After 4 albums with Mobb Deep, Prodigy made the leap from 1/2 of one of the greatest duos hip hop has seen, to solo artist. “H.N.I.C.” was critically aclaimed and solidified Prodigy as a commendable soloist. However, it was another 7 long years, a potential break up with Havoc, and a questionable G-Unit deal later that P released his sophomore effort, “Return Of The Mac.” Produced entirely by The Alchemist, this is a prequel to “H.N.I.C. II.”

1.) The Mac Is Back: An intro featuring Prodigy talking over a very soulful beat. Good choice for an intro, even though it doesn’t feature Prodigy rapping.

2.) Return Of The Mac (New York Shit): Featuring former Prodigy foe, Tupac, on the hook, this song contains very uptempo, 70’s blaxploitation-production. Complete with saxophones and all, Prodigy stays on his NY shit consistently, making for a great track.

3.) Stuck On You: Despite being released to the underground in 2004, this song (and also the album’s main single), is near perfect. A perfect sample is provided by The Alchemist, as Prodigy’s laid back flow completes the track. Good effort.

4.) Mac 10 Handle: Great track. A grimey old school sample is used, and Prodigy takes advantage of it. With lines like “I sit alone in my dirty ass room, starin at candles, high on drugs”, P makes another very good song, suprising most at this point.

5.) Down & Out In New York City: An interlude, featuring smooth production. Although it’s just a skit, it fits the album perfectly, and is another showcase of The Alchemist’s skills as a producer.

6.) Rotten Apple: Possibly the best all around track on the album, P details the ruggedness in the rotten apple. With memorable lines such as “If Pac was still alive, we’d be on the same team/we got bigger fish to fry then that ***** Supreme”, Alchemist’s production is a gem once again.

7.) Madgesty Speaks feat. Madgesty: Pointless skit featuring Madgesty, dedicated to fallen soldiers – Tupac (of all people), Stretch, E-Money Bagz, and Kadafi.

8.) To The Top: A more mellow beat is used here, with what appears to be live instruments in the background. P’s lyrics are above average on this track, showcasing his unique style. The beat’s climatic overtone make for another good track.

9.) P Speaks: Yet another interlude featuring Prodigy looking back on old times, showing more of the mixtape side of the album.

10.) 7th Heaven: To contrast the mellow vibe of the album, Alchemist serves P with some uptempo funk. A threatening Prodigy demonstrates the gangsta image he brought to the game back in ’95. Above average track.

11.) Bang On Em: Another mellow track, featuring Prodigy at his best. Not as lyrical as previous tracks, it’s more of P’s bragadocious side. This is more reminiscent of “H.N.I.C.”, with Prodigy detailing “All I care about is music, and who I gotta cut.” Good track, with another perfect 70’s inspired beat.

12.) Nickel & A Nail: Superb production on this track makes it a standout. Prodigy’s demonstrates a faster flow, then his usual laid back style. “Some chose ballin, music was my calling”, about sums up this track. It’s a gutter track, with a very mellow relaxing beat. The hook is a very old sample, blended with Prodigy’s chorus.

13.) Legends: After hearing the first 12 tracks, it’s more then obvious Alchemist provided Prodigy with pure crack. Another great production, featuring Prodigy detailing his personal come up. “Gangstas don’t die, we just turn to legends/ what we go through is hell, what the ***** is a heaven?”, showcase Prodigy’s personal demons and pain. Great track.

14.) Stop Fronting: Prodigy chooses to close out the album the same way he started. From Mac’s to chains, P’s gangsta swagger is most evident here. Although not the best track on the album, with a lackluster hook, the verses and production make up for what would’ve been an average track. Good way to close out the album.

In conclusion, this album is billed as a mixtape. But if P had chosen to, any one of these tracks could’ve fit “H.N.I.C. II.” The only drawback from this album receiving a perfect rating, is the lack of songs. P shows no miscues, and proves he hasn’t fallin off, despite his lackluster effort on Mobb Deep’s “Bloody Money.” If “H.N.I.C. II”, is anywhere as good as this, it will no doubt be a classic. So, in the words of Prodigy, “this the mixtape, imagine how the album sound.”

