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Album reviews.

Obie Trice – Cheers

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Obie Trice - CheersObie Trice – Cheers – 2003 Shady/Aftermath Records

1. Average Man 

Obie Trice steps right out of the gate with a dark and hardcore track. Shows his lyrical ability and his gangsta side. Great start to the album, the production is dope and suits is perfectly, Obie delivers what we’ve been waiting for. Dominant track.

2. Cheers 

The album’s title track starts with a sound of a lounge playing the piano but switches up into a banger. Obie demonstrates his lyrical ability and unique flow and voice. Some nice metaphors. Another tight track right off the start. The chorus is catchy and good for a party. Cheers.

3. Got Sum Teeth 

The first single off the album. Be prepared to be sick of it because it’s going to be all over TV and the radio. Probably the track that will make Obie a star, like “In Da Club” did for 50 Cent. His flow is crazy over the beats that will make any dance floor crowd up. Like it now because you’ll be overloaded with it soon.

4. Lady ft. Eminem 

The production again is dope as hell. Eminem gives a chorus like only he can that will make the women love this track and the guys will love the lyrical fire delievered by Obie and Eminem. Another shining moment on this album, that has yet to fail.

5. Don’t Come Do 

An R&B influenced track with the scratchy record chorus. But again, the production is amazing. Obie tells the story of his life and about who he is. The lyrics are killer, Obie’s flow is unmatched by most these days. Another great track.

6. The Set Up ft. Nate Dogg 

A knocking beat, the production once again doesn’t fail, the trademark of Aftermath. Obie hooks up with the king of hooks. Good production, good lyrics and Nate on the hook only adds up to one thing – a great track. Not as good as the first 5 of the album, but it’s above average.

7. Bad *****

This is where the “too good to be true” moment hits. The production is slightly annoying and the chorus a little more annoying. You can’t put the blame of this track on Obie though, he comes hard once again but the track isn’t near the quality of the first half of the album.

8. Shit Hits The Fan ft. Dr. Dre, Eminem 

The now classic track just from it’s appearances on mixtapes. The production is classic and will be hard to beat by any producer at the apex of their careers. Dre gives an old school flow dissing Ja Rule with some funny lines “you’re a *****, you’re not Pac I knew him/ Pac was a real nigga/ you’re just a *****ing insult to him”. Eminem gives a chorus that is catchy as hell. Obie tears Ja Rule a new one with lyrical fire that Rule couldn’t match any day. Great track, possibly the best on the album.

9. Follow My Life

The production is banging with hard beats and the guitar riff. Obie gives some dope flows and verses on this track. Shows his versatitlity of his style. The track is getting the album back on track for the debut of Obie Trice. The chorus is deep and the verses mix well. Ill track.

10. We All Die 1 Day ft. 50 Cent, Tony Yayo, Eminem, Lloyd Banks 

While the songs has been around for almost half a year now, it shouldn’t have slipped by without being on someone’s album because the production is banging and rumbles. The verses laid out by G Unit and Obie are crazy, Eminem rips the last verse with lyrical ability unmatched these days. Classic track. Shows just how great Shady Records is right now.

11.Spread Yo Shit ft. Kon Artis 

Obie hooks up with one of the members of D12. Production isn’t as good as most of this album, but still better than most you’ll hear today. They chorus isn’t that great. Obie again doesn’t fail with his lyrical flow, but it’s not the best track.

12. Look In My Eyes ft. Nate Dogg 

Again the production on this track is amazing, it’s more laid back but still great in the speakers and Obie Trice spits some real shit over it. He keeps his flow and lyrics on point in this track. Again he hooks up with the hook genious Nate Dogg so you know what to expect of this track.

13. Hands On You ft. Eminem

A recycled beat on this track touched up a bit but it’s too familiar which takes away from the originality of the song. The lyrics are good but it’s all overshadowed by the production, that while it’s good, it sounds like a mixtape freestyle.

14. Hoodrats

The cliché rap track about a chickenhead, but if you’re not tired of them, this track is good at it. Obie has a faster flow to the track but his lyrics again are tight. The production is on point. Slightly a filler track, but that’s because it’s on a far above average album already.

15. Oh ft. Busta Rhymes 

Obie hooks up with a legend of hip hop on this track and over the beats Obie once again states his real name which is getting slightly old by now but he recovers and gives a good verse. The production is a little overwhelming, but it’s still a decent track. The chorus is a little annoying and louder than the rest of the track with Busta yelling it out. Obie delivers but it’s a little messy.

16. Never Forget Ya 

Right out of the gate, Obie starts spitting some deep lyrics about his people from the past. It’s a deep track which just goes to show the versatility of Obie. It’s deep and moving. The chorus is perfect for the track. Instead of the classic whining about stardom, Obie embraces it and touches back down to his past.

17. Outro ft. Eminem, D12 

This track might go down as the best outro ever in rap. The lyrical ability of the members on this track are amazing (minus Bizarre), Eminem spits some crazy shit right off the bat and they trade verses. One of the best tracks on the album and it’s the method of any great entertainer – leave on a high note.

 

Another debut album from the ranks of Aftermath Records, that goes to show how much talent they have under their system. First it was 50 Cent, now it’s Obie’s turn and he doesn’t fail one bit. Whether or not the mainstream will embrace him like they did 50 and Eminem, that doesn’t matter. He gives us a show from a debut album that is only matched by the likes of Dre, Snoop, 50 Cent, Eminem, Nas and Biggie.

He was a star before his first album, now he’s proven himself. He singlehandidly carried this album beginning to end. It doesn’t hurt when you carry an album and have the likes of Eminem, Busta Rhymes and Nate Dogg to help the cause along.

It was everything you could expect from his debut. Time will tell what history makes of it.

Rating – 4 out of 5.

