Rick Ross is the latest rapper to try his hand at being an executive with the release of his group Triple C’s debut album Custom Cars & Cycles. The group consists of Ross, Gunplay, Torch, and Young Breed. Don’t think that these were some rappers that just got put on; they have been down with Ross from the beginning. Now it’s their turn to bring the country deeper into Miami, past South Beach, past all the beaches, and straight to Carol City. Ross has been on a roll this year, now he has to show that he really is a Boss and can manage a team. Let’s check it out.

Custom Cars & Clips
Produced by Schife & OhZee
The album starts off with Ricky GOING IN over some nice production. Say what you want to about Ross, but the dude has that IT factor about him. The rest of the group made a good impression on me on the first song. There wasn’t any doubt that Ross & Co. wasn’t going to come out the gate stumbling.

White Sand
Produced by DJ Speedy
The chopped beat has me OPEN over here! Of course Ross starts it off to set the tone, the group follows him up. When Ross is out the song, it seems like they are doing their best NOT to lose the lead. The production is so tight on this one; I think that made up for the average lyrics from the squad.

Break It Down
Featuring Bun B; Produced by Best Kept Secret & Nasty Kutt
Once again the crew gets dealt some nice production and they put in some nice work on the song. Of course the stand out verses belonged to Ross and Bun. Ross is doing a good job carrying the team so far.

Go
Featuring Birdman; Produced by Schife & OhZee
Four songs in a row with nice production is making this album very listenable. Ross again sets the tone for the song, I can’t complain, it has been working, STICK WITH IT. This is the first single from the album and this isn’t a bad one to come out the gate with.

We Getting’ It
Produced by Schife & OhZee
All of the momentum of the album came to a standstill on this track. This song didn’t fit in with the flow of the first four songs. The hook on the song is a problem, the production could have been better, and since the production wasn’t that good, some flaws got exposed with the group. Ross couldn’t save this one.

Trick’n Off
Featuring Gucci Mane; Produced by Drumma Boy
The album swings back on track with an appearance of one of the hottest dudes in the street…GUCCI! You can tell Ross dumbed his lyrics down for Gucci. Triple C’s sound more comfortable rapping on these topics. HOT SONG.

Throw It In The Sky
Produced by The Olympicks
Ross sets the tone again on the track over some pretty good production provided by The Olympicks. This would do some good spins in the club because of the hook and the topic. I like the feel of this one.

Erryday
Featuring Young Jeezy & JW; Produced by Schife & OhZee
Schife and OhZee bounce back after their first slip up to release a BANGER. When Triple C’s get good production, it disguises the fact that they might not be the best MC’s out there, but they do better when they stay in their lane.

Customized
Produced by Schife & OhZee
This is one of those songs that sound so FLORIDA that it’s screaming on the production. I’m on the fence with this song. Half of me likes it, and half of me hates it. The song just doesn’t do enough to win me over.

Gangster Shit
Featuring Game; Produced by Rich Harrison
Game lends a hand on this track and he does what he usually does, but this time he went first and Ross batted clean up on this track. The production does sound like some gangster shit. This song has some good moments, but it’s obvious that this is a one man team.

Finer Things
Featuring Masspike Miles; Produced by The Olympicks
This sounds like your typical Ross track, only problem is that everyone isn’t on Ross’ level. The crew took the Boss’s lead and did enough to keep the listener entertained after Ricky’s verse. The Olympicks did their best J.U.S.T.I.C.E League cover on the production. No diss just noticed.

Chick’n Talk’n
Featuring Mack 10 & Warren G; Produced by The Olympicks & The Dream Team
Don’t adjust your eyes, yes Mack 10 and Warren G are still rapping. This song reminded me why I never listened to Mack…I hate his delivery. What were they thinking with this collab? FAIL.

Diamonds & Maybach Pt. 2
Featuring Suede Royale; Produced by Bink!
Ross is always good for a nice smooth one for you to ride clean to. I can’t even get mad at Ross on this one. Yeah, it’s long (PAUSE), but it’s so smooth that you have to let it ride out. I really like the hook on this one. HOT.

Hustla
Featuring Masspike Miles; Produced by DJ Khalil
They change up and let Gunplay open up on this one and to my surprise he sets it off for the crew. Is this Lloyd on the hook? Sure does sound like him. The production on this one is pretty good, and the Cartel did some good work on this one.

Yams Pt. 2
Featuring Yo Gotti; Produced by Drumma Boy & Zaytoven
“Grandma Kitchen/cooking yams/same pot/she use for the yams”. I guess you know where this one is going. Yo Gotti has become one of the more popular dudes in the streets. If you like dope boy lyrics, this will be one that you jam EVERYDAY. If you are tired of the drug rap…skip this one. I like drug rap when it is executed well, and they did just that on this one.

Bottom Line:
Ross and Triple C’s had a respectable debut album. It was evident that Ross had to be on every track and on most of those tracks, he carried them. Not like his shoulders were not strong enough to do it, but he did get help from the supporting cast, had some nice features, and got a big help from the production. The album will not push a ton of units because it is still being marketed towards the streets. We all know the “streets” don’t buy albums, and as long as that is your targeted audience…you will not do numbers.

nappyPicks: “White Sand”, Trick’n Off, “Erryday”, “Diamonds & Maybachs Pt. 2”, “Yams Pt. 2”

Download: Triple C’s feat. Yo Gotti – “Yams Pt. 2”

DJ Drama. Arguably one of the most powerful and well-connected DJs in the game; the mastermind of the Gangsta Grillz series is back again with his new studio offering, Gangsta Grillz Vol. 2.

Diddy may have went overboard on the hype (like usual) in regards to the importance of Drama to the game, but hyperbole aside; the man is important. Drama gets new artists out in the open, brings out things you’ve never seen in some of your favorites (and not so favs), and stamps approval on what should be the new hotness. Gangsta Grillz as a series is the stuff of mixtape legends and a Cadillac standard that other DJ’s aspire to. Have you heard an artist shoot ANY ill will towards the Philly native?

