Kidz In The Hall have made changes on every album. With their debut album School Was My Hustle they were on the cusp of making a huge impact on Hip-Hop’s underground scene. On the sophomore album, The In Crowd, it seem they were ready to step up their profile (Including features from Pusha T, Travis McCoy, & Bun B) but still were overlooked even with the hit “Drivin’ Down The Block “. Now on their third album, Land Of Make Believe, rapper Naledge & producer Double-O look for another change in terms of sound. Gone now are the soul samples as we see producer Double-O make a sonic shift to synth heavy sounds and no samples. So did Land Of Make Believe turn out to be a change for the better? Let’s find out…

1. Intro
Produced by Double-O
In the beginning the first track has this sleepy feel to it. But as it progresses more instruments are added to make it really feel like your beginning a journey. Naledge drops line too: “Jill Scott said live life like it’s golden but Goldie said don’t be made at the chosen”. The album starts off on a good note.

2. Traffic
Produced by Double-O
The new sound direction is evident as this track is big on the synth. While there’s no problem with the beat (It gets better towards the end), the track as a whole doesn’t seem to go anywhere. Plus I could have doen without that hook: “Don’t get like Mike nigga, just get like me”. Average track. Coldhard of the group Crucial Conflict does the talking in the beginning and end by the way.

3. Flickin’
Produced by Double-O
This was probably the first track I heard off this album. I didn’t like it then and I’m still not feeling it now. The whole happy upbeat feel of the track really throws me off as well as the heavy Auto-Tune singing chorus. There have been songs like this that work but this one wasn’t done very well. Meh…

4. Out To Lunch
Featuring The Kid Daytona; Produced by Double-O
Minimalist production is used here. For a minute there I could have sworn this was The Cool Kids. This isn’t bad but for tracks like this, the lyrics have to take center stage. I don’t think Daytona and Naledge accomplished that here and track ends up boring.

5. Bougie Girls
Featuring Russoul; Produced by Double-O
Here Naledge big ups the upscale sisters. According to him that means reading books for Oprah’s Book Club, correcting grammar, and having good credit (Who doesn’t want a woman with a high credit score?). It seems like they were going for an anthem for these kind of women but it falls flat and sounds a little silly. The guitar riff on the beat is okay, but once again kinda boring.

6. Jukebox
Featuring MC Lyte; Produced by Double-O
Since I saw a video for this, I’m assuming that this is the first single. This is obviously aimed at the clubs (“Let me see you shake your little thang…”). I guess it works. I definitely like a little better after seeing the video (It’s not great but it helped). The beat sounds a bit dated; like “Can I Get A…” by Jay-Z dated. And where the hell was MC Lyte? Please don’t tell me all she did was that short ass hook.

7. L_O_V_E
Produced by Double-O
More synths here as well as more softness. Not to say that’s necessarily a bad thing, but the last three tracks have been like this and I don’t think it’s working. I’m was close to hitting the skip button there.

8. Will II Win
Featuring Marsha Ambrosius; Produced by Double-O
Finally. After three duds The Kidz bounce back. The track starts of simple but when the melody finally hits it makes the track complete. Plus you can’t lose when you have Marsha Ambrosius on the track. Naledge even sounds more inspired over this as he explains the struggle to get where he is now. Him talking at the end of the songs drives the point home even more (He also explains the album title). Check for this one.

9. Take Over The World
Featuring Just Blaze & Colin Munroe; Produced by Double-O & Just Blaze
Now this has the feel of an anthem. This is the kinda track you play to get inspired. Not to take away anything from Double-O, but this may have a lot to do with Mr. Justin Blaze co-producing the track. Colin Monroe provided the right voice for the hook too (Just Blaze with the Auto-Tune not so much). This is standout track.

10. Fresh Academy
Featuring Chip Tha Ripper & Donnis; Produced by Double-O
I know that Double-O previously said in an interview that the comparisons to groups like The Cool Kids & Pac Div were unfair, but the production on this track plus the fact that Chip Tha Ripper sounds a little like Mikey Rocks here, it hard not to compare this to a Cool Kids’ track. I happy to see Donnis get some shine here. Average track.

11. Simple Life
Featuring Amanda Diva; Produced by Double-O
This is basically Naledge singing on the whole track about “The small things we forget…”. I can honestly see this track being featured on Nip/Tuck (If you watch the show you get what I’m saying). At first listen I didn’t like this track but after a few listens, the sleepy production makes this very suitable for chill out time.

12. Running
Featuring Tim William; Produced by Double-O
Bouncy synth production here (Think Janelle Monae or Andre 3000). The track is okay but I’m still not sure if Naledge’s voice is right for this new direction. Tim William nails the hook and fits perfect though.

13. Do It All Again (I Am)
Produced by Double-O
Naledge reflects on mistakes of the past and how it would be if he could relive he past, “My selfish ways/I’ll never change/The lost of love/The price of fame”. Double-O provides a bigger sound this time and with the introspective of both the beat and lyrics, I’m surprise this isn’t the track they ended the album on. Still notable none the less.

14. I Am (Reprise)
Produced by Double-O
Over piano loop, Naledge spits what may be his best lyrics on the album; no hooks just him spitting for almost two minutes: “Please take heed/Still in the lead/If things get rocky then I’m Apollo Creed/Method to the madness/Smiling over sadness/Chip on my shoulder just from fucking with this rap shit”. This is actually what I was hoping for when I heard about the new sound for this album.

15. Rise & Shine
Featuring Russoul; Produced by Double-O
The Kidz end off on a good note with the last track. The songs puts a bow for the theme of the album (Land Of Make Believe = What you think fame is). Rossoul almost steals the show with his cameo (Which is much better than his first appearance on the album). With this track and the one before, they pick up the slack towards the end of the album.

Bottom Line:
Through most of the beginning of this album I thought that what Land Of Make Believe had to offer barely had anything interesting. Thankfully business picked up towards the middle and end. Kidz In The Hall should get a pat on the back for going in a new direction. But when trying new sounds, as an artists you has to remember what you are good at. This album wasn’t terrible but the sound they are going for is already being made better by other artists. You also have to note that Kidz are still trying to establish their brand. While there is some good music to check out here and this album may be liked by fans; some may want to get off the train before it heads to the Land Of Make Believe.

nappyPicks: “Will II Win”, “Take Over The World”, “I Am (Reprise)”, “Rise & Shine”

Download: Kidz In The Hall feat. Marsha Ambrosius – “Will II Win”
Download: Kidz In The Hall feat. Just Blaze & Colin Munroe – “Take Over The World”

Seeing that we don’t usually review mixtapes, most things with DJ Green Lantern attached to it would normally be filed under that label. But after some research and some e-mails, it seems that The Green Ghost Project by Styles P & DJ Green Lantern is an official release. Besides the album art reminding me of the Buckshot & 9th Wonder album, I’m interested in what the project has in store. So let’s see what The Ghost & The Evil Genius cooked up in the lab.

1. Nothing To Lose
Produced by DJ Green Lantern
On the opener, Styles goes over and simple yet fitting production by Green Lantern and lets fans know he still spitting hard: “Boys turn to men/Right over the night though/Then they get killed you wonder where did they life go”. Is the hook a Fat Joe sample? Let me know.

2. Double Trouble
Featuring Sheek Louch; Produced by DJ Green Lantern
SP goes and gets LOX member Sheek to tag team the beat. The Chuck D sample on the hook along with the frantic boom bap beat makes this song. All three participants fit together here. Not great but good.

3. Callin’ Me
Featuring Tre Williams; Produced by Scram Jones
This is one they probably could have left off. The R&B chorus doesn’t fit and sounds off. The beat also gets redundant halfway through the first verse also. I almost hit the skip button too.

4. Send A Kite
Featuring Dwayne Collins; Produced by DJ Green Lantern
Styles gets his “One Love” on with this track. Even though songs like this have been done many times before, it’s actually a pretty thoughtful dedication to the love ones behind bars (“I don’t need you currency/I ain’t trying to complain cause you ain’t see me currently/You should be outside where the big face hundreds be”). It’s hard for me to get past that chorus though (Terrible). The music video helps a lot though.