2pac – All Eyez On Me

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2pac - All Eyez On meIt’s all politics, that’s all it is right? Well for Tupac Amaru Shakur it was more then politics, it was his life! 1995 was obviously not a good year for raps most watched and media hounded individual as numerous conspiracies, betrayal’s, and other types of drama befell 2Pac. Then it happened, someone let the beast loose! Suge Knight bailed 2Pac out of Clinton Correctional in October 1995 and immediately signed him to his label, Death Row Records. What would 2Pac say? What as on his mind? What did 11 months of prision do to Pac? All that would be answered with a title similar to his situation: All Eyez On Me. Rap’s first double album.

 

Book 1

1. Ambitionz Az A Ridah 

Pac lets it all loose here in this opening track to the double album. It is evident that Pac has a lot to speak on with these 3 longer then usual verses which touch on jealousy, Government involvement in his life, and overall problems that seem to follow the rapper wherever he goes. All done of a dope Daz production complete with violins and guitar licks.

2. All Bout U 

The same ***** everywhere we go! 2Pac, Nate Dogg, and the Outlawz get down on this track about seeing the same females constantly. A very dope verse from Fatal complete this song lyrically. Also includes cameo’s from Dru Down and Snoop Doggy Dogg. Bass filled Johnny J. production

3. Skandalouz 

2Pac telling tales about pullin tricks on tricks, while Nate takes over the hook. Nice Daz production as well.

4. Got My Mind Made Up 

This track has more of a East Coast feel to it as Daz and Pac start it off with G’d up yet MC-like verses, then on to the true MC performances of the track. First off is Kurupt with a metaphor induced verse. Next up is the Ticalian Stallion, Method man and as always with him is Redman to finish it off. Expect this to have the only East Coast vibe on the whole album

5. How Do U Want It. 

The raunchiest song on the record complete with the catchy chorus from KC & Jojo of Jodeci.

6. 2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted 

The concept definitely reflected the times! Both 2Pac and Snoop Doggy Dogg come correct and real on this track detailing how the federal government wants them out of the public eye. Also a very dark yet gangsta’d out beat provided by Daz. A political club banger… Who would have guessed?

7. No More Pain 

Killing them softly over a bounce-music type of beat provided by Devante’ of Jodeci. This song is basically a “warning/flossing/can’t ***** with me” effort by Pac and not the last one to be heard on the album. The chorus which is taken from the Method Man hit “Bring the pain” has a chill effect when spoken by 2Pac.

8. Heartz Of Men 

Pac’s most constant flow on the whole album over a DJ Quik beat with exerts from Richard Pryor. Very dope song with good use of wind instruments.

9. Life Goes On 

A very emotional song that can break down the hardest nigga living. Like “Dear Mama” Pac succeeds at making the audience emotionally touched.

10. Only God Can Judge me 

The greatest political effort on the whole album! Pac not only uses his own experience in this song but also his political philosophy on the state of black youth. A classic joint that till today sticks with us all. Good verse by Rappin 4-tay but it seems he is not on the same page as Pac himself and lacks the potent effect Pac has.

11. Tradin War Stories 

It’s game. An OG concept of G’s with stripes reminiscing on old street war tales. Features a dope verse by C-bo, good efforts by EDI and Storm of Tha Outlawz, but Napoleon steals the show with his re-account of him witnessing his parents murder.

12. California Love (RMX) 

Who can forget this early 1996 banger which features the good Dr. and Zapp artist, the late Roger Troutman? Even though this is not the version that became the hit radio and video single it holds it’s weight. Maybe even more so then the original. Dre’s popular orchestra-like beat style, G-funk’d out, is perfect for Pac’s verse where he gives love to Cali. Classic!

13. I Ain’t Mad At Cha 

The third single off the album showcases the good chemistry between Danny Boy and 2Pac. Pac does what he does best by performing three very emotional verses while Danny Boy takes it away with his soulful chorus.

14. What’z Ya Phone # 

The porno beat-like track seems to be the only out of place song on the album. The beat it self seems like a spin off of a Porno background beat. Though not bad, it’s not the greatest song on the album. Phone Sex on a rap song just ain‘t cracking.

Book 2 

1. Can’t C Me 

What a way to start off the 2nd half of the double album.. With a beat that can blow your speakers the funk out! This intense track features the father of funk George Clinton who makes his cliché weird yet can’t stop listening to vocal performance. Good ode to the funk and a very special production by Dr. Dre.

2. Shorty Wanna Be a Thug 

Probably one of the best production efforts on the album. It is the epitome of that west coast sound. Concept: The tale of a YG (Young Gangsta for you squares) growing and learning the realities of the streets.

3. Holla At Me 

“Thought y’all niggas was Gangstas” concept behind this fast paced song that basically calls out all comers. Good vocal effort by Jewell.

4. Wonda Why They Call U Bytch 

We all know Pac has respect for the sistas.. But this women sympathetic song dissects why a woman is called a “*****”. Another deep thought song. Also a slap in the face to C Delores Tucker and her Hip-Hop witch hunt. Superior production from Johnny J.

5. When We Ride 

The song that introduced the world to the Outlawz. Though now only down to three members as of 2003, this song features the original grouping of Tha Outlawz: Makaveli (Pac), Fatal, Kastro, Napoleon, EDI, Mussolini (Syke), Kadafi, and Kormaini (Mopream Shakur). Dope track.

6. Thug Passion 

Another song for the ladies based on a Drink containing Cristal and Alize. Features Storm, the Outlawz, and nice vocals from Jewell.

7. Picture Me Rollin 

More of a political song but with flossing twist. Basically Pac is poking fun at everyone who tried to keep him in jail or put him there. Mentioned are Government agencies, Clinton Correctional, and the District Attorney who tried his case. Dope verse from CPO the boss hog as well. Not to mention great production coming again from Johnny J.

8. Check Out Time 

Another dope beat from Johnny J. Concept about a post panty raid at a hotel the next day. What else can I say? It’s Check out time! Kurupt comes real tight with another on-key rap which flows to the beat perfectly. Sub par verse from Syke though.