….

…….

-still waiting-

That’s a rarity on it’s own. Aside from getting a little wordy over some of my favorite tracks (which is a cardinal sin amongst DJ’s aside from the DJ echo/echo/echo) Drama manages to put together heat with a seemingly limitless talent pool. The original Gangsta Grillz album had to be seen as an all-star meeting of Hip-Hop heavyweights. However, the album released with a bloated 21 tracks and not all of them as heated as tracks like “Cannon”, “The Art of Storytellin’ Part 4” or “Taking Pictures”. It just was too much and even Drama has acknowledged this, stating that he intended Volume 2 to be a focused, wall-to-wall banger.

So with the sequel on deck and the fat trimmed for this one at a sleek 13 tracks, DJ Drama faces the challenge of improvement (a trend these past few reviews) for Gangsta Grillz as a studio offering. And here…we…go.

1. A-Town
Featuring T.I., Young Dro, Sean P, & Lonnie Mac; Produced by David Banner
I love it when an album gets popping to start off. David Banner lays down a rapid fire drum pattern with his trademark horns and synth, a perfect canvas for our cast of Atlanta natives. T.I. leads the charge (naturally) with a smooth, autobiographical flow into his hustling roots. His company takes the same approach, making sure to shout out various neighborhoods and landmarks; authenticity is a plus on this. Nice to see Sean P still laying down his Southern style bravado; Lonnie Mac threatens to steal the song in terms of engrossing storytelling which I found impressive for my first listen of him. Young Dro is Young Dro, definitely not an insult. Just not show stealing.

Unexpectedly lyrical, with a nice bounce to it. This was definitely a choice track to start the charge and I’d definitely keep the windows down while making that ride on 85, ya dig?

2. We Must Be Heard
Featuring Ludacris, Willie the Kid, & Busta Rhymes; Produced by V12 the Hitman
A lyrical heavy-hitter on an album I wasn’t expecting many on. Not that I doubted him, but Willie (a Gangsta Grillz favorite) really holds his own with two proven lyricists in Busta and Luda. I love this beat and not just for the Godfather sample. This beat seems to be subdued on purpose for the sake of letting the trinity of flows shine as opposed to overpowering what they have to say. Definitely not a trio I was expecting for a track like this, but I love surprises, especially good ones. This track is all about the message here and it’s a well told, gritty one where paper is getting rough to stack. Must listen.

3. Love For Money
Featuring Trey Songz, Willie the Kid, Gucci Mane, La the Darkman, Yung Joc, Bun B, & Flo Rida; Produced by V12 the Hitman
V12 switches gears and unfortunately, takes a step backward with an almost generic synth and drum beat here. You’ve heard one like this beat, you’ve heard em’ all unfortunately.

The wordplay here is fortunately better. I was expecting this track to go epic lengths the likes of “I’m So Hood (remix)” given the feature list, but everyone takes abbreviated verses and it works. They do more with less and get straight to the punches. With some in this cast of characters (*cough*Gucci*cough*Joc*cough*) it’s a good thing. Trey Songz actually sounds motivated for a hook for a change and what a difference that makes. A better track than the sum of its parts. Not a standout, but very listenable.

4. I’m Fresh
Featuring Mike Jones, Rick Ross, & Trick Daddy; Produced by V12 the Hitman
V12 again, and this beat has a bit more meat to it than the previous. It’s like a refined alternate version of the one before; a tad more menacing. Mikes Jones handles hook duty on this one, probably the best place for him given his love of repetition. Trick Daddy hasn’t lost a step and Ross continues showcasing his improved lyrical ability. Even in swagger tracks like this, he’s come such a long way from his Port Of Miami style.

My only complaint lies in the fact that it’s just a good track. Still lacks a standout quality to it despite the participants and how well placed the participants were. [Mike Jones woulda been on my murder list if he had a verse like any on “Happy Birthday”. –readies suicide pill-] Otherwise, another hit for the album, just waiting to be taken back by something since “We Must Be Heard”.

5. Day Dreaming
Featuring Akon, Snoop Dogg, & T.I.; Produced by Drumma Boy
I see why this was a single. Beautiful, well crafted track on all accounts. This was originally set to be a track for Akon’s “Freedom” album entitled “Go-Go Dancer”, but found it’s way here as “Day Dreaming”. Akon’s loss, Drama’s gain. Drumma Boy crafts a synth track the way it SHOULD be done and it is perfectly seductive, how any girl could resist a tease to this song is beyond me.

Some have nicknamed this “I Wanna Fuck You Part 2” and I can see the similarities (especially in regard to two of the players involved, Akon & Snoop), but this I dare say is a better track and I can’t say enough good about it. Snoop turns in the kind of verse you KNOW he can turn in and T.I. continues his hot streak of features with a song stealing verse to bookend this one.

“Hey I sit and gaze hazy eyed as I day dream
Her and n her girls on the stage doin’ they thing
Double D’s full of silicon and saline
She thirty but don’t look a day over 18
Her booty big enough to swallow up a g-string
Hey gon put that ass on me like a bee sting
Hey let the King on, beat it like a tambourine
And peel ya out ya jeans and eat it like a tangerine
You see her face down, ass high

Make everybody throw they cash high
Back in the club already

she been stuck in my head since last night
That’s right
Girl you got my dreams so
Sexy when I sleep
No mo fanatsies
I want the real thing”

Standout by far and a good example of the right kind of single. I’m usually not a stickler for the ladies songs for the sake of them, but when they’re put together as well as this, I’m all for them. We have a winner.

6. Sweat
Featuring Ray J, Fabolous & La the Darkman; Produced by V12 the Hitman
Who knew Gangsta Grillz would have two shining examples of for the ladies/sexin’ (Got reintroduced to that word again recently.) songs done CORRECTLY. I’m shocked. I’m even more shocked that Ray J slays this track. I find him a very hit and miss artist, but he destroys this track and makes you believe he’s after the tenderoni (I’m bringing it back dammit.) in this track. Fabolous turns in his usual reliable feature and listening to it, I can’t understand why he’s left off so many “Best Rapper” lists. Man has got punches for days like Mayweather. Catch his Shawty LO metaphor early in his verse.