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Young Buck has been through a lot. Three years removed from his debut “Straight Outta Cashville”, an album that went gold, it would appear G-Unit is falling apart. An industry backlash has seen 50 Cent & Co. take a lot of verbal abuse. However, Young Buck manages to serve up his sophomore effort “Buck The World”, after the recent dissapointments of Lloyd Banks and Mobb Deep. Boasting production from Dr. Dre, Polow Da Don, and Hi-Tek, Young Buck hopes to revive the energy and fans the Unit once had.

1.) Push Em Back: Great effort to open up the album, production is laced crisply, while Buck re-assures everyone that the Unit is still getting money. Over smooth piano chords, Buck provides a note worthy opening track.

2.) Say It To My Face feat. 8Ball & MJG, Bun B: Typical southern production on this one, as Young Buck, 8Ball, MJG, and Bun B provide predictable southern bragging, that make for a slightly above average song. Bun B serves up the best verse.

3.) Buss Yo Head: An underground anthem, this is Buck at his best. Over epic production, Buck lets everybody knows that it’s his time to shine, so move over. Aggression and perfect production, make this a classic track.

4.) I Ain’t *****ing With U feat. Snoop Dogg, Trick Daddy: This song is a letdown. More should be expected out of Hi-Tek production, and Snoop Dogg is featured singing here. Trick Daddy serves up an average verse, but this track is an overall letdown. One of the album’s lackluster efforts.

5.) Get Buck: The 2nd single from the album, this is Polow Da Don at his best. After the recent success of “Throw Some D’s”, Polow provides Buck with horn blaring production, that brings the best out of Young Buck. Great choice for a single, and should be an anthem in the club for a minute to come.

6.) Buck The World feat. Lyfe: A frustrated Young Buck details how he woke up one morning screaming “***** The World” (sound familiar, 2Pac?). Good song none the less, with Lyfe Jennings on the hook. Buck mellows out for this one.

7.) Slow Ya Roll feat. Chester Bennington: Dr. Dre produces this gem, featuring Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington. This is Buck’s version of detailing an everyday struggle in different situations. Production is perfect on this track, and Buck delivers one of his best efforts to date. Great song.

8.) Hold On feat. 50 Cent: Typical G-Unit track, featuring 50 Cent crooning the hook. Over another Dre produced beat, this is somewhat reminiscent of an old time gangster track, which is also evident when watching the video. This song will grow on you, and becomes more addictive after each listen.

9.) Pocket Full Of Paper feat. Young Jeezy: A somewhat dissapointing effort, featuring what sounds like Lil Jon production. Same synths are used, and Jeezy’s adlibs are tiring on this track. Skip it, it’s a little too similar to everything else on the radio.

10.) Haters feat. Kokane: Recruiting West Coast legend Kokane for the hook, Young Buck lets his haters know that he still doesn’t give a *****. Smooth west coast production, provide for another superb track, as Buck wishes “Tupac was here to witness this”.

11.) U Ain’t Going Nowhere feat. Latoiya Williams: Smooth production is apparent here, but the song’s theme is recycled. As Buck and his girl go back and forth about how they can’t leave each other, it becomes a little too much. Banks is better at these type of songs, making the track under achieving.

12.) Money Good: At first sounding like another tried club attempt, Buck lets his lyrical side show, with lines like “things done changed, i’m hotter then a flame/ so i aint got time to beef with Jada, Joe, or Game”. Buck shows his will to move past conflicts, and focuses on getting money, over smooth production.

13.) Puff Puff Pass feat. Ky-Mani Marley: Buck is no stranger to weed. Nicknamed “Buck Marley”, a weed anthem was not even questionable for his second album. Sure to get the tokers chokin on that sticky, Buck provides a perfect track featuring Jamaican singer, Ky-Mani Marley.

