NER*D – In Search Of…

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

Before I start, it must be pointed out that there are two versions of this album. Although both have the same songs, they are very different albums. The one I am reviewing is the re-released version, which came out in 2002 on Virgin Records. The picture above is for illustration only and is not the cover for this album, but the older version.

N*E*R*D consists of three members – Shay, Chad Hugo and Pharell Williams, the latter two making up the hit production team ‘The Neptunes’. The name Neptunes may automatically put many listeners off – they are not liked by all, but stick with this album, it doesn’t disappoint.

The original version of the album was released in 2001, and had the signature ‘Neptunes’ sound throughout. In my opinion, the album had highlights, but was no more than average. Album sales reflected this poor quality, and so the artists went back into the studio. The result is this new re-released version. With the same album title, tracks, guest appearances and lyrics – what has changed?

The only thing that is different is the production. On this version, all music and sounds are played by live instruments. This helps take away the familiar Neptunes sounds and turn this album into a very solid release. You would be amazed at the difference in quality between the two releases, and although this version has a more of a ‘rock’ feel to it (due to real drums and guitars being used), it never loses its hip hop and rap roots.

Lyrics are sung and rapped mostly by Pharell who does a good job throughout. Guest appearances include Vita, Kelis, Clipse and Lee Harvey. It is hard on this version to pull out any highlights as the whole album is banging from start to finish, but some people will have heard of ‘Lapdance’, ‘Provider’ and ‘Rock Star’. These in my opinion are not the hottest tracks on the album.

I was suprised how much I liked this version, as the production is closer to rock/Indie than the original release, but it compliments the songs well.

Don’t ignore this album just because you are not Neptunes fans. This is completely out of character than the usual stuff they do, and will be listened to for years to come – unlike some of their production.

Not everyone will like this album though. Steer clear if you are after top class lyrics (there’s nothin special lyrical-wise), steer clear if you detest live instrumentation, and steer clear if the thought of Pharell singing makes you cringe.

However what you do have here is an easy-listening album which you can just slap on and leave playing as there are no filler tracks here. I wouldn’t buy the version you see illustrated at the top of the page, but this 2002 re-release comes highly recommended – certainly one of the highlights of 2002.

Score = 4/5

DJ Quik – Under The Influence

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

This album was released by Quik in 2002, a little before dropping his Greatest Hits. I think DJ Quik is massively underrated both as a rapper and producer, despite consistantly dropping quality albums throughout his career.

1. Tha Proem (feat. Hi-c, Talib Kweli, Shyheim)

This first track doesn’t feature Quik at all, although like the whole album, it is produced by him. Good intoduction to the album with some nice guest appearances.

2. Trouble (feat. Amg)

A superb track, and one which still grows on me the more I hear it. The pairing of quik and amg is as good as ever. This song flows well, with simple yet effective production.

3. Come 2nyte (feat. Truth hurts)

Another decent track, although I think the production on this one is too similar to a lot of Quik’s other stuff. Truth Hurts sings the hook, and makes a good job of it.

4. Put it on me (feat Dr. Dre)

This is what happens when the west coasts premier producers hook up. Excellent production (produced/mixed by dre), and some good verses and a catchy chorus. It has to be said that DJ Quik somewhat outshines Dre on the mic on this one.

5. Murda 1 case (feat. KK, Chukey, Pharoahe Monch)

Not a bad track at all, but you may skip over this one a little. A nice piano on the production, with Quik’s new reggae artist Chukey on the hook. Pharoahe Monch comes as tight as ever.

6. Ev’ryday (feat. Hi-c, James Debarge)

Some pretty innovative production which bounces along and becomes catchy. This track was skipped over a fair bit when I first copped the album, but is now certainly one of my favourites. Check out the chorus. Quik’s choruses are usually excellent, this is no exception.

7. Get Loaded (feat Amg)

An ok track (another good chorus carries the song somewhat), but again I think this sounds too much like an old reworked track in terms and does nothing special for me.