La comes through proper on this as well, lending the track the rough edge it needs when compared to Ray and Fabo. This track comes together so well and the V12 beat brings it all together to create a double feature of naughty tracks that wouldn’t be out of place for a business time mix, if you catch my drift. –hint hint-

A surprising winner on an album like this.

7. Ridiculous
Featuring Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, Lonnie Mac, & OJ Da Juiceman; Produced by Zaytoeven
-Shakes head-
I’m that grown man crying in Scarface’s song when I listen to shit like this. They had the NERVE to make this a single and make this the longest song on the album. The beat is as uninspired as the collection of flows on this track, with Lonnie probably the only one attempting to raise this up to something listenable. Again, I wonder where Juiceman gets all this hype with the stir-fried bullshit he called a verse on this one.

Skip. Please do. Barely listenable and compared to the other things popping on this album, it really points out just how bad this is. This whole track is ridiculous…and by that I mean the dictionary term….meaning it sucks. Thank you.

8. Come Up Boys
Featuring La the Darkman & Willie the Kid ; Produced by V12 the Hitman
I like tracks like this. Two hype MC’s on a star-studded album with a track to themselves. It’s up to them whether they rip it up or not. Fortunately, they make it happen and you may gain further respect for La and Willie after a strong track like this. V12 puts together a focused beat with light guitar samples to give it a sense of urgency and intensity. The kids get 2:27 to make something special and they do just that, but I can’t help but wonder why THEY didn’t get 3 more minutes added to shine; as if the Wack Wonders of the World© needed it on the track before. [Some might say that was harsh, but all 4 have the talent (allegedly) to prove me wrong.]

A winner and unfortunately, too short. Hope both find some new fans after this one.

9. Yacht Music
Featuring Nas, Willie the Kid, Scarface, & Marsha Ambrosius; Produced by DJ Khalil
It’s criminal how laid back this track is. I absolutely love it and DJ Khalil gets props for making a classy beat for all those blessing it. I was excited to see Marsha Ambrosius (formerly of Floetry, miss those dames.) on this, because she had a hand in the hands-down banger of the last Gangsta Grillz album, “Art of Storytellin’ Part 4”. She doesn’t disappoint on this one, a steady voice cooing lightly in the background and adding to the mellow factor when she belts out the hook effortlessly.

Another strange trio is made with Nas, Scarface, and Willie; and again, it works. All three produce subdued flows that still represent their styles, but add to the chill factor of this track. Another surprise on this album and not something I would have excepted to hear, especially the way the last album was crafted. Make sure to give this a listen, preferably after listening to “Yacht Club” by Rick Ross for your sea-based mixtape.

10. Stripper Love
Featuring The-Dream, La the Darkman, & Too Short; Produced by Christopher “Tricky” Stewart
Compared to the other tracks of this type, “Sweat” & “Day Dreaming”, this is decidedly average. It definitely sounds like a Dream track, even produced by his right hand man Tricky Stewart. It just feels out of place on this album and at times, lightweight. La’s verse is probably the weakest of his many on this album and Too Short’s feature is, no pun intended, too short to mean anything really. Yes, he does say “bitch”…but not like we know and love. This saddens me. Regardless, the track is merely okay, just lacks a quality to really add to this album as a whole. Can’t say you’re missing anything here.

11. Smoke
Featuring Gucci Mane, Willie the Kid, & Lonnie Mac; Produced by V12 the Hitman
Not bad here. V12 works overtime, producing his 6th of 7 tracks on this album. He’s in danger of getting exposed unfortunately, given 4 of the 7 come off like alternate versions of each other. Regardless, not a bad track at all here. The young guns take this track over and turn it some heated verses, Lonnie’s being his weakest of the album. Gucci Mane comes with his best of the album, which isn’t saying much, but at least he doesn’t come off like an idiot like on “Ridiculous”. Worth a listen for the sake of Kid and Lonnie. A nice addition to them album, just not among the strongest.

12. Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy
Featuring La the Darkman, Bun B, Styles P, & Jovan Davis; Produced by V12 the Hitman
V12 can finally take a rest after this one, his last beat being one of the better ones of this album. Jovan Davis, doing his best neo-Curtis Mayfield voice to offset the mean-spirit in the beat, hooks this track and it definitely works. Bun B takes honors for best verse, bringing it rough and rugged with the matter of fact metaphors you expect from him. P and La hold up their end as well, making this track an enjoyable mix of production and wordplay from another strange mix of suspects. Thumbs up to this.

13. Gotta Get It
Featuring B.G., Juvenile, & Soulja Slim; Produced by Drumma Boy
B.G. SIGHTING! And he hasn’t lost a step either. New Orleans stand up on this one, with Drumma Boy giving them a beat that’s worth ripping on this one. Haven’t heard from Juvi the Great in a good while either and his flow is more focused than his usual, given the abbreviated time on this track. Again I ask, why are bangers like this shortened, but we got 6 minutes for Ridiculous? -sigh-

Despite that gripe, awesome track and Soulja Slim comes from beyond the grave to put it down with his squad one good time. Banger status for sure, and a great way to close out Volume 2 of Gangsta Grillz. Now bring on the Hot Boyz reunion ASAP!

Bottom Line:
Drama made good on his promise to keep it focused and strictly the music on this one. The skits are packed in with the songs and aren’t long enough to take away from what it’s supposed to be about, hot tracks presented by one of the most respect DJ’s in the game. The formula works, already making this a better album than Gangsta Grillz Volume 1 for it.

I’m impressed with the combinations made for this album as well as the young guns they chose [La, Lonnie, Willie] to shine with established artists on this CD. They more than held their own and I hope nothing but big things for all three in the rap game. “A-Town”, “Yacht Club”, “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy”, and “Come Up Boys” put this formula on display and produce worthy tracks every time. I’m also surprised heavily by “Day Dreaming” and “Sweat”, two tracks that deserve play in the club or in a bedroom near you. They’re both THAT good.