14.) Clean Up Man: Quite possibly one of the best tracks on the album, Young Buck’s aggression once again carries this track. Production really helps the album, and this track is no exception. Young Buck describes his role as the Units clean up man, and nobody can do it like he can. Great track.

15.) 4 Kings feat. T.I., Pimp C, Young Jeezy, Jazze Pha: Looking at the featured list, you’d expect more out of this track. Jazze does the hook, and while the song’s decent, it’s also been available since mid-2006, and is a little bit of a dissapointment. Decent track none the less.

16.) I Know You Want Me feat. Jazze Pha: An obvious attempt at reaching the ladies in the club scene, this song works suprisingly well. Better then the previous track, Jazze provides a smooth beat for Buck to work with. Not the best choice for a single though, as it is out of Buck’s element.

17.) Lose My Mind: The track on the album that will take most listeners by complete surprise. Featuring a very aggressive Buck shouting like a rocker, this song is perfect. I would’ve never expected a track like this, and most fans won’t either. Perfect way to close out the album, on a suicidal note.

18.) Bonus Track – Funeral Music: 50 Cent’s diss to Cam’ron. Has nothing to do with Young Buck, and is a failed attempt at selling the album using the same G-Unit beef formula. Not worthy to be on the album.

So did Young Buck pick up where Lloyd Banks, and the rest of the Unit have failed the past 2 years? The answer is yes. This album, minus two or three filler tracks, is nothing less then perfect. Buck surpasses his debut album by far (which is a great album in its own right), and opts to go with big name producers who suit his style perfectly. I think it’s apparent The Unit is back in the game, thanks to Young Buck, and Young Buck alone.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

1. Vans
This is different, and that’s not a bad thing at all. The beat is fingers snapping, with a drum added in the background. Simple, yet catchy. See, music doesn’t have to be complicated. The Pack rap about their love of Vans(The shoes), and honestly, this subject matter is something that needs to happen more. Nice starting track. Good.

2. I’m Shinin’
This is more of a party track, complete with bouncy beat. It’s catchy, but it’s a track that has a short shelf life. I honestly just don’t care for the chorus, and find it a bit annoying. Bad singing is one thing, but bad singing filled with cliche’s is a whole new level of annoying. Yea, this was just sort of there. Average.

3. Ride My Bike
If you can’t understand what this title means, then you must be naive. It’s catchy, with a nice whistle type beat, and a good pace. The Pack really don’t try to make the song meaning a secret. Good party track. Good.

4. Candy
The Pack take a page out of 2 Live Crew’s book here. Fast paced party track, that has sexual content. Nothing complicated, and a nice little homage to 2 Live Crew. Nothing terrible, but nothing really good. Average.

5. Oh Go
Bouncy beat, with some party vibes thrown in. Again, there is nothing complicated here, and it’s an unapologetic party track. That’s not really bad thing, because contrary to the popular belief, music needs these sort of tracks. I mean, would you play Anticon or Aesop Rock at a party? I didn’t think so. Good.

6. Freaky Bopper
Another bouncy beat here, but it has a sort of old school Atari feel to it, and that’s not a good thing. I mean, I appreciate that the Pack are basically saying “We do party music. That is what we do. You don’t like it? Then go listen to something else”, but at the same time, these tracks sort of get a little old after a while. This was pretty tedious, and not very good. Wack

7. Vans Remix(Feat Too Short & Mistah F.A.B.)
I like the beginning, and found it a nice dedication to Mac Dre. This is so much better than the original, because F.A.B. & Too Short get to add their own twist. Really fun track. Good

All in all I’m giving this a Good rating. Was it mind blowing? Absolutely not. Was it fun? Absolutely. You know, music can be fun, and doesn’t have to always have a deep message. The Pack are a group that just go all out in the fun mode, and make tracks that are suited for parties. If you don’t like that, then buy an Enya album, and shut up.

