I hope it doesn’t count as hating if I say that ever since 2003’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 50 has gotten worse with time. I hope it doesn’t, because the truth in that statement is fact; Get Rich or Die Tryin’ has sold over 10 million copies worldwide to date. 50 Cent recently struggled to move units after an album leak and competition from Kanye. He’s also been charged with getting soft, making a lot more commercial songs than he used to. In response, 50 replied that he’d really been waiting for Curtis to come out so he could release his “real” album, Before I Self Destruct. Claiming it to be his hardest album since his debut, we finally get to hear the album that everyone has been waiting for. Does 50 exceed expectations with BISD?

The Invitation
Produced by Ty Fyffe
Now THIS is how you start an album. 50 sounds REAL hungry on this one, jumping on with little hesitation: “You want some? Come get some!/Nigga it’s Murder One when you see my gun/I just squeeze and squeeze ’till the whole clip done!/You just bleed and bleed ’till the Police come!/Huh? You want some??” If this first song is any indication of the entire album, then 50 may have been right about his promise (thank you!!). Ty Fyffe definitely brought the fire with the beat, and 50 flowed on it like a proven vet: “I’m far from a centric, I’m so psychotic/I don’t need you to shoot for me, nigga I got it!” Great song.

Then Days Went By
Produced by Lab Ox
The sampling here is flawless. This beat is hot as hell courtesy of Lab Ox. 50 sounds good flowing on this track, rapping about his younger days in the hood. While his flow over the track sounds really good, he doesn’t really spit anything notable lyrically. He makes up for it with the hook, which is crack: “I seen niggas gettin’ rich, then days went by/Then days went by, then days went by…” The hook make the track much more appealing. Good song.

Death To My Enemies
Produced by Dr. Dre & Mark Batson
Dre’s first appearance on the album, and it’s BLAZING!!!!!! “Dre, niggas think we bullshitin’!” The the beat drops and it’s fire!! “I bring money to my niggas that bring death to my enemies”. 50 keeps up the pace as with the first few tracks and keeps it truly gutta over a Dre (& Batson) production. Did anyone else catch the Wayne diss? (“This ain’t Tha Carter/Nigga this is Sparta/It’s harder I die I be a matar/Respect me like your father”)

So Disrespectful
Produced by Tha Bizzness
I think this song is more popular for it’s disses to Jay, Game, and others than it’s actual quality. Not saying that the quality is bad, the beat is pretty good, and the repeated “So disrespectful” was a good choice to use for the hook: simple, yet effective. Anyway, the disses in question are: “Jay’s a big man, he’s too big to respond/I’m a big dick, you know the one everybody on” and “Come on Game, you’ll never be my equal/Your homies shoot doors, my niggas shoot people!” The disses aren’t bad, but c’mon we all know Fif can do better than this. He almost sounds asleep on this track. Not bad, could have been better.

Psycho
Featuring Eminem; Produced by Dr. Dre
The Three-Headed Monster reunites on one track for the best effort I’ve heard from Fif in a very long time. Fuck best song on the album, this is one of the best songs of the YEAR!! The beat is perfect, sounding just like those old fashioned 1950’s horror movies plus 50 and Em both showed up for the track. Well, you know Em murked the track and it’d be hard for 50 to even match him on this considering its Em’s style of subject matter. But 50 did a very good job:

“Look look, I come from a different crew, you fuck with me, I’ll get to you/A clip or two’ll cripple you, just ’cause I ain’t got shit to do”.

Wow. Don’t think Em slouched either:

“You pop off the top it’s like opening vats of acid/Beat the Octamom to death with a Cabbage Patch Kid/Attack a snatch, yeah there’s something to jack a batch in/Impregnate her then shoot up the embryo sack with Mac 10s/Triplets, quadruplets and a couple of back to back twins/Dead fetuses fallin out all over, Jack is back again”

Damn. What more can I say? Excellent song.

Hold Me Down
Produced by Team Ready & J. Kevs
What a transition. We went from killing everything in sight to a song for the girls guns. This is the usual 50 throwaway female song; ABC style beat, with 50 using a couple clever metaphors to get by. I will give him props for doing the whole my gun is my girl (See 2Pac’s “Me And My Girlfriend”). The hook ain’t bad, but this song gets kind of boring and is pretty short anyway. I’m not skipping this one, but it’s pretty blah. Not really feeling it.

Crime Wave
Produced by Team Demo
This is what I’m talking about. I heard this on the local radio and this was crazy. The hook is perfect, the beat is hot, and 50 is spittin’ crazy shit on this one too:

“I’m not tellin you to shoot somebody, but if somebody try to shoot you shoot ‘em/Don’t waste time, lil’ nigga just do it/Any nigga out of order, must be serviced/See now now you hesitatin boy you makin me nervous/The Feds know I clap heat felonies on my rap sheet/Front on me try to run from me hollows be up your back B!

After the last song, this was the perfect recovery! BANG THIS ONE!!!

Stretch
Produced by Rick Rock
The pianos on this one are ridiculous, and make the beat sound really hard. The hook fits, but the “stretch…” is a lil suspect. 50’s flow on this one is pretty good: “Your favorite bad guys gone!/The Joker’s dead!/So for now till forever your stuck with the kid./I ain’t supposed to be a boss, I’m supposed to be a enforcer!/I’m supposed to hold a gun, not be stuck in the office!” The lyrics probably won’t wow you, but at the same time, it’s a serviceable song.

Strong Enough
Produced Nascent & OB Da Problem
DAMN!! This song is hard as hell!! The sample is: “Your life is over…” again and again. Damn. 50 didn’t play around on this one either: “These niggas ain’t strong enough/They money ain’t long enough/When they bump heads with me, they find out the guns do bust/We gettin’ money in god we trust/Suck on this nigga!” You gotta hear this one to believe it. Great song.

Get It Hot
Produced by Black Key
Can’t believe this wasn’t one of the first singles. It sounds like “Get Up” and “I Get It In” combined with a much hotter beat. This would have blazed the charts! Fif came correct with lines like: “I’m a made man, a Don Corleone/No matter where I’m at, I’m doin what the fuck I want!” This one was obviously made for the club, but that’s not exactly a bad thing since it works well on this song. Good song.

Gangsta’s Delight
Produced by Havoc
This is a gangsta play on the classic song “Rapper’s Delight”. While I appreciate 50’s creativity, I wasn’t really feeling it myself. It could have been executed much better. The way it is now, it’s actually pretty skippable. However, I’m sure some people will like it. The beat isn’t too bad, it’s just something that you can tell was meant to be filler.

I Got Swag
Produced by Dual Output
The beat on this is really hot; Fif chose great production on this album. This is basically what the title looks like: 50 flossing to the max. The hook is kind of hot though and this definitely could have been a single. Lyrically, 50 is aiight, nothing too shocking: “Me, I’m into me/I destroy my enemies, even if they kin to me.” Good song, but again, you can tell this was meant to be filler.

Baby By Me
Featuring Ne-Yo; Produced by Polow Da Don
This was the first official single off this album, steadily getting more and more airplay. Compared to the other first singles from 50 Cent, this definitely underwhelming, even compared to “Straight To The Bank”. It’s grown on me though; the sample was perfect for this song. 50 was definitely asleep on this one: “I need you to be what I need/More than liquor or weed/I need you to maybe give me a seed/I need you to give me reason to breathe, I need you/I’m tellin’ you so now you know what I need.” Damn. Even 50 fans have to admit that sucks. Ne-Yo definitely controlled the song here. Overall, it’s a fun little song but 50’s parts bring it down. Sadly.

Do You Think About Me
Produced by Rockwilder
What was 50 THINKING!?!? This is the exact same song as the previous one without the awesome sample and Ne-Yo. Instead, you get 50’s same lackluster rhymes and some no-name singer on the hook. The beat is aiight, but it could have been used a lot better if 50 woke up and chose a really singer to do the hook. Sadly, this is the second single…
SKIP!!!

OK, You’re Right
Produced by Dr. Dre
The street single off the album. Dre was on point here, this beat bangs and has that classic eerie sound to it. Sadly, 50 barely showed up for this one. It’s like he realized even being on a Dre beat would make him sound good so he didn’t need to come correct with the lyrics. I mean, he comes with two verses, each 12 bars long, and with the same sounding monotone delivery. Disappointing. The song still sounds good without 50’s help and proof that Dre can make any rapper sound good flowing on his beats.

Could’ve Been You
Produced by DJ Khalil
Why would anyone end their album like this? SKIP!!

*Bonus Tracks*
I fucks with “Flight 187″ and “Man’s World”, but the new original version of “Baby By Me” could definitely have been left off. And by the way, why are “Man’s World” and “Flight 187″ not on the official album?? Damn!

