Before anybody jumps to conclusions, let me say, don’t ever write off an artist before you listen to them. I, personally, only have vices with artists I have listened to and don’t like. With that being said, I’m sure no one, NO ONE, here can actually say they like the New Boyz. I mean, “You’re A Jerk”? It was always fun to hear at a party or the club, but it wasn’t a very appealing song when you think about it as more than a dance song. But I didn’t write them off. I hadn’t heard anything but that song so how could I judge them as an artist? If someone was new to Kanye and the first single they had ever heard from him was “Love Lockdown”, what was to defend him as an artist? So, among the many interesting and “informative” videos on WSHH was a Green Lantern “On the Spot” freestyle from the New Boyz. Guess what. They had bars! (See for yourself) Now after hearing that, I wasn’t ready to trash bin the group consisting of Legacy and Ben J. And since no one else was going to review their debut, Skinny Jeans And A Mic, I figured I would let the people know what was there to offer. And without further rambling…

1. Cricketz
Featuring Tyga
No intro bullshit talkin’ about the “Jerk” movement. Right out the gate we get a quirky track reminiscent of the “Jerk” beat with a little more depth. Technically you could Jerk to this song, but I rather vibe with it. This song is a direct response to dudes like 40 Glocc, Ice-T, and even Jay who have a problem with skinny jeans and colorful clothes. Legacy goes in with lines like “Jeans stay skinny like I starved my fabric” and “Why don’t you do you and go hump a clone, get it?” Ben J isn’t notable and Tyga rides the beat just fine. This song is fun and I wish Soulja Boy was down with these guys because he’d seem right at home. Nice start.

2. You’re A Jerk
Now we have the trademark song that sparked the movement throughout the nation. The track is simple beyond belief and does an “A Milli” impression with the “Jerk, Jerk, Jerk” repetition. Lyrically, Ben J and Legacy spit some of the dumbest lines ever. The song is catchy, but you’ll trash it in a couple of weeks, probably days.

3. Dot Com
Man what the FUCK IS THIS??? I have no idea what these dudes are talking about. The beat is the only credit I can give it because for some reason I like these simple snap-along beats. But this is a SUPER SKIP!!!

4. Colorz
Once again another simple track, but this is a slowed down and accented by some screwed voice on the hook. As you could probably surmise, this is about the crazy “colorz” they wear. What attracts me to this song is the lyrics. In no form or fashion are they spectacular, but they’re entertaining. I get a kick out of a couple metaphors dropped by Legacy, but the best line came from Ben J “Everybody wanna rock the New Boyz style, even the Cool Kids wanna be the New Boyz now”. Cool Song.

5. Way 2 Many Chickz
Ok, these tracks are getting repetitive on the verse loop, only being distinguishable by the hook loop. Anyway, the verses are hilarious!!! This is on some “Lookin Boy” type shit, but much more funny if you ask me. There may not be much replay value here, but listen to it for the kicks.

6. Turnt
Another over simplified beat, but the ignorant lyrics just keeps me listening. If you’re not interested at this point, TURN IT OFF! I can see the trend here and the album is going to play through in the same simple and playful form.

7. Bunz
Featuring Kydd-SB
Look, at this point, I can write the same description for every song. I can see this played at a high school party or maybe even when the club is just getting started. Skip this.

8. Cashmere
Finally we have a song with a concept. Legacy and Ben J are going bar for bar for the attention of a girl. Like I said, the lyrics are pretty funny and entertaining and the “story”, if you can call it that, turns out … Well, just listen to this. The song is good except the hook (Is the girls name Cashmere?).

9. So Dope
And here is “You’re a Jerk 2.0″. Hook and beat are too similar for me, but the lyrics are better (“Killed that track like I cut a girl weave”). Not really, but it’s somewhat entertaining… It feels like I should have more to say, but these songs are so simple.

10. Tie Me Down
Featuring Ray J
The second single to the album is a winner for radio play and commercial appeal. I’m starting to like Ray J as the hook man because he’s been consistently killing it (Ex. “Sweat” & “Heard of Us”). The verses are pretty weak, but you don’t usually need good verses for a radio single *cough*coughrunthistown… Ok song.

11. New Girl
Featuring D&D
Another R&B sounding track??? Yep it is and the lullaby sounding track fits really well. I hate when rappers talk/sing over singers on the hook, but whatever. The two dudes at the end SUCK! But if this becomes a single, it won’t matter because I swear commercial listeners don’t pay attention to things like that.

12. No More
Featuring O.N.E.
Another track for the ladies…. Hmmm. Honestly the song sounds tolerable, but I don’t want to hear it. Skip if you’re listening through the album.

13. One Night
Yea… 0:20 seconds in and this is a skip. Another singy-song track.

Bottom Line:
Well… I listened to it!!! It was all for you people… And I was kind of hoping there was going to be some kind of redemption for “You’re A Jerk”. There isn’t any. The New Boyz debut with childish appeal, but hey, they’re what… 17? (Soulja Boy anybody?) Still, that is no excuse for a flimsy album. The shining moment here comes with “Cricketz” which I thought was pretty good and should have been a single. I still feel if there was some guidance given to these dudes they could find a comfortable niche and actually be good because they’re not lyrically dead. (Think Soulja Boy… anybody??? Anybody???) I’m not going to say this is terrible, but avoid at all costs if you’re older than 19.

nappyPicks: “Cricketz”, “Cashmere”

Download: New Boyz feat. Tyga – “Cricketz”

Bonus: 2Pac – “You’re A Jerk Freestyle”

If one were to chart Beans’ career/hype on a graph, it would look like the Rocky Mountains. Of course when The Roc was doing things and making noise, it was at it’s zenith. Beans definitely benefited from the influence of Sean Carter as well as being the quiet head of State Property. Since then, things are murky. Siegel has hit the mixtape circuit and put out some nice work in doing so. So what does he have in store for us on this Siccness “official” release?

1. Beanie
Intro

2. Why Wouldn’t I
Not a bad track at all. I think that’s either the Guiding Light or some other soap opera theme playing in the back for this track. It still works though. The drums and clap add some additional depth to this one and the tempo keeps ya’ head in motion. Lyrically, Beanie comes at us with what sounds like a battle rhyme set to music. He’s not playing at all. Aggressive, angry, and assured could have been another name for the real lead in song for the album. This is a great jumpoff for the album.

3. Tear Drops
Another banger here. I can’t front on the beat either. I won’t say it’s a high quality or complex sounding track, but I really like it….until we get to the hook. The song kind of falls apart there. Not just musically, but the production and mixing just seem to be lackluster there. As far as the lyrics go, it’s not bad. With references to Tyrese/Waist Deep, “Chicken Noodle Soup”, and “Harlem Shake”, he’s intent on just saying things that work, but not make you take notice.

4. Where’s My Opponent
Featuring Omilio Sparks & Freeway
Bounce and church chords…okay. It’s not a bad beat, but it gets irritating and boring quick. The recurring chord has been used so much, I can’t even remember the original song it was from. The song has a cypher feel in that it’s just three cats jumping on a beat, the uniting factor is bullets. Basically, you get killed by three different dudes on here. Moving past that part, lyrically, I’m not overly impressed with any of the verses on this one.

5. Ready For War
Featuring Freeway & Young Chris
Young Chris obviously studied Jay’s flow and delivery. If you’d adjust the audio, you could think it was him. Freeway tries to slow down but stay intense on this Curtis Mayfield sounding beat. Sigel plays the closer on this one, but I’m not sure what he’s closing. This soulful track is one of the better produced offerings on the album.

6. All For It
At first, I’m hyped with the way the beat starts and Beans is on it. There is no intro, no lead in, nothing. Soon as you get to song 6, it starts. While I think this is a great time in the album for Beans to return tho this type of track, the track itself, again, get’s annoying quickly. It’s just on a loop and it becomes grating after a while. The other problem is the sample in the hook…we been seeing it too long in commercials for it to be credible or even take the song seriously. Sigel issues out what sounds like a open challenge to any of you “YouTube niggas” that want to get it.

7. Sicker Than Your Average
Featuring Freeway
This is another soulful track that I really dig. The name and sound go with each other perfectly here. Freeway sounds fantastic on this track. He really owns this song and probably should have stole it for one of his releases. Unfortunately for Sigel, he doesn’t step up to the challenge on this one enough to be memorable over what Freeway spit. I have no idea what’s going on with the hook on this one either…but that’s not new. I’ll explain later.