8. Gina Statuatorre (feat. Chuckey)

A fairly decent track which see’s Quik and Chuckey rapping and singing about a girl who is underage, but continues to flirt and tease older men – who if give in have to face the consequences. The typical funny and ‘cheeky’ lyrics of Quik are complimented by Chuckey’s regga influence.

9. 50 Ways (feat Wanya Morris)

A suprisingly serious track for Quik, who tackles issues of life, death, his career etc, with Morris from Boyz II Men handlin the chorus. Despite being an unusual kind of song for him to do, it works well and doesn’t seem out of place. The use of the military style drum loop is effective. And is that a subliminal diss to Suge Knight on there, or simply satan himself? The jury is out.

10. Quik’s Groove 6

The mandatory quik groove, like the title suggests, the sixth one. These tracks are instumental only, and serve to show DJ Quiks all-round musical ability. Although not the best one he’s ever done, there’s certainly nothing wrong with having a break from hip-hop to listen to a bit of jazz – this fits the bill.

11. Get tha money (feat. Suga Free)

The famous pimp rapper suga free has this track to himself, and sticks to his usual flow and style. Not a bad track, but nothing special.

12. One on 1

It’s debateable, but this is the best track on the album. If there was one track to stir up the emotions with a lady friend, its this. Very sexy track, El Debarge does some excellent background vocals, and Quik keeps Roger Troutmans legacy alive with the talkbox on the chorus. The only problem I have with this song is its only 3 minutes long.

13. Sex Crymee

Quik lives up to his name on this one, spitting some pretty fast verses. Good production and a solid track.

14. Birdz and da beez (feat. Hi-c, Amg)

It’s all down to personal taste but I’ve never been a fan of this track. No real flow to the production, and a horrible chorus doesn’t help matters. Possibly the weakest song on the album.

15. Oh well

Another solid decent track, although the high-pitched tune can get annoying. The talk-box helps this song out, and is not a bad finish to the album

Hidden tracks:

Leave the last track running and the outro will appear – an instrumental, featuring some nice production. Bit pointless but nonetheless better than nothing. After this has finished, leave the cd running again to hear a brief message from Quik, giving shoutouts and thanking you for the purchase. How nice of him!

Another solid release from Mr Quik, one which any west coast fan should not be without. Again this album highlights DJ Quiks abilities both as a rapper and a producer. This is not as good as his Rhythm-al-ism album in my opinion, but will certainly not disappoint. There is talk that this may be his last album. Lets hope not.

Total mark for album 4/5

Fiend – Street Life

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

This was Fiend’s second album on No Limit, and his third solo album overall. This album is different from the typical of No Limit records productions. The producers here Beats by the Pound delivered some tight original beats mixed with blues and rock.

1. Intro

2. The rock show

The album starts off with a nice rock sample over a tight hard-hitting beat. Fiend is dropping a tight verse with a lot of energy. Great start to kick off an album.

3. Talk it how I bring it

I think this is the only single of the album. In my opinion they picked the wrong track. The beat is average, the only thing that saves it is the catchy hook. I don’t even think the song fit in with the rest of the album.

4. War 4 reason

KLC starts talking then the beat kicks in. It got that raw sound with some nice drums in the background. Fiend comes raw and the hook is tight.

5. Get in 2-it feat Mia X

This is one of the hardest beats I’ve ever heard. If you got a tight system bump this track with high volume. The bass is just crazy, and as always Fiend is dropping heat. Mia X is dropping a tight verse too. Very tight song.

6. Ak`n bad feat Skull Duggrey & Mystikal

This track got a hard kind of dark and raw beat. Both fiend and Skull is dropping some good verses. But when Mystikal is dropping his verses you know who the star is.

7. Heart of a ghetto boy

Fiend goes deep and makes you want to listen to what he is saying. I love the hook too. I also liked the way he used a blues felling on the beat. The track is good and very deep.

8. Trip to London feat Kage

I don’t understand what he means with the song title, and don’t know who Kage is. But it’s a good song. The hook is the best on the song .The raps are just average. But the song should be a bit longer.

9. The truth is

This track got a good beat and the hook is tight. I like this track cause Fiend is dropping some serious shit to a girl, the song is’t the normal pimp shit it’s deeper than that.