Bottom Line:
Did 50 live up to his promise? Well, yes, I think he did. He’s got some ridiculous songs on here that definitely live up to the Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ pedigree. But at the same time, he’s got some shit songs on here that are some of the worse he’s ever done (read: “Do You Think About Me” and “Could’ve Been You”). I was actually a little surprised there weren’t any shots thrown at Rick Ross seeing as that was pretty much the biggest Hip-Hop beef of the year. Speaking of Rick Ross, I think that this was the better album between the two of them because some of the good songs on this album are better than the best songs on Deeper Than Rap. 50 did a prettty good job here all things considered, but at the same time, I think we all know he can do much better than this. After all the hype surrounding this album, some people might feel he under-delivered.

However, just because King Jerm gave Deeper Than Rap a 4.5 and I think 50’s album is better doesn’t mean I’m gonna give 50 a 4.5. Ross’ album deserves a 3.5 in my humble opinion, shit, maybe even a 3 flat in my book. So I’m rating 50 based on that.

nappyPicks: “Stretch”, “Crime Wave”, “Psycho”, “The Invasion”, “Death to Enemies”, “Strong Enough”

Download: 50 Cent – “Flight 187″

Download: 50 Cent feat. Jovan Dais – “Baby By Me” (Original Version)

Download: 50 Cent – “Man’s World”

Download: 50 Cent feat. Gucci Mane – “Crime Wave (remix)”

When the Hip-Hop world thinks of Olubowale Victor Folarin, aka Wale, the first thing that may come to mind is DC. And then maybe Maryland and Virginia. And then Go-Go music. Yep, Wale has been waving the DMV flag hard ever since he broke though in 2006 with the local hit “Dig Dug (Shake It)”. Now after releasing buzz singles (“Back On The Go-Go” & “Nike Boots”) critically acclaimed mixtapes (The Mixtape About Nothing, 100 Miles & Running, & Back to the Feature), getting numerous magazine co-signs (Named one of the XXL’s “The 10 Freshmen”; cover of URB), and multiple push backs, Wale’s debut album, Attention Deficit, is finally here. But the question still remains: Is this album worth your attention?

1. Triumph
Produced by Dave Sitek
Backed my announcing horns, the first track off this album proves to be a fitting opening for Wale. He spits boastful rhymes as well as his realizations of a new kid on the block; “I ask Mr. West for a little bit of help/Realize us new niggas got to get it ourselves/…And the only thing I fear is Iovine’s shelf”. Good start.

2. Mama Told Me
Produced by Best Kept Secret
The beat on this track is what I honestly expected on this album; it’s still go-go flavored but updated (Plus it’s well produced). I’m feeling the hook and the beat but for some reason around the 2nd verse I starting to loose interest. Wale rhymes okay, just nothing to hold the attention here like it’s needed on this beat. Hey, it could be that I already heard this beat before. It was used for Birdman & Rick Ross’ “Shittin’ On Them” featuring Busta Rhymes. And honestly they did a better job on it too (Yeah, I said it). Wale’s version is still one to check for though.

3. Mirrors
Featuring Bun B; Produced by Mark Ronson
Wale grabs the surviving member of UGK to ride shotgun here. Wale shows versatility and adopts a stutter flow to explain his point; “M-m-m-mirror, tell me I’m the realest/Since all these other nigga g-g-got gimmicks and l-l-lyrics/It’s all gun busting and such a lack of the subject…” Over a mellow and guitar heavy beat, Bun B makes a good showing and Wale holds his own against with certified vet. The back and forth hook was a nice touch too.

4. Pretty Girls
Featuring Gucci Mane & Weensey; Produced by Best Kept Secret
Like I mentioned previously on “Mama Told Me”, I think Wale maybe at his best when he goes back to his Go-Go roots. From the Weensey chorus to the crown interaction towards the end (“Ugly girls be quiet. Pretty girls clap like this.”), this song is a surefire hit. Then again, I basically speaking on the first version released on internet without the Gucci Mane verse. I understand why he was added to bring buzz but did Gucci really add anything to the track? Besides that, “Pretty Girls” was a good pick for the album’s third single.

5. Award Tour
Featuring Jazmine Sullivan; Produced by Cool & Dre
This is the song that further sparked my interest in this album. If you on a plane going to another city/state/country; how is this not your theme music? The piano laced beat by Cool & Dre does the trick as Wale gives “definition of a jet setter” and Jazmine (Proving once again that she is a force on the rap hooks) kills it with the hook and adlibs. If you haven’t checked for this one, get from under that rock and do so right now. Side note: It seems like this song was slightly rearranged for the album.

6. Let It Loose
Featuring Pharrell; Produced by The Neptunes
When I saw this song on the tracklist, I was eager to see what The Neptunes and Wale could come up with. Then I listened to it and I remembered that The Neptunes hasn’t been the Neptunes in a while. Maybe it’s just me but it’s just what I expected. Maybe I need more time with but as of now I’ll pass.

7. 90210
Produced by Mark Ronson
I’ll give it to Wale, he definitely shows he can mix up the subject matter; here he tells a story of girls lost in the city of Beverly Hills (90210). I’m surely not the demographic he’s going for but that not to say it’s a bad thing as the lyrics are well done; “And she throws up, whatever she eats/She leave the bathroom, with a nose bleed…” The beat is somber and makes you think of a bedtime story, which fits the whole “all that glitters…” theme.

8. Shades
Featuring Chrisette Michele; Produced by Best Kept Secret & JuJu
Speaking of subject matter, Wale jumps on a taboo one and brings Chrisette Michele to go in about the subject of skin prejudice in the Black community; “I never fit in with them light skins/I felt the lighter they was, they better that they life is/So I resented them/And they resented me.” Introspective stuff. Adding to the mood is great production as well as Chrisette on the hook (“From a light skinned sister to a drark skinned brother”) this track shows that Wale isn’t afraid to be vulnerable.

9. Chillin’
Featuring Lady Gaga; Produced by Cool & Dre
For some reason, I never got into this song. I understand it’s purpose, a radio friendly crossover single, but it’s still not my cup of tea. Funny thing is if this song had came out much later (Seeing as how Lady GaGa is way more popular now) this track would have much bigger and received much more attention. You should have heard this one by now. Side note: It seems like this song was slightly rearranged for the album also.

10. TV In The Radio
Featuring K’naan; Produced by Dave Sitek
This is another one that I was eager to listen to seeing that the previous collaboration between K’naan and Wale was bananas (“Un Ricka” off Back To The Feature). I wasn’t initially feeling this track but a few more listens it grew on me a bit. It’s not mind blowing but it is unique. That may be due to the awkward beat provided by TV On The Radio’s David Sitek (*Thinks about the song title*) Oh…

11. Contemplate
Produced by Syience
When I first heard this track, like a lot of people I thought it was a Rihanna feature which would have been a great look for Wale. Well, turns out it’s a sample of Rihanna’s “Question Existing” which is not to say that takes anything away from the song. The sample fits the theme of “contemplating” your reasons and actions. In the first verse Wale deals with his girl who wants the fast life and in the second he questions his own quest for glamor; “One day everybody applauding/The next day you is everybody’s target/Why bother?”

12. Diary
Featuring Marsha Ambrosius; Produced by The Sleepwalkers
On this track Wale tries to get a woman to let go of her past troubles with bad relationship and possible open her heart to him; “Every problem that you have with another man I gotta face/Started off on thin ice/I’m still here but I can’t skate”. He switches up the cadence here also to go with the dreamy production. It’s definitely better than what we usually get with rappers theses days dealing with the opposite sex (Even though towards the end he does sound a little pimpish). It’s a good song but I can also see how the beat could get repetitive. Side note: Does Wale have one of the illest lineups of R&B hook women on this album? Yes.

13. Beautiful Bliss
Featuring Melanie Fiona & J.Cole; Produced by DJ Green Lantern & Mark Ronson
Motion picture shit. The beat courtesy of Green Lantern and Mark Ronson truly sets the stage for the feeling of being on top of the world. Wale verses serve the purpose but J. Cole steals the show; “My punchlines like gut checks/I’m raw dog, I’m rough sex/I’m on deck, I’m up next/I’m god bless, I’m success/So fuck stress/You can get the fuck from round me/And if you listening know you wondering where they fuck they found me.” Whoa.