8. Run To The Roc
Featuring Young Chris & Omilio Sparks
Jamaican influence in full tow down to the sample, this song is completely different from anything else on the album. (If anyone knows the sample for the hook, let me know.) I won’t pretend to know what happened between Beans and Jay, hell, I don’t know that anything happened, but this song can definitely feed the idea that they fell out. The concept is that someone you lean on, someone who is your rock, isn’t there for you like they said they would be. Each rapper references Judas and “big homie” not standing by their side. I think we’re getting some inside info on this one.

9. Bang Bang
Featuring Murda Mill
This song disappoints me. The track is okay, but the production is terrible. I feel like Beans and Murda are yelling over a really low beat. The hook is disgustingly bad and the lyrics are elementary in comparison with the rest of the album. SKIP

10. Return Of The Chain Gang
Featuring Young Chris
Okay, this Young Chris cat really sounds a lot like Jigga, to the point he sounds like he’s just trying to be Jigga. It’s damn annoying at this point. I like how Beans get this one in and delivers some of his darkest wordplay on the album. Once again, the hook is lackluster and helps bring the song down from what it could have been.

11. You Over Did It
Featuring Young Chris & Murda Mill
We get yet another Biggie reference on this track to get it started. The cadence and flow sounds very familiar to B.I.G. at times, that’s kind of odd for me. Young Chris…well, you’ve read what I think of him. Let me be clear, he’s nice with it, unfortunately, so is the person who famously has that same sound and flow. I may be wrong, but I feel like Murda Mill just spit a freestyle flow and they added the beat later. He leaves the beat at times and seems to keep up his own tempo here. It’s not a bad flow, but it does sound very street battle made and not constructed around a song for an album.

12. The Ghetto
Shout out to Vincent Price with the spooky lead in voice over. The song is ominous and I think Beans is at his best on this song. “This fuckin’ recession got everybody stuck broke/This shit depressin’/Everybody cut throat/If you ain’t spendin’ 45 hard on a whole joint/You’re forced to buy 9 hard compressed from a small point”. The picture he paints with his words is powerful and welcome. Then you get to the hook… (Check out the music video here)

Bottom Line:
I’ve read a lot of reviews and promo articles that seem to hint, along with the intro of this album, that paints this album as a collection of unreleased material. That’s unfortunate because I like Beans and his flow, but if true, this explains why this comes off with a mixtape feel and not being cohesive as an album. This one is for the streets, no doubt about that, but as an album? I’m not sold. I think that a lot of these songs were Beans just going at a track or reciting rhymes from battles that may have been influenced a bit by the late B.I.G. and them adding the hooks later. Matter of fact, that’s my one of the biggest problem with this album. The hooks are, by large, terrible. That is a major part of a song, the ability to construct a solid hook is part of what separates battle rappers from successful artists. We can damn near make a who’s who list of battle rappers that didn’t make it in the business. This album being proceeded by The Solution really doesn’t help this one at all either. The previous albums all were released on Roc/Def Jam and this one is done by Siccness. The production value is low and as an album, this offering is less than average.

nappyPicks: “The Ghetto”, “Why Wouldn’t I”, & “Run To The Roc”

Download: Beanie Sigel – “Why Wouldn’t I”

Download: Beanie Sigel feat. Young Chris & Omilio Sparks – “Run To The Roc”

Before we get too into this review, I think it’s important that I be honest about one thing: I am not a Gucci Mane fan. I may sometimes find myself nodding my head to some of his songs but can no way be considered a fan. I never understood the appeal or even his buzz on the streets (I do sometimes find him unintentionally hilarious though). But reviewing albums isn’t always rating albums by Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Joe Budden, or Eminem (Shit I was gonna listen to anyway). Sometimes it’s reviewing an album you know is not your type of music. Then you gotta push that shit aside and try to step out of your zone and use journalistic integrity (Wait, nappyafro has journalist integrity?). Now back to Gucci…

If you listen to Hip-Hop (Especially in the South) you probably already know his story. Came in the game in 2005 off the strength of the Young Jeezy featured “Icy” (So Icey later became the name of Gucci’s label and he would go on to beef with Jeezy over the track). He was later arrested for murder but got off the for lack of evidence (Though he would later go to jail for unrelated charges). But I guess he really stepped his profile up with his mixtape game (Do you know how many Wilt Chamberlain mixtapes there are?). A lot of people are saying that he’s the next to blow out of the South. But commercial appeal has always eluded him; none of his previous efforts has really been successful. Will his fifth album, Murder Was The Case, make Gucci Mane LaFlare a household name?

1. Running Back (Getting Fat)
Produced by DJ Speedy
The album starts off with how fat his pocket is getting (“Obese!”). Gucci also thanks God for the beat…he probably shouldn’t have. The beat is okay (Sounds a little like Mannie Fresh) but doesn’t stand out. Gucci does his usually thing but doesn’t do anything for me lyric wise. Flow wise? Naw.

2. Hot
Produced by DJ Speedy
“Man it’s gonna be a cold summer/ice on my belly so you know I gotta cold stomach” Huh? That line may not even be exactly what he said; Gucci doesn’t exactly rap coherently. The beat has little space age feel to it. Gucci sings on the hook to bad results.

3. Block Party
Produced by Zaytoven
Even though I’m not a Gucci fan, I do know that his best work is when he’s paired with producer Zaytoven. The hook on this isn’t that bad and sorta funny; “It’s my party buy a dub if you want to/30 if want to/40 then I front you…”. Straight trap music people. It works.

4. Stoopid
Produced by Zaytoven
Early I said there are some songs by Gucci that I nod my head to; this is one of them. The actual verses loose me but the hook and the way it fits with the beat is catchy; “See my chain stoopid/And my rang stoopid/Girl I’m not stoopid but my knot stoopid”. So ignorant but fun. This is the first single off the album and by far the most known.

5. Murder Was The Case
Featuring Ox
It’s Ox from Belly! Well, his real name is Louie Rankin. It’s just an interlude with him talking shit.

6. Murder For Fun
Featuring Ox; Produced Mel-Man
Here Gucci Mane goes at Young Jeezy. The track has an ominous feel (I wonder if this is the same Mel-Man that worked with Dr. Dre. I doubt it). It even gets darker when Gucci raps, “When you dealing with a vet don’t bring a rookie/Tell Young Jeezy that I smell pussy”. It’s definitely no “Ether”, but I guess the song does what’s it suppose. Ox does a long ass hook.

7. Trap Money (remix)
Featuring B.A. & Mook; Produced by Zaytoven
“I got trap money. I got trap money.” There is trap reference smorgasbord on this track. From comparing cocaine to Cheetah Girls to the obligatory “white girl” talk, I guess the trappers will love this one. It must be a remix because Gucci only does the hook.

8. Neva Had Shit
Produced by Zoe
Gucci with a little substance? Well not really, but Gucci at least goes a little off his usual track and gives us a little background on his poor upbringing. The beat fits the subject matter. You may have to mark this track as a win for Gucci.

9. Yella Diamonds
Produced by Tra Beats
Who can write a whole song about “yella” diamonds? Gucci Mane can! The production here is definitely club ready. I can hear the whole club singing the hook on this one. Not my thing though.

10. Get Low (Like A Lambo)
Featuring Selassie; Produced by DJ Speedy
Here Gucci compares a woman to a Lamborghini and proceeds to go through all the standards of the “trick off” song. I can tell they were going for straight radio play here when they brought in the R&B hook. The whole thing doesn’t work and Selassie is annoying.

11. Say Damn
Produced by DJ Speedy
Is this Gucci Mane rapping? It sounds like him with a cold or a frog in his throat. I guess he’s trying something different. It’s not really different because he still talking about drugs and his jewelry. The beat here isn’t that bad either.

12. Cuttin’ Off Fingaz
Produced by Zaytoven
“Gucci go and get it while them hoes get abortions/Shittin’ on them bitches take a piss on they Jordans” Damn. It’s like he’s a less talented southern Black Eminem (I’m just joking about the Eminem part. Not death threats please).

