Tha Realest has a very strong work ethic. Hundreds of songs exist from his Deathrow period, and he has since backed that claim up, releasing countless more songs throughout the last 4 years. So when it was announced he had agreed to due an entire collaboration with Mob Life Records new signee – 730, for free, many weren’t suprised. Although recorded in 2005, the lack of pre-orders haulted it’s release, leaving many fans anxious and frustrated. Tha Realest, fed up with the situation, decided to show the fans some love and release the album via his website, in July, 2007.
1.) Intro
This is a 20 second skit to start the album off. It features a plane flying across the US, signifying the ‘East 2 West’ collaboration.
2.) Me & 730
Perfect way to really get the album going. Over a very bouncing instrumental, Tha Realest and 730 show great chemistry, trading verses throughout the track. Although the hook is a little corny, the chemistry between the two artists make for a great opening track.
3.) Who *****in’ Wit Us feat. Solja Boy
This beat is hard to describe. A mix between techno, pop, and southern influence apparent. Solja Boy and 730 work the beat well, but Tha Realest’s delivery doesn’t give the beat it’s just due. Decent at best.
4.) My Life Ain’t Easy feat. New Child, Captain Hook
An 80’s synthesizer is used, making for a very mellow beat. All four artists do exceptionally well, while expressing the struggles of their everyday life, over great production.
5.) ***** You
This song was the first song presented to the public back in 2005, when the album was originally recorded. Clocking in at just over 2 minutes; the beat is mediocre, and neither artist spits anything special. Skip it.
6.) I’m A Mutha*****in’ Gangsta feat. Swoop G, G Money, Known
Great, great song from start to finish. Over a mellow West Coast instrumental, Tha Realest’s reunion with former Deathrow labelmate Swoop G is a memorable one. Both artists stand out, and deliver good verses. Definatley recommended.
7.) Party On The Mob feat. G Money, Lil Bo
This song is West Coast certified all the way through. Over what sounds like something Dre is capable of producing, 730, Tha Realest, G Money, and Lil Bo croon the beat perfectly. Very, very West Coast, and one of the best tracks on the album.
8.) Beautiful Day (730 Solo)
730 introduces his single “Beautiful Day”, which boasts a thought provoking piano loop, but fails to garner any real attention. The lyrics are something more aimed towards the club, which ends up dragging the song down.
9.) I Don’t Know
This song is a very conceptual song. Both Tha Realest and 730 work this solumn instrumental, with a clever bass guitar string in the background, perfectly. This is more of an album track, and proof 730 can hold his own.
10.) Me & My Mu*****a’z feat. G Twin
Also released back in 2005, this track features Tha Realest and G Twin trading verses over a beat with a soothing piano. Great track, and remains fresh even 2 years after it’s initial release.
11.) Show Me Luv
This track is very country; and unfortunatley not in a good way. 730 is from New Jersey and while Tha Realest is from Oakcliff, Texas, he sounds somewhat out of place over this beat. If you can get passed the fact the production is underachieving, the delivery from each artist is above average.
12.) Easy To Be A Soldier Pt. II feat. Swoop G
When making a sequal to a classic, make sure you go about it properly. It’s hit or miss (see Snoop Dogg and “Still A G Thang”). “Easy To Be A Soldier” was released back in 1999 and was a harsh diss track directed towards Snoop Dogg and No Limit. This version features the same beat, and is directed towards nobody in particular. Nothing worth attention, and not even Tha Realest can redeem this track. A dissapointment.
13.) U Represent, I Represent feat. Captain Hook
A very different type of sound is used here, and works great. 730 hops on the track, and absolutely destroys it, and the hook is excellent. Tha Realest’s verse is also on point (although his outro is classic) making for another great track.
14.) This Is My Life feat. Nzingha Shakur
This is more out of what was expected with 730’s solo. This track, from beginning to end, is very, very good. Nzingha Shakur soothes the hook perfectly, and 730 shows emotion on this track well.
15.) I Luv Bein A Nigga (Tha Realest Solo)
On one of the only mellow tracks on the album, Tha Realest pays his homage to Tupac once again (“And all day homie, we love to bang ‘Pac, cause deep inside our hearts, homie, ‘Pac won’t stop”). Great track.
16.) From East 2 West
Over a simple, uptempo track, Tha Realest and 730 finally touch on the cross country collaboration they’ve put together. Both east and west coast love is being shown here, as Tha Realest and 730 trade verses on each side’s prominent features. Great way to end the album.
So, thanks to Tha Realest, this album finally managed to see the light of day, and doesn’t dissapoint. 730’s east coast grittiness blended well with Tha Realest’s southern (but west coast inspired) delivery. While some songs are obvious fillers, and studio scraps, there are some classics (“Party On The Mob”, “My Life Ain’t Easy”) and for free, who can really complain?
Overall Rating: 3.5/5