10. Been thru it all feat Magic

This song got a rock beat to it. If u like rock samples you will love this song, because everything else is on point.

11. Mr. Whomp Whomp

This should have been the first single. The track got a tight party beat to it and a catchy hook to match it up. They couldn’t go wrong with this song as a single its perfect to play in the club.

12. I was placed here feat Holloway of Ghetto Commission

Holloway and his group Ghetto Commission are very underrated. Holloway is dropping a very tight verse here. Fiend comes next and does well too. The beat is very nice. The hook could be better though.

13. I’m losing my mind

Fiend flows very well over this beat and the hook is tight too. Overall a good song.

14. They don’t hear me

This is some hard shit. Fiend brings a lot of energy to this track, the only setback is that the track should been a bit longer.

15. If they don’t know

This song got a tight beat and fiend flows well over it. But it’s only about a one minute long; it’s too bad because it could have been a very tight song.

16. Walk that line

Wack track could and should have been left out.

17. Waiting on god

I love the beat here its very deep and raw. Fiend comes with some deep lyrics; the hook is very well done. It’s my favorite song on this album.

Overall it’s a very impressive album. Fiend is very talented he can cover all areas in the rappin game. From making deep tracks to make us get crunk, or some straight street shit. It’s too bad that this album wasn’t promoted right because he was one of No Limits best artists. The problem with the album is that some songs are too short and some tracks just didn’t fit in, but I recommend you to check it out. I give it 4 of 5 Stars.

Trick Daddy – Thugs R Us

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

The Miami rapper Trick Daddy hasn’t been one of my favourite rappers during the years, but a lil trip to the Dirty South made me change my mind. That’s also where I got this album from…

1. Intro

2. I’m a thug

I like the production of this track, and the chorus are cool too. Trick Daddy’s saying he’s a thug. Tight track right here. Good way to start the album.

3. Where U From (feat. Trina & Duece Poppi)

Trick Daddy, Trina and Duece Poppi’s representing where he’s from and other places I guess. Persionaly, I like this track. That could be very affected by the fact that I used to stay at one of those places. Trick’s representing and if he’s representing where you’re at, you’ll love this song. If not, you’ll probably like it anyway.

4. Noodle

This production may be loved by some, but I’m not feeling it. It’s ok tho. It’s a nice track to put on on the after party when you’re lighting up that last one tho. Trick Daddy’s lifting this track.

5. Take it to da house (feat. Slip-N-Slide Express)

Definitely a party track with a cool hook. You might not be stunned by the lyrical capacity of the guests on this song, but they’re ok. If you play this track at a party you’ll definitely enjoy it.

6. Trump in the trunk (Skit)

7. Can’t ***** with the south (feat. J.V.)

Sure the other coasts can ***** with the south, but Trick’s doing a very good attempt to claim that the dirty south owns the game. This is a realy tight track with tight lyrics, tight hook and tight production. Definitely one of my favourite cuts on this cd.

8. Survivin’ tha drought (feat. Duece Poppi)

This track is kinda weird. The production is mellow, but the raps are kinda raw. Not one of my favourite songs on this album.

9. Pull over (remix) (feat. Trina, Kase & Duece Poppi)

If you like the original version of this track, I’m sure you’ll like this one too. It’s an up tempo beat with cool lyrics to it. A party track.

10. Have my cheese (feat. J.V. & Money Mark)

I don’t know if I should love or hate the production on this track. It sounds kinda wack at first, but then when the hook shoots in I’m feeling it. It’s still not one of the better tracks on this album tho.

11. Bricks & Marijuana (feat. Kase)

I haven’t heard much from Kase, but he’s wack on this song. He ruins it. The production is ok at most, so this track is a “skippable” track.

12. N Word (feat. Tre+6 & Duece Poppi)

Yeah we know you use the N word, Trick. You didn’t have to do a wackass song about it.

13. 99 problems (feat. Tre+6)

99 problems but a ***** aint one… The production on this track is ok but the lyrics are kinda wack.