13. Gangs
Featuring Biz; Produced by Zaytoven
Guess what this song is about? “Let’s start a gang!” The song is forgettable but the rapper featured here, Biz, did say a “trap-tastic” line (That is what happens when you listen to too mush Gucci Mane. You make up work that have “trap” in them): “I gotta Forrest Gump traphouse, it stay running”. That’s really all I got from this.

14. Shittin’ Onum
Produced by DJ Speedy
The track starts of with flies buzzing around (Well, just the sound effects). It also poorly uses an Al Green “Love & Happiness” sample. At this point, I’m not even gonna point out the lack of album sequencing or even why this song ends Murder Was The Case. The title references what people say when they see his cars or jewelry (Shit!). Get it? The flow is tiresome but the beat is made for the club.

Bottom Line:
After taking the time to really listen to an entire Gucci Mane album (4 times to be exact), I’m sad to say that I still don’t understand the buzz. Some would go on to say that he makes songs for the traps and clubs. But when you push all that aside, can you really say Gucci Mane is a talented rapper? Can you even say that he is original or that he makes quality music? Plus with all the attention Gucci is receiving, shouldn’t this album have boasted better features (An OJ Da Juiceman feature or even a Soulja Boy would have helped). I went into this review putting aside my preconceived notions and focused on listening to the music. The music is not very good. They only reason Murder Was The Case doesn’t get less than 2 stars is because maybe (Just maybe) this is the type of music that you listen to strictly at the club. One thing I can say that this album achieved, making me feel dumber after listening to it. Gucci!

Download: Gucci Mane feat. Ox – “Murder For Fun”

When most people hear the name Mike Jones, they say ,”Who?”. They’re either in on the joke or they have no clue who he is. When I heard Mike Jones went DOUBLE platinum off of his debut studio album Who Is Mike Jones?; I found myself not saying “who” but more like… WHAT?! And Lil’ Jon was nowhere in sight.

Granted, he came out at an awesome time for the Texas scene. Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Lil’ Flip, Chamillionare, and himself were tearing up the charts and the radios. It had to be considered a banner 2004-2006 for anything Texas at that time. Of all the names mentioned, I just can’t quite put my finger on how Mike Jones did so well. I can name redeeming abilities from every other rapper mentioned, but I can’t help but look at Jones as a spirited tag-a-long with an infectious gimmick [Can’t knock the hustle. If repeating your name gets you 2 mil sold, well…….].

I’ll give him his credit, his obnoxious flow makes for a good party song and it’s catchy in a simple way. However, he stumbles hard whenever it’s time to turn the swag switch off and hit on some other subjects. I liked “Back Then” and “Still Tippin’” as much as anyone and recent features have shown growth in his flow. Can he prove he’s more than just some catchy singles? From what I’ve heard about the track “Mr. Jones”, he may very well shock us with some lyrical content yet.

Recent interviews and even his own intro suggest that Jones is looking to shock some folk with his latest offering. So after the delays and drama leading to the release of The Voice, 4 years removed from his debut, is Mike ready to show the game something different so less people ask who he is? I certainly hope so.

1. Intro
Not even a track. Mike gives himself a pat on the back for his platinum plaque and already begins the hype train for Expect the Unexpected, a future studio album [ALREADY?!] coming soon. Quick shot at his haters and we lead in to the first real song of the album. Quick 48 seconds, has no real weight on the album one way or another. Was the mixtape DJ echo REALLY necessary though?

2. Swagger Right
Produced by Big E
Mike’s in his element right here; boasting, bragging, and taking shots at current and past haters. The beat is a mix of synth, Three 6 Mafia style drum rolls, and the commonplace repeated sample hook.

Good way to start off the album on a head nodding note, just don’t expect anything out of the ordinary from Jones. His usual “who?!” gimmick, speaking on lean and bling, and lets not forget the repeat of the verse he just dropped. Still a fun track regardless of the clichés and not a bad opener for the first song.

3. Houston Oilers
Produced by Mike D
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you the oil he’s referring to. Clever. Too bad the song’s not quite that. The beat has a space age feel to it with a hook that repeats “I’ma Houston Oiler” multiple times. He screws his voice for a few of the punchlines, but this song would have been a prime candidate to be screwed and chopped; to add to the disorienting vibe is trying to give off. Jones is doing way more repeating than rhyming on this one, with the rhymes he does spit not being all that memorable. Average track, dying to be more than it is.

4. Boi!
Featuring Young Problemz; Produced by Dat Boy Chyco
I could imagine the conversation when they made this song.

Mike: Ay, you know that song “A Milli” by Wayne?

Dat Boy Chyco: Ya mayne, that shit’s raw. What about it?

Mike: I’m wanting that, but without the Bangladesh price.

Songs like this make me realize the effect “A Milli” had on the rap game. It seems like every rapper is trying their own version of the Grammy-winning single. I must say though, this is definitely a bright spot for the album and tailor made for Mike Jones style of flow. The repeating “Boi, I got so many” may sound out of place when it starts, but fits like a glove as the song powers on.

Problemz bring good energy to the track, this being my first time hearing them. The first member especially starts this track off on the right note as everyone looks to match up. Jones drops merely a verse, but sounds confident and even drops a Kid Cudi metaphor for good measure(!). If you can get past the glaring similarities to “A Milli”, furthered by the Wayne allusions they drop throughout their combined lyrics, you’ve got a banger waiting to happen right here.

5. Cuddy Buddy
Featuring T-Pain, Twista, & Lil’ Wayne; Produced by Jim Jonsin & Bigg D
T-Pain anchors the hook here, a breeze for him at this point in his career, with solid flows by all the players involved. Unfortunately, Jones weaknesses are further accentuated in such good company; it’s criminal to compare and contrast verses, but in the interest of fairness….

Jones’ verse….
“Even though she (got a man)/
She already (Known the plan)/
She already known the deal, known the deal/
Known the deal, known the deal/
Even though I’m chubby chubby/
Your chick/
She loves me loves me/
She might be with you now but/
She’s still thinking of me/
Yall out there makin love/
I couldn’t make em love me/
In the back of the lap with it/
Just … that!”

Wayne’s verse….
“I make her hollar like when/
Mama brought her into the world/
Like I’ll let him buy you dinner tonight/
Then at the end of the night,/
You’ll be my dinner tonight/
You see he dark, you always dim in his lights/
And that girl wanna shine/
I bring her into the light/
Wa la!/
I become her Ala and I swear/
That thing feel like la, la, la/
And since he feed her lies,/
I’ll be her dessert on the side”

-Shakes head-. Crazy isn’t it? Not that Wayne hasn’t made a point of ripping other people’s songs, but it’s not even close on this. Twista has a worthwhile verse as well. It’s songs like these where Jones’ wants to branch out, but lacks skill to really own the track. He can’t use the same style he uses on say, “Swagger Right”, which he does on something like this. Jim Jonsin delivers another syrupy-smooth beat with assistance from Bigg D. Jonsin has been on a roll lately. This beat in particular I could see being used for early 90’s new jack swing groups.

Enjoyable, definitely for the ladies; Jones weaknesses are crystal clear given the excellent features chosen here and it’s dangerous to let that happen.

6. I Know
Produced by Pretty Todd; Featuring Trey Songz
Obligatory “holding your man down” song. Trey provides an enjoyable hook here; good emotion. The beat is okay, nothing truly standout about it and Jones runs through the usual “thanks for standing by me, baby” lyrics. “21 Questions” this ain’t. This suffers from Jones being…well…Jones. He’s got the same emotion, tone, etc pretty much every track. If she’s all that, act like you care eh? You’re not missing anything here by any means. Well, except Jones bringing “tenderoni” out the mothballs….[It’s due for a comeback, I say!]

7. Drop And Gimme 50
Featuring Hurricane Chris; Produced by Mr. Collipark
What can I say about this song? This song isn’t really about lyrical content, the ladies and the gents know that. They got the right man on the beat and the combined energy of Hurricane Chris and Jones makes for a proven club banger. What they lack technically, they make up for in spades with command over this catchy party track. All you can really ask for on a joint like this and definitely gets the party jumping. Easy thumbs up.

8. Give Me A Call
Featuring Devin The Dude
A light beat accented by a modest drum roll. Devin The Dude amazes me with how smooth his flow is, yet keeping it so raunchy and gritty. His adaptation to the subject matter and beat is a sight to behold; unfortunately, this is not his song alone. Jones at least sounds inspired for the track, but comes up short in the creativity department. Again, his feature outclasses him, showing him how to own a track that Jones barely gets a handle on from the start. Worth it just to see Devin cut loose, otherwise, skippable.