Mac’s one of those rare rappers from the south, with a complete East Coast delivery. The clarity in his voice, and his concepts alone, make him appealing to backpackers and MC’s alike. Starting his career off with 1998’s “Shell Shocked”, Mac returned with the completely opposite “World War III” in 1999. Even through the backlash of No Limit Records at the time, this album stands as a landmark in No Limit history, and unfortunatley the last album from Mac.

1.) Intro: Nothing more then a woman talking about Mac’s future plans to help the community, and declaring that it’s World War.

2.) War Party feat. D.I.G., Magic: The only single from the album is unfortunatley nothing more then a typical No Limit track. Soulja stories are traded here, over a subpar beat. Average at best.

3.) Best Friends: Classic track about friends turned enemies. The melodic beat ensensuates the storytelling ability of Mac, as he shares his depression on losing a friend. Excellent track.

4.) Like Before: A typical track directed toward the ladies, Mac smoothly spits 2 verses explaining the need to make it right with his girl. Good track, although a little boring after a couple listens.

5.) We Deadly feat. Master P, Silkk The Shocker: Mac spits one of his most aggressive verses, along with Master P, who does surprisingly decent on this track. Silkk just talks at the end, and somewhat ruins the credibility of the track. Good song.

6.) Bloody feat. Magic: This is one of the better tracks on the album. Sticking to the soulja formula No Limit is known for, Magic and Mac spit two very fast paced verses, with a perfectly laced hook. Some notable lines from Mac include “You might be the next to rip, get shot get stab you get cut up strip/ You boxed up in a ship, thinking niggas on some retaliation tip”.

7.) You Never Know feat. Mia X: A pounding beat is used to describe another tale of friends turned enemies. Both MC’s give arguably their best performance together, as Mac and Mia trade verses about the situation of friend turned foe. Excellent track.

8.) Just Another Thug feat. C-Murder, Ms. Peaches: Finally another C-Murder/Mac collaboration, leaving us to wonder how classic the anticipated “Tank Doggs” album could’ve been. This track, although short, is laced with a very smooth beat, explaining how Mac & C are “just another thug nigga”.

9.) Battle Cry (Tomorrow): One of the deepest songs on the entire album, Mac describes the pain of growing up, and the hope for a better tomorrow. Great song with memorable lines (“But never no love, i witnessed the sickness of unprotected lust/So many children born just because the rubbers bust”). Classic track.

10.) If It’s Cool feat. Ms. Peaches: A lighter song on an album filled with aggressive stories, this track cleverly samples Tupac’s “How Do You Want It” and makes for a smooth tale on Mac trying to game a *****, while stating “I don’t wanna be ya man/I wanna tap something if it’s cool (it’s cool)/But if you not ask your girl what i asked you”. Great song, and completely unexpected.

11.) Cops & Robbers: Re-spitting the classic first verse from “Niggaz N Trouble”, this sympathetic beat, helps Mac describe how life is nothing more then a deadly game of cops and robbers. Above average track.

12.) Lockdown (Remix): Quite possibly the best track on the album, this ended up describing Mac’s life. Detailing an accusation of murder that ends him up in prison, Mac contemplates on the thought of 25-Life, and sadly ends up living it. Classic track.

13.) Paradise feat. Popeye, Samm: Great song, featuring No Limit newcomers Popeye and Samm. Mac’s verse is saved for last, and rightfully so, as he steals the entire song. Great job by Popeye on the hook.

14.) That’s Hip Hop: One of the purest tracks on the album, Mac states the problems of this generations rappers. The bling, the cars, and the “*****es jumpin in the pool”, over a classic hip hop sample. Great song.

15.) Can You Love Me? (Eyes Of A Killer): Classic track. In every sense of the word, this song is nothing less then classic. Another deep song, Mac explains the troubles of a mother loving her son, who has the eyes of a killer. Great beat, and great verses from a great MC.

