DMX – The Great Depression

Posted on February 14, 2013 by WWC

In my opinion, DMX has always been a tight rapper. I like that raw and aggressive style of rapping. Most rappers that’s got that kind of style fail to get the flow right, but DMX has always handeled it well. This is DMX’s 4th album

1. Sometimes (Skit)

2. School street

DMX’s giving shoutouts to his homeboys over a really tight beat. A very nice way to start off the album.

3. Who we be

“They don’t know who we be” is the message of this song. DMX’s attacking the raw beats, telling people who they are and what they do. It’s a nice track and DMX’s is doing what he’s doing good.

4. Trina Moe

DMX is sounding like a battle rapper on this track. I guess this track is a diss to some people… He’s not mentioning who tho. The production is cool and the hook is very catchy so all in all “Trina Moe” is a good track.

5. We right here

If I’m not wrong, “We right here” was one of the singles from this album and that’s a good choise. Production isn’t exactly blazing but it’s cool. The way DMX is flowing over it is making it sound much much better than it really is tho. The hook’s catchy too so I can see why they made this a single.

6. Bloodline Anthem

“Bloodline Records” is the record label now formed by DMX. I guess this is meant to be their anthem. The rock influenced beat is cool, DMX’s doing a good job, and the hook is nice too. It’s not one of those super hits tho.

7. Shorty was da bomb

“Shorty was da bomb” is about a girl DMX was with for one night, and then she got pregnant… She’s not doing what he’s telling her to do, she’s telling all her friends that DMX is her baby father etc. It turns out that someone else was the father since she had been pregnant for a longer time than she said, tho. It’s a tight song and DMX is showing that he’s a good story-teller.

8. Damien III

DMX and Damien are discussing all kinds of shit over a tight beat. Things are getting hostile there for a while but at the end of the track they’re cool. Excellent track and one of my favourite tracks on this album.

9. When I’m nothing (Feat. Stepha)

The production on “When I’m nothing” is a combination of 80’s pop and east coast rap today. It’s a cool track but not one of my favourites. I didn’t really like Stepha’s hook.

10. I miss you (Feat. Faith Evans)

As soon as there’s a track about someone missing an other person, is seems like they get Faith Evans on it. DMX is talking about his grandmother who apparently passed away. It seems like his grandmother meant a lot to him and it’s a deep track where he’s talking about the past, and about how things are now. Faith Evan’s singing that it’s gonna be ok… as usual.

11. Number 11

“Number 11” is dedicated to DMX’s enemies. There’s not much more to say about this track than that production is tight, and DMX is raw.

12. Pull up (Skit)

13. Ima bang

When I’m listening to “Ima bang”, I’m remembering how DMX could have been the king of New York right about now. DMX had it all going but he couldn’t keep it up all the way to the top of the N.Y game. On this track he’s showing us why we thought he could be the king of New York in the first place. With an aggressive tight ass flow and a catchy and at the same time raw chorus to a tight rock influenced production, the message I get out of this is that DMX ain’t out of the game just yet…

14. Pull out (Skit)

15. You could be blind (Feat Mas).

“You could be blind” was one of the tracks that got stuck on my mind when I first bumped this album. The bass-guitar loop is really catchy and Mas on the hook is completing DMX’s raw flow with a catchy hook. The only bad thing I can say about this track is that it could have used a little more mixing… but then again I might be wrong.

16. The Prayer IV

DMX is doing the traditional praying-on-his-album shit. Man it’s time to take that shit outta your albums.

17. A minute for your son

This track is basically DMX rapping to God or some shit like that. It seems like he’s putting a track like this on every album… the track is tight but I’m tired of hearing DMX talking to God.

18. BONUS TRACK 1

Dj Kay Slay shouting as if this was a mixtape is starting off the track… that’s a minus. After that some Bloodline Records artists are coming in, possibly freestyling, on old DMX beats.

19. BONUS TRACK 2 (They don’t want no problems)

Since this track isn’t listed on my booklet I’m just gonna guess that it’s called “They don’t want no problem”. It’s once again Bloodline artists but this time DMX is coming in, flowing some over the beats. It’s got a tight beat but it annoys me that they didn’t list these tracks…

20. BONUS TRACK 3

I guess these 3 bonus tracks was to promote Bloodline Records, DMX’s label. The third bonus track is better than the first two but it’s no banger. Sounds like some synth shit they just made in a minute for them to flow over. It’s cool tho – 20 tracks is better than 17.

This album is a tight album, there’s no doubt about that. DMX usually spit raw and aggressive shit, and usually Ruff Ryders are putting out tight beats, so combining them can’t really go wrong… Unless you do it 4 times in the exact same way.
This DMX album was said to be his best album this far… Well it’s not. If this would have been his debut album I’d probably have thought so, but it’s his 4th album and all previous albums have been exactly the same.
You got one track where he’s mad as *****, dissing everyone. You got an other track where he’s talking to god, one party track, one shoutout track, one track about how hard life is etc. It’s all the same.
I’ll grade this album 3 out of 5. There is no way that this album can be below average, but it’s too much like DMX’s old albums. I was hoping that DMX would take it to the next level, but he failed. If you don’t own a DMX album I strongly suggest you get this one, but if you got his past 3 albums you might aswell go buy an other album.

VA – Dysfunktional Family Soundtrack.

Posted on February 8, 2013 by WWC

Death Row’s been laying low for a long time while its CEO Suge Knight has been in jail. Suge’s out now and Death Row has got an entirely new roster with some exceptions; Danny Boy, Michel’le and Kurupt are all once again signed to Death Row. This soundtrack is the first release in a year or so. Previously, they released “Too gangsta 4 radio”. That album was a personal favourite for me, so I’m hoping that this album will be good too. That was my starting point when copping this album.