9. Rather Be Ya Nigga 

This one again is for the ladies. But is about not being the main love, but the part time lover. The chemistry between Richie Rich and 2Pac shines on this one as Rich unlike the outlaws can keep up with Pac’s player type sensuality and raunchiness. Also another dope production effort from Bay Area producer Doug Rasheed.

10. All Eyez On Me 

The title track which sums up the whole album concept. After all the drama surrounding Pac the last year and now that he is free; All eyez on him! The dope beat (later used by Nas on “Street Dreams”) is one of the more memorable beats by Johnny J as the whole album concept is laid into one song.

11. Run Tha Streetz 

Story about business with the streets and then having to deal with his boo’s concerns. Staying up worrying, wondering if he will come home, and letting him do his thing. Comes with the territory when loving a thug nigga. Great Bass filled production.

12. Ain’t Hard 2 Find 

Gangsta Shit! The beat is dead on with the feel of the lyrics as Pac, E-40, B-legit, C-Bo, and Richie Rich drop that G shit to a Mike Mosely beat. Lyrically 2Pac comes his strongest on this one. Ain’t nothing but a Bay Area party!

13. Heaven Ain’t Hard To Find 

Ending on a positive note: Another Danny Boy – Pac Collaboration, which like before works out nice. Making a production appearance is QD3, son of Quincy Jones who makes a G-funk style ending to an almost perfect album.

 

After two discs of pure and raw game 2Pac finishes what probably is his most popular effort ever! Going 6 times platinum by September 1996 and eventually all the way to 9 times platinum, All Eyez On Me is seen by many as the peak of 2Pac’s skill. Definitely a classic album with it’s memorable cuts and catchy hooks. After all coming off of being shot, charged with rape, sent to prison and finally freed to the first place 2Pac found a home has to be a tremendous task for the average man. For 2Pac this was life, and all eyes were on him. I give this album a 5 out of 5: Classic!

Ying Yang Twinz – Me & My Brother

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Ying Yang Twinz - Me & My BrotherThis is the third album from southern brothers Ying Yang Twinz. A lot of people isn’t feeling the Ying Yang’s style, but I’m not one of those people.

 

1. Them brave (Skit)

2. Hanh!

The Ying Yang Twinz start their album of with a banger. “Hanh!” has got a banging beat with real cool lyrics to it. The screaming and the “Haaanh” in the backround is making the track extra crunk. Tight track!

3. What’s happenin! Feat. Trick Daddy

“What’s happenin!” is another banging from the Ying Yang Twinz. This time they’re bringing in Trick Daddy to drop some heat. The best part about this track has to be the hook though – it’s tight as ***** getting you all crunk’d up!

4. Grey goose

“Grey goose” is a lil hard to explain. The beat’s crunk but at the same funky, while the lyrics are fitting the beat perfectly. I really like this track tho, and there haven’t been any poor tracks on this album this far!

5. Salt shaker feat. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz

Ahh damn! The Ying Yang Twinz are bringing in Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz. Can this NOT be crunk?!? It’s crunk alright, but it’s not as good as the 3 previous tracks. It’s still tight tho!

6. Georgie dome (Get low sequel)

Dayumn! What can I say? This shit’s tight as *****! Get crunnkkkk!!

7. What the *****! Feat. Bonecrusher & Killer Mike

You know shit’s gonna be crunk when you bring in Bonecrusher and Killer Mike. As I’m listening to this track I’m thinking this is one of the best albums of 2003. Even tho “What the *****!” isn’t one of my favourite tracks from this album, it’s real tight.

8. Calling all zones feat. Hitman Sammy Sam & Khujo

“Calling all zones” is a lil slower than most other track on this album. Ying Yang Twinz are sounding like they’re getting crunk, but I’m not. It’s a nice cut tho.

9. Me & My Brother

“Me & My Brother” is obviously the title track. It’s a nice cut with slow, dark production. It might be a cool title of the album, but the track isn’t all that. Average.

10. Hard feat. K.T.

“Hard” is a nice cut, but if I were the executive producer of this project, it wouldn’t make the final cut. I guess it’s hard to remove tracks from an album with only 14 tracks tho… The track is crunk but nothing compared to the previous tracks dropped by the Ying Yang Twinz.

11. The nerve calmer

“The nerve calmer” is more like a skit, which is good since the few seconds of rapping over a beat is wack.

12. Naggin’

This is the lead single from this album. If you’re reading this review close to the release date, you can check our video section to check it out. Actually, it’s also currently in our musicbox! The track’s real tight and an excellent choise for the first single even tho there are better tracks on the album. The Ying Yang Twinz are complaining about women, just like women complain about men alot.

13. Naggin’ Part II (The answer)

This is the answer to “Naggin’”, performed by female rappers Ms Flawless and Tha Rythum. The production’s still tight, and it’s a new and original idea to make a reply like this. The two female MC’s are tight too. I like it!

14. Armageddon

“Armageddon” is the final track of this album. It’s an average cut and a neat way to finish the album.

 

Let it be known, that this is a hella tight album! Especially the first part of the album is crunk as ***** and I’m VERY impressed! I’d grade this album 4 out of 5, BUT…

There’s 14 tracks. Out of those 2 are skits and one track’s performed by two female MC’s. That makes it 11 Ying Yang tracks.

11 tracks isn’t enough to get a grade like 4 out of 5, so I’ll grade this album 3.5 out of 5.

Do or Die – Pimpin’ Ain’t Dead

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Do or Die - Pimpin' Ain't DeadThe Chicago based Rap a lot trio Do or Die is once again back on the rap scene. You have probably heard their super hit single “Po Pimpin”with Twista and Johnny P from 1996. These cats have been compared to Bone Thugs N Harmony but to me their rap style and music style ain’t close to being similar to Bone.

 

1. One more way 2 die Featuring White Folks

If you are a big Do or Die fan or if you have heard their earlier albums you will recognize the dark beat on this track straight Do or Die style. The lyrics are about death and dying in other words straight up hardcore.