16.) Genocide Skit: Skit leading into the next song, with children being asked what genocide is.

17.) Genocide feat. Ms. Peaches: Another deep song (which is the perfect way to end an album), Mac details more stories of his past, by stating “if you ride on me, ima ride on you (it’s genocide)”.

18.) Father’s Day: A perfect Tupac-esque track, about lacking any real male influence growing up. Smooth beat, with a great hook, make for another classic track.

19.) Still Callin Me feat. Ms. Peaches, Sons Of Funk: The sequal to “Callin Me” off Shell Shocked, is just an extention of the need to get that girl. Good song, but not on the level of the others.

20.) Assassin Nation feat. Storm: Perfect haunting beat, make for a more aggressive track to end the album on. Good war song.

21.) Outro: Nothing more then that; an outro.

So while the album could’ve used a little less skits, take them out, and you have nothing less then a perfect album. Mac’s growth is shown here, and is sad considering what could’ve been, if he hadn’t have caught that murder case only months after this album’s release. While not denting the Soundscan Charts (The album only sold around 230K), it’s heralded as a classic to many hip hop fans, not just from the south. Free Mac.

Overall Rating: 5/5

With the recent decline in G-Unit’s popularity, and more importantly; sales, Lloyd Banks has been put in a “make or break” situation. The first G-Unit artist not named 50 to go platinum, the weight of his label is put soley on his shoulders. With recent flops from Mobb Deep (an album that has yet to go gold), and the extremely popular “G-Unot” campaign still in full effect, does Banks have what it takes to bring back the once powerful label? Or does he even have enough savvy punchlines and slick hooks to top his well received solo album, “The Hunger For More”??? He answers these questions with his sophomore effort, “Rotten Apple”.

1.) Rotten Apple feat. 50 Cent, Prodigy: After a very climatic intro, the title track opens with with 50, Prodigy, and Banks sticking to the original Guerilla Unit formula. This track works suprisingly well. Bank’s punchlines flow smoothly over this grimey New York instrumental.

2.) Survivor: Another mellow beat follows, with Banks harmonizing the hook (wonder who he learned that from?). Bank’s punchlines are again on point, but this track is nothing more then mixtape material. Nothing stands out, and that’s what ends up hurting it the most.

3.) Playboy 2: The original “Playboy” (featured on “The Hunger For More”) is a classic track in every sense of the word. A very intimidating bassline backed up with Bank’s punchlines and smooth delivery made it perfect. The sequel lacks in every aspect. The beat is another bland instrumental lacking punch. Bank’s hook is uninspired; and makes for another track you’d expect on one of Bank’s mixtapes.

4.) The Cake feat. 50 Cent: A very well put together track, features a clever sample, and Banks turns it into a great track. 50 does well here also, as this makes for one of the better tracks on the album.

5.) Make A Move: Live drums are blended with the beat, as Banks croons and sings the hook again. His flow is put to use on this track, and really puts the shine on him, strictly because of it. The beat is up tempo, and works well for the G-Unit soldier. Good track.

6.) Hands Up feat. 50 Cent: Featuring production from Eminem, this is your typical G-Unit single. 50 singing the hook, and Banks inviting everyone to come party with him. Verses are suprisingly good here; as Bank’s showcases his punchline savvy to a national market. Doesn’t save the track though. Very dissapointing choice for a single.

7.) Help feat. Keri Hilston: A very smooth track for the ladies, featuring a relaxing piano influenced instrumental. Banks shows the ladies he cares with an impecible flow. Good choice for the second single, and video. Top notch track, where Banks shines the most.

8.) Addicted feat. Musiq Soulchild: Just looking at this track, I expected a perfect collaboration. While it is decent, something’s missing. The beat isn’t on Soulchild’s level, as Banks spits more bars about his clout and wealth. Average track at best.