1. Crooked I feat. Virginya Slim – Still tha row.

The album starts of with its first single titled “Still Tha Row”. The song is basically Crooked I mocking the police about their raid on the Death Row offices and saying how it’s still “Tha Row” (obviously). The track had an original version and this re-make of it. The original version wasn’t much of a single, but I’d say it was much better. It’s too bad they didn’t put it on the soundtrack since the production is lacking on this version. I’m not feeling it… Crooked I’s holding it up though.

2. Kurupt – I’m back.

Kurupt is back on Death Row, and he’s letting us know on this track. Kurupt’s throwing subliminal disses and nice wordplays over a tight, eastern influenced, beat. I’d say that this is one of the better cuts from Kurupt on record in a while, and maybe he’s really back to his old self. One of my favourite tracks on the album.

3. Crooked I, Eastwood & Danny Boy – Dysfunktional Family Theme.

The theme song of the movie is done by Crooked I, Eastwood and RnB singer Danny Boy. It’s a nice, laid back, cut that’s probably inspired by the movie. I haven’t seen the movie so I wouldn’t really know… It’s a cool track tho and there were talks about making it the second single.

4. Jay-Z – Hovi baby (Remix).

Jay-Z’s making an appearance on this album with a remix of an other tight song of his. Judging from the shoutouts I’d say that trackmasters made this remix, and they did a great job! It’s a very tight beat and Jay-Z’s showing off a nice flow to it.

5. Juvenile, Skippa & Young Buck – I’m a gangsta.

The south are contributing to this soundtrack with juvenile and his crew. The beat’s a west coast beat with some southern influences, and it’s really cool. I’m not feeling how Juvenile, Skippa and Young Buck handles it tho.

6. Eastwood & Crooked I – We ballin.

“We ballin” is a party track, and should have been chosen as the first single. I’m sure it’d be a hit in the clubs… Eastwood and Crooked I are showing off their gangsta-lyrical skills and Eastwood’s giving us a really tight hook. “We ballin” is my favourite track on this album.

7. Eastwood, Crooked I, Danny Boy & Ja Rule – Who wants to ***** tonight.

Everybody know that Murder INC and Tha Row collabs now and then, and this is an other example of that. Irv Gotti on the production and 3 Row artists with Ja Rule guesting. The production is kind of slow, and the first thing that came to my mind when listening to it was how it sounded influenced by the “Home Alone” theme. Ja Rule’s not doing the hook on a track he’s guesting for once, but his verse is pretty short and he starts off by doing his Nelly-influenced singing thing. If you like that, you’ll definitely like his verse. All in all, this is a nice cut.

8. Ashanti – All my.

Murder INC is making its second appearance with this track, titled “All my”, by Ashanti.
I’m not a big RnB fan, but I don’t really like the production on this one; it’s pretty much just a beat. Ashanti is a nice singer tho and she’s doing her best to a wack beat.

9. Gail Gotti – Gangstress (How I Roll).

This Gail Gotti track has been criticised a lot, but I like it. The beat is tight, Gail Gotti’s doing a good job on the mic and the chorus is very catchy. The first time I heard this track I thought that Gail Gotti was dissing someone named Reddbone, but I later found out that Reddbone is a group she’s in with her sister Virginya Slim. She IS dissing Kurupt’s ex girl and babymama, Natrina Reed, though.

10. Eastwood, Spider & Ganxsta Ridd – Tha Row (Ya’ll hoes).

Death Row is notorious for dissing anyone that they feel like dissing. On the Dystunktional Family Soundtrack, this is that diss. Eastwood, Spider and Ganxsta Ridd from the Booya Tribe are dissing Snoop, Soopafly, Daz Dillinger, Bad Azz and the entire Dogghouse crew over a really tight beat and a chorus mocking a chorus done by Daz for his upcoming album. Everyone’s coming out raw and tight, and I’d say it’s a very tight diss.

11. Michel’le – I know where I’m going.

“I know where I’m going” by RnB vet Michel’le is the second pure RnB track of this album. Michel’le is singing about how hard it was for her growing up, and what she was exposed to in her “dysfunctional” family. I’d say that this RnB song is better than the one done by Ashanti. Production’s cool too.

12. Ganxsta Ridd & Kurupt – 1 Call (Real talk).

All tracks produced by a Death Row producer’s saying “Produced by the Tha Row Heavyhitters”, but I’d guess that Sir Jinx produced this one – it’s got his style. I’ve heard him produce far better tracks than this one tho and the track itself is pretty weak with Ganxsta Ridd and Kurupt trying to hold it up. Ganxsta Ridd is raw, but the beat isn’t so they’re not exactly a perfect match.

13. N.I.N.A feat Danny Boy – Too street 4 T.V.

Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez aka N.I.N.A was on Death Row shortly before she dies, and this is one of the tracks she left behind her. Darren vegas is on the production and he’s doing a great job on this one. Rumor is that N.I.N.A got help from Crooked I when writing the lyrics on this song, and it sure sounds like it. She’s got some nice lyrics and she’s doing a good job spitting them.

14. Crooked I feat Phobia – Get off the block.

This Crooked I track was a last minute addition to the album, and it was an excellent choise! It’s a really tight produced track with Crooked I spitting some really tight shit over it. This is one of my absolute favourites from this album.