5. Make Millions From Entertainment
Produced by The Alchemist
The first lines is this track shows you Styles is going for the neck: “You wanna MTV list?/I put your brains all over your MTV crib/Whoever wrote that XXL list/I’ll XXL whoever you felt spit”. Alchemist provides and menacing beat as well as a well-placed Nas sample on the hook (“I make millions from entertainment”). Check for this one.

6. Invasion
Featuring Junior Reid & Jadakiss; Produced by DJ Green Lantern
Tuck in ya chains punks! Green Lantern’s production is just as gangsta as the lyrics spit here and make this a good example of NY street music. And of course Jada steals the show: “Get the tape outta the camera/Whoever make a false move is getting hammered/After that hogtie the whole fam up/We ain’t got long so keep checking the scanners”. Yea son!

7. Time Will Tell
Featuring Raekwon; Produced by Buckwild
Yea, I was ready for a back and forth between Styles P and The Chef back and forth (“Broken Safety” anyone?), but Rae only does the hook and the song seems kinda boring. Nothing really stands out but I may needs more listens.

8. Pablo Doe
Featurng N.O.R.E. & Uncle Murda; Produced by DJ Green Lantern
As soon as I hear the Group Home’s “Supa Star” sample in the beginning I’m sold. Okay, they only used it for an intro but still; the actual beat sounds like it’d be on a Noreaga album. The song as a whole all works from the features to the productions (Including Uncle Murda was a good choice too).

9. Real Ghostly
Produced by Dutchez Beatz
I didn’t like the keyboard heavy beat off the rip as well as the term “Real Ghostly” (A term Styles says describes his exsistence). Not terrible but not my thing.

10. Pretty Little Thing
Featuring June Summers; Produced by DJ Green Lantern
When first I saw this song on the tracklist, I wasn’t looking forward listening to the “love” song of the album. But you know what? It wasn’t that bad at all mostly due to Green Lantern’s good use of samples. Styles doesn’t go all mushy on us either.

11. Shadows
Produced by Statik Selektah
A big reason this album got reviews is this track. Statik Selektah comes through and produces the best track off the album. The somber feeling of he beat matches SP’s paranoia fueled lyrics: “If they coming tell them come now/Sunset sun down/I don’t put my gun down and I ain’t trying to run clown”. Like I said, the best track off the album.

12. Legal Money
Produced by Vinny Idol
I was ready to write this off as album filler but halfway through the track switches up and woke me up (Actually it does it for every verse). I applaud the changes but all the beats where average. Good try though.

13. That’s Me
Featuring S.I.; Produced by Dame Grease
If this was the late 90’s, I’d be hype to see the combination of Dame Grease & Styles. But listening to this, obviously those times are gone. And what’s up with all these wack ass R&B hooks?

14. Bang Time
Featuring M.O.P.; Produced by DJ Green Lantern
This came out in the middle of last year as a M.O.P. track and it still holds up and will probably make you rob somebody. Green Lantern captures the spirit well too.

15. Born In These Streets
Produced by Poobs
I probably wouldn’t have ended with this track but seeing how most “gangsta” albums end with introspective tracks, I see why it does close out the album. Well not THAT introspective: “Kicking in your house with a mag and a clip nigga/Probably on the rag cause we know you a bitch nigga”. The beat was a little too 80’s for me as was the hook (I think I spoke too may time already about the wack R&B hooks right?).

Bottom Line:
I guess DJ Green Lantern proved that he came make good music with a LOX member beside Jadakiss. Not to say that this album is a clear-cut winner. While the lineup of producers and features looks great on paper, but the dark spots than bright on The Green Ghost Project make this an average album. I feel they were stuck in the middle on most of the album on whether to go strictly street or not. But the times they do make up there minds the results are success. If you’re not a fan of Styles P & Green Lantern, this won’t sway you over but if you are, you probably already are a participant in The Green Ghost Project.

nappyPicks: “Make Millions From Entertainment”, “Invasion”, “Pretty Little Thing”, “Shadows”, & “Bang Time”

Download: Styles P & DJ Green Lantern – “Make Millions From Entertainment”
Download: Styles P & DJ Green Lantern feat. Jadakiss & Junior Reid – “Invasion”
Download: Styles P & DJ Green Lantern – “Shadows”

With the Fro’s crew busy with new projects constantly coming up, I thought it might be fit for a member to step in and provide some support and relieve some of the workload that has built up over the past months and also to PROPERLY review the albums considering I had a feeling they were going to get a FFWD. With this said I bring you 3 reviews. So as the year comes to an end, what can we really gather from this year? Although 2009 has had its flops and bangers, it’s also had its shining moments as lyrical and creative albums begin to get exposure. Slaughterhouse has been greatly involved with this movement (Possibly the year of the Slaughter?). But among this each member has also released their solo projects. So please enjoy as I bring you ¾ of the Slaughter as I review Street Hop, Escape Route & Mr. Pig Face Weapon Waist. First up was Joe Budden’s Escape Route. Now here is Crooked I’s Mr. Pig Face Weapon Waist.

The Skitzo (Intro)
Produced By Cosmos
Your intro as Crooked I talks about “Mr. Pig Face Weapon Waist”…the character. Course I know many of us wonder where he came up with this name and Crooked I gives you a little insight.

Mr. Pigface
Produced By 21
This beat is a very interesting as the beat is escalating and then loops around to the beginning. Not bad. Crooked goes into his gangsta shit as he keeps the Pigface mentality. No hooks on this one, just straight aggressive lyrical verses coming at you. It’s a decent track.

U Shoulda Made A Phone Call
Featuring Kay Young; Produced By Frequency
Now this is on some West Coast shit! I’m surprised with Frequency on this one as you never thought that Freq could deliver a beat like this. BANGER!! You either love Kay Young or hate him. In this one you have to love him (no homo) as he delivers a catchy and great hook. Crooked I keeps it simple and delivers that gangsta shit that is well known in the West Coast. Check for this one.

One More Time
Produced By P. Silva
This song also has some West Coast feel too. Crooked I does his thing on the verses but the hook is suspect. Maybe this would have been a perfect time for a Nate Dogg feature on the hook. Regardless, the verses are there and the beat is decent.

Guess Who’s Back
Featuring Snoop Dogg; Produced by Scram Jones
Okay, this collab looks great on paper, however Snoop sticks to the hook on this one from which he uses some lines from Doggystyle. The hook gets quite annoying after a while. The beat…eh I’m on the fence on the beat, I feel the beat sometimes and then sometimes I don’t. Crooked I just doesn’t wow me with anything on this track.

Freestyle Cypher
Featuring Horse Shoe G.A.N.G. & Royce Da 5’9”; Produced By Komplex
Crooked I speaks some truth in the beginning of the track. He then proceeds to introduce Horse Shoe G.A.N.G.. They may be young, but I’ve got a feeling Horse Shoe ain’t nothing to fuck with at all. They deliver some lyrical content that most rappers now days could not. Royce then steps in and ends up slaughtering the track. The beat produced by Komplex is simple enough and good that it forces you to listen to the lyrics of the track. Pretty dope.

Woodstock Hood Hop
Featuring Slaughterhouse & M.O.P.; Produced By Nottz
This song has been out for a while but this is what we all want. Nottz give you a high energy beat as the members of the Slaughter come in to pick it apart. Joell and Joey steal the show with their verses though

[Joell Ortiz]
H-e- (what?) l-l-o, i’m one hell of a show
I’m the best, you stuck in the middle like l-m-n-o
I’ll piss on you, let every toxic elements go
All you pussies is fucked, call me now celibate Joe (ay!)
Ay Slaughterhouse, let’s go rock Ed Sullivan Show
I literally can’t front, I’m back like never befo’ (oh!)
I’ma rap my letter to hoes
Dear prostitute, I miss y’all lettin’ me slap my head on your nose
Where the fuck is my guitar? It couldn’t of went far
Oh yeah, I smashed it on homie head in that Brook-lyn bar
Man I’m somewhere in between a crook and a star
Had some more bars but i left my rap book in the car (yo yo yo yo yo)

[Joe Budden]
Look, I’m not a gang-banger, more like game changer
With tamed anger, alias lover name changer
Liable to pop at kids and aim flamers
I’m why your parents told you not to entertain strangers
Dope get it, top notch, flow sickest
Best out, don’t blame me it’s no spitters
So vicious on the road to riches
From now on call me Mr. weiss, they chasin all of your old bitches
From the hood new jersey and I claim this
Oxymoron, rob with the dirty and stainless
Cock back, high saddity so I keep the top back
So when the streets is watchin, I could watch back

Bottom Line:
The effort by Crooked I on his EP just didn’t add up to what we know of him from his features and verses on Slaughterhouses debut album. It seemed as if Crooked wasn’t even putting any effort into the songs at some instances during the album. But lets not forget this is an EP and we expect a lot more out of Crooked in any future album or Slaughterhouse projects.