You can see the care taken in crafting this album to be a cut above his last and that is to be commended. Just two issues when it’s all said and done.

“Ridiculous”, no matter how much (undeserved) hype many of the features had, DID NOT need that much time and arguably didn’t deserve to make the album. It really drags down what he was trying to accomplish here by having banger after banger.

Also, V12 put in some extra work for this one. However, some producers are meant to handle album brunts, others aren’t. I wouldn’t have made him my first choice with how similar some of the beats sounded. Drumma Boy coulda used more to do the way he was creating heat and Drama I’m sure had carte blanche of whoever he woulda’ wanted to use. Just a phone call away like Chingy, ya dig?

Despite all that, the bangers definitely outweigh the average and the bullshit and Drama has got a worthy successor to his previous studio album. Gangsta Grillz Volume 2 is focused, intense, hypnotic, and a look into the possible future of the rap game all wrapped in one. Steer clear of “Ridiculous” and you’ll find an awesome mix of artists and tracks. Definitely not a 4 star affair, a little more clean-up could have got it there, but a worthy addition to any Drama fan’s collection and a worthy banger for your CD or MP3 collection. This grill is gleamin’ and definitely a good look.

nappyPicks: “Day Dreaming”, “Sweat”, “Yacht Music”, “Gotta Get It”, “Come Up Boys”, “We Must Be Heard”, & “Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy”

Download: DJ Drama feat. Ludacris, Willie the Kid, & Busta Rhymes – “We Must Be Heard”

Download: DJ Drama feat. B.G., Juvenile, & Soulja Slim – “Gotta Get It”

Rick Ross hit the studio and returned with his third offering titled Deeper than Rap. This is coming off the heels of a “feud” with 50 Cent that turned your typical rap battle into a scene from MadTV. Putting all of that to the side, Ross is focusing on making the best music to date and getting his credibility back. He didn’t leave the “battle” with 50 unscathed, but the lumps he took he brushed them off and came even harder. Will this be enough to sway the listeners in the middle? Let’s go Deeper than Rap.

Mafia Music
Produced by The Inkredibles
The album starts off over some dark production and Ross spitting some “real life” lyrics that gives you the backdrop to his life. This is the song that started all the “beef” with 50. Even after listening to this song numerous times, I still think that Ross is spitting some FIRE on this track. BLAZING!

Maybach Music II
Featuring T-Pain, Kanye West, & Lil’ Wayne; Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League & Kanye West
This is the sequel to the original, this time no Jigga, but he did add Weezy, Kanye, and T-Pain on the hook. This song didn’t grab me like the original, but that is not a knock at the song. I just HATE sequels, because it will always get compared to the original. All three of the artists on the track brought it, and if you love collabos…this is one for you.

Magnificent
Featuring John Legend; Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League
Ross smoothes it out on this one with John Legend crooning the hook over some Cognac smooth production provided by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League. What I really love is the way he made Special Ed relevant again by using his “I’m the magnificent with a sensational style”. Check for the remix featuring Special Ed on it coming soon! HOT!

Yacht Club
Featuring Magazeen; Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League
Four songs in and I think this might be my song for the summer. I said earlier that the production on this one puts you in the mind of the original “Maybach Music”. The production is so CLEAN and Magazeen on the hook goes well with the vibe and Ross’ lyrics. BANGING. When I get my first yacht…this song will be the first one I play.

Usual Suspects
Featuring Nas & Kevin Cossom; Produced by The Inkredibles
Ross and Nas on a track? That is what I was thinking before I heard it. Nas has surprised me lately, jumping on a lot of high profile southern tracks. On this track both artists seemed comfortable and the collab didn’t feel forced. For Ross to hold his own with a living legend showed his artistic growth since Port of Miami. This is that HEAT.

All I Really Want
Featuring The-Dream; Produced by C “Tricky” Stewart
After five songs that were BANANAS, Ross goes club on this one featuring “The Radio Killa”. Once you get into the song, it really isn’t bad at all. Once the song grows on you, you will find yourself bobbing your head to the beat.

Rich off Cocaine
Featuring Avery Storm; Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League
What? You thought because of his admission to being a C.O that he would stop making songs like this? NOPE! Ross goes so hard over the stellar production provided by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League. But what really stands out to me is the hook sung by Avery Storm. CHECK FOR THIS ONE!

Lay Back
Featuring Robin Thicke; Produced by The Runners & Eric Hudson
At first I thought this was Usher, but then I read the credits and found out that it was Robin Thicke. This sounds like Ross’ version of “Whatever You Like”. I’m not mad at the dude for making this kind of song, because he didn’t go all girly with the beat. I can see this one playing in the club and I could see this one playing while you are with your shorty. The two made for a good collabo.

Murda Mami
Featuring Foxy Brown & Magazeen; Produced by Bigg D
Ross and Foxy got together and made a BANGER! Foxy held it down, but the track kind of swallowed her a bit. Ross continued to spit some of the illest bars of his career. The production on this one was gangsta and the reggae at the end sealed the deal.

Gunplay
Featuring Gunplay; Produced by The Inkredibles
This sounds like a beat that Jay used on “All I Need”, but Ross took it and put his touches on it. The street dudes will love this track, just off the title alone. The hook is what I like about the song so much. CHECK FOR THIS ONE.

Bossy Lady
Featuring Ne-Yo; Produced by The Runners & Ne-Yo
Ross went and got Ne-Yo to croon on this track aimed at the ladies. This one might be aimed at the ladies but Ross kept it “G” on the track. Fellas, you don’t have to feel bad about bumping this one loud.

Face
Featuring Trina; Produced by Drumma Boy
Ross and Trina link back up for old time’s sake on this track produced by Drumma Boy. Trina’s rhymes aren’t as raunchy as usual, but she is still “the Baddest Bitch” on this track. The beat is nasty on the track, and the 305 duo doesn’t let the city down on the song.