15. Skippa – On the radio.

This is an other of those tracks that people’s been hating on, and I have no idea why – it’s tight as *****! The production’s some really tight west coast shit and Skippa’s spitting some really amusing shit all over it. They shoulda left “I’m a gangsta” off the album and kept this as the dirty south’s contribution for the soundtrack.

16. Crooked I, Eastwood, Danny Boy, Eddit Griffin & The Dramatics – I thought u knew.

“I thought u knew” is a laid back track with the Dramatics and Danny Boy on the hook. Actor Eddie Griffin, for whoms movie the soundtrack is for, is rapping for the first time on this one too and he’s not too bad for being a first-timer. Eastwood and Crooked I are coming out tight as usual and overall this is a really nice cut.

17. Spider feat. Eddie Griffin – Dys-Funk-Tional.

Once again Eddie Griffin is appearing on the track. This time he’s doing the hook. Spider, a very raw rapper, is doing the verses and this track has gotten a lot of props from all kinds of people. It’s not one of my favourite tracks but I can see why people like it.

This album had its up and downs. Some tracks had wack production, and had to be held up by tight rappers like Crooked I and Eastwood. In other cases the rappers couldn’t hold up wack production, so it came out in a bad way.

It’s hard to rate a soundtrack since its got so many different artists and styles. None of the RnB cuts impressed me, even tho Michel’le’s song was nice. The “guests”; Jay-Z, Juvenile, Ja Rule etc did a good job on most tracks even though I wasn’t feeling “I’m a gangsta” by Juvenile and his crew..

Crooked I is dropping his solo album in a near future, and I really hope that he’ll get better production on his album since I’m hoping that it’ll be a classic. This album was a wakeup call for Suge. He needs to get better production for his label.

Darren Vegas and trackmasters are the only producers that’s doing what I expected on this album. The other producers aren’t 100% wack, but I expected better.

Crooked I, Eastwood and Kurupt are holding up this soundtrack, and making it a solid soundtrack.

I grade this album 3,5 out of 5.

Keitarock – Let’z Get It Crack’n

Posted on February 8, 2013 by WWC

1. In da hood we trust (feat. Gonzoe)

The album starts off with a nice track with a female rapper on it. Keita Rock’s is starting off the first verse with a nice drop and then the female rapper kick in with some nice shit. In the third verse Keita Rock’s dissing Snoop some while saying he’s a General. The beat is nice and the hook is really cool. I have no idea where Gonzoe was supposed to be on this track unless that’s him on the hook.

2. I’m on oneâ! (feat. Bruce Wane)

This is a cool track with nice production and Bruce Wane is a cool rapper. You can tell Keita Rock isn’t really a rapper tho. He’s still doing good for not being an experienced rapper. Beat is kinda slow – speed it up.

3. Be my lady (feat. Young Hogs & Me-Me)

This is more like it. The production on this isn’t as slow, and it’s a lot tighter than on the past 2 tracks. Young Hogs and Me-Me is spitting some good shit and Keita’s doing his part good too. The hook is off the hook! 😉

4. Can’t f#@ck wit this (feat. Low-Lifes)

Another tight beat. P.S. Dog produced it and he also produced the first track on the cd. Low-Lifes seem to be a good group. I didn’t really hear a lot from them before but they seem cool. The hook is cool too, but what’s making this track special is the neat beat.

5. I know! (feat. Suga Free & Jaz’mina)

â€œI knowâ!â€ is probably my favourite track of this album so far. Suga Free’s coming out tight like he usually do, and the production is amazing. The beat isn’t special but the way they mixed it is really cool. Jaz’mina is a good female rapper. Keita Rock’s coming out hard too.

6. Represent’n (faet. De Ja Vu)

When I first heard this track I enjoyed the beat, but after listening to it a second time I’m thinking the song is kinda wack. The beat is ok but the lyrics are weak. Keita Rock’s saying he’s gonna kill the haters etc.

7. Straight from the streetz (feat. Bruce Wane)

Bruce Wayne’s opening up this track nicely to a cool, kind of mellow, beat. If anyone got this cd, please tell me if Keita Rock is on this song at all. Maybe I’m crazy but I don’t think he’s on it at all. It’s a very nice track tho.

8. Fast Life (feat. Dre’sta da gangsta)

Dre’sta is one of the rappers that rarely come out wack. This is no exception, because Dre’sta is doing a great job and saves the track. The production’s cool too. It’s a Dj Quik kinda beat with a nice piano roll over it. Kenny KcCloud produced itâ!One question thoâ! did Keita Rock stop appearing on his own album??? This sounds like a solo-track to me. If Keita Rock’s on it he’s just doing the hook with Dre’sta or something.

9. Let’z Get It Crackin’ (feat. Malikaih)

This is an other of those slow jams Keita Rock seems to like. Malikaih’s a good rapper with a raw flow. They could have chosen him to be featured on another, more raw song, but that’s up to them to decide. Keita Rock’s showing that he doesn’t have much of a flow.

10. That’z big (feat. Mista Cavi)

Nice beat, but wack verses and wack chorus. Too bad on Mista Cavi since I know he can do better than this. Skip this track.

11. Hit’cha upside yo’ head (feat. Tha Young Hogs)

Another Kenny McCloud production. This time he dropped his Quik kind of style and brought in some other west coast hard hitting kinda beats. I’m sorry to say tho: He should’ve done them for an other rapper. Keita Rock should stick to being an A&R. The track’s getting a few levels better after his verse is done and Tha Young Hogs do their thing.

12. Where da hoodstas at? (feat. Gonzoe)

I don’t know much about the producer Kenny McCloud, but I’d like to know more about him and his works! This beat is blazin and he’s probably the one holding this album up to a average level since Keita Rock isn’t doing it. We all know Gonzoe can make some tight shit, and he’s doing it again on this track. Keita Rocks lyrics are cool on this one too, actually.