DJ LP Picks: “U Shoulda Made A Phone Call”, “Freestyle Cypher”, & “Woodstock Hood Hop”

Download: Crooked I feat. Kay Young – “U Shoulda Made A Phone Call”
Download: Crooked I feat. Horse Shoe G.A.N.G. & Royce Da 5’9” – “Freestyle Cypher”

Lil’ Wayne continues his quest to rule the world with the release of HIS label’s collective effort We Are Young Money. This team features Weezy, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Tyga, Mack Maine, T-Streets, Lil’ Twist, Lil’ Chuckee, & Shanell. Not a bad lineup to have batting for you in a game. We all know that Hip-Hop and sports aren’t the same, sometimes too many stars don’t equate into a championship. One thing about YM is that if everyone plays their role, a championship isn’t out of the question. We have been hearing about Young Moolah for years, now it’s time to see if the hype was justified.

Gooder
Performed by Jae Millz, Lil’ Wayne, Gudda Gudda, & Mack Maine; Produced by Brizzy Blaize
This album starts out like any compilation: with a posse cut. I can’t even front, this song might have been even DOPER had Drizzy and Nicki would have dropped a verse. Even without Drizzy and Nicki, the song went hard. I see Wayne got his Auto-Tune machine out the pawn shop.

Every Girl
Performed by Lil’ Wayne, Drake, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, & Mack Maine; Produced by Tha Bizness
This is one of the songs that you heard on the radio ALL SUMMER. I knew this song was going to be big, but anything featuring Wayne and Drake on the same song is sure to put up some numbers.

Ms. Parker
Performed by Lil’ Wayne, Mack Maine, & Gudda Gudda; Produced by Tha Bizness
Okay 3 songs in and I think I have an early favorite. Everybody remember the “Ms. Parker” line in their favorite hood movie, Friday, and this is an ode to her. Weezy went digital, better yet the whole crew went digital. This song will not be a favorite with all, but I LOVE this hook on the song.

Wife Beater
Performed by T-Streets, Lil’ Wayne, Jae Millz, & Tyga; Produced by Kane Beatz
This sounds like the theme to Halloween on sizzurp. I really think they were going at the strip clubs with this one, at least that’s the mind state this song puts you in. I can rock with this one. Shout out to all the NYMPHO’S out there!

New Shit
Performed by Gudda Gudda, Lil’ Wayne, Jae Millz, & Mack Maine; Produced by Chase N. Cashe & B.Carr
Remember earlier when I said I had an early fave, change that. Unknown producers come with the HEAT. The beat starts off simple, and then opens up on the hooks. WOW. The reserves are carrying this album so far. The Weezy features are really hooks, and the role players are keeping the team afloat. IMPRESSED.

Pass The Dutch
Performed by Lil’ Wayne, Gudda Gudda, & Drake; Featuring Short Dawg; Produced by Chase N. Cashe
This is what we have been waiting on, not really because we got that on “Every Girl”, but Weezy and Drizzy on the same track (Like they haven’t done this before…heard So Far Gone?). The production on this song was too plain. The beat was easily beat up by the crew. I applaud the effort on lyrics, but they lost me with the production.

Play In My Band
Performed by Shanell & Lil’ Wayne; Produced by Willy Will
The beat from this one could have been switched on the last one and the song would have been FIRE. Once again we get to see Rock & Roll Weezy on this one, and let me tell you he didn’t disappoint. I know I said that “New Shit” was my fave. Change that, (NO H2O) this is. I really was not on board with Rock & Roll Weezy, but he might be the one to bridge this generation to the Rock/Hip-Hop trend. DOPE.

Fuck Da Bullshit
Performed by Nicki Minaj, Gudda Gudda, Lil’ Wayne & Drake; Featuring Birdman; Produced by Andrew “Papa Justifi” Wansel & Warren “Oak” Felder
The First Lady is in the building on this one and she made Weezy and Drake step their game up on this one. I have to say that Nicki SET the song off! It’s something about her style that is HOT and infectious at the same time. Gudda Gudda surprised me the most out of the bunch. He was going up against some stiff competition, sandwiched between Weezy and Minaj, him just keeping up made me happy. FIRE!

Bedrock
Performed by Lil’ Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Tyga & Jae Millz; Featuring Lloyd; Produced by Kane Beatz
This is the current single beating the airwaves to death. Sounds like “Every Girl” to me, but this song was aimed at all those teenagers not some old cat like me. I can hate on the song. I’ll pass because I can’t say the song is GARBAGE because of its mainstream direction.

Girl I Got You
Performed by Lil’ Chuckee & Lil’ Twist; Produced by Infamous
Hold up…Wayne got kiddies in Young Money? I can appreciate what they are doing, but there isn’t a 15 year old rapper alive I can relate to. The song sounds like something I would have wrote at that age, which is what it should sound like. I don’t want to hear a 15 year old 50 Cent rapping, talk about stuff like this.

Steady Mobbin’
Performed by Lil’ Wayne; Featuring Gucci Mane; Produced by Kane Beatz
I was in the club recently when this came on…THE PLACE WENT CRAZY!!! The two hottest rappers on a song together equals BANGER! Line of the song…”You niggas softer than Roseanne’s son”. Are you serious? Stop it Wayne! I might be biased by the club atmosphere, but that is the feel you want when your song comes on.

Roger That
Performed by Nicki Minaj, Tyga, & Lil’ Wayne; Produced by Phenom
This is one of those songs that you have to sit back and let Nicki do her thing. She set the song on FIRE, but the person who made my head turn quick…TYGA. I really didn’t know he had it in him. *salutes* Of course Weezy shows up, but he got outshined by Lewinsky and Tyga on this one. DOPE SONG!

She Is Gone
Performed by Lil’ Wayne, T-Streets, Jae Millz, & Gudda Gudda; Produced by Kane Beatz
The production on this album continues to be pretty good, but this time the crew didn’t put up one of their best efforts. I don’t like the hook at all, “Where my old lady at?” Come on Fellas, really?

Streets Is Watchin’
Performed by Lil’ Wayne, Gudda Gudda, T-Streets, Jae Millz, & Nicki Minaj; Produced by David Banner
Why did he choose this name? David Banner on the beat so you know you are getting something FLAME. The boys get down on this one, but the standout again is your girl Nicki. She is going to be a hard free agent to keep on the team when it’s time for negotiations.

Nicki Minaj: “I’m the bad what bout to get a mani-ped/I’m the big bad wolf in ya granny bed/Even tho I’m in Mexico/I rep New York like Plax-ico/Look switched my name now I’m celebrating Hanukah/Lewinsky, bitches Young Money Monica/I been hot since Hedeghog Sonic the/So could you pass me the keys to the tonica/I meant Tonka/that’s the truck bitches.”

You can’t deny it…Nicki is that GIRL.

Finale
Performed by T-Streets, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Tyga, Lil’ Chuckee, Lil’ Twist, Nicki Minaj, Shanell, Mack Maine, Drake, & Lil’ Wayne; Produced by Infamous & Angel “OnHel” Aponte
They end the album with a full fledge posse cut, everybody get a chance to spit on the mic. I have to say this was reminiscent to the old No Limit Soldier songs that usually start an album, but I think they placed this one in the right place. Good way to end it.