14. Prescription
Produced by Best Kept Secret
The chemistry between Best Kept Secret and Wale proves true again and this song is a fitting exit to Attention Deficit. Wale gives the listener reasons why he is the “Prescription” to listeners sick of the current state of Hip-Hop (“I breathe life in the game/They are Kevorkian”). He also cleverly sprinkles medical terms to illustrate the point. The beat, like the two previous produced by Best Kept Secret, uses go-go elements that blends well with Wale’s style. Good ending

Bottom Line:
Wale delivers a solid album with Attention Deficit and seeing that it’s his official debut, it’s impressive. He shows ranges of subject matter as well as rhyme talent that other rappers don’t show on their 10th album. You may not love every single track but you can respect the distinct voice used. One of my few disappointments with the album as a whole is that I’m not sure if it surpasses his mixtapes like The Mixtape About Nothing or Back To The Feature. Besides the minor drawbacks, Attention Deficit should hold the interest of listeners looking for good Hip-Hop. DMV stand up! Wale’s gotcha. Update: Changed rating. The 4 Stars never felt right.

nappyPicks: “Triumph”, “Mirrors”, “Pretty Girls”, “World Tour”, “Shades”, “Beautiful Bliss”, “Presciption”

Download: Wale feat. John Mayer – “Letters” [Not On The Album]

Download: Wale feat. Travis Barker – “OGz” [Radio Rip/Bonus Track]

Download: Wale feat. Weensey – “Pretty Girls” [No Gucci Mane Verse]

It’s been awhile since Cormega has dropped a solo record. You can say this is his third official studio record. Who Am I? is a soundtrack album; The Testament was a shelved by Def Jam which was suppose to release around 1996; And Legal Hustle was a compilation album for his record company. Now the Queensbridge native has finally returned with Born And Raised. Unlike his previous albums, Mega comes through with an excellent production lineup which includes: DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Easy Mo Bee, and many other superb Hip-Hop producers. Matter of fact, EVERY SINGLE TRACK is produced by a Hip-Hop prodigy. It doesn’t stop there. The album also features many legendary guest appearances, such as KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Tragedy Khadafi and more.

Believe it or not, this is one of my most anticipated releases for 2009. Cormega has always been a highly underrated emcee. The Realness and The True Meaning are two of my favorite albums. These two records are superior because they showcase Mega’s lyrical abilities and his great flow. I hope this album does the same.

1. Prelude/Intro (The 3rd Coming)
Featuring Marley Marl; Produced by Khrysis, Cormega, & Bear One
The legendary Marley Marl starts off the album with a few words about Cormega’s street credibility. Is it just me or are there a lot of ’09 albums that start similar to this? After the prelude, the record officially starts with the “Intro (The 3rd Coming)”. Mega takes no time to point out the struggles he’s gone through growing up in Queens. This is a nice way to start the album.

2. Girl
Produced by L.E.S. & Cormega
I wasn’t really feeling this song after a couple listens. I felt that Cormega could’ve come harder with the flow (no homo). However, now I see why his delivery was calm. This helps shape the mood of the song. Take some time to listen to the lyrics, and I promise it will grow on you too. It’s a great metaphoric song about the dangers of cocaine. One of my favorite lines from the track, “She burned Richard Pryor when he piped her raw”.

3. Love Your Family
Featuring & Produced by Havoc
This is a song that explains why blood is thicker than water. Cormega starts off speaking on his daughter, and clarifies all the love he has for her. Havoc grabs the mic and touches on his love for his mother, sister, and grandmother. Then, Mega goes into the deepest part of the song when he tells us how good of a mother he had. For those of you who don’t know, Cormega witnessed his mother’s murder at four years old. Although, I’m not sure if that verse was intended for his mother or stepmother. The chorus sums up the theme of the song. It’s not as heartwarming as you may think.

4. Get It In
Featuring Lil’ Fame; Poduced by Easy Mo Bee
Easy Mo Bee drops a nice up-tempo beat that fits the energy of Lil’ Fame and Cormega on “Get It In”. Lil’
Fame makes the track sound like it should be on a M.O.P. album. He also takes a shot at Kanye West, “I’m so far beyond these hoes, with flows tighter than Kanye’s clothes”. However, Cormega outshines Fame as he comes with that nice flow and lyrics that bring you back to ’01.

5. The Other Side
Produced by Fizzy Womack & Cormega
Fizzy Womack (Lil’ Fame) returns this time with a jazzy beat. It’s a surprise to hear Fame come with a beat this laid back, but it don’t matter as long as it works. This track displays the ups and downs in life. However, this song seems out of place after the hard hittin’ “Get It In”.

6. Live And Learn
Produced by Pete Rock
Pete Rock and Cormega team up for “Live And Learn”. I thought this would be a definite standout on the album, but I felt they could have both done better. The beat isn’t bad, but sounds a little plain. Mega drops some words of wisdom on how to live for the future, not the past. Once again, still a good song, but should’ve been better.

7. Make It Clear
Produced by DJ Premier
This track is ridiculous. DJ Premier created the perfect beat for Mega’s style. Perfect samples and scratches (as always). Plus, the hard felt lyrics do not disappoint. I wish more songs were similar to this. This flow is untouchable. Too many quotables to insert here.

8. Journey
Produced by Large Professor
First, DJ Premier, now, Large Professor. This is another faultless beat by one of Hip-Hop’s finest. Cormega speaks on how life has been a journey for him. In this song he also shows great appreciation to New York (he shouts out AZ’s Doe Or Die and Big Pun in the video), and how it made him who he is today. “Hip hop never died, it’s just sick of the drama”. Here is a link for the video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDmQqJpr3….

9. Define Yourself
Featuring Tragedy Khadafi & Havoc; Produced by DR Period
Tragedy Khadafi and Havoc join Cormega for “Define Youself”. This is yet another track about life and how it identifies you. I would rank Cormega as the best emcee on this; followed by Tragedy and Havoc last. This track is not bad, but I felt it was too short for two guest appearances.

10. What Did I Do
Produced by Nottz
I’m feelin’ the sample Nottz used for this beat, but he could’ve done better with the drum loop. Another mishap about the track is how short it is (2:54). Cormega speaks on certain people and how they are abusing themselves. I wouldn’t consider this filler, but I felt Mega could have done better with his lyrics and flow.

11. Dirty Game
Produced by DJ Premier
The album finally picks up again on Premier’s “Dirty Game”. This is one of the best songs that explain the struggles of being born and raised in Queensbridge. His lyrics about the hip hop game and prison let us know why he is considered a street poet. This along with “Make It Clear” and “Journey” are my top three standouts on the album. They bring you that 90’s New York hip hop mentality.

12. One Purpose
Mega drops a short, but nice accapella. This is nice, but I feel that it belongs on a mixtape, not an album.

13. Rapture
Produced by Ayatollah
Where have I heard this beat before? (edit: Willie Hutch – “Mama’s Theme”, Cam’ron – “D Rugs”, Lupe Fiasco – “Coulda Been”, emc – “U Let Me Grow”) It’s all good if he took this sample from somebody, because we all know that his sample for Cormega’s “Rap’s A Hustle” has been jacked plenty of times. I also like how Ayatollah throws a sample of Big L at the end of the verses. This track also shows how good of a lyricist Cormega actually is.

14. Mega Fresh X
Featuring DJ Red Alert, PMD, Grand Puba, KRS-One, & Big Daddy Kane; Produced by Buckwild
This song was leaked over a year ago titled “Fresh”. The only difference here is the producers. Emile produced the first song, and Buckwild remixed it for the album. My favorite thing about this song is that there is no chorus. Just a lyrical ambush by some of hip hop’s legends. On a side note, Big Daddy Kane murders this track.

Bottom Line:
This is definitely an album that takes a little time. Many people won’t have the patience, but the more you play it, the more it will grow on you. However, I do feel that Cormega could have done better with his delivery. Yes, his lyrics are nicely done, but delivery is the next important thing for an emcee. The other issue I have with the album is how short it is. It only has fourteen tracks (one being a short accapella), and only two of those are over four minutes long. On a production note, this was a pretty good album. Although, I felt this album should have been better by the list of producers. Nevertheless, it’s still a good album, and should be copped if you’re a fan of New York hip hop.

nappyPicks: “Girl”, “Love Your Family”, “Make It Clear”, “Journey”, “Dirty Game”, “Rapture”, “Mega Fresh X”

Download: Cormega – “Make It Clear”

As an artist, the thinnest of lines are the ones between growth, signature style, and success or failure. Camp Lo hit the music scene hard with the debut album Uptown Saturday Night which featured hit singles like “Lucihini (This is it)”, “Coolie High”, and “Black Nostaljack.” However, since then, they’ve been trying to recapture that fame. This album is at least a return that formula after releasing Stone & Rob: Caught On Tape, an album that seemed to focus solely on being a sound in efforts to grab more fans. They abandoned the sound that we are familiar with and the cinematic quality of the composition of the previous 3 albums. The disconnect can largely be attributed to the absence of Ski and his ability to create a complete sounding album (he only produced one track…and even that didn’t sound like what we’re used to for this group). Now that he’s back, let’s see if how this screenplay comes together and if those lines are noticeable.

Another Heist
Produced by Ski
Staying true to from, we get a high energy, head-nod track to start the album. I liken this track to the action sequences of the Blaxploitation flicks they emulate not only in sound, but naming convention and method. I can see them kicking in doors, yielding weapons, and demanding the respect that has seemingly escaped them up to this, their 5th “Audio Picture”. The guitar licks don’t stop and the simple drum pattern plays well to blend with the music and let the guitar and the deliveries take precedent on this intro.

Uptown
Produced by Ski
This is one of those scenes that if you miss part of it, no one is going to reach for the remote and rewind it. It’s not a bad song, but after such a funky kick off, this track sounds like a tertiary thought to seemed to be the mood and thought process of the intro song. Cheeba does a fantastic job of weaving words together into what is known as one of the smoothest deliveries in the game. Other than his contribution to this one, there isn’t much to note about this song itself. Scene.