14. For all my ladies (feat. Trina)

Wow. A few wack tracks are followed up by this tight ass track! And an other tight assed rapper is on it – Trina. She’s coming out really well on this one. Actually, Trick Daddy isn’t even on this one!

15. The hotness (feat. Society)

I’m actually feeling this cut. I’m probably one of the few tho… Not much of a production and the lyrics aren’t all that either. I’m feeling the beat, tho.

16. Somebody shoulda told ya (feat. Migraine)

What the ****! I thought this was a Trick Daddy album! He hasn’t appeared a lot on these past tracks at all! This track has ok production and wack flow.

17. Amerika

Slow jam. Tight. You’ll definitely feel this track. Trick Daddy’s criticising the government… All in all a good song.

18. Duece Poppi snippits (Bonus)

A lil promotion for the upcoming star of Slip-N-Slide – Duece Poppi. Sounds cool… but has nothing to do with this album.

This album has its ups and downs. Personally I was feeling a lot of the tracks, but that could be because I’ve heard it at a lot of parties etc. The best songs are really tight, but the others are kinda wack.
I give this album 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Spooks – S.I.O.S.O.S Vol 1: The Hijacking

Posted on January 22, 2013 by WWC

Before hearing this album I have only heard track 3, “Things I’ve seen” before, and it was really tight so I’m hoping this album will be something special. The group has a great female singer named Ming Xia and 4 male MC’s.

1. Other script

The album’s starting off with a song with weird production. It’s ok but I’m sure a lot of people doesn’t agree with me on that. The Spook’s doing a good job flowing over it tho and the chorus is kinda catchy. The outro’s wack.

2. The mission

Nice and different production on this one. Xia’s doing a great job with the hook… However, the others are wack and I could probably go to the mall right now and find someone who’d do it better.

3. Things I’ve seen

“Things I’ve seen” was the first single and a major reason this album sold units. The production is tight and Xia’s making it a great commercial success. The other MC’s doing decent verses and I really like this song. However, I think the single version is different production wise. This one’s way to low and I was disappointed with it.

4. They don’t know

What the hell is this?! I’m sure someone’s worked very hard to produce this song, but it’s wack! The lyrics are decent but that won’t help this track. Skip this!

5. I got U

Again, very different production than what we as rap fans are used to. This one’s pretty decent tho. To bad the track as a whole is wack.

6. Flesh not bone

This is more like it! I’m actually enjoying the production on this song from time to time. To be more exact, I like it when the guitar’s in the picture. The beats are also kinda cool tho. Again, Xia’s doing her part very well.

7. Sweet revenge

Wow! I had lost faith in finding really tight tracks on this album, but this one made me change my mind! It’s a very tight production and the lyrics are really cool too! I’m impressed!

8. Deep cutz

Damn. I was hoping for a tight followup to “Sweet revenge” but instead I get this… a pathetic attempt to try to make it look like an old Ice Cube song. This aint even close. Wack.

9. Karma hotel

Xia’s starting off this track, and there’s no denial in that she has a beautiful voice. Unfortunately she’s not doing the entire song, instead the other’s coming in. They’re doing a decent job on this cut, but I’d rather hear Xia throughout the entire song. She IS doing a good job on the chorus tho. It’s worth listening to.

10. Safe house

Cool beat on this track but that’s all. Even Xia’s wack on this one.

11. Something fresh

This track’s based on some 80’s rock thing. It’s quite neat… Especially when the chorus’s cutting in. You might not like this one, but I do.

12. Swindley’s Maracas

One of the better tracks on this cd… Not that that would tell you something. It’s average. Xia’s once again doing a great job and she should go for a solo career. I especially enjoy the guitar.

13. ***** blood

This has got to be one of the worst tracks ever made. Skip it!

14. Murder

They probably couldn’t come up with a worse way to finish off the album. Wack!

Throughout this album it had different production. It sounded kind of like a mixture of Rap, Jazz, Reggae and Soul.
I’m gonna be honest with you and go right to the point: This album sucks! The average track on this album is some wack shit who should never have been released. However, some tracks like “Things I’ve seen”, “Flesh not bone” and “Sweet revenge” was actually quite tight. If you would remove those 3 tracks, this album would get 1. Now I’m forced to atleast up it to 1.5.