Bottom Line:
This was the first offering from Young Money, and considering their audience, this will be considered a good album. The Hip-Hop snobs will surely avoid this album because of the radio hits “Every Girl” and “Bedrock” but there are some pretty good songs that even they can appreciate. The Nicki Minaj appearances gave the album a different feel that male only albums lack. This album will be a stocking stuffer this Christmas, and those people will be pretty happy with this. If Young Money keeps this up, look for them to be one of the new age Hip-Hop “dynasties”. How about a hand for Birdman? He has put together two championships teams in two different decades. Kind of like Pat Riley. Update: King Jerm’s original rating was 3 and I mistakenly put this up as a 3.5. My bad. – B-Easy

nappyPicks: “Ms. Parker”, “Play In My Band”, “Fuck Da Bullshit”, “Steady Mobbin’”, “Roger That”, “Streets Is Watchin’”, “Finale”

Download: Young Money – “Roger That”
Download: Young Money – “Finale”

Turbulence
The first song off the album has me intrigued to really see what they have in store for the listeners on the rest of the album. Turbulence goes back to the title and it really kicks this album off.

Look What I Got
Featuring Korleone
First off, I love the production on this song along with the chopped and screwed hook. This is a perfect song for them boys that like to stunt. This was on one of Ludacris’ earlier mixtapes (The Preview), I liked it then and I still like it now. DOPE.

Stupid
Featuring OJ Da Juiceman; Produced by Hurt
I’m known for burying OJ, but I think this track would have been better with Gucci, but since his “protégé” is on this song, I’ll go easy. One good thing is that OJ doesn’t overdo it with the “Aye” and his rhymes sound like something I heard before from him, but this isn’t about him, or maybe it is. I like the production and I can see myself getting “stupid” to this when it comes on in the club, or I’m beating it out in the Chevy.

Welcome Aboard
Skit.

Hold Up
This might be my favorite so far off the album. The song could have used an assist from the late, great Pimp C (RIP), but even without his vocals on the track, the song still goes HARD. The production is slow, simple, and it fits well within the Playaz Circle. DOPENESS!

Yeah We Gettin’ Rich
Featuring Ludacris
The production on this track sounds like a 2002 DipSet track, but this one features three rappers from the South. While Titty Boi and Dolla come out the gate swinging, the Ludameister showed why he is one of those emcees that you might not want to get on a track with.

Can’t Remember
Featuring Bobby Valentino
This is your Hip-Hop/R&B track that has become a standard in the industry. Don’t think that PC went soft on this one. The beat is smooth, and the lyrics are okay, but this just doesn’t do it for me. Not a SKIP, just a question mark for me.

Big Dawg
Featuring Lil’ Wayne; Produced by Wonder
The reunion is back on this track. Weezy returns to lend his vocals on the track (similar to what he did on “Duffle Bag Boy”) and I can’t even front…I like this song. I wonder why Weezy didn’t drop a verse on the song. He used auto tune on the hook (are you surprised?) but it worked well on the track. The production on this one is sick. Shout out to the Wonder for this one.

Quit Flossin
Featuring The Casey Boys of Jagged Edge
This Hip-Hop/R&B track works better for me than the Valentino collab did. I like the hook better than I did the earlier track, but I don’t want to hear “trappers” getting all soft. Again, not a SKIP for me, but another question mark.

Refreshments
Another intro keeping up with the album’s title.

Big Wheel Whippin
This song features a T-Pain knockoff, but he’s just doing the hook. The production on this one is pretty good, and the lyrics are decent, just seems like they are getting on the redundant side. This beat on this one makes up for the average content.

Weight Droppin
Featuring Raekwon; Produced by Wonder
The last time Rae teamed up with an Atlanta duo we got “Royal Flush” and “Skew it on the Bar-B”. This time he kept simple and ended up working well with the Playaz Circle. Once again the production by Wonder stands out to me.

DJ Know Me
Featuring Young Dro
Young Dro? These are the songs that I like to hear from Playaz Circle, they are making songs for their audience; the trap, the club, and the hood superstars. Some artists need to stop trying to appeal to everyone and just attack the target audience. Young Dro reminded us why everybody loves Dro. “Buying my whole click cars like we on the Oprah show!” Even when I had almost wrote him off, he goes and does this.

Ghetto
Featuring Cee-Lo & Sunni Patterson; Produced by LT Moe
Okay, this is my favorite song off the album. HANDS DOWN. Cee-Lo does it for me on this track. The song is just too smooth for me to ignore it. This is a song makes you think of all the wrongs of our society, and when I say “our” I’m referring to the hoods all across the world. FIRE!

Prepare for Landing
The flight is over.

Outta Here
Produced by The Royalty
The last song on the album and Playaz Circle gives you some of the same that they gave you on previous songs. Nothing new to report here…TIME TO GO TO BAGGAGE CLAIM.

Bottom Line:
Playaz Circle came back strong with their second album. I have to think this is a victory for the duo considering the lack of buzz surrounding this project. The collabos on this album all work well with the duo and they seemed to fit together fluidly. They stuck to their guns and did what they knew how to do: make music for the A and the South. I know this album didn’t have the national spotlight like the last one, but for the ones that do get this, they will be satisfied. I would be interested in seeing the guys on more projects in the future, because I like the chemistry that Titty Boi and Dolla have together. (PAUSE)

nappyPicks: “Look What I Got”, “Stupid”, “Hold Up”, “Big Dawg”, “DJ Know Me”, “Ghetto”

Download: Playaz Circle feat. Cee-Lo & Sunni Patterson – “Ghetto”

Typically, when we think of Pro Black, prideful, conscious rap, KRS-One tends to triumphantly erupt from our souls as the poster child and is highly regarded as a top 5 emcee…probably more like top 3. It doesn’t take much effort or digging to get into a conversation about this man or his greatness. Buckshot’s name may not have the same resounding name recognition for someone who isn’t heavy into the game. It’s not because he’s not an ill emcee, but the byproduct of being a part of such lyrical assassin groups as Black Moon and the Boot Camp Clik. While grinding on the underground scene, those that are familiar with his work were ready to celebrate when they heard that these two verbal samurais were working on this project together.

1. Survival Skills
Featuring DJ Revolution; Produced by Illmind
If this is the tone for the album, I’m ready to be excited. This isn’t about glossy production and bounce, this is about returning to bass, beat, and intensity. Now, I’m sure we may get some polish and pretty effects later, but this one comes off like one of the hard hitting NY throwbacks. You also get a taste of what could be ahead with Blastmaster working this track and his flow to his advantage and Buckshot Shorty playing the Geeche Suede to his Sonny Cheeba with a smooth sound and style that works with KRS brash lyricism. The hook throws me a little, but the lyrics and track are too fly to ignore…shout out to some old school scratching.

2. Robot
Produced by Havoc
This is the lead single for the album and I can’t even pretend to like the melody of the hook. The message is one that I’m sure we will hear a lot more of in the near future (and I welcome that). Havoc keeps the theme feeling from the first track as our duo do a job of blending and not competing while both offering some of the illest commentary on the current state of the industry.

3. The Way I Live
Featuring Mary J. Blige; Produced by Black Milk
Anthem, period. The production on this joint is fantastic and Mary J. proves again that she’s one of the best to do this Hip-Hop hook thing. KRS literally destroys this song with his insightful lyrics and inspiring flow. Hell, this may be my new alarm in the morning. This is one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. If this one doesn’t make radio, all the execs need to be fired. Sometimes, things are ready for the radio because they NEED to be heard, not because they are designed to be played on the air.

4. Clean Up Crew
Featuring Rock (of Heltah Skeltah); Produced by Illmind
The track is cool, still hard hitting, but something about this one doesn’t really grab me. Lyrically, it’s ok. The concept is pretty straight forward, as you see the title, but it comes off overdone to me. Like, the analogy of cleaning, cleaning supplies, janitors, etc, gets a little boring to me after a while. It’s creative and I get it…but yeah. You’ve got to hear it, I guess the best way for me to say it is that it’s creative, but not as clever as I’d expect or hope for.

5. Oh Really
Featuring Talib Kweli & Geo (of Blue Scholars); Produced by Marco Polo
Talib! Oh shit, I’m ready…for him to only be on the chorus? Yeah, that’s all we get. Hey, I was hoping he was going to do his thing. Again, a tough track that plays the proper role and lays the foundation for offerings like this one from KRS, “I’m naughty by nature/raunchy by nature/forty by nature/y’all corny by nature/meanin’ all y’all naturally wack/and I’m naturally dope like coke before crack/but really, I’m more like the weed in this rap/and these new jacks are more like the seeds in this rap”.