Satin Amnesia
Produced by Ski
Hello signature sound. Smooth track, melodic celebration of chords, harps, and xylophones, this song sounds like the montage of sex and good times between the protagonist and the object of his affection. Not coincidentally, the song is lyrically about the same setting. I think the hook could have been done a little better, but I’d be nitpicking. I really enjoy how this track feels and the picture painted when it all converges on this track.

Get Em Lo
Produced by Ski
This episode finds our duo draped in bongos and more 70’s excellence as they play the vigilantes to fake ones in the game. I think this feature has the most action in this movie with a frenetic pace and relentless action. This is one of the most captivating songs on this album.

Boogie Nights
Produced by Ski
We arrive as The Lo get ready to hit the streets. Sped up sample in tow, more bongos and drums, they pack up and provide another song that I can almost see the video for as well imagine using this to set the table as we pre-game for the night. Ski typically plays with instrumental samples and chops, but this singing on this one is a nice injection into an already enjoyable sound. With a hook that tickles us old heads that remember those Martini and Rossi Asti Spumante commercials and a dance between the different flows, this caper goes off without a hitch.

Son Of A…
Produced by Ski
Make no mistake, this is an action sequence in the movie. From the funk of the bass and the anthemesque chords that frame this track to the noticeably absent body of the sound this one will leave you waiting for the other shoe to drop. Don’t get too close to the edge tho, at a brisk 1:36, this is merely a interlude/bridge to the next scene…

Good Green
Produced by Ski
…which kicks in with a smooth transition and retains the kick and knock of the previous song even though the tempo is drastically different. The title leaves no mystery as to what this one is about, just depends on how you hear it. Green typically means one of two things…. That aside, while the song is cool, it’ doesn’t really seem to fit the rest of the album.

Beautiful People
Produced by Ski
As Sonny, Geechi, and Ski enter the disco, I picture the scene complete with velvet, bell bottoms, and powerful Afros. Don’t forget the band on stage dippin’ in synch as the club patrons two step with each other like the best choreographed video. This song is almost a direct port of the 70’s show tune sound and the Blaxploitation era that the crew uses to inspire and drive their careers in the biz.

Bionic
Produced by Ski
I get the attempt on this one, but I don’t like it. With so much soul being present in the rest of the album and a distinct harmony from track to track, this track’s slightly off melody and dragging beat make this one better left on the cutting room floor. Not that it’s a bad song, but it is terribly out of place. This is even more evidenced by the lyrics that seem to go on, but not really tell much. There seems to be an attempt at painting a scene but the missteps of dragging out the word A-A-A-A-ATUMN make this song come off as a lazy filler.

Black Connect 3
Produced by Ski
They really could have used this song to end the album. This song paints the illest scene on the album and is definitely one of the songs I’d use to make a Best Of album. With tag team style reminiscent of the great Hip Hop duos like EPMD, Run DMC, Nice and Smooth, and others, they really are at their best on this one. The sample and meticulously musical orchestra make this track one of Ski’s most enjoyable music offerings to the group. Even at 4:27, I’m not ready for this one to end when it does.

Love It Then
Produced by Ski
I don’t know if it’s possible to go wrong with a Stevie sample, and thank god they don’t prove otherwise. The music on this one is really on par with the last one and even tho the hook isn’t solid, the scene is flawless as our crew hits the city again with the ladies in tow. Again, nothing bad to say about this one other than the hook being a problem, but the song is dope as hell. With songs like this, what the hell were they thinking with that last album?

Uptown (Remix)
Produced by Ski
It’s been a minute since I’ve heard 3 songs come off as strong as these last 3 have for this album. Like I said above, this song should have been THE version for the album and the previous offering should have been edited out. The El Debarge sample on the hook and this being the slowest song on the album almost lead your right back into the first song which is the second fastest offering on the movie that we are calling Another Heist.

Bottom Line:
I’ve never thought growth was a product of abandoning your style, but more-so the child of perfection of what you’ve been doing. I support expression and changes in pace, but it doesn’t always lead to success. We could almost do an entire week on artists who tried to “grow” while doing something different and ended up stifling that very aspiration in the process. Every group can’t be Outkast and consistently reinvent themselves on a level where others are still trying to achieve with familiar surroundings. This album is a great return to from and the cohesiveness and style that made us fall in love with the group when we went Uptown Saturday Night. They don’t capture lightening in glass again with this album, but they do provide another enjoyable movie to the Camp Lo studio and leave us looking forward to yet another offering. There are some definite signs of the magic that we remember, and I already can’t wait til the next soundtrack comes out.

nappyPicks: “Satin Amnesia”, “Get Em Lo”, “Black Connect 3”, “Love It Then”, “Uptown (Remix)”

Download: Camp Lo – “Get Em Lo”

Download: Camp Lo – “Black Connect 3″

Fat Joe is a Hip-Hop pioneer in his own right, having put YEARS in the game, rapping with some of the illest MC’s out (D.I.T.C), and he had a couple of protégés under his wing (Big Pun, Remy Ma). But times have changed and so has his crew. Long gone are the days of Pun, Remy is doing a bid, and Joe has been in a public skirmish with 50 Cent years. Joe has not given his fans that “personal” album that they have been waiting on. This is the year of sequels (Blueprint and OB4CL2); will Fat Joe’s be considered on that list of “New Classics”? Let us find out!

Winding On Me
Featuring Lil’ Wayne & Ron Browz; Produced by Ron Browz
Fat Joe didn’t take long going after the younger club crowd with this one. This shouldn’t be a surprise considering this is the same guy that brought you “Lean Back” and “We Thuggin’”. I know people give Ron Browz a hard time, but I kind of like this song, maybe the Wayne feature helped. This beat sounds similar to “Pop Champagne” but the club crowd will still eat it up.

Joey Don’t Do It
Produced by DJ Infamous
The production on this song is SICK! I’m pretty sure this is a sample from some Doors Hendrix song, (guessing) but DJ Infamous did his thing on the track. I can’t sit here and act like Joe didn’t do the production any justice, he did, just wish the song would have been longer than 2 minutes.

One
Featuring Akon; Produced by The Inkredibles
It seems to me that every song Akon is featured on sounds the same. This is Fat Joe’s ode to keeping it real with ONE woman. I can dig it; I just don’t like Akon on the track. WHY? They could have gotten a legitimate R&B singer to do what he did on the song.

Aloha
Featuring Rico Love & Pleasure P; Produced by Rico Love
I guess Joe is keeping up with the ladies with the last two tracks. On this track it sounds like Joe is endorsing TRICKING. I really don’t like the featured artists on the song, they could have been left out, and maybe been replaced with Ne-Yo.

Put You In The Game
Featuring T-Pain & OZ; Produced by Schife, G-Boi, & Joe Boom
Three straight songs aimed at the females? This one is executed better than the previous songs with T-Pain on the track. What stands out to me is the production. The bass will have the sound systems working overtime. I can see know this will be a favorite by the females.

Congratulations
Featuring Rico Love & T.A; Produced by Eric Hudson
I like the feel on this song, but this might not be a crowd favorite. This production is simple, but sometimes simplicity makes good songs. The hook is on some “Empire State of Mind” or some Kanye influenced music. Whatever you want to call it…I’m feeling it.

Porn Star
Featuring Lil’ Kim; Produced by Jim Jonsin
Only two people could have done this song, Trina or Lil’ Kim. They have the latter on the track. Joe breaks out the Auto-Tune for this one, and to keep it 100 with you, I don’t want to visualize Joe doing the dirty. I’m not sure about this one; I can’t give it a co-sign.

Cupcake
Featuring Benisour; Produced by Schife
Now Joe is going back to his Young Jeezy roots. I know this is what is hot in the streets right now, but certain things Joe is too old for. This is one of them topics. I don’t want to hear 40 year old rappers talking about moving work. Leave that to the new cats out there, you better than this Joe.

Ice Cream
Featuring Raekwon & T.A; Produced by T-Weed
This is the song I have been waiting for from Joe. The production on this one is Johnnie Walker Black SMOOTH. Once again Joe’s subject matter is going at the females, which is okay, but the production makes up for the questionable subject matter. Raekwon doesn’t sound too enthused about rapping on the track, but maybe that is the way he sounds.

Okay Okay
Produced by Andrews “Drew” Correa
Joe has gotten some good production on this album, and he didn’t waste the opportunity to make decent songs. The only problem I have with this one is the hook. Joe could have done much more considering the subject matter and the production. The song is still FIRE though.

Blackout
Featuring Swizz Beatz & Rob Cash; Produced by J Buttah
It’s kind of funny seeing Swizz featured and not behind the boards on a song. This time Swizz does his best to get the crowd amped on this one. The beat will have all the girls off the dance floor, and nothing but the LIVE NIGGAS will be left standing. Joe definitely mixed some South and North on this one. DOPE.