13. Ouch! (feat. CJ Mack)

CJ Mack is featured on this song and he also produced it. The production’s kind of slow, and it’s tight! CJ Mack’s dissing some people, like Hittman. He’s saying Hittman probably won’t be droppedâ! He was right. Keita Rock’s dissing Snoop, Xzibit and some other people. He’s naming a lot of West Coast rappers and saying if they’re cool or if they’re a fake. It’s a good diss track.

14. L.A. Crime bosses (feat. Mista Cavi & Me-Me)

From what I heard, this was the single off the album. I doubt it got a lot of airplay but I don’t think they expected it to either. It’s a nice track tho and once again Kenny McCloud produced a tight beat. I can see why it wasn’t a super-hit tho. This album belong on an underground level and so does the single.
I like this album. The production was good – especially the tracks produced by Kenny McCloud. The one thing they coulda done to make the album better was to remove Keita Rock from some verses and put others on it. That way it’d be a compilation. It’s almost a compilation as it is!

I’m being honest: Keita Rock isn’t a rapper. He was an A&R on Death Row. I gotta give him props for trying tho. I’ll rate this album 2.5 out of 5.

Fredro Starr – Don’t get mad get money

Posted on February 8, 2013 by WWC

I don’t know how ya’ll feel about Fredro Starr, but in my opinion he’s a tight rapper who dropped a supprisingly good debut album with “Firestarr”. I’m not expecting this album to be as good as that album, but hopefully it is!

1. Man up (Feat. Dirty, Get-inz & X-1)

Man up is a track with a funky up-tempo beat. Fredro Starr, Dirty, Get-inz and X-1 are all doing cool individual effort and the track as a whole is a nice cut to start off this album with.

2. Dangerous

The first thing that’s coming to my mind while listening to this is how great Fredro Starr is flowing to this beat. The beat is a nice, east coast style, thing. The only bad thing about the song is that it’s only about 2 minutes long.

3. California girls (Feat. Dirty & Get-inz)

Judging from the title of this track, you’d think it’d have west coast production… Well it’s not, which is too bad since I’d like to hear Fredro over some g-funk shit. Don’t think that I’m complaining tho – The production is tight. Fredro’s coming out raw and the two “guests” got one verse each where they’re doing a great job. The hook’s nice too.

4. Rambo

I’ve heard Fredro Starr showing that he can be really wack, but once again he’s showing that he’s got a really nice flow whenever he chooses to put his mind into it. This track sounds like the east coast version of “In da club” or something. Dr Dre with an east coast touch. Tight.

5. Finer things

“Finer things” is some weird ass beat with some kind of fleut over it… Sounds weird but I’m feelin it. I’m not feelin Fredro’s shit over it tho. It’s cool but I’d expect better from him over this kind of beats. Not one of my favourite tracks on the album. Once again the length of a track on this album is under 3 minutes…

6. Just like that

I had to listen to this track a few times before being able to say something about it. The production is some rock influenced stuff with a funky touch on it. Fredro Starr is spitting some cool shit with a raw but still calm voice-style. With a better chorus this one would be a banger.

7. Yo Mike (Skit)

8. Funtime

“Funtimeeeee in the city, rollin to the club where the girls look pretty”… This slow jam is starting off with its hook and it’s tight! After that, Fredro’s spitting some tight shit about partying and just having fun. The way this track is produced makes me think it’d be really tight to smoke to… oh wait… it is!

9. All out (Feat. Sticky Fingaz, Begetz & X-1)

Before ya’ll get started – this track is NOT biting 2pac’s “All out”. It’s not a diss track and it’s just called “All Out” because they say all-kinda-skit out. Like “hang out”, “blow out” “work out”, etc. A cool quote is: “Suge Knight over the terrace, you gonna hang out”. I’d call the production a renewed Wu Tang kind of production with a Roc-A-Fella touch over it.

10. Timberlands

“Timberlands” is a track with wack production and weak verses. I guess some people will love the production, but I’m not feeling it. It sounds like something DMX or P. Diddy would rap over, but it doesn’t fit Fredro Starr at all and you can tell when hearing him over it right here.

11. Where’s the love

This is some Roc-A-Fella wannabe type of shit and it’s wack. Fredro should never do a track like this ever again! I like the chorus tho and with Jay-Z on there this one could actually be tight. Fredro Starr, if you read this, please don’t give up your old taste in production. The message is very good but this is the wrong way to get it out there! People will skip to the next track before you get your message out there! It’s true tho, there’s no love out there…

12. Don’t get mad get money (Feat X-1)

This is more like it. Tight production with Fredro *****ing up the microphone and a tight ass chorus! X-1 has been coming out tight this far on the album, but they coulda kept him off this one… But in the words of Fredro Starr; Don’t get mad, get money!

13. Reaper’s anthem

“Reaper’s anthem” is some rock influenced heavy “Lord of the ring” shit. I guess Starr’s a lil DMX influenced with the “WHAAT”’s in the backround but this is still one of my favourite tracks off this album. One thing tho… it’s too short.

14. California girls (Remix)

This is a remix off of track number 3, “California girls”. The original was really tight, but I still have a hard time deciding which one I like better. Both are very tight.

I reviewed the Fredro Starr album titled “Firestarr” before, and I think I gave it 4 out of 5.

“Don’t get mad get money” isn’t as good as “Firestarr”, but it’s still a good album. Most tracks had a tight production and I usually like what Fredro’s spittin. He’s got a raw style and a tight flow. The guests of the albums all came out nice, even tho noone really outshined Fredro Starr. I’d say this album is gonna grow on me.