Royce da 5’9 – Rock City

Posted on January 20, 2013 by WWC

When I picked this album up I didn’t know much about Royce da 5’9”. I knew he was affiliated with Eminem, and that could possibly mean he’s only selling records because of that. Other artists has sold a lot more with Eminem than they would without him. We’ll see…

1. It’s Tuesday (Intro)

Royce da 5’9” starts off this album with a slow, cool song. Neat beat and cool lyrics. This is something between a normal track and an intro.

2. Rock city feat. Eminem

Eminem’s co-producing this track and since the production is good I’m guessing he did a good job. This has to be one of the first commercial tracks he produced. He’s also featured on the song… He’s really just doing the chorus and it sounds kinda gay. Eminem shouldn’t sing like this.

3. Get’cha paper feat. Tre’ Little

This is more like it! A slow but still raw track. Royce’s coming out hard and so is Tre Little even tho he’s not as raw as Royce da 5’9”. Tight track and a catchy hook!

4. We live (danger)

This song is also kinda slow… The production is cool and so is the lyrics. Nothing special really. The hook is kinda catchy.

5. You can’t touch me

This, just like the other tracks, is a kind of slow beat with rawer lyrics on it. I like the beats, but the rest of it isn’t all that. All the tracks has sounded too much the same this far.

6. Let’s go feat. Twista

Twista’s one of my favourite Midwest rapper. Nobody can spice up a track like he does when he’s spitting a verse in his typical way. Same thing with this track. If it wasn’t for Twista I probably wouldn’t have like this one too much, but now I think it’s really cool. The production is above average, too.

7. D-Elite Pt 1

A 1.38 long track. It’s cool but the length of it make it seem more like a skit.

8. D-Elite Pt 2 feat. Tre´, Cha Cha, Jah 5’9”, Cut Throat and Billy Nix)

Tight beat and production for this one and I enjoy all the verses. They’re all good rappers. I’m not really into the slow kind of production Royce da 5’9”, or maybe the executive produced; Eminem, seem to like.

9. She’s the one feat. Tre’ Little

Boaring music… the rap don’t save it. Skip this track.

10. Boom

Damn! Just as I had lost faith in this album this track comes up! DJ Premier is a tight producer and he’s proving it right here! Tight production no doubt, and Royce da 5’9” come out tight too. This is my absolute favourite track on this album this far. No contest!

11. What would you do

Royce da 5’9”’s rapping about how bad he is, and what he’d do to you if you messed with him… The production is nice, but the talking at the end kinda ruins it.

12. Who am I

Uh oh! 2pac die-hard-fans will not like this. Royce’s rapping over the Pain production. When Ja Rule did that, 2pac fans started hating on him. Ja Rule took an entire 2pac verse and just changed a few words tho, Royce’s doing new lyrics to it. It’s cool but I usually don’t like when a rapper’s taking someone elses track to remake it.

13. Life

Nice slow jam. I’m not normally into slow jams but I like this one. I believe the hook is taken from some other song… Either way it’s catchy and I like it. One of the better tracks on this cd.

14. My friend

Cool way to finish of the album. The production is kinda old school like, and Royce da 5’9”’s showing skills on the microphone.

The question I asked myself when I got my hands on this album was if Royce da 5’9”’s only selling records because of his affiliation with Eminem. The answer is both yes and no. Personally I like it, but I’m also sure the mainstream audience isn’t. It’s an average rap album and sounds more like an underground album than a commercial release. It’s a good thing he’s not changing his style to sell records, tho. This is an average album and therefore I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Outkast – Aquemini

Posted on January 20, 2013 by WWC

The Outkast is a group containing Andre Benjamin and Big Boi. Their debut album “Southernplayalistikmuzik” was slept on and their follow up album “ATLiens” had a few VERY tight cuts, but also a few below average. Therefor I’m hoping for this album to last all the way.

1. Intro

2. Return of the ”G”

Mellow beat and tight verses. A song to smoke to… just enjoy! Except the damn outro. Annoying.