Music”
Featuring Cherlise; Produced by DJ Infamous & Slick
FINALLY, Joe gives a song that lets us into his life. Joe doesn’t understand that he is a likable guy that his fans really don’t know him. Joe drops some gems on this one, “They say Joe too selfish, he won’t let us in the door/I say, Shit, I could’ve left Pun in front of that store/Could’ve left Remy Ma ass in Castle Hill/Where every other day another nigga get killed?/They say, What’s Cool without Dre?/I say, Shit what if them niggas never met Jose?/LV was a great DJ/Now he produced “Roc Boys”, headed for a Grammy/What if I would’ve told Khaled to stop buggin’ me??He’d probably never be president of that company/Shit, you probably would have never heard the movement/I ain’t gotta talk, I ain’t gotta prove shit/Scott Storch was the best, they kept sleepin’ on him/’Cause he’s a white boy, he kept ghostbeatin’ for ‘em/Dropped “Lean Back”, and that shit hit/And guess what? I made the nigga rich, cocksuckers.”

Bottom Line:
Joe still didn’t give us THAT album that we wanted, but don’t let that sound like this album is a failure. I don’t know what album Curly was listening to, but this one is ABOVE AVERAGE. Joe did go at the ladies on a third of the album, but seeing what his recent successes with the singles have been, I can’t fault that at all. I really don’t believe he had any major slip ups, just some questionable features, but the songs I felt weren’t the strongest were some of the songs aimed at the ladies. All in all, Joe can be happy with this release, and with the right timing with the singles, he may come home with a Gold plaque.

nappyPicks: “Winding On Me”, “Joey Don’t Do It”, “Congratulations”, “Blackout”, “Music”

Download: Fat Joe feat. Cherlise – “Music”

Download: Fat Joe – “Hey Joe” (”Joey Don’t Do It” Original Version)

Ghostface Killah doing an R&B theme/inspired album really shouldn’t surprise anybody. Songs like “All That I Got Is You”, “Never Be The Same Again”, “Beauty Jackson”, & “Back Like That” already proved that when it comes to the subject of the love or the opposite sex, Tony Starks provides introspective tales like only he can. But the question still is; Can he keep this up from a whole album? Well see as Ghostface presents his 8th solo album Ghostdini: The Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City.

1. Not Your Average Girl
Featuring Shareefa; Produced by Scram Jones
The R&B sound of the album starts of strong; at first listen it sounds like Shareefa featuring Ghostface. But Ghost still get in three verses about the type of girl that can roll with him: “Nice girl that’s clean that was raised to cook/She on the couch chillin’/Shorts on reading a book”. Yeah, it’s not the most original but it works here. The Scram Jones production is reminiscent of something I would have heard from Bad Boy during the late 90’s (It also uses a sample I can’t place that was also used on L.E.G.A.C.Y.’s “TKO”). Not a bad start.

2. Do Over
Featuring Raheem DeVaughn; Produced by Mahogany
This track has Ghost in apology mode to his woman (And it’s not because he left the toilet seat up either): “She broke down and cried and it hurt so bad/Her friends went and told her I was a brand new dad”. In a sense, this really reminds you of songs like Jay-Z’s “Song Cry” (This is also true the sample used in the production). Raheem DeVaughn kills the hook and really helps make this a stand out track. In my opinion, this song definitely should have been the first single. My favorite off the album.

3. Baby
Featuring Raheem DeVaughn; Produced Austin “Watts” Garrick & Rashad Smith
This was the first single off the album and is almost the flipside of the previous song. Here Ghostface professes his love for the girl holding his seed. He does a good job here of easily talking about this subject and not coming off corny even rapping from his lady’s perspective: “Just that the babies kicking/I want some Popeyes chicken/And my back kinda hurt for the way I was sitting/Hurry home so you rub my big belly and kiss it”. DeVaughn returns to do the hook but this time he brings the Auto-Tune. I would have preferred he didn’t because I think the track would have been better. All in all the song still get it’s point across. Check out the corresponding video that works too.

4. Lonely
Featuring Jack Night; Produced by Sean C & LV
If you are going through a bad breakup, you probably should skip this track. Over a melancholy beat Tony Starks sounds pitiful and heartbroken here about another man shacking up with his ex-old lady in his old crib; “Under my covers and changing my channels/Playing my CDs in my robes another man is burning my candles” Dang. If that isn’t enough, the chorus by Jack Night adds to the pity party; “Don’t be surprise if you see my round town/Walking around with my head hug down/I’m so lonely”. The feeling is projected and a story is told. Good job.

5. Stapleton Sex
Produced by Sean C & LV
“You can put my dick in your mouth and play with my nuts/But before I bust baby I think I’ll cum in your butt” Whoa. Those were the first lines in the song and it drastically changes up from the theme of the album so far. It’s a raunchy fest of Ghost and girl talking explicit sex. It’s a reason this can’t be found on the edited version of Ghostdini. But hey, I’m the guy would made DJ Quik’s “Sweet Black Pussy” Song of the Week once. I like this kinda music when it’s done well and at 2:33, this is just enough before it get repetitive and uncomfortable. Check out NSFW music video here.

6. Stay
Produced by Skymark
Things get back to smooth talking with this one as Ghostface tries to convince a woman to “Stay” a little longer and not go back home to here man. I say smooth talking cause Ghost mentions everything from baby oil, feet kissing, and even a Dreamgirls DVD to sway homegirl that he’s a better choice. Over a fitting soul sample, Ghostface keeps on subject and makes this a standout track.

7. Paragraphes Of Love
Featuring Vaughn Anthony & Estelle; Produced by Bei Maejor & Tim Bosky
Here, Tony Starks raps about a chance encounter with a woman that caught his eye (Played by Estelle) and how she may be the one but both are in relationships. Now, this could have been a cookie cutter rap scenario song that we’ve heard before, but it’s the little things that make this more. It documents just a brief moment and it adds details and swerves like how the girl is pregnant and such. The production adds to the build up and both Estelle and Vaughn Anthony dueling on the hook bring it out more.

8. Guest House
Featuring Fabolous; Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
If you’ve listened to Deeper Than Rap or even frequent this site, you may recognize this beat from Rick Ross’ “Yacht Club” (Both produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League). But that’s where the similarity ends. Ghost is up to his usual attention-grabbing storytelling and weaves a tale about looking for his shorty and finding here creeping with …Fabolous. And this is what helps the song. The way Fab is placed is not just to have him on the song, his plays a role just as if he was an actor in a movie. This song is good because it make you anticipate how it’s going to end. Well done.

9. Let’s Stop Playin’
Featuring John Legend; Produced by Sean C & LV
As soon as the Marvin Gaye sample comes on, the song sounds as if it was fitted for John Legend. And while on paper it seems this would work, for some reason I couldn’t get into it (Honestly, it could be because I’m tiring of John Legend). Ghost is telling a girl that both needs to through off the games and succumb to their attractions; “I been wanting you for mad years/When the elevator broke I run and help with you bags upstair/I was scoping you out…” It’s an average track.

10. Forever
Produced by Clyde & Harry
Ghostface ditches the R&B singer on this track and goes for self on the hook. This itself track treads on the same vein as “Baby” but deals more with the relationship aspects. He even deals with (*gasps*) “that time of the month”; “Especially when she’s on her friend/I be hoping it leave/Biting my tongue/Just to keep for arguing” The beat loops a sample of a lady singing “foever” and it fits. This is an album cut; not filler but something that just does its job and is not single material.

11. I’ll Be That
Featuring Adrienne Bailon; Produced by L.T. Moe
Uh, I guess you can’t like everything. Ex-Cheetah Girl Adrienne Bailon rides shotgun with Tony Starks to questionable results. I swore, with this bubble gum production, I was expecting Ja Rule to jump out and start crooning. It’s not the worst song ever, but it doesn’t hold up or fit with the other tracks. Skip.

12. Goner
Featuring Lloyd; Produced by Sean C & LV
Here is a track that I saw and wasn’t feeling the collaboration. I was wrong. This is an additional one that I think should have been a single. It has Ghostface hollering at a girl from way back who has blossomed in his absence. He doesn’t loose himself being paired with Lloyd though (“I pull out like a tooth when  the back is rotten”); both hold they’re own here. The real star here may be the production though. It’s really high quality and the guitar playing is well done.

13. She’s A Killah
Featuring Ron Browz; Produced Anthony Acid
I saw the video where Ghostface says that because of this song’s heavy use of Auto-Tune, Jay-Z’s “D.O.A.” killed it from being a hit. Thank god! This shit sucks. It a bonus track but…SKIP!

14. Back Like That (remix)
Featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo; Produced by Xtreme
I was scratching my head that this song was included here since this song is at least three years old (And was already included on Ghostface’s More Fish). Well, it fits the theme of the album; I guess it works for a bonus track.