9.) You Know The Deal feat. Rakim: Despite the tracklist, this DOES NOT feature Rakim. It samples him perfectly, however, as Bank’s showcases his best flow on the album, that really lets you “know the deal”. Great track; and is Bank’s in his purest form.

10.) Get Clapped feat. Mobb Deep: Boring production, and Prodigy’s lackluster flow ruin this track for the most part. Havoc comes correct, and Banks is in typical punchline fashion, but makes for an unworthy track.

11.) Stranger: Yet another song that finds Bank performing his own hooks. While it works sometimes, in this case it doesn’t. A very monotonous hook, and average verses (at best) make for a fairly boring track. I expected more out of Banks, at this point.

12.) Change: A little bit of improvement is shown on this track. Bank’s growth as an artist is apparent, and if more tracks were made like this, maybe he’d be able to branch off on his own.

13.) NY NY feat. Tony Yayo: “NY NY” features another track produced by Eminem. Good track none the less, and finds Banks and Yayo spitting good verses. More of a track I expected out of an album titled “Rotten Apple”. One of the album’s highlights.

14.) One Night Stand: Very, very good track. Soulful hook, and is once again something I’d expect out of Bank’s. The end of the album proves to be the best. Great track.

15.) Iceman feat. Young Buck, 8Ball, Scarface: Attempt at appealing the southern audience, Banks falls out of place here, but manages to save the track with appearences from southern legends. Catchy hook, smooth bassline, and great guest appearences, make for a good track.

16.) Gilmore’s: Although failry short, this track (while not the best to close out an album) is very catchy and has an addicting beat. Pretty original concept, and the hook is above average for the most part.

So did Bank’s live up to the hype? In my opinion: No. The reason for this is, he’s so concerned with keeping it street on this album and saving good songs for his mixtapes, that it hurt his sophomore solo. While not terrible, this probably won’t go down as Bank’s best work down the line in his career. While some tracks are superb, some tracks are terrible. My advice to the Unit, if you’re looking for somebody to re-kindle the flame, Bank’s isn’t your best choice right now.

Rating: 3.5/5

01. Lookin’ At You Produced By Urban EP Pop
The beat is tight, but it sounds like a Dr Dre produced track and Game even adopts the Dr Dre rapping style. It bumps at the same time, I wish and I am sure Game fans wish he would’ve just been himself. In this track he pretty much tells you he is back. Great Intro tracks. C

02. Da Shit Produced By DJ Khalil
This bangs the ***** out, yeah it sounds like Dr Dre did it, but damn, the shit bumps your speakers, but again The Game sounds like Dr Dre. But he shows and proves he can do it without Dr Dre, Game rips it. B

03. It’s Okay (One Blood) Produced By Reefa
The street single, Love the reggae concept with Junior Reid. Game gained more fans with this track. Although I think Game could’ve spit the mixtape power on here with his lyrics, good track though. B

04. Compton (Feat. Will.I.Am) Produced By Will.I.Am
Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and former Ruthless records Signee is making a lot of noise appearing and producing on artist’s albums. Great track and the shit banged out. Great teamwork on this album, a nice banger to represent Compton. – B

05. Remedy Produced by JustBlaze
Song bangs a lil , but I think the Public Enemy – “Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos” beat should’ve been left alone. I think Just Blaze could’ve came harder with another beat that hits that he usually makes. -C

06. Let’s Ride Produced By Scott Storch
This song rides out, something to cruise to, but he sounds like Dre, beat is tight by Scott Storch, chorus is nice, but need that 1st official single power like the last album. -C

07. Too Much F/ Nate Dogg Produced By Scott Storch
Not really a album worthy track…why? Beat sounds like a Dr Dre track. Beat is ok, sounds like something May J Blidge would sing over, Could’ve been harder or replaced with another song. -D

08. Wouldn’t Get Far F/ Kanye West Produced by Kanye West
This track is a gem. I think they used the same sample from Jadakiss’ “By Your Side”. Eiher way this song is nice from the beat to the chorus. Nice track with Kanye on it. They both did their thing talking about the certain ladies. – A