9. Happy Birthday
Produced by Mike D
-long pause-

I was trying to think of the best way to describe this track. A full write-up would be just too much. I’m going to turn in as much effort as Mike Jones did on this track. Two words can sum this…thing that claims to be a “song”.

Hot. Garbage.

The beat may have had a chance, but it is dragged into a void of sheer wackness by Mike Jones’ uninspired flow. The first 5 seconds, you want to like it, and you slowly realize you’re listening to auditory bullshit that should have never made the album. I hate to be venomous, but DAMN, this track is sorry. Possibly a contender for worst song of 2009. If you’ve got one worse, I’d love to (not) hear it. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

And for Mike Jones’ supporters. Download it. YouTube it. Whatever. Listen to it and HONESTLY tell me it has redeeming value OTHER than the beat? If you can do it with a straight face, you should be in politics. Next.

10. Next to You
Featuring Nae Nae; Produced by J.R. Rotem
Rotem does it again. I like this beat, a number of artists come to mind that could have done wonders with this beat…..Mike Jones is not one of them. Admittedly, his words aren’t so bad this time around (for him)….

“I aint tripping about the lime light/
cuz when im with my shawty/
She keep my mind right/
When we up in the mall/
She feel up shopping bags/
She love to pop them tags/
She love to drive the jag/
Whenever we alone/
She throw away my phone/
Cuz she dont want no interruptions while we going strong/”

Again, we suffer from lack of emotion or change in tone really. He’s not as LOUD as usual, but just not hearing the care in this track. Again, we’re going through the motion. Nae Nae reminds me of Nivea in regards to her voice and she shoulders her part on this track. Given a rapper with more squabbles [T.I., Slim Thug, Bun B, even Plies] this could have been a standout. This is a hard average and again, this is squarely on Jones. Not liking that trend.

11. Swagg Thru Da Roof
Featuring Swole; Produced by Swole
Swole does a Swizz Beats and not only produces but takes up hook duty on the vocodor, and he definitely adds to this classy number. I love how upscale this beat sounds. Jones keeps his verses brief, filled with compliments for his lady. Even while leaning on his “who” gimmick, it can’t kill the feel good vibe this one gives off.

This is actually a case all around of a “big ups to your lady” track done correctly. Pleasant surprise and peep Swole hitting a “Computer Love” high note towards the end. Thumbs up. This look to be a single I believe and if so, good choice.

12. On Top Of The Covers
Featuring Essay Potna; Produced by Essay Potna
Is there an unwritten code that rappers HAVE to use vocoder/autotune? What can I say…it’s Mike Jones on the vocodor. It’s definitely an experience to say the least.

Was not a fan of this song at first, but it grew on me. He tries to channel Wayne, especially with his emphasis on certain words, but Jones is no Wayne of course. I will say he doesn’t make a fool of himself on it, but still suffers from verse repetition. Absolutely love the Pimp C sample used in this one and Essay’s Southern drawl gives him a unique sound on the hook. Not quite as good as Swole’s producer/hook turn in the song prior, but good. Worth a listen, this one will be an acquired taste though.

13. Scandalous Hoes (Skit)
Why he felt the need to explain a track named “Scandalous Hoes”, I’ll never know. Unnecessary. We could’ve took this time wondering why Rakim hasn’t made another album. Or if Crunk Rock is EVER going to hit shelves….I wonder…..

14. Scandalous Hoes II
Featuring T-Pain; Produced by Kojack
Standout. Among the best on this album. Mike Jones actually bothers to turn in some good storytelling on this number, with T-Pain providing smooth backup. Pain isn’t a favorite of mine, but he definitely adds more to tracks then he does take away. Kojack laced this one up properly and this is a fitting sequel to the original from Who Is Mike Jones?; where the original also stood out from the pack as well. This is a matured flow for Jones and I would have enjoyed more like this. Definitely a keeper.

15. Hate On Me
Featuring Tanya Herring; Produced by Mike D
We slow things up for a surprisingly reflective track, Mike D turning in another solid beat. Shame one of his contributions is going to be associated with a terrible track. This however is a hell of a redemption song and Mike AGAIN comes with the storytelling(!).

No verse repeats. No “who”’ing. And he saves the name repeating until the end, which is excusable. Mike merely explains where he comes from and asks why he receives the hate he does. I probably could give him a few reasons musically, but tracks like this really make you want to lighten up on him. Lovely track to help bookend this album and he needs more like this if he ever wants credibility. Not as reflective mind you, but at least as assured and steady as this one.

16. Grandma II
Featuring Kai; Produced by Amadeus
Another sequel on this album. Jones switches between some light verses and spoken word, Kai crooning in the background. Her voice is fine, but she lacks a quality that takes the song to greater heights. The beat is inoffensive, but also suffers from lacking a sizzle that takes it to another level; especially with the subject matter at hand. Sadly average, was hoping for more.

Bottom Line:
Mike Jones made a half promise. He did do some unexpected thing. Many of them not well thought out from what we have here. Mike Jones is the kind of rapper with limitations and his producers as well as himself should know what they can do and can’t. If you CAN’T do it, work at it. Your sophomore release is not the time to experiment without due practice. Biz Markie and Luke are two examples of beloved artists who had limits and just made it work within them. Either learn that or work harder to adapt.

When Jones sticks to his bravado filled bangers and high energy tracks, he’s in his element. It’s not a deep ride, but enjoyable nevertheless. Unfortunately, he tries to often to create “for the ladies” tracks that fail to hit the mark and only make it to the finish line thanks to strong features. It’s a definite problem when you think about who else could have ripped beats bestowed upon Jones while listening to HIS album. I appreciate the risks taken and he does some in the proper places like “Swagg Thru The Roof” and “On Top Of The Covers”, but his stumbles are glaring and frustrating. Must I speak on “Happy Birthday” AKA “The Song of Which We Do Not Speak”?

I wanted better for this, especially after the good word of mouth he’s been earning and getting a club buzz off of “Drop And Gimme 50″, but we’re still seeing the same problems and clichés from the last 4 years from Mike. There’s heat here that keeps it from reaching bottom of the barrel levels. Unfortunately, when you’re already the weak link in a strong Texas lineup, you better deliver and this was not it.

There’s no Houston hype-nitis [Limewire Canibus, he’ll explain it.] to cover for him this time and if this is any indication of what Expect The Unexpected brings; I’d rather not. The Voice is an unfortunate example of what happens when the gimmicks get old and you refuse to step your game up.

All it gets you is WHAT?! MEDIOCRE.

WHAT?!

You didn’t hear me the first time? –shakes head-

nappyPicks: “Swagg Thru The Roof”, “Scandelous Hoes II”, “Boi”, & “Swagger Right”

Download: Mike Jones – “Swagger Right”

About a year ago, Flo Rida kicked the door down with his hit single “Low”. The album sold 85,891 copies in the first week but quickly fizzled out. This time Flo Rida presents us with an album that has its own roots in sincerity and humility. What does that mean for this album? Let’s find out.

1. Finally Here
Produced by Drumma Boy
Drumma comes through with a decent track for the first song. The beat is a lot more emotional and methodical than I’d expect on a Flo Rida album. Flo quips on the hook “I just follow my dreams workin’ this 9 to 5, people keep tellin’ me my check is on the way/So sun up to sun down I’m grindin’, tryna make it by, prayin’ for my shit to come and take away the pain/That day is finally here”. Essentially, this song sounds like an anthem to money. There is nothing wrong with that, just nothing extra deep about it considering the title of the album.

2. Jump
Featuring Nelly Furtado; Produced by Mike Caren & Oligee
I’m trying to be open…but there is NOTHING I like about this song and I doubt that I am alone here. Are we STILL telling folks to jump? Are we still using salsa influenced samples for songs? SKIP.