Bottom Line:
I don’t think many rappers with Ghostface’s hardcore music background could do an entire album with an R&B theme of love, sex, and heartache. It’s still a Ghostface Killah album and it doesn’t come off as sappy of forced. It’s definitely on some grown man shit. If there every was a Wu-Tang album that you could listen to in the car with your girl, it’s this one (Okay, you may need to skip track 5…then again, maybe not). While there are some slip ups, you would still have to mark Ghostdini: The Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City off as another good album for Tony Starks and one that is fun to listen to.

nappyPicks: “Do Over”, “Lonely”, “Stay”, “Paragraphes Of Love”, “Guest House”, “Goner”

Download: Ghostface Killah feat. Raheem DeVaughn – “Do Over”

Download: Ghostface Killah feat. Fabolous – “Guest House”

Lil’ Boosie is an interesting artist. Although he isn’t one of the most lyrically inclined, he’s well-known and mostly respected after almost 10 hard earned years in the game. If you ask, most people will identify Boosie by his high-pitched voice which sets him apart from sounding repetitive among other artists. I personally can say I like Lil’ Boosie. After all, the streets of Alabama fuck with him the long way. But even after dropping a Gold record, Bad Azz still hasn’t hit that commercial comfort-ability which all artists strive for. Apparently a Pimp C cosign isn’t enough to put you in the limelight. It’s been 3 years since he last dropped a solo record and the game has changed significantly, but Boosie Bad Azz is back for round 2 with Superbad and he’s looking for a Platinum plaque.

1. My Avenue
Featuring Lil’ Phat & Lil’ Trill; Produced by The Runners
The album jump starts on an captivating, but familiar track by The Runners. It reminds me too much of “Out Here Grindin’”, but it works. The sample used on the hook is attracting and kind of makes you want to repeat it. Lyrically, Boosie hasn’t missed a step with rhymes that… almost… sound… like… I’ve… heard… them… somewhere… hmmm. Nevertheless, he rides the track enough to keep me entertained; Lil’ Phat & Lil’ Trill, not so much. The beat over powers Lil’ Phat as he mumbles (Not that he’s saying much) and Lil’ Trill sounds like he tried to imitate Boosie’s flow and verse. Overall, the track & hook carries this into “good intro” territory. I’m just glad there wasn’t any talking.

2. Top Notch
Featuring Lil’ Phat & Mouse; Produced by Mouse
I have to give credit to Mouse. I like pretty much all he produces. It’s never boring and can actually be differentiated from his other works unlike some producers (See Track 1). The title says it all lyrically as there’s more shit talking continued on from “My Avenue” (Track 1). Money, cars, bitches, ice; it’s here. You’re not going to remember these verses, but the hook works and the track bounces! I could definitely vibe with this when I’m about to hit the club, at the club, leaving to club etc. Cool song.

3. Better Believe It
Featuring Webbie & Young Jeezy; Produced by Mouse
The first single off the track just happens to be an instant classic. Mouse delivers on the track once again with a beast. This is a hood anthem and will be for a while. All three deliver a hot verse coupled with a nice hook. Personally, Webbie stole the show from Boosie and Jeezy with the best verse I’ve heard from him since Savage Life 2. This is the best track off the album.

4. Lawd Have Mercy
Produced by Guss
This is the Boosie that the streets ride for. When he starts spitting from the heart about his hood and his problems, he wins. This is that occasion and we get three very satisfying verses. You have to think, “I feel this dude…” But unfortunately we have a problem. The hook is terrible! It annoys the shit out of me. The track is ok; nothing noteworthy. The verses here keep me coming back, but I can’t cosign the hook & beat.

5. I’m A Dog
Featuring Lil’ Phat; Produced by B Real
The whole “I’m A Dog” deal should have died by now, but we have another one. The track is forgettable with a “woof” every 4 seconds and the hook just reiterates the fact that Boosie is a dog. Skip.

6. No Mercy
Produced by B Real
Right off, I’m not feeling the track. I feel I’ve heard it before in some form or fashion. Boosie is alright on the verses, but he fails on the hook. This is good riding music, but…. Can I say filler???

7. Levi’s
Featuring Lil’ Phat & Webbie; Produced by B Real
As a dude that loves his Levi’s, I was excited to see a Levi anthem on the album. The track is cool; laid back and sounds like a “smoke to this” type. At this point, I can’t say that I like Lil’ Phat. I don’t remember him being this bad on Savage Life 2, but his verse sucks and almost ruins the song with the hook. Once again Webbie steals the show with his verse which is pretty good. Boosie puts up a really questionable line “Levis & tighty whities keep my dick real hard!” uhhhh… ok? Overall the song’s alright.

8. Bullshit
Produced by Big Wayne
“BULLSHIT!!!” I had to say it! The song isn’t bullshit at all, but the hook makes you want to say it. The track is really good. The keyboard/piano goes hard as hell and it plays out in all the right places in addition to riding out for about 50 seconds at the end. Boosie drops some nice verses and doesn’t waste the beat. It’s more of that real shit we want to hear, but it works here unlike “Lawd Have Mercy” (Track 4). I really like this one.

9. Who Can Love U
Featuring Bobby Valentino; Produced by Nard & B
Nard & B come correct here with the mandatory track for the ladies. Meanwhile, Bobby V kills the hook quoting both melody and lyrics from Keith Sweat’s “Nobody”. Hook? Check. Track? Check. Verses? At first I was anxious to see how Boosie could do, but he definitely does his job. Also, Bobby V kills his verse! This has got to be a single. There should be a spike in sales after this drops because this is hot!

10. Miss Kissin On You
Featuring Trina & KaDe; Produced by B-Real
To this day, I don’t understand the tactics of putting slow songs one after another. Luckily this song wins in all aspects. B-Real does a nice job of making a grind-worthy track for the lovers out there. And the song can only benefit from a Trina verse! KaDe has the smallest part on the song, a repeating loop of “You”, but it sounds really good. Go Boosie for having two satisfying slow songs in a row.

11. Pain
Produced by BJ
From the title I knew this was going to be good. The first line drops and you know this song is heartfelt from top to bottom. Boosie definitely stepped out of his comfort zone taking on this track; it’s nothing I expected to hear him on. The singing on the hook is so strong & just makes the song as a whole more soulful. From family problems, to the woes of the hood, to the evil thoughts behind this all, this is true gangsta shit. “I finally moved out my moms house, got a happy home, only thing fucked up…. Daddy gone.”

12. Loose As A Goose
Featuring Foxx & Mouse; Produced by B Real
Man, I love this song! This is what you call mood music at its finest! Every time I hear this song I want to hit the shot glasses and pull off to the club! Play this shit at the club/party??? It goes stupid!!! Track is electric and thumps, the verses are fitting and energetic, hook is catchy and fun. This song is a straight banger!

13. Clips And Choppers
Featuring Lil’ Phat; Produced by B Real
This is the guilty pleasure of the album. The hook is too trivial, but at the same time it’s infectious to death. I was singing it all day after hearing the song. The track has that piano I love so much accompanied by a little thump that would make any trunk happy. Boosie’s verses mesh with the beat really well making this a winner. Lil’ Phat still sucks.

14. Bank Roll
Produced by BJ
I can’t say that I like this song much. The track is menacing and has this alarm sounding effect on top of it which is good, but overall the hook and verses make this just a little bit too forgettable. I dig the track, but this is straight filler.

15. Crayola
Produced by BJ
I remember when this leaked on a mixtape a couple months ago. I didn’t like it then. I don’t really like it now. Boosie’s color metaphors/similes aren’t good at all. The hook sucks too. Skip.

16. Mind of A Maniac
Produced by Shonta
I remember when this leaked on a mixtape a couple months ago. I liked it then. I like it now. I’m glad Boosie decided to end the album with what he’s known best for. Violent shit, street shit, REAL SHIT! The track is somber and relentless and acts as the perfect backdrop for Boosie to drop these introspective lines about how the hood has turned him into a “Maniac”. The hook is hard as hell too. Superbad ends on an excellent note. “In these streets they murder mane/And Boosie he a target./So me, I got my 40 when I’m shittin on the toilet.”

Bottom Line
Boosie expressed his desire to get a plaque with HipHopDX a couple of weeks ago. If there was any project he would achieve that plaque for, it would be Superbad. Controversially speaking, this is Bossie’s best work. As an artist, Boosie may not have grown much, but I can certainly say he has become more marketable in today’s game. He serves for the commercial side of his fanbase as well as his hardcore fanbase; both should leave happy. From the ignorant shit, to the ladies, to the “Maniac” we’ve come to know over the years, it’s all here. It flows from one subject to another; you never feel like you’re stuck in the same topic song after song. New fans? Maybe. But it doesn’t matter because Boosie’s cult following is going to eat this up, including me.

nappyPicks: “Better Believe It”, “Who Can Love You”, “Pain” “Maniac”

Download: Lil’ Boosie – “Pain”

Trick Daddy has to be one of the realest rappers still doing it. No matter what, Trick never changes his style, image, or his content. Finally Famous: Born A Thug, Still A Thug is his 8th album, and the “thug” is still present in the title, and his music is still for them same thugs. To understand Trick you have to be in touch with reality and know what he has went through in his life to feel his music. If you don’t like T Double’s music…stop reading this review right now. Now that we got all the fugazi’s out, let my LIVE cats get on with the review.