09. Scream On ‘Em (Feat. Swizz Beats) Produced by Swizz Beatz
This track goes a lil harder, not bad. Game spits hard on this track, different kinda production by Swizz Beatz. -B

10. One Night (Produced By Nottz)
This song is a deep track from the lyrics to the chorus. Explains what he has been going through with internal beefs he has with his former Black Wall Street camp and I believe his brother, Deep song! -A

11. Doctor’s Advocate (Feat. Busta Rhymes) Produced By Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem
This track is a gem on the album. Going off the concept of The Do*****entary’s “Start From Scratch”. Game apologizes and dedicates this song to Dr Dre. It speaks on their falling out and Game’s betrayal to Dr Dre. Busta also did his thing on the last verse co-signing Game’s words. Well crafted track. – A

12. Ol’ English (Produced By Hi-Tek)
Bangin track, Hi-Tek does his production at his best as usual, Game takes you on a trip through memory lane with a drunken and high twist. Smooth track, good to smoke and drink to -B

13. California Vacation (Feat. Snoop & Xzibit) Produced By Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem
This is a straight West Coast banger right here. Game does use Dre’s style of rapping on here a lil bit but the shit bangs. I think Xzibit steals the show on here. They all did their thing. Straight Gangsta Shit! -B

14. Bang (Feat. Kurupt & Daz) Produced By Jelly Roll
This sounds like some old West Coast Hip-Hop shit right here with a Gangsta twist. The beat bangs out by Jelly Roll. The all did their thing on here. Good to see Game put Tha Dogg Pound on this album. -A

15. Around The World (Feat. Jamie Foxx) Produced By Mr. Porter
Okay, I may get hate with this along with the whole review, but I think this song is nice. Single/Video worthy as well. I think he can win with Jamie Foxx on the hook; nice smooth beat.  -A

16. Why You Hate The Game (Feat. Nas) Produced By Just Blaze
The final gem on the album. Bangin beat by Just Blaze and Marsha from Floetry did her thing on this track. In my opinion she brought life into this song. Lot of credit is due to her. Song bangs as Nas and Game trade verses on here. 9:22 seconds of Hip Hop.  -A

“After Death” Tupac albums are almost as common as rappers claiming they’re gangster. It just happens all too much. While most of the albums released after ‘Pac’s death have been failry well put together (and in some cases, excellent), the fact is eventually they will run out of material to put out. Last year’s God awful “Loyal 2 The Game” featured some of Pac’s earliest (but finest) work being raped by chopped vocals and bland production. “Pac’s Life” is released on the verge of the 10th anniversary of the legendary rapper’s passing. 13 new tracks are featured, and how did they fair? On to the review:

1.) Untouchable (Swizz Beatz Remix) feat. Krayzie Bone: This Swizz Beatz club banger is VERY reminiscent of last year’s anthem “Spit Your Game” featuring Notorious B.I.G. & Krayzie Bone. This song however does fairly well. Nothing standing out, and the horns are a little repetitive. The true highlight of this track is Krayzie Bone, spitting rapid fire once again.

2.) Pac’s Life feat. Ashanti, T.I.: Produced by LT Hutton, and featuring two brand new artists (well at least since Pac’s passing). This song is terrible. While the beat is listenable, hearing T.I. rap to Pac really makes it obvious Pac has been gone for so long. Ashanti’s hook is decent, but the vocals combined with this beat doesn’t work. Another verse from “This Life I Lead” is used here. Really sloppy job. Skip it.

3.) Dumpin’ feat. Hussein Fatal, Papoose, Carl Thomas: This is truly a REAL highlight of the album. Hussein’s been removed from many Pac songs that he was originally featured, and is making up for lost time. Over a “Hail Mary” influenced beat, all 3 artists spit very good aggressive lyrics. Carl Thomas performs the hook perfectly. Easily one of the best tracks on the album.