The only thing that’s annoying about this album is that most tracks are shorter than 3 minutes.

I rate this album 3.5 out of 5.

Snoop Dogg Presents Doggystyle Allstars – Welcome to the House Vol 1

Posted on January 23, 2013 by WWC

1. Intro – Snoop, Mac Minista – Production: Quaze

Just an intro to the album to a basketball theme.

2. Dogghouse America – Snoop, Soopafly, E White, Mr, Kane, Latoiya – Production: Quaze

E White comes out spitting over a tight beat that is good to ride to, E shows his skill early. Soopafly lays down a tight verse second with a nice flow, Latoiya kicks in and shows her amazing voice and sets the tone to the album with it’s laid back funk feeling. Snoop delivers a nice but short verse and flow. Kokane gives a good hook and chorus. Overall a tight song that demonstrates the entire label’s skill. The drawback is the song may go on a little too long.

3. Not Like It Was – Snoop, Soopafly, E White, RBX – Production: EZ Elpee

The first single from the album and possibly the best track on the album. It has a soulful beginning and the beat by Elpee kicks in and bounces nicely. Snoop delivers the first verse and doesn’t disappoint, he flows over the beat with classic Snoop skill. The chorus is something you can sing to. Soopafly drops the second verse and comes tight, then E White kicks in and once again shows why he may be the person to lead the next generation of the West. RBX’s gravely voice ends the song with a good appearance. Overall a great track.

4. Fallen Star – Latoiya Williams – Production: Michael Angelo

The album’s second single and it delivers everything. The production is off the hook. Latoiya sings with so much heart over the beat you can’t help but deny her talent. If she can deliver songs like this regularly she may live up to the hype of being the next Arethra Franklin. One of the best R&B songs I ever heard. Play this track for your girl and she’ll go crazy. Although a rap label, this may be Snoop’s diamond to bring the label to #1.

5. Doh Doh – Snoop, Soopafly, Mr. Kane, E White – Production: Hi Tek

While it may be annoying the first listen, the chorus really grows on you. The production is good and hard on the speakers. It’s a slower song but Snoop gives a nice verse with a good flow over the beat. Soopafly also delievers, E White again surprises with his abilities. While it isn’t a party song it’s a good kick back track that you can. One problem with the track is that it runs on way too long.

6. Doin It Big – E White, RBX – Production: Hi Tek

A tight beat layed down by Hi Tek, RBX ad libs over the beat while E White rhymes tight with a good back and forth flow with RBX. A simple chorus but it’s catchy as hell. It’s slower but it’s what you would expect from the West Coast with beats and flows. Overall a very tight track.

7. Nite L.O.C.s – Mr. Kane, Snoop – Production: Meech Wells

A faster beat that starts off with a Kokane giving his typical catchy hooks. It’s annoyingly gives a gangster flair to Corey Hart’s, yeah you read right, Corey Hart’s “Sunglasses At Night”. The track starts good and is good until that chorus. If you can ignore that, it’s a good cut.

8. Are You Ready!? – Soopafly – Production: Hi Tek

A much slower track with a repetitive chorus that is a little annoying, but without the chorus, Soopafly rips it over the beat. His lyrics are nice and his flow is good. Production is pretty shitty, makes you wish Soopafly would have saved his vocals for a cut produced by himself.

9. Hey You – Soopafly, Snoop, E White – Production: The Alchemist

Originally this was my favourite track on the album. The production is crazy, it’s slower but it suits the theme of the track. E White is mad tight over the beat and his lyrics are fire. The chorus is almost eerie feeling but it’s tight. Snoop and Soopafly drop verses that are off the chains. This track is straight fire.

10. Raised On The Side – Soopafly, Snoop, E White, Mr Kane, Daz – Production: Fredwreck

The production on this is tight but what else can you expect from Fredwreck? It’s has a catchy chorus laid down by Snoop, Kokane even comes tight on this but the best verse is surprisingly put down by Daz. One of the album’s best tracks.

11. Don’t Fight the Feelin – Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Camron, Lady May, Soopafly – Production: Meech Wells

Production is nice on this track and it suits another classic hook put down by Nate Dogg. Besides Nate Dogg, none of the appearances are anything special and it becomes a filler track.

12. Unfucwitable – Lady of Rage – Production: DJ Premier

Legendary producer DJ Premier lays down a pretty decent beat for Rage. Not his best work but it’s not bad. Rage shows she hasn’t lost a step since bouncing from Death Row and shows why she’s one of the best female rappers of all time. Good scratches in the beats. Not great but nothing to ***** about.

13. The Strong Will Eat the Weak – RBX, Mr. Kane, Snoop – Production: EP

A darker feeling to the track but it perfectly suits the voice and style of RBX. I love his verse on this, hard and dark. The chorus by Kokane is eerie in itself which goes perfectly with RBX, even Snoop lends to the style of the track. Very good track.

14. Just Get Carried Away – Reo Varnado, Snoop, Vinnie Bernard – Production: DJ Scratch

Good production and the hook is tight to go along with the lyrics laid down by Snoop, good flow and style. A more soulful track to the album but it’s pretty damn good.

15. It Feelz Good – Latoiya Williams – Production: Soopafly

While hiphop heads won’t really be feeling this track, women love this song. It’s deep and souful. Latoiya shows her ability to be the next big star in the music world. Soopafly gives some good production to the track. A very good song, but not what Snoop fans want to hear.