Intro Skit: Only 1 Mayor
Featuring Rayzor
This is a skit, but I really feel some subliminal jabs. MY NIGGA TRICK!

This Tha Shit That I Live
First song out and Trick comes out the gate SWINGING! This is T Double at his finest. Notice how he says he’ll send shots at your ‘04 Maybach? I wonder who he was talking about. First song out and he has already laid a BANGER down.

Da Realist
Featuring KC; Produced by The Runners
Trick does something on this track that comes natural to him…BEING REAL! Trick shows why he is the blueprint for every rapper to come from the Sunshine State. T Double just gives you his some history on this track, and if you are a fan like me, this song gives you some background info that you might have not known. HOT!

Gangsta Music
Featuring Dunk Ryders
Trick brings out his group Dunk Ryders on a track that is basically paying homage to all the music that sculpted him into the “gangsta” he is today. Dunk Ryders left a good impression on me after this one, along with the production on the song.

Skit: The Collection Call
Featuring Kanesha Curry
Straight comedy. Everybody gets these calls, and I wish she was here to answer my calls. HILARIOUS!

Everyday Struggle
Featuring Janet Lawrence
The production on this song is DOPE! Sounds like a beat RZA would have made in his heyday. Trick sticks to the script and delivers another gem that MOST can relate to in these days and times…STRUGGLING. Trick is highly respected and loved by the streets because of songs like this.

What Dey Do
Featuring Bad Guy & Desloc; Produced by TracKings LLC
When you have a formula that works for you…you don’t change it. Trick knows what his fans like and he keeps giving them what they want. Hard beats, hard lyrics = REAL NIGGA MUSIC.

Count My Money
Featuring Murk Camp; Produced by Goldru$h
Trick wasn’t trying to cross any regional lines with this album like he did on Thug Matrimony and Thug Holiday. He is keeping his sound in state for the most part, not worrying about satisfying other regions. I prefer the Mayor to stick to his format of making music for the Sunshine State.

Bitch Azz Niggaz
Featuring Ballgreezy
The title says it all and all of us know some “bitch azz niggaz” so don’t act surprised if you find yourself singing this about some cats that you know. REAL NIGGA MUSIC.

Skit: Macking Jean
Featuring Rayzor
Some Haitian man spitting game to some chick.

I Can Tell
This is Trick’s song talking about “hoes”. Trick isn’t putting them down; he’s just talking about the kind of hoes HE likes. The song is funny, but not funny to the point that is corny. He is a descendant of Uncle Luke, so topics like this aren’t foreign to him.

Chevy
Featuring Ice “Billion” Berg; Produced by Goldru$h
T Double is making an anthem for all the boys riding in their Chevy’s. If you gone put your Chevy in the game…you have to do it right. If you don’t know what putting your Chevy in the game means, LISTEN TO THE SONG!

Why They Jock
Featuring Ice “Billion” Berg & Murk Camp; Produced by Mizzle Boy
This sounds like a song that you would end an album with, but Trick is the mayor and he goes by his own rules. The song is alright, I like the hook better than the actual verses, but the whole song still goes hard. I can’t even be mad at Trick for this one.

Skit: The Mayor’s Office
Featuring Benji Brown
Another funny skit from Trick Daddy.

That How We Do It
Featuring Betty Wright
The beat sounds like one that you would hear any HBCU band playing during the game. Call me crazy, but this song makes you think about FOOTBALL. I know that was off topic, but each time I listen to this I start thinking about a 4th and goal.

Homie Song
You knew it was coming sooner or later, but Trick always does one for the cause. This time he is doing one for all the ones locked up or dead for one reason or the other. We all know someone in the bing or someone in the grave…this is for them. MOMENT OF SILENCE.

Strong Woman
Featuring Jackie Henton
This song pays homage to all of those single mothers that have been raising kids by themselves, playing Mom and Dad. Coming from the same kind of situation, this song tugs at the heart. REAL NIGGA MUSIC.

Skit: The Pick Up
Featuring Benji Brown
Another skit, and more hilarious moments.

Ghetto Supa Star
Featuring Erin Lynn
Trick goes in a little light on this one, I know what he was going for on this one, but I have to question why it was placed here.

Tears Of A Grown Man
Featuring Shonie
Trick does not get all introspective all the time, but when it’s dealing with the streets, Trick goes in. When I say “go in” I’m not talking lyrically. I am talking about things that really matter. Trick has a way of saying things the way HIS audience can interpret it.

Bottom Line:
Trick laid down the blueprint for ALL of the Florida rappers out there. So if it feels like you heard a little Plies in his music…you did. If you heard a little Ross…you did. The list goes on and on. Me being a fan of T Double’s music, I have to say that I am satisfied with this effort. I wasn’t expecting to see the throwback TDD on this album, but who knew he still had it in him? Like Trick said, he is getting better over time, and I have to agree with the big homie on this statement. Is this a classic like Book of Thugs? No, but Trick brought it back to the 305 with this one, and the home team should be pleased that their Mayor is still speaking for them. If you like Trick Daddy’s music, then this one should definitely be in your collection.

nappyPicks: “This Tha Shit That I Live”, “Da Realist”, “Everyday Struggle”, “What Dey Do”, “Bitch Azz Niggaz”, “Chevy”

Download: Trick Daddy feat. Janet Lawrence – “Everyday Struggle”

If one was to look for the definition of classic hardcore New York Hip-Hop, look no further than Brooklyn’s own M.O.P. For over 15 years, Lil’ Fame and Billy Danze have kept it consistent creating adrenaline fueled fight music. Not to say their careers hasn’t been with setbacks. After doing separate unfulfilled stints with both Roc-A-Fella and G-Unit, the firing squad is finally releasing their first official studio album since 2000. Does Foundation still hold true to the group’s rugged roots? How about some hardcore?

1. I’m A Brownsvillian
Produced by Nottz
Backed by heavy guitar licks, this serves as a good opening for the album. The sound is definitely a M.O.P. track as the group reps for their hometown: “Yo I’m a Brownsvillian/Chillin’ and I don’t get a fuck about a killing/Cause I stealing the fact when you illin”. So far, it seems like nothing has change for Fame and Danze.

2. Blow The Horns
Produced by Fizzy Womack
The title for the second track is appropriate since the Fizzy Womack’s (aka Lil’ Fame) production for it is straightforward and of course, horn heavy. The subject matter covers the usual topics (“You ain’t like me/Nigga you a punk…”). All in all it’s an average song. Busta Rhymes was originally on the leaked version of “Blow Your Horns”, I don’t know the reason he didn’t end up on this one.

3. What I Wanna Be
Featuring Rell; Produced by DJ Premier
The Mash Out Posse and long time collaborator Premier link up for what may be the best track off Foundation. The song slows things down a bit and the sample used here perfectly fits. Ex Roc-A-Fella crooner Rell is on the hook and doesn’t sound out of place either (“I wanna be just what I see/Hustler and baller…”).

4. Foundation
Produced by M-Phazes
On the title track, Lil’ Fame and Billy Danze talk about the “blood, sweat, and tears” they put into the game and building their legacy (Well, I guess that’s roughly what they’re saying). For some reason, the beat reminds me of something that G-Unit would rap on. The production is well done, but I could see the song coming off boring. Check for the New Jack City sample at the beginning.

5. Stop Pushin’
Produced by Fizzy Womack
Lil’ Fame continues his love affair with putting a lot of horns in his production. At first the songs threw me off with the opening, but the track changes up becomes more serviceable. I also liked the sample used on the chorus. The hook itself sounds lazy but it’s your standard M.O.P.; “The next motherfucker that push me/I’m going right up side your motherfucking head!”.

6. Crazy
Featuring Termanology; Produced by Statik Selektah
Massachusetts is most definitely in the house when Termanology and Statik Selektah join the party. The beat Statik provides (Complete with signature scratches) fits M.O.P. style while still keeping his own. Termanology also did his thing but sounds a little out of places between Fame and Danze.

7. Street Life
Featuring Demarco; Produced by Fizzy Womack
This was the first song I heard from this album. With dancehall singer Demarco auto-tuning it on the hook, this is as far as commercial appeal as your gonna get from this duo (It’s better than that shit Dame Dash had them doing with Posh Spice). The beat is laid back and gives room for the theme of harsh street life.

8. Forever & Always
Produced by Statik Selektah
“This is for all the motherfuckers that forgot about M.O.P.”. These words spoken by Lil’ Fame basically describe what the song is about; the group gives a short history lesson of their past. On Statik second beat for the album, he gives vintage New York production.

9. Rude Bastard
Produced by Kil Beats
The one thing that first jumps out is the sample used. Which is funny because there has been a lot of controversy over who actually found the sample and produced this track (It’s basically been alleged that Lil’ Fame stole the beat). I personally think the track presented here is average; nothing too memorable. I listed Kil Beats as the producer because Fame released a statement saying he didn’t produce it. If you wan more of the confusion around this track, you can go here and here.