6. Connection
Featuring Smif-n-Wessun; Produced by Moss
We still get grit on this one, but with a healthy dose of dark ominous chords in the background. This song is one of the missteps on the album for me. The song becomes boring and at 5:23 seconds, it’s too long to sound like this. The one thing I will mention is KRS line at the end of the song…damn…damn meaning GOOD!

7. Runnin’ Away
Featuring Immortal Technique; Produced by Black Milk
I hate to be lazy or come off like I’m on some bullshit, but Immortal Technique did some unmentionable shit to this song. Really, I don’t even want to cloud your this song review with talk about the other shit, Immortals offering wore the paint off my rewind. Just take a listen at the bottom.

8. Think Of All the Things
Featuring K’naan; Produced by DJ Mentplus
There are certain things you all know about me at that I need in albums. I don’t pretend to be the almighty scholar on all things Hip-Hop, and I Will Not Apologize for how I evaluate albums. You all know that I am a stickler for lyrics, beats, hooks, production and flow of an album. I LOVE this song…aside from KRS singing. The message is fantastic, but I have trouble with it on this album or at least hear. It just seems odd right here and now.

9. One Shot
Featuring Pharoahe Monche; Produced by Nottz
This beat drives me crazy, and not in a good way. It’s set on the down beat so you can’t really nod where you’re used to nodding…you’ll get it when you hear it. It’s not as jarring with further listens but it has yet to resonate with me. Monche is another of of those guys that doesn’t get the notoriety that he deserves in the business but unfortunately, I can’t say that he offered anything to change that. He’s only on the chorus. I do like the structure of this song and the lyrics offered as well.

10.Amazin‘
Featuring Sean Price & Loudsmouf Choir; Produced by Khrysis
Y’all know about the love the Fro’ has for the Justus League, so shout out to Khrysis right out the gate. I should probably listen to this again and count how many times they say amazing since that is the concept of the song…but oddly enough, it doesn’t get old. I’ve never heard one word sound like so many different words as I do with KRS stressing different portions of the word and the words before and after it. Buckshot continues to prove that this album is collaboration and not a competition as he lends a different sound but flow that is second to none.

11. Hear No Evil
Produced by Khrysis
Definitely a different sound on this track. Appropriately I feel like the resounding, rejoicing, triumphant horns are recruited to play at the name and theme of the song. This song is good, the track stands out on this one though.

12. Murder 1
Featuring Bounty Killer; Produced by Coptic
Another decent song, another song that doesn’t really flow with the album. Bounty is relegated to the hook and not intermingled enough to get this one over for me.

13. We Made It
Featuring Slug (of Atmosphere); Produced by Illmind
The thing that I think is most important to note about this song is how differently each emcee approaches the topic of “made it.” KRS comes with a story of life from seed to success, Slug speaks about his personal struggles and triumph in life, and Buck speaks about his motivation to be successful and make it. This is a really good song for any aspiring rappers to check out.

14. Past, Present, Future
Featuring Melanie Fiona & Naledge (of Kidz in the Hall) ; Produced by 9th Wonder
Miss Fiona will be dropping her album next week and if her vocals on this one are any indication, if you like the feel of Amel Larrieux silky voice, we need to be on the lookout. 9th Wonder is on his shit as usual, and just like most of the previous 13 tracks, lyrically, this song is really good. It’s good to see Naledge getting some shine as well.

Bottom Line:
This album is feature heavy, but that is a bit misleading. With three of the features just being on the chorus (when both of them should have been spitting) and the rest doing a pretty good job of blending with the album, it doesn’t come off as feature heavy as it is…if that makes sense. This album seems to get looser as it drones on and a lot of the grit and grime gets polished and cleaned up by track 14. There are hiccups which I attribute more to my own ideas and what I want rather than them being bad tracks. The lyricism on this album is really dope and inspiring as well is the structure of some of the songs. In a industry that tends to go with verse, hook, verse, hook format, this team offers some different set ups and interesting collaboration and subject matter throughout. All in all, this album is probably going to be a must have for those that love either KRS or Buck, but I don’t know that it will win any new fans or make a big commercial splash. To that matter, I haven’t decided if that’s more a commentary on the state of music or about our desire/disdain for hearing things that are different to what we like…or maybe just me.

nappyPicks: “The Way I Live”, “Survival Skills”, “Oh Really”, “Amazin”, “Runnin’ Away”

Download: KRS-One & Buckshot feat. Mary J. Blige – “The Way I Live”

Download: KRS-One & Buckshot feat. Immortal Technique – “Runnin’ Away”

We all can spell it by now, eff-aye-be-oh-el-o-you-ess, he’s successfully spelled his name right into most of our consciousness. One of the more recognizable artists to rise up from mixtapes to mainstream, Mr. Jackson hits us with his 5th effort which seems to be a concept album a kin to American Gangster. I liked his last album so I’m anxious to see if he can deliver again.

1. The Way (intro)
Produced by Street Runner
I won’t pretend to know who Fabo is beefin’ with, past, present, or future, but he ain’t happy with someone. It may have to do with folks seemingly passing him up and him being an afterthought in the game thus far. I don’t know, but he’s taking issue and asserting himself as one of the illest to “walk in the game with no crutches / no Diddy, no Dupri, no Dr. Dre / no cash money from baby, and no Roc’s from Jay”. This intro has a lot of aggression and a champion beat. We get full horns wailing’ and a drumline inspired drum set up. Simplicity works for this one as we get started on this album.

2. My Time
Featuring Jeremih; Produced by The Runners
This beat isn’t bad. It’s not revolutionary or anything, but it definitely has that head nod quality. Jeremih doesn’t sound like the same Jeremih from “Birthday Sex”. So, that said, it’s hard to really get the star pull when he doesn’t sound like what you expect. He could have easily (or maybe not so easily, what do I know) called The-Dream for this one and it would have sounded a lot better. Lyrically, there isn’t anything I can remember from this one. This one is probably made for radio and may get that love for star power and tempo alone. I’m not a big fan of this one as a complete song.

3. Imma Do It
Featuring Kobe; Produced by DJ Khalil
SOON as the intro singing starts, I actually rather hear Ron Browz doing this one. I don’t know much about Kobe or who he is, but his name is popping’ up everywhere lately. I’m also not a fan of the track on this one. There’s just too much going on and an odd sounding thump for this track just makes it too much. Fab’s best line on here is the lead in to the hook “My attitude is celibate I don’t give a fuck” and “My attitude is virgin I STILL don’t give a fuck.” The rest of his lyrics aren’t bad though, but these lines are probably the most memorable from this song.

4. Feel Like I’m Back
Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Look, I’m not gonna pretend to be a mixer/producer at all, but this track sounds soft. I don’t know how to explain it really. The elements are there, but overall, it’s just soft. The thump, the horns, the chords, they are all missing that extra impact. I don’t like the hook on this one at all and personally, I think this one could have been scrapped overall. SKIP

5. Everything, Everyday, Everywhere
Featuring Keri Hilson; Produced by Ryan Leslie
If you want to get on the radio, you can’t go wrong with Keri Hilson and Ryan Leslie. R. Les can produce a beat no matter what you need and Keri Hilson does a fantastic job on this hook. I’m sure we’ll see this one on the radio. I can’t wait to hear how they edit the line “We in this bitch like an unborn baby”, that shit, although cringe-worthy, is funny as hell.

6. Throw It in the Bag
Featuring The-Dream, Produced by Christopher “Tricky” Stewart
As proven again, picking the right folks to get radio play is one of Fab’s best talents. The-Dream and Tricky team up to give us the lead single. Personally, I’m not with the “it ain’t trickin’ if you got it” movement, but I ain’t got it so take that with a grain of salt…that aside this song is decent.

7. Money Goes, Honey Stay (When the Money Goes Remix)
Featuring Jay-Z; Produced by Jermaine Dupri
So far, songs 5 thru 7 sound like a strong cohesive run of radio ready, R&B influenced tracks that could give Fabo some attention for this album. I think as Jay ramps up for the release of The Blueprint 3, radio is clamoring for anything Jay. I think that with the other two songs before it, this is a consistent offering but stand alone, I’m kind of bored with it. Also, after realizing that Jay is just doing the hook and not flowing, I quickly get bored with this one. I do still think the radio may pick this one up.