3. Gotta Get It (Dancer)
Produced by Danja
So, we have started to mimic Tina Turner into bad dance songs? This song is extra synth and tech and may do well at the rave. I think someone will like it, but I’m not one of those people. I can’t say skip because the skit at the end of the song is type hysterical. There is a dude mockin’ Flo and he starts off with “Wannaputchuonnagroundlayyouallaroun’roun….” You need hear him do that shit. “WhenIstickMahBallsInYoMouuuuuuuuuuuf”

4. Shone
Featuring Pleasure P; Produced by Jim Jonsin & Dre & Vidal
If I could only use one word to describe this song, it would be “catchy”. I can’t front on this one. I hate how Pleasure sings “acSHONE” and I hate the idea of calling someone my “Shone” but the song is catchy as hell. Even though I am not feeling the word choice and I don’t think it will catch on, P sounds like a young Ne-Yo on this one and Flo does a good job of ridin’ this beat out.

5. Right Round
Featuring Kesha; Produced by Dr. Luke
Dr. Luke is a pretty well seasoned and successful producer in his own right. This song is the first single from the album and it’s set up with the explanation that this song has an international feel…they all do lately. I don’t know if it’s my return to the gym or what, but this song sounds like it’s made for those aerobic classes. The beat makes you nod your head/tap your feet.

6. R.O.O.T.S.
Produced by Jay Rock
Uh oh, we’ve recruited a lil’ choir “oooooh oooooooh” for this one. I like this track a lot. It’s mellow but has a little bit of that southern bounce to keep it interesting. The hook “I can’t hate where I’m from, cause where I’m from made me/I came from the bottom of the slums, but now I got Me, ME” (I think that’s what he said). It took 6 tracks to get some deeper introspection from Flo but I’ll take it. I can appreciate the song and when it’s put together like this one is, you have a song that is hard to dislike.

7. Be On You
Featuring Ne-Yo; Produced by Stargate
Hasn’t this song been done? The melody in the back is similar to Nelly’s “Dilemma” and has that same pop sensibility to the track. Actually, this song sounds a little too much like Nelly. I ride for my homeboy so I got nothing bad to say about that….but when you aren’t the guy and you basically clone his song and flow….I’m just saying. All that doesn’t make this a bad song, but it does make it unoriginal. I think the other odd thing about it is Ne-Yo singing one of Ron Burgundy’s mack lines….“I wanna be on you.”

8. Mind On My Money
Produced by Eric Hudson
Like the rest of the album, this track has some southern bounce but a good amount of groove as well. It’s not a fantastic track, but it’s not bad either. Flo Rida is consistent if nothing else, “Mind On My Money” is an overdone theme and so are the lyrics. I’m not a big fan of this song overall.

9. Available
Featuring Akon & will.i.am; Produced by will.i.am
I guess if you are going to “recreate” part of a group’s song, you may as well have a member from the group on there…hey will.i.am. In another song that is becoming a theme for this album, Flo rides a beat that pulls from another group/person. I will say that this one isn’t just a direct bite of the original though, so that is a plus. Lyrically, this song is like a 2010 hippy love song. It’s a celebration of being single and having fun. “I’m Finally Free!!!!!”

10. Touch Me
Featuring Kesha; Produced by Dr. Luke & Benny Blanco
With the thumping house hit “Satisfaction” by Benny Benassi acting as the foundation for this track, Flo serves up another one for the clubs. This one will probably do well internationally, but I don’t know that it will be the next single or anything like that. House isn’t my thing, but the song isn’t bad. There isn’t much to say about the lyrics on this one, look at the title.

11. Never
Produced by Danja
I’m almost tired of finding similarities in this album with others at this point, but I like Scarface’s version better. Face did a song called “Never” and it was a lot harder than this one. Flo Rida goes through his list of nevers…shout out to the stop snitchin’ movement.

12. Sugar
Featuring Wynter Gordon; Produced by DJ Montay
Look…another bite from a top hit…and another fail. I don’t think anyone is really going to like this one.

13. Rewind
Featuring Wyclef Jean; Produced by The Inkredibles
Where is the love…oops, sorry, this is Flo Rida’s album. Can’t help but like the track, I’ve heard the foundation of it before and I liked it then. I like the message of the track and hearing Clef on this album is a welcome element as well.

Bottom Line:
I don’t even know how to sum this up. With 13 songs, 8 of which that sample of pull from #1 songs (some of those being DIRECT PULLS) this album is going to have some appeal at least on a subconscious level. So, if you are just looking to hear something, this album may get a pass. If you are looking for something to listen to, which is a more active form of hearing, then I wouldn’t suggest this less than/average album.

nappyPicks: “Shone”, “R.O.O.T.S.”, “Be On You”, & “Rewind”

Download: Flo Rida – “R.O.O.T.S.”

If you’ve seen my columns on the site, you know I kind of talk Bow Wow up a lot. I don’t know why, but growing up as a kid, I always saw him as a good rapper. Well, maybe not a good rapper, but at least above the average new rappers that comes into the game with a ringtone worthy song. He’s been in the game since he was 13 years old (rapping since 6), and has been coming out with albums at a steady pace since then. Now, it’s 2009, two years since his last album and almost three since his last solo project. This album, New Jack City II, can arguably be called a comeback for Bow Wow. Let’s see if the album lives up to the title.

Get That Paper
Produced by Nitti
This intro reminded of Soulja Boy’s intro from his last album, which I also reviewed. This song is better than that one though because the beat is bare bones and it lets you listen to what Bow Wow is saying. Unfortunately, he isn’t saying much, and nothing that he rhymes here really jumps out at you: it seems like he dumbed himself WAY down from the last time I listened to him. Maybe it’s just me. Last time I really listened to a Bow Wow album in depth was ‘05. This song is good, the hook is infectious and the beat works well.

What They Call Me (Big Time)
Featuring Ron Browz & Nelly; Produced Jermaine Dupri & Ron Browz,
The beat sounds good from the jump and I’m feeling it. To be honest, I’ve gotten sick and tired of Ron Browz though. His singing just sounds like a poor man’s T-Pain. I was sure that Nelly would beat Bow Wow on this track, but I probably gave him more credit than he deserved; he did horrible on this track. When Bow Wow beats you in rapping, you know it’s time to stop. Not saying that Bow Wow did well either, just better. The singing is kind of catchy, but this song is just aiight.

Roc The Mic
Featuring & Produced by Jermaine Dupri
This song shows Bow Wow’s growth. It’s just two friends rapping on a track together, reminiscing about past times and how similar the two of them are. The hook is weird at first, but it gets catchy with the samples after a little bit. The two are utterly tied rapping; you can’t really declare a winner here. I think this was the street single off the album? It’s sounds good, but I can’t picture it doing well right now. Good song.

Been Doin’ This
Featuring T.I.; Produced by DJ Toomp
Bow Wow on a Toomp track? And with T.I. as a feature! Oh snap! Wait a second, what is this bullshit!?! OK, I have a couple of problems with this track. T.I. didn’t even drop a verse! I repeat: no T.I. verse. All he does is act as Bow Wow’s hype man. What? I was expecting T.I. to just rip this track to shreds and body Bow Wow on it. Instead, where his third verse should be, there is a long speech from T.I. a la Paper Trail. That brings the song down a lot, because Bow Wow does nothing on this track. He repeats rhyme strings he already used in earlier parts of the song! That shows me he’s running out ways to rap, and on the fourth song? Damn. Still, the beat and the hook help it to be only so-so.

You Can Get It All
Featuring Johnta Austin; Produced by Jermaine Dupri, No I.D., & Brian Michael-Cox
This beat is smooth as hell, but I don’t know about this song. Don’t get me wrong: it’s a good song, but it’s just I don’t know. Bow Wow’s been getting some good beats so far, but he hasn’t been using them. Even on this song, while his singing on the hook works, his voice fails when he tries to sing for the verses. You can actually hear his voice crack! Overall though, it’s a good song that isn’t brought down by Bow Wow’s missteps.

Sunshine
Produced by Jermaine Dupri & Brian Michael-Cox
What the hell!?! Who co-signed this? The beat on this is okay at first, but it gets really repetitive. Bow Wow’s rapping has gotten tiring at this point because he’s been using the same lines over and over. SKIP!

Like This
Featuring Johnta Austin & Dondria; Produced by Jermaine Dupri & J.R. Rotem
The beat on this one also gets repetitive, and by now Bow Wow has just gotten annoying. The hook’s weird at first, but it grows on you a little bit after a couple of listens. It’s just, this is the third track about girls in a row, and all these songs sound the same.

She’s My
Featuring & Produced by T-Pain
Looks like I made that comment a little too soon. T-Pain is here to make another song about the ladies. Bow Wow justifies this by calling himself “Mr. Do-it-For-The-Ladies”. This song sounds the same as the others too, but the T-Pain feature makes it better than the others. Bow Wow is still repeats lines, I still can’t point out any notable lines.