10. Brooklyn
Produced by Fizzy Womack
What’s a M.O.P. album without a dedication track to Brooklyn? I actually like the beat on this one, it’s the hook that I think falters a little. But then maybe if I was from BK I’d like it better. It’s not the best homeown dedication I’ve heard but it’s definitely not the worst. They put on for their city.

11. Bang Time
Featuring Styles P; Produced by DJ Green Lantern
Even though I don’t believe music necessarily causes violence, this will have you pulling down your fitted and thinking about shanking somebody. M.O.P. is in their element when they spit that “Ante Up” shit. Add Styles P to the equation and it’s even more dangerous. Nice job on the beat too Green Lantern,

12. Sharks In The Water
Produced by DR Period
You wanna know how you know a song is gangster? The beat uses gun cocking sounds. Other than that, the song is functional; not filler but not noteworthy either. M.O.P. spits more aggressive shit.

13. Riding Through
Featuring Redman; Produced by Fizzy Womack
This beat straight away reminds you of something that Redman or Erick Sermon would produce. I guess I was wrong because it credits Fizzy Womack (But then again…). Being that this Red’s kind of beat, I was kinda disappointed he didn’t murder it (He wasn’t bad). The story told after the song is worth a listen though.

14. Salute A G
Produced by DR Period
Over another horn heavy beat, M.O.P. ends the album explaining why you should respect them (“Salute a g when you see one/Put four fingers up to your forehead/ And tuck in your thumb”). This songs works as worthy ending and the production by DR sends them off like they entered.

Bottom Line:
It’s good to see that after over 15 years in the game M.O.P. still sounds aggressive. It’s not often you see a Hip-Hop group consistently keep true to their style of music. And this is also a drawback. Most of the tracks here are well done, but you get the same kind of tracks almost all the way through the album. For somebody not wanting this sound for a hour straight, this can become tiresome. But for a hardcore M.O.P. fan, this is great news. M.O.P. is still keeping it gutter and once again crafts an album full of fight music.

nappyPicks: “What I Wanna Be”, “Forver & Always”, “Rude Bastard”, “Bang Time”

Download: M.O.P. feat. Busta Rhymes – “Blow The Horns” (Original Version)

Download: M.O.P. feat. Rell – “What I Wanna Be”

I’m not gonna lie. I’m not a Twista fan. Don’t get me wrong, he’s got skills and I don’t hate him, but it’s not like I’d stop what I was doing just bump some Twista. His verse on “Slow Jamz” with Kanye and Jamie Foxx in ‘04 is what made him a lot more prolific in the game, but even before that, he was well known and was even in the Guinness Book of World Records for the title of “Fastest MC In The World”. But since then, he’s kind of slowed down a bit when it comes to commercial appeal. Let’s see what he brings to the table this time.

Misunderstood
Featuring Buk; Produced by The Legendary Traxstar
Twista quickly comes on the track to explain the album’s title, Category F5. Tornados are ranked from Category F0-F4, but rarely a large one, an F5, appears, which basically causes total destruction. After this intro, Buk raps on the track and trades verses with Twista. Twista got him, but overall the song is kind of boring and definitely too long. OK song.

American Gangsta
Produced by Toxic & John Gant
Someone might want to tell Twista that the whole “American Gangster” thing was popular back in ‘07 when the Denzel movie came out, but then Jim Jones came out of nowhere and killed the whole thing. However, this song is great. I guess Twista figured if you fell asleep on the intro, he could wake you up with a banger on the second track. Nice job on this one, it’s hot!

Fire
Featuring Lil’ Boosie; Produced by The Legendary Traxstar
This song is all about rolling up and blazing. Twista’s got a nice flow on this one, and he sounds good, so does the chorus. The beat is really chill, as it should be, and Lil’ Boosie steps up on this. Not lyrically, but I heard his Phelps reference in there and I laughed. Great song.

Talk To Me
Produced by Tight Mike & Solo
This is the first dud. Twista sounds strange flowing on this one, the sample just sounds weird, and all together I’m just not feeling it. The beat is nice and soulful, but I can’t hear Twista flowing on a track like this one. It just doesn’t fit. SKIP.

Yellow Light
Featuring R. Kelly; Produced by The Legendary Traxstar
This one of those: “slow down for my girl” songs. R.Kelly’s crooning on the track is great. Twista rides slow beats exceptionally well most of the time, and this definitely no exception. Good song, not really standout worthy, but at same time it’s better than the last track and it’s a good recovery.

Walking On Ice
Featuring OJ Da Juiceman & Gucci Mane; Produced by Zaytoven
A song about ice had to feature Gucci! Despite the features, I’m not gonna trash this one (I think OJ is starting to grow on me). The beat on this is, of course, hard; What else would you expect from Zaytoven? OJ rides it well, Twista, you already know it’s a done deal. Gucci was the weakest on the track, but he still turned in a solid performance. This is the banger of the album, ladies and gentlemen. Great song.

Wetter
Featuring Erika Shevon; Produced by The Legendary Traxstar
I wonder what this one’s about?? Twista is great on the slow tracks, probably why he has so many of them on this album. Lyrically, he’s alright, but his flow is great, as usual. Erika did her thing too, her voice is perfect for this song; picking her was a good choice. Overall a good song. This was the first single off the album, I’m surprised it didn’t make much more noise on the charts.

Billionaire
Featuring Busta Rhymes; Produced by Caution and Velly
The beat on this is hot!! Twista and Busta go head to head on this one, both delivering quick, tight flows that sound great over this banger. Busta shoulda had more content like this on Back On My B.S., it would have made the album much better. Twista had the better performance, but all-in-all it’s still a great song.

Yo Body
Featuring Do Or Die & Johnny P; Produced by The Legendary Traxstar
Damn, another slow/ladies track. Is it me, or is Legendary Traxstar only dishing out the songs for the ladies? Still, this song is better than the other slow tracks, the hook is hot, Twista’s flow continues to be on point and everyone did their thing on this one. Good.

Hustla
Produced by Streetrunner & I.L.O.
Seems like this whole album has a pattern: Slow track, Banger, Slow track, Banger again and again and again. That’s not a diss, I’m happy with the results so far. Back to the song, it’s hot; Streetrunner makes great beats like these and Twista knows how to use them the right way so it all works out. Still, this song sounds just like the other bangers. Again, not bad thing (mostly), just an observation.

Gotta Get Me One
Featuring Static Major; Produced by The Legendary Traxstar
First off, I wanna say R.I.P. to Static Major because he seriously did his thing on this song. This is ANOTHER song for the ladies, but it works because it’s the best and the catchiest. In fact, if Static was still alive today, I guarantee this would be the first single off the album; it feels like “Slow Jamz II”. Twista flows nicely on this one, as usual, and this is definitely my favorite cut off the album.

On Top
Featuring Akon; Produced by Good Will & MGI
The beat is kind of weird at first because it’s got a techno vibe to it, but then the drums come in and it’s much better. Still, I’m not really feelin’ this song for a couple of reasons. One, it pales in comparison to the last song and it’s close to exactly the same formula: R&B singer + Rapper= song for the ladies. Two, Twista didn’t come correct on this one: his flow still sounds great, but at the same time lyrically he’s asleep on this one. That’s why I’m kind of leaning towards a skip.

Jump Off
Produced by Chad Beatz
Yes! This track is short but sweet. It’s a banger for sure and the hook is extremely hot! Twista lyrically sounds tired at this point, but the beat and the hook help this song to be slightly above average. Good song.

Wanna See ‘Em Buss
Featuring Liffy Stokes; Produced by Toxic
Looks like to compensate for giving us two tracks for the ladies in a row before, Twista is giving us two bangers in a row. This song is hot, Twista showed up for it but Liffy Stokes was weak. Despite that, the song is good enough…to be another average track.

Birthday
Produced by Marlin Hookman
This song actually sounds like a Swizz Beats production with the screwed hook. This song is OK, I mean it’s nothing that I would personally bump. I guess it’s an alright way to end the album, but he could have chosen a better song.

Bottom Line:
This is why I like writing for nappyafro.com; if I wasn’t, I probably wouldn’t have ever given this album the time of day. I’d probably be too busy waiting for Loso’s Way (which I personally think will flop). Still, it was a solid listen, thoroughly enjoyable. It’s got everything you need: the bangers, the songs for the ladies, the songs to blaze to, and even the soulful songs (even though it wasn’t my thing personally). Even though Twista made a great album, let’s be honest here: it won’t crack the Top 20 when B-Easy hits us with the numbers for the week. That is, unless ya’ll go out and cop the album!! Trust me, you won’t be dissapointed.

Download: Twista feat. Gucci Mane & DJ Da Juiceman – “Walking On Ice”

Download: Twista feat. Kanye West – “Alright” [Bonus Track]

Download: Twista feat. Tech N9ne – “Problems” [Not On Album]