8. Salute
Featuring Lil’ Wayne; Produced by Miguel Jiminez for “The Council”
Cut from the same cloth as “The Mighty O” and other marching band influence hits, Miguel Jiminez brings us the track for Salute. Some things never get old no matter how often it’s done, and this sound is one of them. Weezy offers up his signature flow…but he didn’t really say anything. Lyrically, this may be one Loso’s most quotable on the album. “You feed a sucka he just grows to be a bigger leach…told’ em I don’t see nobody I’m a rappin’ Ray Charles / I think I need a seeyin’ eye dog / come to bein’ fly, you ain’t seein’ I dog…They ain’t ballin’, these niggas is foulin’ out / they ain’t throwin’ jabs they just throwin’ towels out”. There was some unfortunate stutter style flowing on here by fab, but other than that, this song is pretty dope.

9. There He Go
Featuring Paul Cain, Red Cafe, & Freck Billionaire; Produced by Blackout Movement
The standout flow on this one is done by Red Cafe whose flow and confidence really lend themselves well to this track. Freck’s delivery is pretty nice as well and hopefully we’ll hear more from this guy in the future. The hook is pretty elementary and when coupled with the laid back emotion of the track, this one is almost a sleeper.

10. The Fabolous Life
Featuring & Produced by Ryan Leslie
It’s a R. Les joint, you know what to expect on the track. Something that will make you want to dance, nod your head, or whatever equivalent you do in your world. The line “She don’t wear skinny jeans cause her ass won’t fit” makes me wonder why no female emcee used that one…maybe I’m speaking too soon, I’m sure it will come up again by SOME talented female emcee. Anyway, overall, this song is mediocre. Not because it’s done bad or anything, it’s just really REALLY radio. Maybe I’m out of touch with what should be played on the radio but so far, this album seems like it was sculpted for it.

11. Makin’ Love
Featuring Ne-Yo; Produced by Jermaine Dupri
Say what you will about JD, but he’s been doing something right…a whole lot of something right for a really long time. I have no idea how he heard “Brokenhearted” by Brandy and found a way to Hip-Hop it up, but he did it. I think this is my favorite song on the album. Ne-Yo is THE male hook singer as far as I’m concerned and he does his thing on this one as he quips “I told her I’ll be there in a minute / she know Imma take it down soon as I get it / you can leave your hair a mess, don’t even get dressed, tonight we makin’ love (x2) / Til’ you tell me that you’ve had enough / Imma slow it down and Imma speed it up / and I will not stop do it to you like a dude that ain’t got no job / I ain’t got nowhere to be so I don’t gotta leave / get the it is in the sheets, Imma eat and go to sleep / then we wake up and repeat / everything you do to me / Imma turn and do to you then Imma black and blue that thing”. Sorry Fab, but Ne-Yo stole this song from you.

12. Last Time
Featuring Trey Songz; Produced by Jermaine Dupri
Same theme I’ve mentioned before, not a bad thing, just noticeable. This one is ready for airplay as them Ocean Boys give Fab something with a real grown man feel to it even though the story is about a man being torn from the street game and the homelife. I can respect this one as an older gent that still loves Hip-Hop….er….Hip n B….er….well, yeah.

13. Pachanga
Produced by Sid V for “Duo Live”
Um…this song doesn’t fit on the album at ALL. The album is already pretty scattered but this one just seems out of left field. I have NO idea what he’s talking about on this one but it sounds like regular changes in life. How you transition from one station in life to another and the things around you change as well, friends, love interest, etc. But the way he’s calling these changes “Pachanga’s” is annoying as shit. Now granted, I may have gotten this one ALL WRONG but one think I think I have right….SKIP.

14. Lullaby
Produced by The Alchemist (Scratches by  Just Blaze)
I’m diggin’ Loso’s flow on this one. “Do me a solid / Y’all stay in pocket like wallets / cause you can’t see me, closed eyelids / nighty night / I’m with a model chic Tyra thick Heidi’s height body suits body tight”. The track is different from the rest of the album, and although it doesn’t really fit the album either, this is one of it’s strongest songs (hook notwithstanding) especially considering that he’s rolling solo this time.

15. Stay
Featuring Marsha Ambrosius; Produced by Syience
I saw this collab and after hearing her mixtape, I wasn’t completely sure what was going to happen here, but as SOON as I hear the intro, I’m sold. The track takes simple piano play and builds into something that is quite nice. Marsha, who is one of the better and more distinguishable vocalists out there, murders the song and like Ne-Yo earlier on the album, simply steals this one from Fab. I think she’s so good, I’d stay away from her on my songs, she will “Renegade” you for sure. CLOSE second for favorite song on the album. I don’t want this one to end at all.

16. I Miss My Love
Produced by Sean C & L.V.
Fab does songs like this that make me wonder why he bothers having other folks on his album. This one is pretty damn dope and proves, yet again, that he is more than capable to hold his own with producers we don’t know on songs with no cameos. His story telling on this one takes the drivers seat as lyrically dances to a MJ influenced beat boasting some angelic singing throughout most of the track. I’m really impressed with this one and feel like he should have gone this route more with the album, solo and storytelling.

Bottom Line:
As with most artists today, we always say “remember when” when we reference their newer work. We talk about when Fab first hit the scene and would spell his name at nauseum and back to when we could set our watches to a Lil’ Mo (drool) appearance on the track. At the same time, we always cry about artists not showing growth and evolving. We can’t have it both ways I guess. However, one thing that should be constant no matter what you do is the consistency. This album is a bit scrambled. There are a lot of R&B, radio ready songs on here, followed by some street songs that are in turn followed by songs that leave you scratching your head. It’s almost like he had 3 different albums and picked some songs from each to make this album, and that doesn’t necessarily mean he picked the best songs from those 3 albums to make this one. Let’s not forget the inference to Carlito’s Way via the title but no carrying out of the concept at all on the album. I’m left confused at the end of this album…and that’s after a lot of spins. If this is Loso’s Way, he has already done waaay better than this last offering.

nappyPicks: “Salute”, “Makin’ Love”, “Last Time”, “Stay”, & “I Miss My Love”

Download: Fabolous feat. Ne-Yo – “Makin’ Love”

Bonus: Fabolous feat. Drake – “Throw It In The Bag (remix)“

In Ace Hood’s short career, he has already accumulated a few accomplishments: Being the first artist signed to DJ Khaled’s We The Best Music, being named a Freshmen Of 09’ by XXL magazine, and finally releasing his debut album Gutta last year. But that doesn’t mean his road to fame hasn’t had its bumps. Gutta failed on the charts and as of this writing hasn’t surpassed the 200,000 mark in album sales. Some people would also go on to say that maybe he shouldn’t have been on the XXL Freshman class list (I won’t lie; I was one of those people). Not to say Gutta & Ace Hood didn’t show signs of talent; both did. But can the Florida native dodge the sophomore jinx and break from the pack with his new album Ruthless? Let’s find out…

1. Get Money
Featuring Rick Ross; Produced by The Inkredibles
On the first track, Ace Hood and Ricky Ross go back and forth on the subject of getting money over a high-energy production. It surprised me that this wasn’t Ace solo on the first track, but the song works and Ace holds his own; “You wanna ride you can’t be acting like Tre fool/NWA, I betcha Ace play Cube”. Rick Ross’ charisma does outshine (“Money ain’t a thang/I remain blinged up/100 on the chain/Bitch I think I’m King Tut”) but the song as a whole is a good start.

2. Loco Wit The Cake
Featuring & Produced by Schife
Even though this song is basically about flossing, I can see it being a hit in the clubs; the hook and beat does it; “Spent 30 in the mall (Goin’ loco with cake)/Five cars sittin’ tall (Goin’ loco with the cake)”. Of course this is subject matter that has been done a million times before and to be honest with you, it doesn’t really bring much new to the table. Ace says some stuff here and there, but listen to this one mostly for the production and chorus.