Valley of Death
Produced by DJ Toomp & Gorilla Tek
Toomp lends a hand to the Boss on this one and the results are CRAZY. Ross throws some shots at 50 in the first verse, but he doesn’t waste too much time beating a dead horse. He also goes in on the controversy of the C.O debacle that he was involved in. Ross got personal on this song, which is a side we never have seen from him. BANGER.

In Cold Blood
Produced by The Runners
In the beginning the song sounds like “Money Make Me Cum”, but they switch it up a little bit. Ross knows what to do with a hot beat when he gets it. Ross is clearly feeling himself, and it shows by the way that he is spitting on this song. HOT.

Bottom Line:
Rick Ross clearly shows that Curtis “Curly” Jackson doesn’t have the same pull that he used to have when he was the career killer. To steal a quote I read about the album: “Rick Ross did not make one single redeeming positive word, line, couplet or theme in the whole damn thing. It’s negative, nihilistic, self absorbed, hyper violent utterly amoral rap (not Hip-Hop) about selling drugs, killing people, hating people and taking other men women, fucking them and discarding them like trash” ©Binlahab. And that is exactly why I love this album. Ross stuck to the script, upgraded his rhymes, and upgraded his production and came away with what may be considered album of the year. Ross keeps getting better with every album, and if this is a sign of things to come, the Boss could become “the Down South Biggie”.

nappyPicks: GO COP THE WHOLE ALBUM.

Download: Rick Ross – “Valley Of Death”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download: Bow Wow – “Get That Paper”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download: Gorilla Zoe – “So Sick”

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

Our 2nd annual nappyafro Awards week comes to a close. But , before we end this, we still got some categories to go. We still need to find out who is this year’s top producer or what was the collaboration of 2008. We also included the awards we already gave out earlier this week. Bye 2008; you wasn’t so bad.

Man Of The Year: Lil’ Wayne

Album Of The Year: Nas – Untitled

Songs Of The Year

DMF Of The Year: DMX

Best Collabo: T.I. feat. Jay-Z, Kanye West, & Lil’ Wayne – “Swagger Like Us”

Yes, I’m tired of the word “swagger” too. But love ‘em or hate ‘em,  the song featured Hip-Hop’s premier rappers.

-Runner Up: Joe Budden feat. Joell Ortiz, Nino Bless, Crooked I, & Royce Da 5′9″ – “Slaughterhouse”
-Notables:
Big Boi feat. Andre 3000 7 Raekwon – “Royal Flush”
Young Jeezy feat. Kanye West – “Put On”
DJ Khaled feat. Rick Ross, Lil’ Boosie, Ace Hood, Trick Daddy, and Plies – “Out Here Grindin”
Statik Selektah feat. Saigon, Termanology, & Cassidy – “To The Top”

Best Group: The Roots

Not to say that The Roots didn’t earn this award (The did. Rising Down was pretty good.), but the field wasn’t really competitive. Well then again, what’s that group who made that song “Lookin’ Boy”?

-Notables:
Atmosphere
G-Unit

Best Music Video: Something From YouTube (and other video sharing sites)

While some videos were recommended, our video of the year was, uh…

-Notables:
Young Jeezy – “Crazy World”
T.I. feat. Rihanna – “Live Your Life”

Best New Artist: No real winner. Just some notables.
Wale
Mickey Factz
The Cool Kids
Flo Rida
Ace Hood

Best Album We Didn’t Review: Black Milk – Tronic

Why we didn’t review this album still is a mystery to us. From “Give The Drumma Some” to “The Matrix” the album was one of this years best. Maybe we’ll get around to it one day…

-Runner Up: Evidence – The Layover EP

Turn Yo Headphones up Award: Danny! – And I Love H.E.R.: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The often delayed And I Love H.E.R. proved to be worth the wait with many calling Danny!’s 4th album his best.

Best Mixtape: Mick Boogie & Terry Urban Presents Jay-Z & Coldplay – Viva La Hova

The Hip-Hop mixtape game may be a little over-saturated, but it took Mick Boogie doing the a Jay-Z mash-up with Chris Martin’s group to take the award.

-Runner Up: DJ Drama & Fabolous – There Is No Competition (Gangsta Grillz: Special Edition)
-Notables:
Wale – The Mixtape About Nothing
Nas & Dj Green Lantern – The Nigger Tape
DJ Drama & Gucci Mane – Gangsta Grillz: The Movie
Little Brother – Seperate But Equal (Drama Free Edition)
Runner Up: DJ Drama & Ludacris – Gangsta Grillz: The Preview

Producer of the Year: DJ Toomp

This was so close; Don Cannon REALLY did his thing this year. But DJ Toomp edged him out with stellar production credits on albums from Young Jeezy, The Game, Ludacris, Nas, & Rick Ross.

-Runner Up: Don Cannon
-Notables:
Jake One
Drumma Boy
J.U.S.T.I.C.E League

Beat Of The Year: Lil’ Wayne – “A Milli”

Was there any doubt? Can you NAME all the people who actually rapped over “A Milli” in 2008?

-Runner Up: T.I. feat. Jay-Z, Kanye West, & Lil’ Wayne – “Swagger Like Us”
-Notables:
Nas – “N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave and the Master)”
Wale – “Studio 43″
Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z – “Maybach Music”

Video Vixen: Bria Myles

Are there still video vixens? Or is this just an excuse for King Jerm to put up a pic of Bria?

Even though DJ Khaled has help to progress the careers of some of today’s more popular music artists such as T-Pain, Akon, Rick Ross, & Plies, he never actually handpicked and groomed a rapper of his own. Enter: Ace Hood; the first rapper of Khaled’s Def Jam distributed label, We The Best. My thoughts about Ace Hood have been always confusing. I kinda thought he wasn’t worthy of being in XXL’s Class Of ’09/The 10 Freshmen (Even though he’s one of the few on the list to actually release an album). Then I was surprised at how he held his own in the best cypher at the BET’s 2008 Hip-Hop Awards (With Jadakiss, Fabolous, & Juelz Santana). Well, Ace Hood may put the doubters to rest with his debut album Gutta. Is Ace Hood ready to take his game to the next level?