I Ain’t Playing
Featuring Trey Songz; Produced by Jermaine Dupri & Brian Michael Cox,
Don’t get me wrong, I dig Trey Songz (NH), but this track is almost EXACTLY the same as the previous four! And guess what the topic is on? Hint: Bow Wow calls himself: “Mr. Do-It-For The-Ladies” again. That’s right, the ladies again! Damn, this is the fifth song in a row. I’m sorry, but I gotta skip this one. SKIP!!

Pole In My Basement
Produced by Drumma Boy
Drumma Boy delivered the beat for sure right here, but what the hell? Bow Wow, again, at the start of the song proclaims himself to be “Mr. Do-It-For-The-Ladies”. The fact that he keeps reusing this gimmick (the third consecutive time…) proves how unoriginal he is. This is the SIXTH song about the ladies in a row! And what the…oh lord, he went and got the damn auto-tune! SKIP SKIP SKIP!!

Shake It
Featuring & Produced by Swizz Beatz
Alright, this song I can’t hate on. Swizz Beatz pretty much murders this track, making another club banger and Bow Wow doesn’t screw up on here, so it’s all good. This is probably one of, if not the, best song on the album. I’m actually feeling this one a lot.

Bottom Line:
This whole album is just a disappointment. 2-3 years can be considered a comeback, but Bow Wow blows it here completely. I’d go so far as to say this album is one of the worst he’s ever put out. It’s short, has no variety, and Bow Wow spits ABC lyrics like it’s his job. I feel ashamed that I even considered him as a possible future King of Hip-Hop. This whole album feels rushed. It in no way lives up to the title, has 7 songs on the same topic, and sounds the same. Still, while Bow Wow doesn’t reinvent the wheel, he shows some really rare glimpse of skill. Granted, I had to listen to this album like 3 times to find it, but it’s there. He’s been in the game so long, you’d think he’d be better. Technically, he should be at like Tha Carter II level (Lil’ Wayne started at 15 after all) by now, but here he is, retreading over the same shit. I guess if I was somebody’s little sister or under the age of 14, this would get 4 stars, but because I know talent and ability, I can’t let Bow Wow off that easy. You 21 man, you ain’t gotta make raps for the teeny-boppers anymore! Until he learns that, Bow Wow will never be a contender in the rap game.

nappyPicks: “Roc The Mic”, “You Can Get It All”, & “Shake It”

Download: Bow Wow – “Get That Paper”

It’s been 12 years since Capone-N-Noreaga dropped their debut The War Report, an album that was applauded for it’s rhymes that gave a look into the gritty tales of the hood. Their sophomore album, The Reunion, also captured a second Gold plaque and showed that the duo could still make good music that appealed to fans. A lot has happened during C-N-N’s 13 years in the game; Unsigned Hype features, Middle Eastern hood lingo, inner group turmoil, a N.O.R.E. solo career, jail stints, and now the release of their 3rd album, Channel 10.

1. Intro
The intro to the album has various clips from the duo’s previous albums. I always wondered how they cleared the James Earl Jones “This is CNN” sample. Maybe they didn’t.

2. United We Stand
Produced by SPK
As soon as I hear the mediocre chorus on this track, I know that it’ll be hard for me to get past it. The beat is a little redundant but not terrible. The song’s subject matter is about the group’s unity but with lyrical references of the Mark Walberg movie Shooter and New Edition member Ronnie DeVoe, the whole song sounds dated.

3. Rotate
Featuring Ron Brownz & Busta Rhymes; Produced by Ron Brownz
I go back and forth with this song. I’m trying to figure out if this song didn’t have Ron Brownz on it, would I still not like it (Is anybody else tired of Ron Brownz?). It’s just something about this song that just sounds lazy. I guess the beat does it’s thing because it has Noreaga in his element. In fact, this was originally N.O.R.E.’s song (“The Superthug is back!”). I first saw this track with just Busta & Noreaga.

4. Talk To Me Big Time
Produced by The Inkredibles
This track shows that C-N-N still has good chemistry as they go back and forth. But what’s up with the hook? The production reminds me of something that would appear on one of their previous albums.

5. Bring It Here
Produced by Kyne Beats
Capone and N.O.R.E. rhyme about a popular subject in rap music: beef (“Last time it’s beef I had to bring it to your door/This time it’s over nigga brains on the floor”). This song is really similar to the last one, but it’s actually better. The beat fits the mood of the song but it would be better sequencing if it was further apart from the previous track.

6. Grand Royal
Produced by DJ Premier
Who doesn’t like a Premier beat? This is the second combination of these two parties (The first being “Invincible” off The Reunion). Most of the time you know what you’re going to get with a DJ Premier production and it he delivers here. This is good New York Hip-Hop.

7. The Argument
Produced by Hazardis Soundz
Here C-N-N rhyme about the ups and down of their relationship. It’s put together well and they get their point across; (N.O.R.E.) “My first solo album, I set it up for our future/You was locked up but still executive producer” (Capone) “It was suppose to be the same on my first album but the lines got switched, nigga we was wildin’”.

8. Mirror
Produced by Hazardis Soundz
Over a piano heavy production, C-N-N rhymes about the tribulations of their past and present; “You see my life is full of good and disaster, looking at mirror and the mirror broke after.” Nothing really groundbreaking here, but the beat really helps here.

9. Wobble
Featuring Mobb Deep; Produced by Havoc
“Shorty see you wobble wobble, and see you shake it shake it.” Really? This is sad because without the terrible hook, this song might be good. The beat combined with N.O.R.E.’s funny rhymes about a girl’s “pussy tighter than Kanye’s shirt” had potential.

10. Channel 10
Produced by SPK
The album’s title track (It also shares the name of a track off The War Report), has C-N-N explaining that they still holding it down. Noreaga says in the beginning that somebody wanted to put a girl on the chorus singing instead of him. So far this is probably the best track at showcasing the chemistry between the two.

11. Beef
Produced by StreetRunner
Didn’t they cover this topic on “Bring It Here”? I guess not. They didn’t add nothing to the whole the subject matter and it’s kinda cliché. Album filler.

12. My Life
Produced by Hazardis Soundz
Here both rap about how they live they life the way they want to live it (Well, Capone goes off subject but hey…). This is back dropped by a piano loop. Once again, nothing really you haven’t heard before.

13. Stick Up
Produced by The Alienz
As you would expect from the title, C-N-N rhyme about a robbery. The track tries to be conceptual, but at the end you realize that they really never deliver. The production is monotonous and doesn’t assist at all.

14. My Hood
Featuring Clipse, Tha Dogg Pound, Maino, & Uncle Murda; Produced by SPK
As you would expect this song clocks in over 6 minutes as all the participants represents hoods from Queens, Long Beach, Brooklyn, & Virginia. The production sounds like something the Neptunes would have made in 1998. The song isn’t as good as it looks on paper but old head hearts will warm when they think about Dogg Pound and C-N-N being on the same track.

15. Follow The Dollar
Produced by The Alchemist
Alchemist has produced some bangers. But this one? Naw. Straight brick. I actually like the concept about following where a dollar dropped on the ground comes from. But not with that beat.

16. You See Me!!!!
Produced by SPK
I don’t know if they where to start a trend but the hook is awkward and doesn’t go with the provided beat. They way they say “You see me!” sounds like Ms. Peachz on “Fry That Chicken”.

17. Addicted
Produced by Hazardis Soundz
It seems as if C-N-N limped across the finish line with this one. The song here is about addiction (Which is a good subject because we all have them), but the beat sounds like it someone’s first beat. Now that I think about it, Noreaga said something to that nature in the beginning of the track.

Bottom Line:
It’s good to see groups from the late 90’s still being able to make music, but I think one problem with Capone-N-Noreaga is that it’s really not an equal match. When Capone went to jail, N.O.R.E. really broke out as a solo artist. When C-N-N got back together, he really overshadowed his partner. This is still the problem here twelve plus years later (Noreaga still does all the hooks and most of the time steals the show). This isn’t the only problem with the album. Maybe they should have trimmed the album down a bit because it can get redundant. All in all, loyal fans viewers of C-N-N will probably still like this album and stay turned in. Other will probably be quick to change the channel.

nappyPicks: No tracks will be kept on my iPod.