3. Rosa Parks

Damn! Tight beat with a nice guitar string, tight lyrics and a catchy hook. Can it be any better than this?!? “Aahaa, what’s that buzz, everybody move to the back of the buss..” etc. Again, there’s an outro.

4. Skew it on the bar-b (feat. Raekwon)

Tight production, and a catchy hook. Raekwon’s tight on this one, and so is Dre and Big Boi.

5. Aquemini

An other mellow beat. Light it up and enjoy.

6. Synthesizer (feat. George Clinton)

I didn’t like this track at all first time I heard it, but it’s growing on me. The hook is cool, but this is not one of the best performances from George Clinton. Make sure you’re listening to the entire track, because it’s wack to start with but gets better all along.

7. Slump

Boring beat but the Outkast are still holding the track up, and came up with a catchy hook as usual.

8. West Savannah

Not one of the best tracks of the cd. The beat is not wack, but definitely not tight. It’s kinda mellow, and so is the verses. They’ve done their best to make a catchy hook tho. Didn’t work on me.

9. Da art of storytellin’ (Part 1)

Cool production and tight lyrics. On top of that they came up with a catchy hook. This is definitely a tight song.

10. Da art of storytellin’ (Part 2)

I thought this would be like Part 1, but it’s totally different. Tight beat with a mellow mixing on top of it and a tight flow. Don’t sleep on this track!

11. Mamacita

What the hell is this track doing on this cd? Wack.

12. Spottieottiedogsallscious

Cool, slow production. They must have been high while doing this. And that’s also what you should be when listening to it. ( to bad that would be illegal 😉 )

13. Y’all scared (feat. T-Mo, Big Gipp & Khuju)

Cool production, but wack track. Skip it unless you feel like listening to something to just enjoy the production.

14. Nathaniel (Skit)

15. Liberation (feat Cee-Lo)

This is a cool slow jam, and I enjoyed it. I’m not to sure ya’ll will tho.

16. Chonkyfire

Damn!!! I was expecting an outro or something, but instead the Outkast gave me a blazing song! Tight beats with an electric guitar over them. Definitely one of my favourite tracks on this album, maybe even my favourite one!

This album was definitely not a disappointment. I’d say this is the best Outkast album. Since I’m doing this review in 2003 I’m also counting Stankonia. If you compare this album to “ATLiens”, “ATLiens” had a few VERY tight tracks, while this had, with some exceptions, tight tracks all the way. This album had tight production on most of the cuts, and every track had a catchy hook. As always the Outkast are showing off their good flow and lyrical skills. If you’re an Outkast fan, you NEED to have this album. If you’re the average rap fan, my advice is to get this album, too.

I give this album 4 out of 5 stars.

Master P – Gameface

Posted on January 20, 2013 by WWC

I’m not a big fan of Master P, however I spent some time down in Florida and down there, Master P is a living legend. That was the only thing that made me buy this album. My expectation was low. Master P is the kind of rapper that most people either love or hate. I’m neutral in this tho.

1. Take it outside feat Krazy

Nice way to start of the album. I like the beat and if the album continues like this it’ll be a cool album. It IS kinda long tho… they shoulda cut it off earlier.

2. Ghetto ballin feat Lil Romeo & Silkk The Shocker

This song will make you bump your head. It’s tight and cool lyrics. However, the music string and beat are the same over and over and over again here. They just repeated it. I remember playing this at the basketball court when this album came out and I always liked it back then.

3. Ooohhhwee feat. Weebie

The first single of the album, and definitely a hit. A typical party song with a catchy hook. Master P successfully picked this track to promote the album. I’m pretty sure this song and this song alone has made this album sell better.

4. Real Love feat Sera-Lynn

Nice lil beat and a cool hook. However I gotta say Master P is ruening this one. His verses is quite wack… There’s nothing wrong with the lyrics but I don’t think this production is meant to scream on.

5. We want dough

This is a cool song. I especially like the hook. It’s quite catchy and match the production well. Some may not like the way Master P’s rapping to this, but I think it’s cool. This song’s average.

6. The block

This song’s proof that Master P shouldn’t do slow jams. It’s too bad, because the production is tight. Skip it.