1. I Don’t Give A Fuck
Produced by Kane Beatz
Production wise, Gutta starts off on the right foot. Kane Beatz gives a truck rattler as Ace rides the beat. Even though Ace Hood rhymes leave a lot to be desired in terms of originality, his actual flow and voice get the job done.

2. Can’t Stop
Featuring Akon; Produced by The Runners
“Konvict Muzik!” Why do people let Akon yell this on a song even when he doesn’t produced the beat? I can’t front though here; even though I’m tired of Akon, the best part of this song is the hook. The beat sounds like you standard fair when it comes to The Runners’ produced beats. Ace continues to talk about buying Louie bags and mall shopping sprees. I guess the recession is not effecting Ace Hood.

3. Get ‘Em Up
Produced by Drumma Boy
For the observant folks out there, you might remember the song being played at the end of Ace’s “Ride (remix)” music video. Even though the subject matter doesn’t vary much, Ace Hood is in his zone here over this Drumma Boy produced beat; “I say I maybe gave a damn, but I never gave a fuck. Rep your city like a G and put your middle finger up”. It works.

4. Gutta
Featuring Trick Daddy; Produced by Gold Ru$h
Did they just flip Vicki Sue Robinson’s “Turn The Beat Around”? Yes. I won’t lie, I was ready to hit the skip button at first. But on further listen I actually think it’s one of the better tracks on the album. It really reminds me of something Trick Daddy would have done himself earlier in his career. This is one to check out.

5. Guns High
Featuring Rock City; Produced by DJ Nasty
Even though the beat sounds like it was well produced by DJ Nasty, I’m hoping Ace changes subject matter from guns, money, and drugs…or at least brings something different to the topic. I don’t feel either way about this track. And is it R. City or Rock City?

6. Cash Flow
Featuring T-Pain & Rick Ross; Produced by The Runners
One reason I think this song didn’t catch on better than it did earlier this year was that it sounded like it was another DJ Khaled song instead of spotlighting Ace Hood. The beat on this one is hard though; I always thought that. Ross and Ace rap about, uh, what else: money. Love him or hate him, the one who steals the show here is T-Pain (And how long was that hook?).

7. Ride
Featuring Trey Songz; Produced by The Inkredibles
I can imagine the Def Jam executives talking about this track; Exec A: “Ace Hood’s album needs more buzz. Maybe we should suggest he diversify his subject matter?” Exec B: “Hell no! Your ass better call Trey Songz or Ray J and tell that nigga to make a song for the ladies. It’s a recession fool!” All jokes aside, Trey Songz does his thing on the hook. Even though there have been a million “down ass chick” songs made, I guess this one could have been worse.

8. Fed Bound
Produced StreetRunner
Okay; the production here is actually high quality (Especially the intro). It has a good cinematic feel to it. The only slight drawback beside lines like “I keep that lead to pencil sharpen your head”, the track sounds a little like an intro track. A notable selection.

9. Stressin’
Featuring Plies; Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Ace Hood does a useful job in detailing the stress in life (Bills, jail time, betrayal, child support, etc.). The production is provided by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League which is a good thing since most of the time they do good work. I’m scratching my head over the Plies supplied hook. “Trying to help a nigga and he wes me…” What the hell does “wes” mean?

10. Money Ova Here
Produced by The Inkredibles
“We got money ove here! We got money ove here! We got money ove here!” (Sigh). I know this is probably a strip club anthem or something, but SKIP.

11. Can’t See Y’all
Featuring Brisco; Produced by Shawty Redd
Ace Hood keeps the “Gunshine State” theme going and hooks up with yet another Floridian. I give this one a pass because instead of doing the copy and paste thing, Brisco and Ace actually go back and forth and come out with a hood banger (The Shawty Redd beat adds to this). Is Brisco still on Cash Money?

12. Get ‘Em
Produced by The Inkredibles
I checked out the music video for this one and it’s pretty bland. But the actual song isn’t half bad and is saved by the electric gutair and my favorite part, the “Blocka, Blocka, Blocka, Blocka, boy there he go!” part.

13. Call Me
Featuring Lloyd; Produced by The Inkredibles
Yeah, Ace Hood has almost all the R&B singers who specialize in doing Rap hooks: Trey Songz, T-Pain, and now Lloyd. This might as well have been “Ride Pt. 2”. I know this will probably get radio play, but SKIP!

14. Ghetto
Featuring Dre; Produced by Cool & Dre
It seems like Cool & Dre production has took a down turn as of late; a year or so ago this track would have been better. At this point, it seems like Ace really doesn’t have anything else to talk about besides money and the streets. Maybe if I would have heard this sing earlier in the album, my thoughts would have been different. But after a whole album full of this kind of stuff….

15. Top Of The World
Damn, I guess they saved the best for last. This is by far the top track on Gutta. Ace Hood finally drops the posturing (Well, not really). The kids singing on the hook could actually make this a great single. The piano powered beat gives this song a retrospective feel and ends the album on a good note.

16. Ride (remix)
Featuring Trey Songz, Rick Ross, & Juelz Santana; Produced by The Inkredibles
I spoke about the video for this song a while ago. The track is more of a bonus than really a part of the album and hey, it’s actually better than the original.

Bottom Line:
Seeing that Ace Hood is looked at by some as one of leaders of the new school, you’d think he’d try to carve out a niche of his own. While he does show some talent, it seems like Ace never opens up and shows the world that he’s more than just materialism and  gangster pretentiousness. The album does have a note-worthy cast of producers and Ace does keep in Florida with the guests. I sure some may love Gutta but personally, I don’t think this album, or maybe Ace, would get much attention without the DJ Khaled co-sign.