16. Don’t Make A Wrong Move – Mr. Kane, Special Ed, Snoop, Prodigy – Production: Nottz

The production of this is a more bouncy feel to it. Prodigy gives a good appearance to the album but his lyrics are almost too hard for the feel of the track. Weak chorus. Possibly the worst track on the album.

17. *****’s Treat – Soopafly, Latoiya Williams – Production: Soopafly

Soopafly gives some good production and flow to his shit on this. It’s a more sped up song but it’s pretty tight. Latoiya drops the chorus and doesn’t disappoint. Soopafly rips it pretty nice.

18. Trouble – Vinnie Bernard – Production: Vinnie Bernard

Snoop must have given this spot to Vinnie as a favour because it’s shit. This R&B track just doesn’t fit the album at all, the production isn’t too great. He has a decent voice but leave it off the next album.

19. Squeeze Play – Too Cool, Young Buc, J Dog, Snoop, Leicy Loc – Production: DJ Slip

Basically a preview of IV Life Records as most artists (minus Trey Deee, Crisstyle) are on this track. Production sounds like it should be on “The Wash” soundtrack, not that it’s bad. Everyone delivers some tight appearances and shows the potential IV Life Records has. The chorus is a little annoying but everyone’s verses make up for it. Includes one of the first Kurupt disses by a DPG artist.

20. Light That Shit Up – Snoop, RBX, Mr. Kane – Production: Hi Tek

The production on this isn’t as great as the rest of the album and it takes a while to get the track going. Snoop tries to give a chorus but he should quit that. RBX has a tight appearance. Despite how long it takes to get going, it isn’t a horrible track.

This album shows what a westcoast album should be. It doesn’t sound like WC rappers trying to flow over East beats. When a song is tight, it’s off the *****ing chains (Not Like It Was, Fallen Star, Raised on the Side, Hey You) and when a song is bad it isn’t as though it completely sucks.

Latoiya Williams shows her ability to be a huge star in the music world, E White shows his potential to lead the west back, Snoop doesn’t disappoint, Soopafly is tight on every track he does. It’s a good album to show the skills of the label’s lineup. At times a track runs too long because it’s like they wanted to get everyone on it, but overall it’s a tight album.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Drama – Causin Drama

Posted on January 23, 2013 by WWC

Drama is a rapper from Georgia. His style is similar to Pastor Troy and Miracle.
This was his debut album and was released on Tight-4-Life.

1. Intro/ M.I.A

Just some boring talk.

2. Left, Right, Left

This is the big hit single from the album, this song made the album push over gold in sales. It was also the first song that I heard from him. The song is very good; it’s playable at any club. The hook is catchy as hell. Good choice for a single.

3. It’s drastic

When I heard this track I thought about the old No Limit. The track reminds me of that golden era No Limit had between 98-99. The way Drama is rapping on this track is very similar to the No Limit sound. The beat is just banging and his energy on the track makes you want to go up and do some real damage. I love the screaming in the background of the hook. This is a very tight track!

4. Double time (Drama`s Candence)

The bass is just incredible on the track and the rapping and the hook are nice too. You got to bump this one in the car because it’s a bass- banger.

5. The plot

Drama does some storytelling here. He does it very well over a tight beat. The track really impressed me; it’s rare to get a good story from an artist that spit with the crunk-style.

6. My name is Drama

This is the only song I didn’t felt that much. The beat and hook is way too simple. Makes it boring to listen to after a while. I usually skip it.

7. Let’s go to war

The hardest track on the album, Drama gets crunk as hell on this track. The energy here is just crazy. Its easily one of the tightest track on the album!

8. Mama, Mama

When I read the title, I thought that this was going to be some wack show some love to his mama type a song. I was right on one point the song is dedicated to his mother but it’s really good. The beat is tight, and even the hook is cool. I can really feel Drama’s deep heartfelt lyrics on this track.

9. I’m Ballin` Man

This is the only track were he talks about the “Bling Bling.” He does it over a nice beat that could do well in the club. I like his rap style even when he is bragging he does it raw with a tight crunk-style.

10. Sir, yes sir (Skit)

Just some talking

11. Left, Right, Left (Radio)

Same song with some edited lyrics.

Overall it’s an impressing debut album. He doesn’t have any features here so it’s really a solo album. The beats are good but could use some variation, most of the hooks are catchy and the lyrics are not that great but his energy and voice makes up for it. There are a few bad things on the album. One is that it should been more tracks. He should also have skipped the skits and the radio version on Left, Right, Left.

I give it 3 of 5

Nas – Illmatic

Posted on January 23, 2013 by WWC

After making his debut on Main Source’s “Live At The BBQ” in 1991, Nas earned himself instant respect in the East Coast rap scene. In 1994, Nas dropped dropped his highly anticipated debut album. With Nas’s undeniable lyrical skills and production from some of the most respected and sophisticated producers in the game, the album lived up to the hype. The astonishing debut made the Queen emcee the king of New York for a while admist the post- Chronic East Coast comeback.

1. The Genesis

An intro with Nas & AZ talking over a beat.