2. Do U Featuring Twista Johnny P 

Uhh this track gives me the goose bumps. When Johnny P sings the hook on a track, the track as whole always come out tight .This track is in true pimp style. It makes me reminisce back to the 90’s when Po Pimp was a hit. In my opinion this is the ultimate pimp ride track.

3. Fantasy 

This is another smooth track by Do or Die. The lyrics aren’t that freaky, you could almost take this track for a track that could get radio play. Overall a nice produced track with tight vocals.

4. See it through reality Featuring Traxster 

Once again Do or Die drops a darkbeat and raps about the reality’s in society and their life. You can say that the content of the track is a wake up call to the people doing wrong.

5. Lil’Ghetto Featuring Johnny P 

I love Johnny P’s silky smooth voice; combined with Do or Die and Twista you got the ultimate recipe for a tight track. The lyrics on the track are about the poor people livin that Ghetto life wishing for money.

6. Stateville Featuring Traxster and Dun D 

Do or Die switch up the tempo on this track with help from Traxster and Dun-D.The verse goes” murda murda that’s what I am be yelling” in other words a 100 procent gangster track.

7. Don’t give a ***** Featuring No Love 2K3 

This is one of my favourite tracks on the album. The lyrics are hardcore and the hook is tight. The speed these cats raps on this track is very impressive. What more to say than Do or Die doesn’t give a *****.

8. Bomb on contact 

The track start of with an army guy or something talking about what bomb on contact mean. Overall this is a dope track with a nice beat, not the best track on the album but still tight. True Do or Die style.

9. Not 4 u Featuring Johnny P 

Johnny P is back with a bomb ass hook as usual. Not 4 u is probably the smoothest track on the album. I am not that impressed off the lyrics and the way Do or Die raps on the track. Mediocre track in Do or Die standards.

10. In a minute Featuring Navee and Z-Ro

If I had to sum this track up with a three words it would be “pure lyrical skills” for all the rappers got mad lyrical skills and they shows it for real on the track. I especially like the verse that that Z-Ro spits, tightness

11. Who I ***** with 

This is a high-speed track from Do or Die. Overall a nicely produced track. Do or Die proves that they are back on the scene. To sum it up a good track.

12. Cold world 

Do or Die ends the album with slow and more meaningful track. It’s hard to hate on this track because it’s not that bad at all but a bit slow for my taste.

I you like some of Do or Die’s earlier album’s you should pick this one up, if you like Midwest high-speed rap you should pick this one up and if you like a solid produced rap album you should most definitely pick this one up. What more to say than that Do or Die is back as tight as ever. Grade 3.5 stars out of 5

Yukmouth – Godzilla

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Yukmouth - GodzillaThis is Yukmouth’s third solo album. For you who don’t know, Yuk’s a member of the group Luniz.

 

1. Godzilla

The album starts off with a laid-back mystic type of beat. This does not sound like a “regular” Yukmouth track at all, but he drops three tight verses and there is nothing more to say, Yuk is back. Perfect Intro track.

2. Money & Power

The 2nd track has a slow-tempo beat, and this track does not suit Yukmouths flow. The hook is just boring, skip this track.

3. Nothin 2 a Boss (ft. Benjilino) 

It took about 2 seconds for me to realize that this song is not “ok”, not good and not even dope, this is a real masterpiece! Yukmouth flows so hard and represents the West and Rap-a-lot records to the fullest. Benjilino sings the hook; this is a real tight track.

4. Regime Mobstaz (Ft. The Regime) 

The Regime consists of 12 rappers (C-bo, Yukmouth, Tech N9ne, D-Don & Dorasel, to name a few). This song sounds like a declaration of war, everyone comes real hard on this one, but Tech N9ne steals the show with his and the tracks first verse. Good track.

5. Stuntastic

When I first heard this track I really hated it, but after a while I started to like it. The beat sounds like a Neptunes production and I really can’t figure out what Yuk thought when he wrote this song, cause the only thing he raps about is the clothes he wear. An average track.

6. Pimp Da ***** (Ft. Dru Down/B-Legit) 

The title says it all, this is one of those “laid-back pimp tracks”. It features the Pimp Of The year, Dru Down and The King of Sticky; B-Legit. I really like this track, Dru Down comes hard and B-legit´s flow fits this track perfect. Good one

7. Do my thang featuring (Ft. Val Young/Kurupt/Roscoe) 

The production on this reminds me of one of those latino-flava hiphop songs (that I really hate). The lyrics from Yuk, Kurupt and Roscoe is ok, but doesn’t fit in on this type of beat . If you like Ricky Martin maybe, skip this one.

8. Kidnap U (Ft. Nyce/Who’z Who) 

This one is definitely dedicated to the girls, a real slick song .The hook is catchy and Yuk shows that he can turn into Don Juan whenever he feels like it. Features female Regime member Nice. Tight track.

9. Somebody Gone Die Tonight (Ft. Tech-N9ne/Hussein Fatal/The Realest/Benjillino) 

Next time Yukmouth decides which guest-rappers he want to put on his album, he better not invite Tech N9ne to the studio. Tech N9ne rips the track to tiny little pieces. Everyone is coming real tight but Tech N9ne is playing in another league. Yukmouth´s verse is a raw Master P diss. Good one.

10. Ya boy (Ft. Devin/Ampichino) 

Tight beat, Devin comes tight as usual. I never heard of Ampichino before, and it seems like I didn’t miss anything special. He´s ok, but not all that. Devin and Yuk bring this track up one level. Average track.

11. I want ya body (Ft. Aaron Hall) 

A typical party track, Aaron Hall sings the hook. Boring song.

12. Thug Lordz (ft. The Thug Lordz) 

This is actually a 50 Cent diss, and it’s a good one. This is a real tight track, they fire slugs at the whole Aftermath camp;”You niggas think the westcoast are only Dre & Xzibit, they aight but The Thug Lordz handlin buisness”. Yuk is dropping tight lyrics on this one.

13. Be Easy (Ft. Ray J/Gangsta Girl) 

The track features Brandy´s little brother Ray J on the hook and a really wack female rapper called “Gangsta Girl”. Awful track. Skip it.