7. A woman

Another slow song. I don’t like Master P on slow stuff. Next!

8. Back on top feat. C-Murder, Silkk The Shocker & Lil Romeo

Cool sample of the old Ice Cube track “One nation” with George Clinton. I like this! Tight remixing and tight verses. Master P and his fam is representing the New No Limit, and they should since it’s their company.

9. The farm

Wow! I wouldn’t expect Master P to come out good on a slow jam! But here he proves me wrong. Good lookin out Master P!

10. What i’m bout

An other kinda slow song. The beat’s cool but the combination of beats and rapping just aint right. Master P’s talking about his career and what he’s about.

11. Whoadie gone

Whoadie gone is done in memory of all the fallen soldiers. Master P’s coming out with his classic “UUUUGGGGGHHHHH” and the production is tight. However, this is an other slow jam and like I said before – Master P shouldn’t do them, atleast not when screaming to a slow music. The song’s got a good message tho.

12. I don’t feat Krazy

This is more like it! Master P fits in perfectly on this kind of production. One of my favourites on this album and I think all ya’ll will like it too!

13. Rock it feat. Weebie & Krazy

The second single and a hit! I can’t stress enough what a great party track this has been for the clubs in the dirty south! Weebie got a style similar to Nelly but it’s more in the rapping direction than what I’d say Nelly’s doing. Production is straight fire!

14. Loose it and get it back

An other kinda slow song. Thisone’s better than the other ones tho. The production is cool and the chorus is kinda cool. A good way to finish off this album.

This album has it ups and downs. Tracks like “Ooohhhwee” and “Rock it” are tight party tracks while tracks like “The block” and “A woman” aren’t too good. If you like Master P, you’ll probably still like the slow jams on this album, but personally I don’t think Master P fits in on them. I’d rather se someone else doing their thing on those.

This album is hard to grade, but since the best tracks are really tight they bring up this album to an average level.

I give it 3 out of 5.

LL Cool J – 10

Posted on January 20, 2013 by WWC

LL Cool J is a legend in rap. He’s released 10 albums counting this one, and if you listen to rap, you definitely know who LL Cool J is. Recently people’s been saying he fell off, so it’ll be interesting to listen to this album.

1. Intro

2. Born to love you

LL Cool J’s starting off this album with a neat beat and cool lyrics. The guitar string in this makes the track go from average to above average.

3. Luv you better

At first when I heard this song I thought the production was tight, but now I realize it’s realy a 5 second string over and over again. I know a lot of people like this track, but I don’t.

4. Paradise feat. Amerie

This song sounds more like an 80’s funk track than a 21st century rap song. Definitely not one of my favourite tracks on this album!

5. Fa Ha

Who produced this track? He shouldn’t produce rap any more! Wack ass production. Good thing LL’s holding it up.

6. Niggy nuts

Wack ass production on this one too. But just like on “Fa Ha”, LL’s holding it up. LL Cool J didn’t fall off – he just can’t find the right producers!

7. Amazin feat. Kandicce Love

A slow kinda jazz like track. I don’t like it at all, but I can imagine it’s nice to listen to sometimes when you just feel like relaxing.

8. Clockin G’z

The production’s getting better with this one, but I still don’t like it. Good thing LL Cool J’s doing a good job with holding up the tracks. If they had a wack rapper on them this album would suck.

9. Lollipop

This song actually’s got cool production. But if you compare this to the others, LL’s not doing his best performance. It’s an average track tho.

10. After school feat. P Diddy

Finally! Tight production! I’m not exactly in P Diddy’s fan club, but his verse here is ok. The chorus is really catchy and I really like this one!

11. Throw your L’s up

Tight ass beat and very cool chorus. LL’s as usual tight and this track is one of my favourites on this album no doubt. “L! Who bring you the hotness? L! Yo, you don’t wanna stop me! L! Forever keeping it lock’d, it’s now time to rock with: L!!”

12. You should

Realy nice slow jam. I’m feeling the production on this one, and LL’s always been good at doing these slow jams. This album has taken a U-turn and now every track seem to be tight!

