Prodigy returns to solo form with the follow up to his respectable H.N.I.C., providing us with Return of the Mac. Prodigy provides the listener with a completely self contained CD devoid of commercial beats and high profile collaborations. The entire soundscape of the CD sounds reminiscent of the glorious mid 90’s New York sound. This may in fact be the albums blessing and curse due to the fact that “real” New York shit isn’t exactly the most popular form of rap these days. Having said that, Prodigy maintains his integrity and represents New York and the lifestyle every second that it’s available to him. Let’s see if his shoulders are strong enough to hold up the New York sound so that the whole world can appreciate it.

1. The Mac Is Back Intro
Completely uninspired and brings nothing to the table artistically or pop culture wise. It’ pretty much a juxtaposition of song references to The Mack.

2. Return of the Mac
Prodigy starts the album representing New York to the fullest with a track that ironically samples Tupac’s voice. Ironic due to the fact that towards the end of his career, Tupac was a west coast representer and a devout enemy of Mobb Deep (Prodigy’s rap group).

3. Stuck On You
One of those clichéd song glorifying money, hoes, guns, etc…. Not much in terms of creativity.

4. Mac 10 Handle
Normally this would be considered a stand out track on the album but it suffers due to the fact that DMX used the exact same beat nine years ago and did a much better song. Despite this, Prodigy does an okay job of providing material to cover the beat with.

5. Down & Out in New York
A 32 second skit (nothing more, nothing less)

6. The Rotten Apple
Another attempt by Prodigy at sharing the pain and desperation of New York’s grime and crime scene. Nothing spectacular, just a semi-documentary view on living in the Rotten Apple.

7. Madge Speaks
Uninspired; really doesn’t add anything to the album in terms of art or creativity. By all means skip it.

8. Take It to the Top
One of the few energetic songs off the album. It does the necessary job of bestowing upon us the typical themes celebrating drugs and violence.

9. P Speaks
Skip it please

10. 7th Heaven
One of the few stand-out tracks from the CD. It’s actually well rounded (nice production/nice lyrics and delivery).

11. Bang on ‘Em
Everything about this song reminds the listener of that grimy, self deprecating production and word play that was birthed around 94′. It provides the listener indirect references to the era that Biggie rapped about being sick of life and wanting to commit suicide on the Ready To Die album.

12. Nickel and a Nail
Another Alchemist produced track. More predictable tough guy talk from Prodigy. What makes that track interesting that it comes from the perspective of the common thug and not the super baller.

13. Legends
One of the better songs of the album. The production, lyrics and delivery make the whole song feel authentic and sincere.

14. Stop Fronting
Another one of those songs where there is an heir of believability to it. It feels like and authentic look into a rapper/celebrities plight. It gives some insight to why they are so jaded.

Bottom Line:
The album is at best in the middle ground of current Hip-Hop offerings. It doesn’t quite hold weight and power in the era of super producers, ego maniacs, pop appeal and soap opera antics. Despite this, if you are looking for some unfiltered Hip-Hop that’s reminiscent of the era when Biggie spit, then this album may be what you need.

nappy Picks: “Return of the Mac”, “Mac 10 Handle”, “7th Heaven”, “Bang On ‘Em”, & “Legends”

Download: Prodigy – “7th Heaven“

It has come to my attention that strippers (strip clubs) are becoming a staple of modern rap videos and subject matter. Don’t get me wrong; being a typical male I am stimulated by a little T & A. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite videos/ songs is “Pussy Poppin’” by Ludacris. My only concern is that all of this stripper love has become rampant to the point of monotony. At first I thought that rappers were being smart by casting strippers in their videos instead of wannabe actresses due to the fact that strippers would be more inclined to sleep with them if the money is right. My gripe is over the portrayal of actual models who are legitimately using the videos as a catalyst for potential jobs in the entertainment industry. It seems that video models are viewed as scheming, gold digging and unethical. An example of this type casting is displayed the Game’s “Wouldn’t Get Far” music video. As a result video models are forced to wield the proverbial double edged sword. In rap music’ current state strippers are praised and are now seen as the objects of every rapper’s affections. Back in the day it was taboo to brag about being in love with a stripper (because she doesn’t really love you she just wants your money), but now it is the complete opposite. The question is how can you make numerous songs glorifying strippers and at the same time have an actual distain for actual video models? It seems a bit dubious that rappers can make songs ridiculing whorish behavior and at the same time celebrate people who indulge in such behaviors. This topic is open for discussion. I really need to know what the community has to say about this subject.

This topic sprung up in regards to King Jerm’s commentary on the beef between Jay-Z and new Dipset poster boy Jim Jones. In Jerm’s piece he gives detailed reasons why a Jay-Z response to Mr. Jones wasn’t a good political/strategic move for him. My opinion comes from the other end of the spectrum; I think that their little squabble is something that Hip-Hop needs right now… which is a breath of fresh air. In its’ current state Hip-Hop has become a little stale and stagnant. It seems as though every since Pac and Biggie had their beef fiasco Hip-Hop has become politically correct to the point that it hurts the original purpose of the music. The only other form of music that comes close to what rap music is supposed to be is punk rock. Rap is supposed to be rebellious and edgy. That’s why I am bestowing ass loads of praise upon Jim Jones for being a catalyst in bringing the edge back to the music. It’s only competition people and without competition we can’t improve. In regards to violence, there isn’t going to be any violence because Jay-Z is too smart/crafty to let things reach that level. New York definitely needs some much needed pop right now and the Dipset movement is definitely providing a much needed spark in the ignition.  In closing I’d like to give Jim Jones two thumbs way, way up. No, correction, I’d like to give the movement two hands intertwined making a fake Bloods gang symbol.