3. Born An O.G.
Featuring Ludacris; Produced by NJ Nasty & LVM
Ace Hood and label mate Ludacris link up here and to be honest the song sounds like something that would be on a Luda’s album. And being that, Ludacris takes control; “Speeding like demons/It’s reasons heathens is breathing hard/But I role with heathens that just just just don’t believe in God.” Both use a faster flow here and both turn in respectable performances.

4. Overtime
Featuring Akon & T-Pain; Produced by The Runners
Turn your Auto-Tunes up! Ace Hood gets both T-Pain & Akon on the Ruthless’ first single. In the song Ace uses metaphors comparing sports to his music hustle. The song isn’t terrible but it does lose points. The first is getting both Akon and T-Pain on the same track. I know both are big hit makers but on the song you can’t differential the two. Secondly, “Overtime” uses the same format we’ve seen many times before (Especially with Akon on the hook). It’s radio ready but not a stand out.

5. Champion
Featuring Jazmine Sullivan & Rick Ross; Produced by Carvin & Ivan & The Runners
I’ve previously written about this song and I’ll say it again, “Champion” is a winner. The beat provided and of course the scene stealing Jazmine Sullivan make this song. Not to say Ace (With a returning Rick Ross) didn’t show up. Both rap inspirational tales about the facing adversities. The music video also does a good job of giving people more of Ace Hood’s story. This is by far the best track off the album.

6. Love Somebody
Featuring Jeremih; Produced by The Runners
R&B newcomer Jeremih does the hook on the track. I guess it does what these types of songs are supposed to. Ace: “Live my life like a dream/Every king needs a queen/Girl my life is a movie/Sippin’ goose in Jacuzzi.” It’s okay. The beat reminds me of Usher’s “Love In The Club”.

7. Don’t Get Caught Slippin’
Produced by The Inkredibles
I just realized that this is the first song off the album with no feature. And that’s a good. This is a well-made song; Ace keeps to the subject matter (Always being ready for whatever), brings in a good hook, and sounds at home on the beat: “And I won’t be slippin’/The boys on a mission/Only vision of winning and my sight is on a million”. This is one to check for off the album.

8. This Nigga Here
Featuring Birdman & Schife; Produced by Schife
Like with his production on “Loco Wit The Cake”, Schife also provides the hook here as well as the beat. The song has Ace Hood describing what kind of “nigga” he is (“My money too extravagant to handle it”). The beat is done well but it’s your standard down south production. The Birdman feature really doesn’t add anything to the song.

9. Mine
Featuring The-Dream; Produced by Tricky Stewart & The-Dream
I’ve never really been a big fan of The-Dream but I cant front, this song grows on you. It actually sounds more like Dream’s song than Ace’s. The song deals with taken someone’s girl (Ex. Buying her stuff) and it would surprise me if this wan’t the next single. The-Dream makes up for the terrible feature he did on Rick Ross’ Depper Than Rap. “I-I-I I gets white boy money!”

10. Wifey Material
Featuring Lloyd; Produced by The Runners
I always feel weird when a rapper has back-to-back R&B features on an album. It always seems like it’s a bit much. This song isn’t really anything special and you probably can figure out what’s the song is about by the title. On second thought, Ace also raps about his rise to stardom (“I’m felling like Biggie Smalls when he wrote Juicy”). The Runners seem to have mailed it in with the production also.

11. Bout Me
Featuring Ball Greezy; Produced by Cardiak
Ace gets fellow Florida rapper Ball Greezy for this track and basically says what he’s already said on track 3 & 8. Once again, the song is not terrible but nothing interesting here is delivered. Plus, the beat does this weird thing that it does what it sounds like a flat line (Then again the producer of the song is named Cardiak).

12. Zone
Produced by G4 Music
Here Ace Hood does his best Jeezy impersonation here and goes heavy into the trap (“Anything you need a nigga got it by the zone!”). The production is generic but if you like hearing about “peter pan” or “birds flying”, I’m sure you’ll like this one. Me on the other hand…

13. Make A Toast
Produced by The Inkredibles
In the beginning of the song Ace says; “This is no longer music, it’s celebration homie”. I gotta give it to Ace, he conveys it in this song. This is him giving you his achievements (Signing to Def Jam, hooking up with DJ Khaled, and dodging prison life) and celebrating it all. It’s a nice way to end the album.

Bottom Line:
I know in some parts in this review, it may seem like I dislike Ace Hood; but it’s not that. I just think he needs to connect more with the fans and not be the generic hustler/flosser/gangster persona that populates most of Hip-Hop. He does do more to fix this that he did on his first album Gutta. Even when The Runners executive producing this album, I don’t know if this album will elevate Ace’s career (Especially with the lack of promotion given by Def Jam). But Ace Hood does show some growth, talent, and there are some bright spots on the album. If you liked Gutta, you’ll like Ruthless.

nappyPicks: “Champion”, “Don’t Get Caught Slippin’”, & “Mine”

Download: Ace Hood – “Don’t Get Caught Slippin’”

Download: Ace Hood feat. The-Dream – “Mine”

When I first heard about this album, it seemed almost too good to be true: Freeway was not only making another album, but it would be the sequel to his debut album, Philadelphia Freeway, a solid album that, to this day, remains a hood classic. Freeway burst on the scene with hard lyrics and popular singles like “What We Do” & “Flipside”. He caught the sophomore jinx though, and his last album, Free at Last, tanked with only 100k sold to this date. Now with an album on Real Talk Records, can Freeway get back in the game in a major way?

Pay Attention
Freeway just comes back, talking about the album. It’s basically the introduction into the next track.

Finally Free
Now this is the shit I love to hear! Freeway came with this one: the first single off the album, and for good reason. The track bangs, and the hook is hot too: “Finally Free, Free back finally!” I’m glad he’s back too. This is a great way to start the album, it makes up realize that we’re happy Freeway is back on his grind. “Be in it for the whole duration/Fuck waitin’, get dough!”

Gotz To Be Tha Bomb
This is song for me was just OK. I mean, he’s got more Osama references than you count (you know, the whole Bomb thing…), but the hook is kind of lazy and drags on. Lyrically, Freeway shows us more of the skill and ability that he’s been known for, talking about days in the past, but I feel like he could be a lot better at times, like here: “I used to keep the lazer on my hip/Same days when I used to keep the pager on my hip/That was back when you could sell a million on the strip/And next…but now shit all fucked up.” Average song at best.

Hands Up
The beat on this BLAZING! I have no idea who produced it, but it’s amazing, sounding like the East and the South merged together into greatness. It’s got an epic feel to it; strong enough to be a banger, but at the same time good enough that Freeway can take out his lyrical skill. And Freeway rides it like a vet, constantly switching flows on it:

“I do it without a pen/
this shit comes right out my limbs/
and then you get my lyrics/I’m the man/
I do it with no hands/
I’m totally focused, I do it with no smoke and mirrors”

Freeway really did his thing here, you gotta check for this one.

Think About It
This a quick skit from a movie clip about how the drug game has changed things in the ‘hood.

Crack Rap
The production here was amazing!! I was going crazy as soon as this song came on, easily my favorite track out of them all. Freeway is rapping some real shit on this album too: “Half you niggas ain’t even been a gun battle/Ya’ll niggas just lyin’ rappin’, high as a scaffold/But if a nigga start to clap at you, you won’t know what to do/Crying to your mother, standin’ frozen like a statue.” Free definitely stepped it up for this one, and all 5 minutes of this song is fire.

Murda Muzik
This song was aiight. The beat goes hard, but it doesn’t stand up to the production that came before it. Freeway sounds almost uninspired right here, and the hook is suspect: it’s too long and awkward to make this song a banger. I’m not skipping this one, but it is a disappointment.

Around the World
This one shoulda been the first single: the production on it sounds really clean, and the beat is hard enough to pass as street and yet at the same time club-ready, which is what makes it so genius. Freeway here raps about traveling: “I’m bi-coastal, the black hopeful/The Obama of rap, with a gat, holla!” That’s a cold line right there, but Freeway again isn’t as lyrical as he was in the early parts of the album. Still, a great song.

Streets Won’t Miss ‘Em
I’m really loving the production on this album a lot. When the pianos on this song come it, it just becomes too hot. Only problem is that even on song #9, these songs are starting to sound very similar, and it’s hard to tell them apart. This one is only 3:10, so it’s short and it doesn’t do a very good job of standing out from the aforementioned tracks on the album. Average song.