Download: Capone-N-Noreaga feat. Clipse, Tha Dogg Pound, Maino, & Uncle Murda – “My Hood”

Bonus: Capone-N-Noreaga feat. Ron Browz, Maino, Sho Bollotti, Uncle Murda, Joell Ortiz, Charlie Hustle, Spliff Star, Hell Rell, D.O.E., Tru Life, Mike Beck,  & Max B –“Rotate (remix)”

Looking to follow up his debut album, Welcome to the Zoo, Gorilla Zoe returns with his sophomore album titled, Don’t Feed Da Animals. Gorilla Zoe is fully aware of the “sophomore jinx” that artists speak about when they are working on their second album. This album was scheduled to drop 3rd quarter of 2008, but for some reason it got pushed back. Now that Zoe is back with some new music, let us see how it stacks up against the competition.

Untamed Gorilla
Featuring JC; Produced by Kane Beatz
First thing, I notice that the beat sounds like one you would hear Gucci Mane on, but after the initial drop Zoe steps in and dishes out some nice rhymes over a commanding beat. Good way to start the album.

What It Is
Featuring Rick Ross & Kollosus; Produced by Zaytoven
When Zaytoven is behind the boards, you know you are getting some good production. Ross and Zoe have good chemistry on the song, but the song is okay. Nothing spectacular to report on this track, it did not seem like the two were competing with each other.

Dope Boy
Produced by Don Vito
Songs like this send the wrong messages to the women out there. I do not know why Zoe opted to use the auto tune on this one, but I guess every artist was itching to use one. You can ride to this beat, and I am sure the all the dopeboys out there will have this as a ringtone.

Lost
Produced by Drumma Boy
The first single off the album, which came out almost a year ago, is another auto tune song. Everybody has heard this song at least once. The remix with Lil’ Wayne on it should have been on the album.

I’m Dumb
Produced by FATBOI
Gorilla Zoe takes a swing at making some new slang for the hood. I like the song, but it the flow sounds like “Hood Nigga”. Not like that is a bad thing. The beat on this one is SICK. The beat is “dumb” to quote Zoe on this one.

Shit On Em’
Produced by Zaytoven
This is another song where Zoe uses the auto tune where the hook says “I doo doo, I boo boo, I poo poo, I shit on em’.” It did not take much imagination to make this hook. I would expect a song like this from Gucci, maybe because Zaytoven did the beat

Hood Clap
Produced by Dee Jay Dana
Earlier I said “I’m Dumb” sounded like “Hood Nigga”, I have to take that back because this one sounds like “Hood Nigga.” Same flow and same bass line they used the first go round. The song is not bad; it just feels like we have done this before.

Helluvalife
Featuring Gucci Mane & OJ da Juiceman; Produced by Zaytoven
Who would have thought the day would come that putting Gucci on your album would boost your sales? Gucci and OJ outshined Zoe on his own track. They seemed more at home on the production, and yes, OJ did “Aye” you to death in 3 minutes.

I Got It
Featuring Big Block; Produced by Drumma Boy
I guess this is his attempt at a love song, which he breaks out the auto tune…again. I have to disagree with the overuse of the tool on this project. I am thinking this is his “Whatever You Like.” The beat goes hard though.

Watch Me
Featuring Yung Chris; Produced by Drumma Boy
Drumma Boy got SICK on this beat…the rhymes just did not live up to the beat. I wonder how producers feel when they put out a nice track and the artist lays an egg. The song gets boring to you after a couple of listens. If you hate the word “swag”, you might want to avoid this song.

Man I
Produced by K-Rab
I am going to make this one easy for you…SKIP!

Talk Back
Featuring Roxy Reynolds & Ebonylove; Produced by Sparkz Tha Trakman
Your eyes are not deceiving you; Roxy Reynolds is on the song. She did not do that bad for a porn star. She obviously did not write the rhyme, but she sounded good doing it. This puts you in the mind of Trina’s “Look Back at Me”, just not as nasty.

So Sick
Produced by Zaytoven
Once again, Zoe brings out the auto tune, but this time I like this offering. This is the song for all the people out there that love to buy clothes and accessories from their local bootlegger. Hey, some people want to look expensive without spending for it. HILARIOUS!

Echo
Produced by Drumma Boy
Zoe uses the auto tune on this one…AGAIN! Damn, did Zoe sing this much before? What is funny is that he sounds like Akon on this song. How are you going to end the album on this note?

Bottom Line:
You can tell that this album was supposed to come out in 2008 by the heavy use of the auto tune. I did not know that Zoe sang so much. He seems like he is lost on this project with the different directions he took on this journey. This release is not as good as his previous, so I have to say he took a step backward. He cannot blame the shortcomings on the production, because the production was good. He has to question the heavy use of the auto tune and all the singing that Zoe did on the album. The album was not worth all the delays and if I were a Gorilla Zoe fan, I would be disappointed.

nappyPicks: “Dope Boy”, “Helluvalife”, & “So Sick”

Download: Gorilla Zoe – “So Sick”

Bonus: Gorilla Zoe feat. Diddy – “Echo (remix)”

The biggest thing that distinguishes rapper/sanger/producer 88-Keys is his willingness to experiment with different genres of music. To tell the truth, at first I thought this would be a very strange review to do on nappyafro given 88-Keys’ lack of a friendly label (Hip-Hop, Rap, soul, R&B…). But 88 has produced for Mos Def, Consequence, Talib Kweli and The Pharcyde. He also has features from Kanye, Kid Cudi, Phonte, and Redman. He fits the genre folks, don’t dismiss him from the get-go. That was never the primary concern for me though. I’ve never been a fan of concept songs: “I Gave You Power”, “Gotta Eat”, “A Friendly Game Of Baseball”…and less supportive of concept albums: The Cool, ATLiens, Deltron 3030. For those that have given this album a listen, and didn’t really have a clue what they were listening to, here’s a brief summary of the storyline: Adam (the main character), is your typical guy searching for sex anywhere he can find it. Adam meets a dime, dates her, and is shot down when he tries to take it to the next level (I can identify there, I won’t front). Then Adam moves from the ex-girl to the next girl, who he finds in a nightclub apparently. This is where it got confusing. They have sex, but Adam can’t please her, but they stay together still until Adam’s life comes to an end… The Death Of Adam. Sounds a little lame to me too, but let’s give it a spin.

1. Morning Wood
Produced by 88-Keys
Ehh. I can’t recommend listening to this track. Just all-around lame. And not in a late 70’s start of Hip-hop sense either. Lame as in you’re trying way too hard and it shows.

2. Nice Guys Finish Last
Produced by 88-Keys
Much better. I was really feeling the recording process on this track, 88 Keys somehow altered his own voice so it sounds like he recorded his verse through a phone or something. Sounds like “Who Shot Ya”. I was also feeling the beat and the “nice” vocal sample as 88 sprinkles some knowledge throughout his story.

3. The Friends Zone
Featuring Shitake Monkey; Produced by 88 -Keys
If your looking for some indie rock mixed with soft pop this is probably your shit, but I wasn’t feeling it at all. At all!

4. Handcuff ‘Em
Produced by 88-Keys
The beat was nice. The lyrics were somewhat nice. By this point in time, I’ve noticed that 88 Keys and Charles Hamilton are one and the same. The song was good if you want to just kick back and take in the sound, but once I started listening to the songs message it seemed mad corny. Like “Ms. Officer” off Tha Carter 3. And the metaphors keep on coming!

5. Stay Up (Viagra)
Featuring Kanye West; Produced by 88-Keys
Great instrumental here. The Death Of Adam and 808’s & Heartbreak seem to be sister albums, categorized as Hip-Hop but containing a lot more singing than rhyming. By the way, Kanye blows here (no surprise), and his Borat reference had me cringing… really ‘Ye… really? On the real though, this instrumental could carry the whole album because it is amazing.

6. There’s Pleasure In It
Produced by 88-Keys
This one is nothing more than an beat; this song would be an interlude on any other album besides this one. I wasn’t feeling this beat as much as the previous one, mainly because it was made around a moaning sample (F for creativity). Swap the instrumentals in the two previous tracks and you could have had a good song.