2. N.Y. State Of Mind

Nas starts off the album great with this DJ Premier track. In this track Nas describes the harshness of the N.Y. streets. Nothing less than classic. – 5/5

3. Life’s A *****

Laid back track. Like always when the duo of Nas & AZ collaborate, this song is a classic. Probably there best track together. Nas’s father, Olu Dara, plays the trumpet at the end. – 5/5

4. The World Is Yours

One of the singles from the album (and my personal favorite). Pete Rock produced this classic. The track has a good feel to it and one of the best of the album. – 5/5

5. Halftime

This Large Professor produced track first appeared on the Zebrahead soundtrack in 1992 (in fact, it’s lead single). Nas kicking mad lyrics over a nice beat. – 5/5

6. Memory Lane (Sittin’ In Da Park)

Laid back track. Nas showing off his unique lryical skills over this nice beat. Anothe classic. – 5/5

7. One Love

Nas shows his storytelling skills on this classic. Q-Tip porduced this song and is widely considered Nas’s best. It’s a detailed letter to an incarterated friend how there allegiance in there group has changed. – 5/5

8. One Time 4 Your Mind

The album slows down for a while here. Nas once again kicks lyrical skills on this track. The beat could have been better. It’s not even that bad of a track, but compared to the rest of the album, is not up to par. – 4/5

9. Represent

Nas spitting lyrics about the streets of New York over a grimey beat. Really good track, but like the prior song, no up to par. – 4.5/5

10. It Ain’t Hard To Tell

Another single. Great beat, fantastic showcase of Nas’s lyrics. Another climax song and a great climax to an astonishing album. – 5/5

Overview:

Although it slows down at the end a bit, the rest of the album is so good that it makes up for it, in fact making you forget about it. A undeniable classic, one of the greatest in hip-hop history. One of those rare masterpieces that don’t come along often.

Overall Rating: 5/5

A+ – Hempstead High

Posted on January 23, 2013 by WWC

I first heard A+ on the Lost Boyz album ”Love Peace & Nappieness”, and he came out tight as ***** there… When I heard “Enjoy yourself” on the radio and saw the video on TV, I was a little disappointed because he seemed to be a commercial and pop rapper. The only way to find out if that’s true is to listen to his album.

1. Intro (Classroom)

2. Enjoy yourself

”Enjoy yourself” was the big hit from this album and got allot of airplay on the radio and TV. It’s sampled from an old classical masterpiece and you’ll know which one when you hear it. I don’t really know the name of it but judging from the intro it’s Beethoven. A+ is doing a good job and it’s an excellent choice for a first single not only because of the production but also because of the lyrics, which is (in clean version) appealing to the commercial audience.

3. Up top New York (feat. Mr Cheeks)

A+ and the Lost Boyz has always been a tight combo. Here A+ is teaming up with the lead rapper in the Lost Boyz – Mr Cheeks. The beat is very tight and you get that old Lost Boyz sound back which is very very tight! Mr Cheeks and A+ isn’t disappointing us either and it’s all in all a very good track.

4. Gotta have it

This track has got a nice production and I’m definitely feeling it, but I’m not so sure everyone does. A+ is showing off with his lyrical skill but on this one he sounds more like a battle rhymer.

5. Boyz to men (feat. Lost Boyz & Canibus)

Wow! A+, Lost Boyz and Canibus! Last time I heard these together it came out tight as *****, and this time it’s really tight too. Mr Cheeks is starting off with a nice verse, then A+ and Canibus bless us with their combined lyrical greatness. The only thing I don’t understand with this song is why it says Lost Boyz is on it when it’s really just Mr Cheeks. This is a very tight song tho.

6. Whatcha weigh me (feat. MJG)

“Whatcha weigh me” is a cool track with a tight beat and a nice piano string to it. A+ is coming out tight as usual and MJG is doing a good job too. I really think the beat is holding this one up tho.

7. Understand the game (“Special appearance by Erykah Badu”)

This song has got a nice and laid back beat and it’s really relaxing. I don’t know if that, or the fact that A+ is tight, makes me listen to the lyrics a lil extra. A+ is spitting about how he understand the game.

8. Don’t make me wait<br>
If I’m not remembering wrong, I think this was the second single. I’m not sure tho. It’s a tight beat and a nice guitar string topped with a nice hook and tight lyrics. IF this was the second single, it wasn’t a very good choice since it’s not really a commercial track. I can imagine this making a few heads bump at the club though.

9. Interlude – The score

A+’s momma comes in when he’s trying to sex up a chick. Funny shit!

10. It’s on you (feat Chico DeBarge)

“It’s on you” is a laid-back track and just like a laid back should be, it’s relaxing. A+ is spitting some fire as usual and Chico DeBarge is doing the hook and he’s doing it well.

11. What the deal (feat. Cardan)

This track has a super-tight beat and the mixing off it sounds good too. A+ is tight as usual and Cardan complete the track with some really tight lyrics. This up-tempo track is one of my favourites on this album.

12. Price of fame

It’s hard to describe the production on “Price of fame”. It’s up-tempo but at the same time laid-back and relaxing. I think I’ve gotten a little bit tired of A+ by now tho. He’s like Canibus – a tight rapper but doesn’t last for the entire album.

13. Staggering and stuttering (Feat. Psycho Drama)

Mo-Suave-A Productions tried to make this song sound like some horror-core kinda shit, but it’s not really. A+ can’t do that. It’s still a nice track tho and Psycho Drama came out tight.

14. Parkside gardens

The album is finishing off with a track about the place to be for A+. It’s a tight production and A+ is coming out kinda hard, too. Overall a nice cut.

A+ is a tight rapper, but just like Canibus he doesn’t last an entire album. If you pick any of these tracks and listen to it, he’s coming out tight, but if you listen to the whole thing like I did you’ll be tired of him at the end of the album. The highlights of this album were the tracks with Mr Cheeks and the commercial single “Enjoy yourself”. I think that single gave A+ a bad name since people thought he was the Lil Bow Wow kind of rapper, but if you listen to more of A+ you’ll hear he’s not.