The Nation
This is a clip from Menace II Society, the scene with Caine and Sharif’s teacher talking about Sharif’s conversion to Islam and how it made him a better person. You know I gave ya’ll this as a Friday Night Fro’, so if you still haven’t seen the movie, go check it out.

It’s A Good Day
This song is alright, but it’s nothing you haven’t heard before. I mean, this is a commonly tread topic in rap. Freeway even calls this his version of “It Was A Good Day”. He talks about a good breakfast, fly clothes, and hooking up with a girl, so basically exactly the same as the original version, only not as good. The lyrics sound like Freeway was sleeping on this track, just going through the motions. Average track.

Keep Yo Hands Up
Featuring Sheek Louch
This is essentially a remix of the original track, but Sheek Louch comes on as a guest feature. Truth be told, his verse is aiight, I think this version should have been put on in place of the other one, instead of putting both versions on the same album. It makes the first version seem mainly like filler.

Philly Freezer
Freeway just comes on, telling us that more new music is on the way soon, and he also gives a shout out to Roc-A-Fella Records and State Property. Didn’t he get dropped?

Bottom Line:
This album is too short. I don’t know why, but Freeway’s albums are always really short and leave you wanting more. This album did leave me wanting more, but it doesn’t even feel like a real album, more like a mixtape that was pieced together and rushed to the shelves. It’s 10 tracks and 3 skit like tracks. Hell, you could even say it’s actually only 9 tracks because “Hands Up” is essentially on here twice. Another thing that disappointed me was that while the tracks on here were good, I think the tracks I heard before from Freeway’s “Month of Madness” were easily much better than this, and it seems disappointing that he would even call this the sequel to his excellent debut. If it seems like I’m bashing the album right now, I’m not, I just think the album could have been a lot better if he spent more time perfecting it. Still, this is a solid effort from Philadelphia Freeway.

nappyPicks: “Hands Up”, “Around the World”, & “Crack Rap”

Download: Freeway – “Crack Rap”

While both Red & Meth have 10 solo albums between them, it’s hard to not acknowledge that as a team, they’re almost unstoppable. It’s also crazy to think that it has been 10 years since Method Man & Redman linked up and released the original Blackout!. With lyrical chemistry and rhymes for days, the Blunt Brothers connect once again to produce Blackout! 2.

1. BO2 (Intro)
Produced by Mathematics
It seems fitting that this album starts of at a Red & Meth concert and immediately jumps into song. The hard hitting beat starts off things on the right foot (That sample is sick) and both Method Man & Redman sound inspired (Red: “You see smoke in the air?/Two hot boys that put coke in your ear”). So far, so good.

2. I’m Dope Nigga
Produced by Havoc
The second track keeps things going right where the first one left off. Havoc gives them a heavy synth track and meshes with the styles. Even though Meth does his thing here, it must be noted that Redman sounds reinvigorated. “I’m dope nigga!”

3. A Yo
Featuring Saukrates; Produced by Pete Rock
This was the first single off the album and I understand why. It’s one of those tracks where it’s could be played on the radio but doesn’t have Red & Meth watering down who they are. Saukrates kills the hook and Pete Rock puts in some work.

4. Dangerous MCees
Produced by Erik Sermon
This song isn’t bad, but it sounds a lot like a sped up version of “I’m Dope Nigga”. Not to say the lyrics are wack (Meth: “Back when Chef momma used to sell plates/We used to sell base/I learn to wipe my nose and wipe the prints of the shell case”). Maybe I’d like it better with some tweaking or different sequencing.

5. Errbody Scream
Featuring Keith Murray; Produced by Swiff D
Meth & Red pickup Keith Murray for this one. Murray actually doesn’t sound bad (More like “Special Delivery (remix)” than Rap-Murr-Phobia). The others do okay, but the production sounds dated and the different speeds kinda throw you off. Ehh…

6. Hey Zulu
Produced by Rockwilder
Cue the auto-tune! There goes my hopes that Rockwilder, Method, & Redman would make another “Da Rockwilder”. The whole “Hey Zulu” sample playing all throughout the song is annoying.

7. City Lights
Featuring Bun B; Produced by Nasty Kutt
When I first heard this track, I really wasn’t feeling the pairing of UGK & Meth/Red. But after more listens, it started to grow on me. The beat is not something I’d expect to hear on Blackout! 2 but the Pimp C sample works. And of course the ever consistent Bun B does his thing.

8. Father’s Day
Produced by Ty Fyffe
Now this is gonna mess with me for a minute. The sample on this song has been used before but for some reason I can’t think of it (Freddie Foxxx used the sample for “Stock In The Game”). Anyways, the track is solid; more of the same of what you heard earlier but still solid.

9. Mrs. International (skit)
Featuring Tanisha Green, Michelle Pinckney, & Saukrates; Produced by Reggie Noble
An intro for the next song. Redman is always good at the skits.

10. Mrs. International
Featuring Erick Sermon; Produced Buckwild
This is as close as you gonna get to a “for the ladies” song from Meth & Red. That’s a good thing. They still get to be themselves while asking chicks “wasn’t you on Maury”. It won’t get played when I’m trying to get it in with the wifey, but it’s still smooth.

11. How Bout Dat
Featuring Ready Roc & Streetlife; Production Vinny Idol
Meth/Red trade bars with Ready Roc & Streetlife over a synth heavy beat. This is one of those songs that could have been left off the album and probably wouldn’t be missed. It actually can be categorized as filler. Not bad; just forgettable.

12. Dis Iz 4 All My Smokers
Produced DJ Scratch
Of course you know we had to have a song dedicated to weed on a Method Man & Redman album. The beat, provided by DJ Scratch, is a violin laced beat that really brings out the track. The hook, which is a crowd from an actual concert, is a nice touch too. My favorite of the album.

13. Lock Down (skit)
Featuring DJ Kay Slay, C.O. Ellis, & Ready Roc; Produced Reggie Noble
An intro for the next song. As I said before, Redman is always good at the skits.

14. Four Minutes To Lock Down
Featuring Raekwon & Ghostface Killah; Produced by Bink!
Do you see who is on this song? Yeah, cut the fuckin’ lights off homie. This is the shit I’m talking about; straight spitting over a dope beat. It reminds me of “Run 4 Cover” off the original Blackout!. As for the production, Bink! always does his thing (I wish I’d hear his stuff more often though).

15. Neva Herd Dis B 4
Produced Erick Sermon
This song falls under the same category as I said earlier about “How Bout Dat”. Being this late album, at track #15, they really could have left this track off. Once again, not a bad track. Just not ferociousness I am use to hearing from these two (especially when teaming with Erick Sermon).

16. I Know Sumptn
Featuring Poo Bear; Produced by King David
More auto-tune? I’m scratching my head because now I’m sure that if this album was shorter it would have been better. This track really has no reason to be here. The production here sounds like it’s from the late 90’s (Except for the auto-tune; well then again…). Meth & Red actually spit some decent stuff but still can’t save the song.

17. A Lil Bit
Featuring Melanie Rutherford; Produced by Rockwilder
This is another song that grew on me. At first I questioned why the ended the album with this track, but in fact it’s not bad. Rockwilder’s spacey backdrop almost makes up “Hey Zulu” (Almost). I would have ended the album differently, but I can’t knock this way either.

Bottom Line:
Blackout! 2 starts off strong but wavers off towards the end (The first 3 tracks had me thinking 4 Stars). One problem that I have with this is the lack of standout tracks. I don’t mean that the songs are bad (I said it a few times in the review), it’s just none are really remarkable. I probably will only keep 15% of the tracks (And I liked Blackout! 1 a lot). Trim the tracklisting down and rating would have went up. Still, I’m sure we’ll get e-mails and comments from the die hard “stans” about how this album is way better than I rated it and maybe that’s the point. This album will in fact please those real Method Man & Redman fans. Anyone who wasn’t down with the first album may need to bring a light bulb.

nappyPicks: “BO2”, “A Yo”, “Dis Iz 4 All My Smokers”, & “4 Minutes To Lock Down”

Download: Method Man & Redman – “Dis Iz 4 All My Smokers”