4.) Playa Cardz Right (Female) feat. Keyshia Cole: The original beat and theme to this song is perfect. Not saying this is bad, but if you’ve ever heard the original, you’d automatically know which is the better. This is a very mellow song, and Keyshia Cole performs the hook and verses very well. ‘Pac is unfortunatley only on one verse and the outro. Good song never the less.

5.) Whatz Next feat. A3, Jay Rock: This song is very southern. The influence of the south in hip hop right now is too apparent here. While it does make for a good song if you’re into Three 6 Mafia or Young Dro, this isn’t Tupac’s type of work. His lyrics (as always) are on point though, but i can’t say the same for the other no name artists on this track. Average at best.

6.) Sleep feat. Young Buck, Chamillionaire: This album should be titled “Tupac & The Current Hip Hop Game”, because that is exactly what this album is shaping up to be. Chamillionaire is the only one (besides Pac) who does decent on this track. The beat doesn’t seem to fit the theme of the song at all, and makes for another dissapointing track.

7.) International feat. Nipsey Hussle, Young Dre: Too more no names plus a mediocre verse from ‘Pac make this THE worst track on the entire album. Another crunk beat is supplied to an already lacking song. This track is a complete mess. Skip It.

8.) Don’t Sleep feat. Kadafi, Nuttso, Lil Scrappy, Stormey: If you’ve heard the original, you’d know this was a very aggressive song. Pac’s lyrics hit a little less hard over this more traditional hip hop beat. The hook is decent, and Lil Scrappy suprisingly doesn’t ruin the song. Kadafi is featured here, as well as a surprising appearence from Nuttso. Production could’ve been better, but a stand out track in a dissapointing album thus far.

9.) Soon As I Get Home feat. Kadafi: Easily the best song on the album. This QD3 produced classic is lefted untouched and remastered. Featuring the two slain Outlawz, production couldn’t be better, and it’s great to finally hear this in CD quality. Perfect track, and a reason to buy the album, if anything.

10.) Playa Cardz Right (Male) feat. Ludacris, Keon Bryce: Decent song, not too far off from the female version. This is a little more soulful, and Ludacris is made to seem like he was in the studio with Pac. Great singing by Keon Bryce however, make for a good track.

11.) Don’t Stop feat. Big Syke, Kadafi, Stormey, Young Noble, E.D.I. Amin, Hussein Fatal: The original beat to this was a very smooth West coast beat. It was remade into a very modern sounding Outlawz beat. Subject matter is still the same here though; with Pac very cleverly dissing Bob Dole and C. Deloris Tucker. Great appearences by the ‘Lawz make for an above average track.

12.) Pac’s Life feat. Snoop Dogg, Chris Starr, T.I.: Same recycled beat, hook, and a new verse from Snoop. Very uninspired, and nothing new to the table. Considerably lazy coming from Amaru, if you’re going to remix a song, don’t just add another rapper. Snoop’s verse is on point, and a very good tribute though.

13.) Untouchable feat. Kadafi, Hussein Fatal, Gravy: Perfect acapella intro from Pac. Really sets the song off. This was a perfect way to end the album. Featuring yet another GREAT appearence from Hussein Fatal and fallen Outlaw, Kadafi, this is made into a really nice track. Gravy has no place here however, and decreases the credibility slightly. Other then that, no complaints on this one, it’s perfectly orchestrated to close out the album.

So, after listening to the album, one can determine Pac’s music has been tampered a little too much. Guest appearences from today’s hottest rappers will not help it sell anymore, trust me. REAL fans see right through it. Other then that, production could’ve been stepped up drastically. Better then “Loyal 2 The Game”? Of course. On the same level with “Still I Rise” or “Until The End Of Time”? Not even close. My advice to Amaru: Make an album produced by Johnny J, QD3, and DJ Quik featuring appearences from people Pac has actually worked with. Decent album none the less, but for his 10th anniversary, it’s lacking in too many aspects.