7. (Awww Man) Round 2?
Produced by 88-Keys
Seven songs in and I’m on the verge of falling asleep. Good instrumental and terrible lyricism again… SKIP! Learn how to rhyme homie, or just stick to producing.

8. Dirty Peaches
Featuring J’Davey; Produced by 88-Keys
R&B track. No, average R&B track. Don’t really remember how it sounded because it was so generic.

9. Close Call
Featuring Phonte; Produced by 88-Keys
It takes nappyafro favorite Phonte to really conjure up a verse deserving of 88-Keys superb production. The first two minutes of this track are the best of the whole album, after the first two minutes it goes downhill.

10. The Burning Bush
Featuring Redman; Produced by 88-Keys
So Redman becomes Adam for this skit/song, and goes to the doctor’s office because he caught an STD. I love Redman, but his three verses seem forced here, following a pretty consistent theme for guest features.

11. Ho’ Is Short For Honey
Featuring Kid Cudi; Produced by 88-Keys
I’m not a Cudi fan at all. But there’s something catchy about this track, but nothing that would make me repeat it. I do admire his rhyme schemes though and the sampling here.  Something to this track, you might have to check it out… maybe.

12. No. I Said I LIKED You
Produced by 88-Keys
I forgot to mention that there has been a girl telling the story at the end of every song. This track they don’t put her at the end, instead just giving her the spotlight. Easy skip for me.

13. M.I.L.F.
Featuring Bilal; Produced by 88-Keys
This is another soft R&B track. Nice beat, nice singing. Still kind of ehh…

14. Another Victim
Produced by 88 Keys
And we’re done! Nothing more to say about this song, other than it feels like the clock hitting 5 o’clock on a Friday. I’m glad to be done.

Bottom Line:
There’s a difference between Shawty LO and 88 Keys. Even though I have a hard time listening to both of them, I can’t hate on 88. This wasn’t my type of album, but I can’t give it a really low rating based on my distaste for the album. At least 88 is trying; a lot more than many artists can say for themselves.

Download: 88-Keys feat. Phonte – “Close Call”

OK, I know I’m a little late on this one, and I was gone for a week or so, but to be honest, I was kind of out of it after that Yung Berg album. I hate to put the blame on someone else and not take responsibility, but sit down and listen to a 10 minute song by Berg and tell me it doesn’t fuck up your week. So I was hesitant to say the least about jumping headfirst into V.I.C.’s album, Beast, but I knew it couldn’t be worse than Berg’s album. Or could it? Let’s see.

Beast
Produced by V.I.C.
I was plesantly surprised here. I mean, in the beginning, all you hear is just a guy breathing in and out really hard like he’s some kind of animal. Then the track comes on and it bangs! V.I.C. actually talks some shit on here too: “Ya’ll can’t win, cause I cannot lose/Like 50 I create more Ja Rules”. Not bad, considering I was expecting a horrible rapper. What made me even more impressed was the fact that V.I.C. produced this himself; the production isn’t too bad on this one, and would actually play this on my MP3. A great start for the album and one of the best tracks.

Bop (Skit)
Produced by V.I.C.
Pretty much some guy continuing with the jungle/animal theme of the album by talking like he’s in a safari, but is actually just observing some guy checking out this girl. “She got all of her teeth, most of her hair”. Damn. Anyway, it doesn’t even really set you up for the next song, but I guess it’s a little funny.

Bop, Bop, Bop
Produced by V.I.C.
This one will set the clubs on fire. When the beat on this came on, I felt like dancing myself. “Now make it Bop, Bop, Bop. Girl drop, drop, drop”. It’s a really infectious hook. He’s really talking more shit, like: “I can’t keep her quiet/And she call me Psychic cause the way my doors flip”. It’s a cool little track, another one I would play on my MP3. If you’ve got a new stereo system in your car, you could use this song to test it for sure.

We Ridin’ (Batman Doors)
Featuring Hurricane Chris; Produced by Mr. Collipark
As soon as I heard the “Nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh-nuh”, I couldn’t believe they were humming the Batman theme song! This song is terrible; V.I.C. just dumbed down to ABC rhymes, I guess for Chris’ sake, and Chris is just as annoying as ever. SKIP!

Flawless
Featuring Avant; Produced by V.I.C.
V.I.C. saved himself on this one: the hook, supplied by Avant, is catchy and the beat goes smooth. I like this track, though I probably wouldn’t play it at all on my MP3; it just isn’t my kind of thing. Still, it’s a likable kind of track.

Get Silly
Produced by Soulja Boy
What can I say about this? Another Soulja Boy track, another absolutely ridiculous dance to go with it. V.I.C. is whatever on this; why choose this as the first single when you have tracks like “Flawless”, “Bop, Bop, Bop”, and “Beast”? I guess it’s an OK track, but it won’t get any play from me.

Jaw Jackin’
Featuring Bun B; Produced by Mr. Hankey
I wasn’t expecting that V.I.C. get big guns like Bun B! V.I.C. is alright on this track, but Bun B is the real star; Bun completely destroys this song and the hook, and I would definitely blast this song. BANGER! Check out for this one!

Beat That
Produced by V.I.C.
This song was hilarious at first, but it’s really downright skippable. Here’s the hook: “I don’t let the pussy beat me, I just BEAT THAT PUSSY!” It’s a sample saying that. It’s funny, but I hate how the beat is constantly switching up. Just SKIP this one.

Wobble (Skit)
Produced by V.I.C.
I have absolutely no idea what this skit is about. But whatever, it’s only 20 seconds long; by the time you go for the Skip button, it’s over.

Wobble
Produced by V.I.C.
The beat is like tribal drums; try rapping over them and the results are horrific. Add to that the track is 5 minutes long, and this one is just bad. SKIP.

Blow My Mind
Produced by V.I.C.
Aw man! Listen to how V.I.C. says “pussy”; he says it even worst than Plies does, which is saying something. The beat on this is smooth as hell, and V.I.C.’s singing on this isn’t that bad; maybe he should quit rapping and start singing? But then he says pussy like 3 times each time the hook comes around, and it’s just weird; he has one of those weird voices like Lil’ Wayne. SKIP, but if your like me, you’ll listen to this song just to laugh at the way he says pussy. “Paw-Sat”

Do You Know
Produced by V.I.C.
This is a pretty good song; it’s about being there for his brother. The rock theme is cool, but it gets kind of annoying after awhile; I wouldn’t bump this one at all because it just gets to be a bit much after awhile. OK song.

By Faith
Produced by V.I.C.
I respect V.I.C. for making a song like this, but it sucks. SKIP

Can I Get Her
Produced by V.I.C.
The entire song is “Can I get her?” over and over and over…SKIP!

Duck Off (Skit)
Produced by V.I.C.
Another skit about the “primal nature” and the male and the female. BORING…

Duck Off
Produced by Mr. Collipark
The actual song comes on and Mr. Collipark falls flat on his face with a beat like this. V.I.C. does no better. Once again…SKIP.

Wifey Type
Produced by V.I.C.
I almost want to take pity on V.I.C. and tell you NOT to skip this one, but it would be unfair to you. SKIP.

I’m the Shit
Produced by Polow Da Don
It’s a shame what he did to this track; Polow Da Don is a great producer, but V.I.C. completely ruins this track. You should know what to do by now…SKIP!

Get Silly (Collipark Remix)
Featuring Soulja Boy, Polow Da Don, Bun B, E-40, Jermaine Dupri, & Unk; Produced by Soulja Boy
The remix to the song that you’ve heard before. I didn’t really like it cause I hate the original to begin with, but you might like it.

Bottom Line:
There is too many songs on this album: I had to put SKIP on NINE tracks on this album. That has got to be some kind of record or something. The point is, V.I.C., this is your debut album; you don’t have to put 19 track on a debut album. 13, 14, or 15 songs would’ve been just fine. He showed a lot of promise in the beginning, but then the album just took a huge downhill drop. But I digress: the good outweighs the bad. V.I.C. might not be a “Beast” yet, but he can still say that he’s Tarzan, or whatever. I still don’t get the point of that tribal theme that the album conveys, but at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter. Overall, this was a mediocre debut.

nappyPicks: “Beast”, “Bop, Bop, Bop”, “Flawless”, & “Jaw Jackin’”

Download: V.I.C. feat. Soulja Boy, Polow Da Don, Bun B, E-40, Jermaine Dupri, & Unk – “Get Silly (Collipark Remix)”