13. 10 million stars

Wow! Tight as *****! LL’s dropping TIGHT lyrics and the production is straight fire! The chorus is really tight too. At the end LL’s going: “L’s worth paper. Ask Def Jam who put em up in that skyscraper. Ask my dogs up in old five, who made a major/ LL playa, now who’s next to need a paper, drop a bomb on em”. In the skit after this track LL’s bragging some about his body, and that’s also the intro for the next track.

14. Mirror mirror

Nice slow jam according to some, but I don’t like it. LL’s not coming out tight on this one, and it’s just overall not all that.

15. Big mama (Unconditional love) feat. Dru Hill

This is a realy neat slow jam with Dru Hill on it. Usually when Dru Hill’s been on rap albums it’s been coming out tight.

The question when I started listening to this album was: Is it true? Did LL Cool J fall off? The answer is no. This album had some wack production, but LL came out tight on most tracks. On the second part of the album, the production shaped up and the album is above average. If there was a 3.25 grade, I’d give it that. Instead, I’ll give it 3 out of 5.

Fredro Starr – Firestarr

Posted on January 20, 2013 by WWC

Fredro Starr began his rapping career in 1991 with the group Onyx. After the breakup of the Onyx in 1998, Fredro Starr began his solo career with this album. Fredro’s also done a few movies and is pretty well known in the entertainment industry. I expect this album to be average.

1. Comin’ at the game

Nice lil intro here. Some talking over a nice beat.

2. Dyin’ 4 rap

“Dyin’ 4 rap” is a really nice track to start off the album with. It’s got a really tight production and Fredro’s going at it!

3. What if

This track makes you think… What if? Fredro’s asking himself interesting questions and I find this slow jam super tight. Just enjoy it!

4. Thug warz feat. Outlawz

I love the production of this song… Actually, this far I’ve liked all the songs production wise. The Outlawz are featured on this one and they’re spitting fire! Definitely a tight cut.

5. Perfect *****

How would you make your perfect b*tch? Fredro’s telling us how his would be… This track has some cool lyrics from time to time but the production sucks and it’s not realy a good track overall.

6. Electric ice feat. X1 & Mieva

Nice production on this track but other than that it’s not all that. It’s kinda short too. Mieva’s wack.

7. Who ***** betta

The beat on “Who ***** betta” is tight but it’s still not a really good song. It’s average.

8. Big shots feat. Sin

Fredro Starr and Sin’s saying how they’re taking other peoples money and buying all the cars. I haven’t heard from Sin before but I doubt he’s rich, considering he’s kind of wack. Some of you might like him tho. The nice production’s saving this cut.

9. Soldierz feat. Sticky Fingaz & x1

Just like the other cuts on this album this track has a nice production. A lot of them sound the same tho and I’m getting a little bit tired of it right about now, even tho they would be tight if I wasn’t listening to them right after eachother. Sticky Fingaz’s tight.

10. One night feat. Begetz, Versalite & Ice T

It seemed like Fredro knew what I was thinking on the last track, because on this one the production style changed a little bit. I like it! Tight track and nice guests.

11. Dat be dem

The single of this album and naturally a tight song. One of my favourite cuts no doubt. I’m sure most of ya’ll have heard this one.

12. Dyin 4 rap (Remix) feat C-N-N, Young Noble & Cuban Link

This is the remix for “Dyin 4 rap”, and they’ve put some tight MC’s on it. I still like the original better tho. Young Noble’s mentioning Makaveli as usual… 3 times.

13. I don’t wanna… feat. Aaron Hall

Fredro Starr’s talking about how he don’t want to die, he don’t want to have nightmares etc. Wack track. Skip it.

14. America’s most

“America’s most” is just 1:20. It’s not that good and I view this more like a skit.

15. Shining through (Bonus track)

Nice piano string on this slow jam. I like it! I also like the chorus and overall a nice track.

With this debut album, Fredro Starr proved he can make it on his own. The album started off very tight, but couldn’t hold the same standard throughout the entire album. If all tracks on this album was like the first ones, I’d grade it 4. Now, I’ll give it 3.5.