14. What it do (Ft. E-Roc/Bun B) 

I don’t know if it’s possible to record a wack song that features Bun B, probably not. The beat sounds like a Lil Jon production, real crunk track for the clubs.

15. Go hard (Ft. The Fleet/Ampichino) 

The beat sounds like typical Slip-N-Slide (Trick Daddys Label) beat, but it doesn’t fit Yukmouth, and the guests aint all that. Average track.

16. Do it B.I. 

Finally, a track with only Yukmouth on it. Tight beat, Yuk´s flow is real good, but the hook is boring.

17. Model Chicks

This song is about Models and why Yuk loves ´em. This is a real funny track, but the beat is weird, Yuk got a kind of flute sample on it.

18. Hard Tymez (Ft. Z-Ro/Trae/Tanya Herron) 

This is the last and defiantly the best track on the album. It features Houston Rappers Trae & Z-ro (from the group Guerilla Maab) and the singer Tanya Herron. Heavy beat and deep lyrics.

If you liked “Thug Lord: The New Testament” and “Thugged Out: The Albulation” you definitely should get this album. I give it 4/5.

Que The Kid – Street Loyalty

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I never really heard Que The Kid before popping in this album in my system. I know he’s a New York rapper with ties to the south.

1. Where I’m Supposed To Be

The album starts off with a real tight cut titled ”Where I’m Supposed To Be”. A sample is used over a hard hitting beat Que The Kid uses an east coast style with a lil down south crunk built into it. It works out real well. The tight beat combined with the hot spit by Que makes this a real tight track.

2. Shoot To Kill Me

“Shoot To Kill Me” is an other banger. The beat’s real tight and Que is spitting some hot shit over it. The hook, with Que The Kid going “Don’t shoot to shoot, shoot to f*cking kill me”, is real tight. The two first tracks on the album have definitely left me wanting to hear more.

3. Ain’t Gonna Like Me feat. Mac Sug

Que The Kid goes crunk on this one. Like I said before, Que’s got an east coast style with some dirty south flavour. It’s real obvious on this track as the beat’s pretty crunk and east coast rhymes and flow is mixed with a crunk hook. I never heard it mixed like this before, but it sounds real good.

4. The Issue Is Trust

“The Issue Is Trust” is about street life and how everyone’s trying to be a gangster and hate nowadays. Everybody’s switching sides. The issue, according to Que, is trust. The beat’s kind of laid back and Que’s flow is on point. You sometimes hear lyrics with no meaning whatsoever – that’s not the case on this album.

5. Listen Carefully

“Listen Carefully” is an other one of those Kayne West-sounding beats with a speeded up sample in the background. Que The Kid is trying to teach you something as he asks you to listen carefully. Even though Que is a young dude, he seems to have some wisdom. A tight flow over a pretty tight beat makes this track solid.

6. Hard At Work

Even though this is not a reggaeton track, the production kind of reminds me of one. The beat is fresh and has a guitar and some other stuff over it. As he has on every track of the album, Que comes out tight. Solid cut.

7. I Speak For You

“I Speak For You” has a beat that reminds me of “If I Ruled The World” with Nas, with the piano and all. For you who didn’t hear the Nas track… well it’s a flattering comparison. Go listen to it. Que’s talking about how he’s a man of the people and speak for you. It’s a real cool track.

8. Let It Go

So far, I’ve liked all tracks on the album. This is probably the exception. “Let It Go” has a darker and slower beat that I’m not really feeling. Que The Kid’s not coming out wack or anything, but I’m just not feeling the track as a whole. It’s not my cup of tea.

9. It’s On (In The Streets)

Que The Kid “came from the streets, and remain in the streets”. The clean beat with a guitar over it isn’t impressive itself, but the way Que comes on over it makes this a real tight track.

10. Heavy Burdens

Some people have heavy burdens, and I guess Que The Kid is one of them. The beat is cool but what makes the song is the story-telling rap. Each verse is a story about a new person. I like story-telling rap, so that’s a plus in my book.

11. Yeah Yeah

“Yeah Yeah” is a party banger. Once again Que brings out some of the crunk he’s got in him. Mixed with the east coast flavour, the result is great. I could see this cut being played at clubs etc.

12. Get Shot

“Get Shot” is an other party track. However, the result is not as good as on “Yeah Yeah”. The beat on this song is actually pretty wack. Lyrically, it’s an other one of those “I’m gonna ***** you up” songs everyone make.

13. I Bang Bang

“I Bang Bang” is… a Banger. The beat sounds kind of familiar to me, but it could just be that I’ve been bumping the song a few times now. Even though there are other real tight tracks, this could be the best song of the album. Enough said, really… check it out.

14. Respect Me

A man needs to be respected, no matter size, colour or whatever. The main message in this song is that Que demands his respect. He delivers the message over a pretty dark and repetitive beat. The song’s cool, but after a few bangers I’m a little spoiled.

15. Voice Of The People

“Voice Of The People” is one of those tracks with a speeded up sample in the backround. It works out great! Que delivers an other banger. Just like on “I Speak For You”, Que The Kid explains that he’s the voice of the people. To me, a rapper being the voice of the people is pretty important. When rappers lose touch of their believes and stop speaking on the things they spoke on when coming up, they usually fall off. Either way, this is a banger.

16. I’m A Hustler feat. Mac Sug

An other Mac Sug feature on the album. Mac Sug’s from Tennessee and sounds like it. When he goes on the track, you can hear that grimy dirty south shit most of us like. A real nice way to finish of the album.

Que The Kid has really impressed me with this album. There aren’t really any wack songs on it, even though I wasn’t feeling one or two of the beats. I was afraid this would be one of those albums you throw away after one listen, but that’s not the case at all. Que’s original east coast style with a down south flavour mixes up real good, and with the production being tight as well the album is clearly above an average rating. Compared to the other albums I’ve heard this year, this is probably in the top 5 or even top 3. I rate this album 4 out of 5.