Download: Ace Hood – “Top Of The World”

Bonus: Ace Hood feat. Trey Songz, Rick Ross, & Juelz Santana – “Ride (remix)”

Having taking a 2-year break from releasing his solo albums, Young Jeezy returns to streets with his album The Recession. Jeezy burst onto the scene in 2005 with several mixtapes and one of the South’s best albums ever…Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101, and his follow up The Inspiration in 2006. A lot has changed in the country since the Snowman last dropped, hence the name of his new album. However, following a campaign by his website usda2day.com that released a new song at 9:02 every Tuesday until the album dropped built a nice buzz that got the streets hype for the new Jeezy. Nevertheless, will it work? Let’s see!

The Recession (Intro)
Produced by DJ Toomp & Boogz
What can I say about this one but Toomp provided the beat (with some help) and Jeezy supplied the lyrics. The result, a FIRE ass intro and title track for the album. Jeezy is flowing like its 05’ again! HOT!

Welcome Back
Produced by Squkey Clean
This track title speaks volumes…”Welcome Back”, because that is exactly what you’re getting. You got Jeezy spitting over a bass heavy beat that will surely be banging out of an old school in a hood near you. Jeezy is giving it to you as he used to. I LOVE IT!

By The Way
Produced by Terry “T.A.” Allen
Jeezy is still on that Trap Or Die steez on this song, and the hardcore Jeezy fans will like this song. The track is tight, but the hook is repetitive, but that doesn’t stop the hotness.

Crazy World
Produced by Midnight Black
This is one of the songs that were leaked and it had the net buzzing then, and will have the streets buzzing when the public hears this one. Jeezy once again is given some nice production that he puts his slick wordplay over. BANG THIS ONE!

What They Want
Produced by Midnight Black
The production continues to be a problem on the album…and I mean that in a good way! This is one of those “dopeboy” songs that has that thunderous bass line that will have the trunks rattling everywhere. Jeezy is still spitting as if he’s doing his mixtape thing. BANGER!

Amazin’
Produced by Drumma Boy
They are making it too easy for Jeezy on this album with this good production. Jeezy is giving it to you raw with more street lyrics and more SWAG than anybody in the game. I love the hook, “Bitch I’m amazing, look what I’m blazing/Eyes so low look like I’m Asian!” That is Jeezy on that shit again! HOT!

Hustlaz Ambition
Produced by Drumma Boy
Jeezy really has taken it back to his essence on this album and that continues on this track. He raps over a slowed up, bass thumping beat provided by Drumma Boy. He lets everybody know that he still has that hustler’s ambition that shot him to the forefront of the Southern rap scene. HOT SONG!

Who Dat
Featuring Shawty Redd; Produced by Shawty Redd
Jeezy promised that this album was for the streets, and he hasn’t lied so far. This one will be playing at the clubs, but not that type of club song. I’m talking about the kind where people will be throwing their sets up. The beat is commanding and Jeezy once again delivers.

Don’t You Know
Produced by Midnight Black
Jeezy is once again given a license tag-cracking beat that he just rides and murders. I’m sure Rocko is looking like, “So this is how you supposed to do it?” Yes, Rocko, Jeezy shows you how to do “Swag Rap” on this track. BLAZING!

Circulate
Produced by Don Cannon
Jeezy tries something different on this song taking on some 70’s sounding production (”Let the Dollar Circulate” by Billy Paul is sampled). It’s a different sound from Jeezy, something you would expect from Hova, but Jeezy handles it well. This one will have to grow on the average Jeezy fan. However, can you knock a man for trying something different?

Word Play
Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
“You niggas want word play but I’m about bird play!” Jeezy is addressing all the haters who said he killed Hip-Hop by talking about drugs so much. Yeah, like he was the first to talk about drugs on his albums. But how can you hate on someone who talks about drugs so well? CHECK FOR THIS!

Vacation
Produced by The Inkredibles
Jeezy is giving a shout out to the whole city on this track, but the production is slowed down and Jeezy does his usual on this one. This is the first song that I can consider filler.

Everything
Featuring Lil’ Boosie & Anthony Hamilton; Produced by Street Market Music
The first real feature of the album features Lil’ Boosie and Anthony Hamilton and I must say that this might push Boosie to the next level by being featured on the album. Mr. Hamilton returns to croon his Southern melodies on records. The two mix well along side Jeezy on this song.

Takin’ It There
Featuring Trey Songz; Produced by FATBOI
When I saw Trey Songz featured, I should have expected a song for the ladies. Well I’m not mad it took 14 songs before we got one. Don’t get it twisted, it’s a Jeezy song about girls. You don’t have to worry about Jeezy singing to the ladies or anything like that! Is Trey the new R&B bad boy?

Don’t Do It
Produced by DJ Pain 1
This track right here is that CRACK! The song has some pain to it, but the only thing is missing is MJB (Mary J. Blige)! Jeezy came hard over a retro sounding beat again, and with the way he’s pulling it off, he might want to experiment with this some more. BANGER!

Put On
Featuring Kanye West; Produced by Drumma Boy
The song of the summer of 2008 hands down! You got Jeezy & Yeezy over a Drumma Boy beat, and it’s an instant classic. The remix with Jay is SICK! But you have all heard this song, and if you haven’t…GET FROM UNDER THE ROCK!

Get Allot
Produced Crown Kingz Productions
Seventeen tracks in and Jeezy is still coming hard at you with songs like this. The hook will have people saying it all over, “Let’s talk about hate…I get allot of that/Let’s talk about money…I get allot of that!” How can you not like Jeezy when he’s doing what he does best? The answer…YOU CAN’T!

My President
Featuring Nas; Produced by Tha Bizness
“My President is black, my lambo is blue, and I be gotdamned if my rims ain’t too!” Nas and Jeezy jumped on a track and made some good music. I didn’t think that the styles would mesh well, but they did. I still don’t like politics coming from my rappers, but I guess Jeezy has to do his part to motivate the streets. HOT SONG!

Bottom Line:
When we talk about albums of 2008, this will definitely be on the list. Jeezy not only returned to the essence, but he’s rapping like he’s in his prime now. Jeezy promised that this might be his best work, and I find it hard to argue with him. I did notice the absence of his CTE family, but he did have some interesting features Kanye, Nas, and Boosie. Jeezy showed the world that he is back and ready to reclaim his spot as the voice of the streets. Like I said earlier, when you give a rapper like Jeezy good production, he has no choice but to deliver heat like he did for 18 tracks. You can listen from top to bottom to this album.

nappyPicks: THE WHOLE THING…GO PICK IT UP!

