 by WWC

DMX returns with his fifth and possibly final album. After three stellar albums, X left much to be desired with his fourth, the Great Depression. With his fifth, he proclaims to be the five time champ of the rap game. Can he go out the way he came in?

1. Dog Intro – Production: Darryl Trotter

Starts with a Samuel L Jackson clip from the movie “The Negotiator” proclaiming again his love for the canine breed. Over a piano beat, X spits slowly and laid back, decent track showing the darker side of DMX.

2. My Life ft. Chingy – Production: Dart La

Production in this track is much harder but still deep. The track is a look into the life of Earl Simmons. The idea is good but the chorus is too much coming in after every single line DMX spits out. But his words are there and you can feel his pain.

3. Where Da Hood At? – Production: Tuneheadz

A classic DMX anthem track for the streets and the first single off the album. This track should be banging millions of speakers around the globe. X proclaims his love for the streets again, “I am the streets”. Everything you could expect from a classic DMX track. Some subliminal disses towards Ja Rule. One of the album’s best, one of DMX’s best tracks ever.

4. Dogs Out – Production: Kayne West

Another track reminiscent of the DMX of 1999. The production is again some good shit laid out by Kayne West and fits DMX’s style well. The chorus is annoying but at the same time catchy with the classic X barking.

5. Get It On The Floor ft. Swizz Beats – Production: Swizz Beats

The old duo of X and Swizz reunite which should be a good sign, but the feel of the track is very Southern and doesn’t suit DMX very well during the chorus, but the verses deliver. Decent track.

6. Come Prepared (Skit)

A skit of someone getting their ass kicked and shot.

7. Shot Down ft. 50 Cent, Styles P – Production: Salaam Wreck

Fred Wreck’s brother lays down a nice laid back beat and it suits the purpose of the track. 50 Cent appears with the first verse and a catchy as hell chorus. DMX gives some disses to Ja Rule. It’s a good combo of DMX and G Unit. X’s verse is mad tight but is outshined by the last verse by Lox member Styles P. Possibly the best track on the album.

8. Bring the Noize – Production: Tuneheadz

A better uptempo track that we’re used to from DMX. More silent disses towards Ja Rule. The chorus is another anthem type feel to it. The track is better than most so far on the album, a very NY influenced track for X which is what he needs to focus on doing.

9. Untouchable ft. Sheek, Syleena Johnson, Infa-Red – Production: Tony Pizarro

Very under rated producer Tony Pizarro makes his contribution to this album and doesn’t disappoint. It’s a laid back track again. A good R&B chorus that suits the feel of the track well. Sheek makes an appearance and is mad tight with his flow on this.

10. ***** Yall – Producer: Ron Brownz

The production on this suits DMX’s hardcore style. It’s a slower verse sections but they elevate into a hard “***** Yall” and is another anthem. It’s not as good as most X anthems but it’s still somewhat catchy. The song is very good.

11. Ruff Radio (Skit)

Just a DJ making his shoutouts before getting taped up and taken over by the Ruff Ryderz.

12. We’re Back ft. Eve, Jadakiss – Production: Tuneheadz

A reunion of all the Ruff Ryder superstars in X, Eve and Jada. The production is very good. DMX does his old style flow a little bit mixing it up with a little singing. Eve delivers like only the queen on hardcore rap can. Jadakiss is a lyrical force like always. The track is a must hear.

13. Ruff Radio 2 (Skit)

a continuation of the first one.

14. Rob All Night – Production: Rockwilder

Rockwilder delivers an electronic mess in the production. Minus the Nintendo shorting out sounds, the production isn’t bad. X is trying to return to “It’s All Good” but it doesn’t slip people’s minds considering this one is nothing near the original. Messy track.

15. We Go Hard ft. Cam’Ron – Production: No I.D.

This track is more reminiscent of what to expect from X. His flow is good and his voice is on point, lyrics are hardcore. The production is bouncing hard. The chorus is repetitive but it’s far overshadowed by the verses by X and Cam’Ron.

16. We Bout To Blow ft. Big Stan – Production: Dame Grease

Another old X producer returns to deliver a beat more expected for X. Grease knows how to fit DMX’s style and it shows. DMX tries a little too hard to give another anthem chorus but it doesn’t work on this track, but the verses are ill. The track doesn’t disappoint.

17. The Rain – Production: DJ Scratch

Two things DMX is great at are anthem tracks and deeply painful emotional tracks. He gives the latter on this track, making you feel his pain. It’s dark and inspiring at the same time. Unfortunetely like “My Life” he gives the chorus after each line which takes away from the lyrics a lot.

18. Gotta Go (skit)

A phone call about some guy defending himself for cheating.

19. Don’t Gotta Go Home ft. Monica – Production: BAM and Ryan

A clichÃ© track in rap these days to have a relationship song between a hard rapper and the innocent R&B singer. ClichÃ© but it’s still good on this track. The beats are average at best, Monica shines with the chorus and DMX flows well with her.

20. A’Yo Kato ft. Magic and Val – Production: Swizz Beatz

A tribute track for DMX’s fallen friend Kato. Meaningful tribute with a great chorus by DMX. Talks about his life with Kato and how he’ll miss him. Nice tribute track, one of the album’s better moments. 21. Thank You ft. Patti LaBelle – Production: DMX, Ron H. – The production is surprisingly ill coming from DMX. It’s a little too much to have X and Patti Labelle singing at the same time, but when apart they deliver a hiphop version of gospel music.

22. The Prayer V – Production: DMX

Another installment of X’s prayer, but this time with the production all uptempo, is it a song or a prayer? It’s nothing like the original four’s deepness in words and lyrics.

23. On Top ft. Big Stan – Production: Mac G

Bonus track that maybe should’ve been left off. It’s just another average DMX song that doesn’t contribute much to the album. The lyrics and flow by X are good but the chorus is annoying.

While this album doesn’t have many failures, it’s still not the DMX of old. It’s an improvement overall over the “Great Depression” but minus a couple great tracks in “Where Da Hood At” and “Shot Down”, most of the album is very average from DMX. Five Time Grand Champ? No. Three time champ. If this is his finale album, it’s hard to make of how he went out. Maybe he is tired of the game and doesn’t have that fire he used to. He attempted to give us some old DMX, but after a 4 year career in the limelight, it sounds a little like he lost the motivation he used to have.

The album is grimier than his past appearances, but maybe they should have included some unreleased tracks that would have boosted the feel of the album such as “Do You” and “They Want War”. Not a bad album, it’s a must for any DMX fan, but it’s not the greatness overall expected of DMX.

Rating: 3 out of 5.