Ras Kass – Rasassination

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Ras Kass - RasassinationThis was Ras Kass´s second album. He dropped his critically acclaimed album “Soul On Ice” in 95. Lets see if this album lived up to the expectations.

 

1. Endtro (Intro)

2. Rasassination 

Ras is getting a good start with “Rasassination”. It’s a dope beat and Ras is dropping tight lyrics all over it. The hook is good too.

3. Ghetto fabulous feat Dr Dre & Mack 10 

I just love this beat. Not to mention the tight performance by Dre, Mack 10 and Rass kass. I wonder how a group with these three rappers would be like. Anyway, back on track to the track. Like I said, the beat is tight and I love the hook since it’s catchy. This is not only the best track on the album, it was also the first single of it. I don’t know why Ras didn’t blow up with this single.

4. LapDance feat R.C.

What the hell is this? Don’t tell me that Ras is trying to make a club song. If that’s the case then this is the worst club song ever. Nothing is good on this track.

5. (Skit)

6. Conceited bastard 

Sometimes I wonder what’s wrong with Ras Kass’s ear – this beat is wack and boring. Since the beat is so wack you hardly get to the hook. That’s to bad since the hook is good. Wack track!

7. Ice age feat Kurupt & El Drex

“Ice age” has got another wack and boring beat. It’s to bad since Ras, Kurupt and El Drez are dropping dope lyrics. The hook is nothing special either.

8. (Skit)

9. H2oproof feat Saafir

Just as I started to lose hope, Ras Kass finally gets a tight beat. He don’t waste any time; he is spitting dope lyrics with frustration and a whole lot of energy. Ras even got a hip-hop quotable in “The Source Mag” for one of his verses. Tight track!

10. It is what it is feat Jazze Pha

The beginning of this track is funny. Then the laid-back beat kicks in and you get the feeling that it’s a serious track. The hook is RnB inspired and is very catchy. It’s a good track that could have been a good single.

11. Interview with a vampire feat God and Satan

This is a track that got a hard dope beat with matching lyrics. It’s a good concept by Ras Kass and it’s a very interesting track. He really pulled of a tight and original track with this one.

12. Wild pitch feat Xzibit, Jah Skillz & Phil Da Agony 

The beat on this track is not good but it’s not bad either. That doesn’t seem to matter tho since the rappers on the track are dropping tight lyrics over it. The hook is definitely good but it’s still an average track.

13. OohWee!

In the beginning of the track Ras is saying that he “doesn’t give a ***** about a beat” (like Snoop said In Doggfather). I believe Ras tho since this beat is wack. It’s to bad since his flow is on point and of course his lyrics are tight. The hook is very catchy too. If this track had a better beat it could have been a single.

14. All or nuthin´ feat Twista 

Twista start this track with an awesome verse. He is not the only one impressing me; Ras is really dropping tight lyrics too. Twista and Ras Kass are very good together and it’s definitely showing on this track. It don’t hurt that the beat is dope and the hook is good, too.

15. Grindin feat Bad Azz

It’s hard to describe this track. The beat and hook make it sound like a party track, but Ras complex rhyme style is making it sound like a battle track. Still it’s a good track, I just don’t get what crowd it’s aimed at.

16. I Ain’t *****ing with you 

Once again Ras gets a boring beat that is kinda laid back. I cant listen to this track for more then one minute. The hook is simple and boring and Ras is saying a few unnecessary racist comments too.

17. Get at me 

This track is better. It’s got a good, laid back beat that fits Rass Kass. The hook is very nicely done by a female singer and Ras is spitting good game.

18. The end feat Rza

Rza is starting the track off with an impressive verse over the good, laid back, beat. Ras is also dropping tight lyrics and it’s a good track, but it feels like it’s too late to save the album.

 

I must say that I’m very disappointed. Ras tried to go mainstream but failed. Most of the beats on this album are wack. The lyrics are tight but sometimes they don’t fit in with the theme of the track. I would only recommend this album to the true Ras Kass fans or maybe people who just care for the lyrics. I give it 3/5

 

Chingy – Jackpot

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Chingy - JackpotSt. Louis native Chingy used to hang out with Nelly’s St. Lunatics but signed to Ludacris label “Disturbing the peace”. With those two superstars behind him, Chingy couldn’t do anything besides succeeding. “Jackpot” is the debut album from this southern dialect newcomer.

 

1. Jackpot Intro

2. He’s herre

The album starts off with a bouncy production with Chingy flowing with his distinct accent. He’s basically saying that he’s “herre”. It’s a real cool track. The beat’s making it, mostly, but Chingy’s got a nice flow too.

3. Represent feat. Tity-Boi & i-20

“Represent” is a lot like “He’s herre” production wise, but in a lower phase. It’s still got the bounce style I like tho and it’s definitely above average. Chingy, Tity-Boy and i-20 are representing with some freestyle-like lyrics. It’s a real good track.

4. Right Thurr

I’m sure ya’ll heard this one. “Right Thurr” was and is a big hit. The production’s perfect for the club, radio, tv or whatever. Chingy’s rapping about how he like the way the b*tches shake that ass. Definitely a hit.

5. Jackpot the pimp (Skit)

6. Whurrs my cash

Chingy’s building on his “Herre, Thurr, Whurr” slang, which is cool with me. This time he’s doing it over a real mellow beat with some funky sounds in the backround. The subject is money, fame, women… Not very original but I’m still enjoying this cut.

7. Chingy jackpot

“Chingy jackpot” is an other party track. It’s not as partyisch as “Right Thurr” but it’d be a good pick for a second single. Chingy’s rapping about money, which is getting pretty boaring, but the production and his nice flow with the slang is holding it up. The hook’s real good too.

8. Sample dat ass feat. Murphy Lee

Again, Chingy’s rapping about b*tches. Murphy Lee’s doing the same thing. The production’s good but this track’s still not one of my favourite tracks on this album.