U.G.K – Side Hustles

Posted on January 23, 2013 by WWC

The Texas duo Bun-B and Pimp-C better known as U.G.K. or Under Ground Kingz is back with their fifth album Side Hustles. Side hustles is more like a compilation than a pure group album as the album has features on almost every single track. Side hustles hit the stores September 2002.

1. Belts to match (Featuring Smitty and Sonji)

If you like the unique U.G.K. sound you won’t be disappointed on this track. Alligator shoes with the belts to match are a part of the verse in others words a track in true pimp style. What more to say than a dope song.

2. Breakin sketti (Only Bun B Featuring Rob Jackson)

The beat on this track is bit darker and the first track and the lyrics are a bit more hardcore. Kentucky based Rob Jackson kicks some tight lyrics on the track. This track was also on released as a single from Rob Jackson. Overall a nice produced track.

3. They down with us (Featuring Scarface)

The track begins with a sample from an old school track after that Scarface drops some hardcore lyrics. The track is also on Scarface`s solo album “Last of a dying breed”.

4. Dirty dirty remix (Featuring Mil)

This track was taken from Philadelphia based rappers Mil’s debut album “Street Scriptures”. I can’t hate on this track even though it has an East Coast influenced beat.

5. The Corruptors Execution (Featuring B-Legit and E-40)

With bay area veterans B-Legit and E-40 this track can’t come wack. The Corruptors Execution was on the Corrupter movie soundtrack. The action movie featured actors Mark Wahlberg and Chow Yun Fat.

6. Pop the trunk (Featuring Celly Cel)

If you are a Celly Cel fan you will immediately recognize the beat on this track cause it’s in true Celly Cel style in other words a funky beat with heavy bass to back it up. This is not a bad track but not exactly a classic. You can also catch the track on Celly Cel’s solo album “G-filez” and on his best of album.

7. Cigarette (Featuring Too short, KB and Eightball)

I really like the lyrics on the track (it was only a cigarette I was smoking Mr Officer) All the rappers on the track come out tight. In other words another tight track, The track is also on Too Shorts compilation Nation wide ghetto bass.

8. We big mane (Only Bun-B Featuring Q and Marquaze)

This is another solid produced track. The lyrics on the track are about ballin and them trucks with them chromed out rims.

9. All about it (Only Pimp-C Featuring Too short)

Too short slow downs the tempo on the track the typical Too Short way. This track isn’t exactly my favourite on the album but I can’t say that it is wack because it isn’t. You can find this track on Too Short nationwide independences day.

10. The game (Only Bun-B Featuring Mil)

I had never heard Mil before but he got some skills and he doesn’t get less tight with Bun b on his side. Tight beat, tight lyrics = a tight tight track

11. Pocket full of stones (Pimp-C remix)

To me this track is ageless it was tight when it was on the Menace II Society soundtrack back in 92 and it’s tight now 2003. If you haven’t heard it check it, it’s a classic.

This album was a bit controversial because it had a lot off old tracks on it and people didn’t think that it would hit.
One reason that there were no new tracks on the album could be that Pimp-C was on lock down when the album dropped. Overall a really nice produced album with guest artists from all coasts, a no U.G.K. fan would probably rate this album 3, 5 but I am hooked on U.G.K. so Ill gives it a 4.

Richie Rich – Seasoned Veteran

Posted on January 23, 2013 by WWC

1. Intro(Skit)

Just the intro.

2. Funk

Nice way to start off the album. Nice beat done by Richie Rich. This isn’t a groundbreaking song or anything but it’s good. Good

3. It’s On(Feat E-40)

Now this what I’m talking about, very dope song. Nice to see E-40 and Rich collaborate. The beat was done by DJ Daryl and it’s pretty tight. DOPE!

4. Let’s Ride

I like the beginning alot with the singing and when the beat kicks in. Ali Malik produced a banging beat. DOPE!

5. 30 Minutes(Skit)

Just a skit.

6. Real Pimp

Funny beginning as Richie Rich breaks down what a real pimp is and what a fake one is. DJ Daryl produced a nice relaxing beat. Richie Rich just rides the beat all the way through talking about being a pimp. DOPE!

7. Guess Who’s Back

Lev Berlak produced a pretty good beat, but something’s missing. All in all a good song. Good

8. Fresh Out

Pretty tight beat, they sample “For The Love Of Money” and it works pretty well. Richie Rich raps about just getting out of jail. Good

9. Niggas Done Changed(Feat 2 Pac)

DOPE DOPE DOPE!!!! I love the beat by Ric Roc and Rich and Pac work well together on this track. Bay Area classic in my opinion. DOPE!

10. Pillow(Feat DeWayne Wiggins & Rame Royal)

Very very smooth track. Nice track to just kick back and relax to. Good

11. Check Em

Good beat by DJ Daryl, Richie Rich raps about checking people who play him. Good

12. Real Sh*t

Lev Berlak produces a banging beat and Richie Rich comes tight. Good

13. Questions(Feat Luniz)

My favorite track on the album. Luniz & Rich work well together and this shows it. Yukmouth just tears this track to pieces but Rich and Knum rip it as well. Man this is a perfect track. DOPE!

14. It’s Not About You

Average track. Average

15. Do G’s Get To Go To Heaven

This is dedicated to 2 Pac and it’s done very well. I love the beat and Richie Rich comes with some dope emotional lyrics. Classic track right here. DOPE!

16. Touch Myself(Remix)(Feat T-Boz)

Pretty tight track, but I could do without Jermaine Dupri talking on the track. Good

All in all I’ll give this album a Good rating. Buy this if you’re a fan of the bay or just a fan of rap in general. This has good beats, lyrics, and guests.