9. One call away feat. J/Weav

Now Chingy’s rapping about a girl he fell for? I guess he’s not very faithful if you choose to believe all the previous tracks. The song goes to show how Chingy can do story telling rap tho, and that’s a good thing. The production’s very good with a guitar string, and the hook’s very catchy so if this was a single, it’d be a hit.

10. Dice game (Skit)

11. Gettin’ it

On “Gettin’ it” they’re bringing in that club-hit production again. This time it’s a little darker with some trumpets or something in the background, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I heard this at the club later on. Chingy’s flowing about how everybody’s gettin it…

12. Holidae in feat. Ludacris & Snoop Dogg

Chingy’s bringing in label head Ludacris and west coast veteran Snoop Dogg. The beat’s real tight and Luda’s tight as usual and Snoop’s on the hook. Snoop’s also doing some talking at the end of the track but no real rapping. Tight cut.

13. Juice

Again, Chingy’s on a pimpin tip. “Juice these hoes” is the message on this track, and it’s nothing new so I’m not really impressed. Production’s still lasting tho.

14. ***** dat n*gga (Skit)

15. Madd at me

They’re mad at Chingy cuz he’s got money, *****es etc. Same ol’ same ol’. I’m not impressed by that, but I’m impressed how well the production’s been throughout this album this far.

16. Bagg up

“Bagg up” has a real funky beat and it’s very tight. Chingy’s flowing nicely over it making it a real tight track. Too bad it’s about the same things as most other tracks. It’s still a really tight track.

BONUS TRACK: Right thurr Remix feat. JD & Trina

Same Trackstar beat is used on the “Right thurr” remix, but JD and Trina are dropping while Chingy’s doing a new verse. Trinas flow seems lazy, and that’s not what I’m used to hearing from her so I won’t give her the OK. JD’s not known for being lyrical, but his verse is accepted to this reviewer. It’s a tight track, of course, but the original’s better.

 

Chingys debut album has got very tight production from producers like Trackstar and Dj Quik. The production’s holding up the album, no doubt. It’s actually pushing the album to an above average status. It’s too bad Chingy’s not rhyming about different things than money, cars and b*tches. He’s showing that he can do story telling rap with “One call away”, but he’s not using it on any other track which is too bad.

Since production’s a big part of albums today, and because of Chingy’s catchy slang and nice flow, I grade this album 3.5 out of 5 – a very good debut album.

 

Neptunes Presents: The Clones

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Neptunes Presents: The ClonesI think every one of you have heard of the Neptunes. They’ve done production for a lot of the mainstream artists and produced popular songs like “Beautiful” from Snoop Dogg and “Excuse me miss” by Jay-Z. This time they’ve done a compilation and put a lot of well known names together with their own protégés.

 

1. Roscoe P Coldchain – Intro

Why is Roscoe P Coldchain credited for this? There’s a beat and someone saying “1, 2, 3, 4, 5”… Unless he produced it that’s just weird.

2. Busta Rhymes – Light your ass on fire

According to XXL, this song is in the Guiness book of world records since no other track has the word “ass” in it as much as this one. The beat is ok but Busta’s wack. Pharell’s on the hook with his porno-voice. It’s a pretty weak track overall… Honestly, they can stick it up their ***.

3. Pharell feat. Clipse & Ab Liva – Blaze of glory

Neptunes are trying to sound like some old school New York stuff with some new Cloneisch stuff. It turns out pretty well but Pharell should just stick to producing and leave the rest for the professionals. Good thing the guests are taking up most of the track.

4. I-20 & Ludacris – It wasn’t us

On “It wasn’t us”, the Neptunes are trying to do some new age shit. I’m feeling it a lil, but they’re overdoing it in my opinion. Ludacris is coming out tight as usual, and I-20 is doing a good job too. I’ve got to mention that he sound a lot like Scarface, so there, I mentioned it.

5. Pharell feat. Jay-Z – Frontin

Frontin was the first single off the album, and if you got MTV or any other music channel you’ve probably heard it. The beat’s real tight and makes you bump your head, but if you ask me Pharell should stay off the tracks and let someone else do that part. To quote Ice Cube: Pharell, “Stick to producing!”. I mean seriously… is Pharell even singing or is he making a squeaky voice makin sounds? If not sticking to producing he could atleast stick to hooks. The hook’s coming out tight on this one but the verses are just wack. If it wasn’t for Pharell singing on it, this track would have been real tight. Jay-Z and the production is saving the track.

6. Vanessa Marquez – Good girl

“Good girl” by Vanessa Marquez is an RnB track. It has a real cool beat and Vanessa’s doing her thang to it. Since I’m not a big RnB fan it’s not one of my favourite tracks of the album, but I admit it’s real cool.

7. Nelly – If

Nelly’s got his own style, no doubt about that. It’s questionable if it’s RnB or Rap, but I’m not gonna hate on Nelly. He’s doing his thing and he’s doing it good. This track has real cool production and Nelly’s doing his thing. It’s a real cool track.

8. Roscoe P Coldchain feat. Pusha T & Boo Bonic – Hot

“Hot” has a beat, nothing more, and the rappers are flowing over it. It’s a cool track but nothing more than that. The lyrics are sounding like freestyle lyrics but it’d definitely not a freestyle. It’s just that the track has no message whatsoever.

9. Snoop Dogg – It blows my mind

I really recognize this beat, but I’m not sure where I heard it before. It’s a real cool beat with some bells over a beat. Pharell’s on the hook as usual and west coast superstar Snoop Dogg is doing the rapping. Snoop’s flowing better than he has the past years but it’s not helping – Snoop fell off.

10. Spymob – Half steering

The Neptunes throwed a rock song up In this. It’s a real cool track but it doesn’t fit in at all with the previous tracks. I’m not sure but I don’t think rock and rap goes hand in hand when talking about fanbase and target audience.

11. High speed scene – *****in spend

An other rock track. This one’s just 1:30 but it still counts. Again, I don’t understand why they put rock tracks on a rap compilation, or the other way around. The track’s ok.

12. N.E.R.D feat. Clipse – Loser

N.E.R.D is Neptunes rock group. I have their album (the second and way better edition) and they’re a tight rock group, but why are they on this compilation? I guess The Neptunes are trying to take over both genres. In the middle of the track Clipse’s taking over and flowing over this rock beat. It’s weird but they’re doing it pretty well. It’s a good song.

13. FamLay – Rock and Roll

Is this rock or rap? Nowadays you can’t tell sometimes. Someone talking or rapping over a rock beat. The track’s called “Rock and Roll” so maybe that’s a hint… I’d say this track is weak tho.

14. Jadakiss feat. Supercat – Don of the Dons (Put de ting pon dem)

Okay, I like Jadakiss, but this track’s just too wack. The beat’s wack as ***** and Supercat is *****ing it up even more. Jada’s doing the last verse and he’s trying to do the best of it. He’s actually holding it up there for a while but not even Jada can hold this track up completely. It’s wack.

15. Clipse feat. Ab-Life & Roscoe P Coldchain – Hot damn

“Hot damn” is the second single from this album. I just saw the video on the other day. It’s a neat track with a real cool production so it’s a good choise. Even tho the rappers on this aren’t exactly the most tallanted rappers ever, it’s a real good track. Pharell’s rapping on it too, haha. I guess he’s got 3 different voices now.

16. N.O.R.E feat. Pharell – Put em up

N.O.R.E over a tight beat, that’s cool. This is one of the best track from the album but why the ***** does Pharell insist on being on every god damn track? Get the ***** off the tracks! He’s doing his rapping thing again on this one. Pharell, don’t rap, don’t sing with your porno voice, don’t do squeaky voices, stick to producing!

17. Dirt McGirt feat. Pharell – Pop shit

Dirt McGirt aka Ol’ Dirty Bastard is out of jail and ready to make his entrance again. He’s coming out tight on this track but the beat’s too weak. I don’t even know if Pharell is on this track. If he is he’s using a 4th voice.

18. Kelis feat. Nas – Popular thug

The Neptunes finish off their compilation with a track from Kelis and Nas. Excellent choise! This track’s got real tight production and Nas is coming out real tight on the verses as well as Kelis on the hook. Putting this as the last track will probably make me nicer when grading it.

This album received an XL in the XXL. That’s bullshit. The album’s an orgie of recycled sounds and Pharells attempts to be in the limelight. The album’s been heavily advertised and heavily overrated. I can see how Neptunes fans like the album – if you liked their past works you’ll most likely like this compilation too. That, and a bunch of popular rappers are the plus side of the album. Now… if you’re tired of Pharell and Neptunes beats in general, you will not like this album. I’m one of those people. I’ll probably never bump this album again and if I see Pharell next time I turn on the TV I’ll throw it out the window. And what’s up with putting 3 rock tracks in the middle of the album? The album’s advertised as a rap compilation so keep the rock out of it. I’ll be nice when grading this tho, since I know there’s a lot of Neptunes fans out there.

I grade this album 2 out of 5. Enough said.

Roots Manuva – Run Come Save Me

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Roots Manuva - Run Come Save MeNot counting Slick Rick, Roots Manuva is England’s finest rapper in my opinion. This is the cool sounding MC’s sophmore release.

1. Intro

2. Bashment Boogie 

Nothing special this track but a decent opener. Simple beat with a nice bassline. Manuva’s flow seems to fit nicely. Annoying bloke singing the hook though.

3. Witness (1 Hope)

Anyone who hasn’t heard this track (probably the majority) download it now. Bangin beat, lyrics, tight flow and check out that bassline. His best song to date.

4. Join the Dots

Real nice beat sounding similar to something Beatnuts might use. Don’t like whoever does the opening rap but normal service soon resumes. Great chorus too.

5. Interlude

6. Ital Visions

Strong Contender for best song on the album. Simple but nice beat with drums and synths, but once again its the amazing bassline which is the highlight. This track also shows how Manuva has improved lyrically since his debut, tackling some political issues amongst other topics.

7. Kicking the Cack 

Everything about this track is horrible. Skip this one everytime.

8. Dub Styles 

Quite annoying and repetitive beat, pretty crap lyrics and flow but something keeps me listening to this. Addictive.

9. Trim Body 

A pretty dark hardcore sound here. But ***** knows what he was smoking when he was recording the lyrics. Can’t hardly understand a word.

10. Artical 

Probably too hardcore for my taste. Beat is a simple drumline and bassline with Manuva spitting bars over it. Decent rap.

11. Hol’ it up 

Another speaker breaker in terms of Bass. Average track. I just don’t like the guest appearances – the English accent on them sounds horrible.

12. Stone The Crows 

I seriously will need some new woofer’s after this album’s bass has finished *****ing with them. I’d love to here a car bumping it. A good track. “Shouldn’t really be here shouldn’t really exist, shouldn’t take these drugs shouldn’t get so pissed”.

13. Sinny Sin Sins 

Another great track and probably the deepest one on here. Drums bassline and strings set the backdrop for Manuva to rap about his past, how he was forced to go to church and life etc.

14. Evil Rabbit 

A fantastic dark beat using a guitar. This track has really grown on me and Manuva sounds brilliant over this.

15. Swords in the Dirt 

A good track with everything from lyrics to beat sounding on point. Nice scrathes on the hook.

16. Highest Grade

Song bout weed. Another great bassline. Pretty average production. Not a particularly ear catching song.

17. Dreamy Days 

Despite this track having a video and some airplay, its still a real good track and not too commerical. Deep lyrics, great production.

 

Despite UK rappers hardly getting any recognition (and rightly so in most cases), Roots Manuva is certainly one talented rapper. There’s not person in rap who I can think of who sounds like him which immediately makes him unique. Although I imagine this is a hard album to find, if you can hunt one down – buy it, it won’t disappoint true hip hop fans.

3.5 seems like a too low score, and 4/5 seems a little too high – so you do the math.