Download: Young Jeezy – “The Recession (Intro)”

After the explosion of his boss/rhyme partner Young Jeezy back in 2005, Blood Raw and the CTE label had big things on the horizon. But after killing the mixtape circuit and appearing on the USDA album, Blood Raw’s time is now. Piggybacking Jeezy’s career is one thing but making it on his own is another. But Raw is up to the test and now is the time to show the world that he’s ready.

I’m the Truth
Featuring Big Rube; Produced by P-No
Raw starts the album off with the story of his life and how he got where he is now. Good way to start the album off, but what’s even more impressive is Big Rube doing his thing on the track.

It Feels Good
Produced by Drumma Boy
Raw talks about how it used to be back in his hood. It has a nice beat on it, but it sounds like what he said in the first song.

Louie
Featuring Young Jeezy; Produced by Midnight Black
The lead single off the album talking about men with their manpurses! I can’t imagine how they think it’s cool for men to walk around with MANBAGS! Nah, I don’t like this song…SKIP!

Almost There
Featuring Mannie Fresh; Produced by Mannie Fresh
Mannie Fresh lends a hand on the song, which is kind of funny with the message, “I’m trying to get my money right, I’m almost there” you know the feeling. The song will grow on you after a while.

What’s Happening
Featuring Trina; Produced by DJ Nasty & LVM
Trina helps Raw out with the ladies on this cut, but he sounds like Jeezy on this song. It could be a single because Trina’s verse wasn’t that obscene.

Fuck You
Featuring Slick Pulla; Produced by Tony Rey & Cliff Brown
Label mate Slick Pulla joins in on this track, the production, lazy hook, and Raw’s rhymes don’t hit you from the jump and Pulla’s rhymes doesn’t grab you like they used to. FREE SLICK PULLA!

Tryin’ To Get Home
Featuring Lyfe Jennings; Produced by T.A.
After hearing the production I thought Raw would do more with it, but he didn’t. He sounds like he’s saying the same thing on every track. SKIP!

I’m Fly
Produced by DJ Nasty & LVM
This sounds like a song that Jeezy passed on, but Raw gives the song its due. Nothing interesting about the song, it’s just some filler to make it an album.

Get Away
Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
One thing you can’t say is that Raw doesn’t have some of the biggest producers in the game on his album. The downside is the fact that Raw’s subject matter doesn’t match the production on the song. I would listen to the song just for the beat though.

News Reporter
Performed By Torica
An intro to the next song.

Go Head
Produced by Midnight Black
It sounds like he’s whining on the track and it gets annoying quickly! SKIP!

Still A D-Boy
Produced by Megaman
About time that he gave the people what they wanted to hear from him. When you rap with Jeezy all you’re supposed to rap about is TRAPPING! He went to that and it worked for him on this track.

I Miss You
Produced by The Runners
Raw looks back on his life and lets all his loved ones that are no longer here know that they are missed. The song isn’t HOT, but it’s okay. I have to say that The Runners dropped a dud on the production side.

Bottom Line:
Raw has successfully released his debut album, but it will get lost in the shuffle with all the other titles out there. He didn’t do anything to separate his music from the next guy. I didn’t think he could hold my attention for a whole album and he proved me right. He does have some of the top beatsmiths in the game on the album, but he wasn’t able to deliver with what he was given. What’s next for B. Rawstein? Who knows, but he might be better off being Jeezy’s goon than the future of CTE.

nappyPicks: “I’m the Truth”, “It Feels Good”, “Get Away”, & “Still A D-Boy”

Download: Blood Raw – “It Feels Good”

By dropping his second album in ten months, Plies looks to capitalize on the recent success of his “Gunshine State” partners. Last year Plies struck gold with his debut The Real Testament, but he’s back with Definition of Real looking to pick up where he left off. His big single last year was “Shawty” this time around he’s keeping the ladies loving him with “Bust It Baby Part 2”. Will this be enough to get another plaque? Let’s see.

I’m Da Man
Featuring Trey Songz; Produced by Drumma Boy
Plies starts this one off for the goons, good beat, tough talking, and then Trey Songz supplies the hook. Citing Trey’s recent run-ins, he fits well with Plies on this track. Good start to the album.

Ol’ Lady
Produced by Necronam
This is my favorite song on the album. Plies is that dude! This song is GANGSTA! Peep what he says, “Nigga claim he don’t like me, but it’s all gravy, keep playing with me, and I’m fuck your old lady!” HEAR IT FOR YOURSELF!

Bushes
Produced by Midnight Black
This is another one for the goons. Plies gives us another tale about hiding in some bushes waiting for his victim. I don’t advocate what he’s talking about, but it’s a good song, something you’ll hear bumping in the hood.

Worth Goin’ FED Fo
Produced by Bryan Tyson
The beat on this one is kind of boring, which hurt Plies, because his lack of rhymes. I like the hook, but the rest of the song isn’t interesting at all. I’m going to have to say SKIP on this one.

Dat Bitch
Produced by DVS
He made this one for the strip clubs, notice the hook; “Just hit me a lick, finna blow a check, got stacks on me, goons on deck, finna slide through the strip club and make a mess, I don’t want that hoe, I want that bitch!” I couldn’t have said it any better.

Somebody (Loves You)
Produced by Rodnae
Patti LaBelle and Plies on a song together? Nah, just playing, but he does lift the hook from her. I can’t front on this one, I kind of like it. Plies is getting deep on this one, no not really, but he’s doing him.

Feel Like Fuckin
Produced by Bryan Tyson
Songs like this one is what makes me call Plies the male version of Trina. “I got a taste for some pussy, I feel like fuckin.” Yeah, he gets gutter on this one, not your usual Plies gutter, but Trina gutter. Check the way Plies says “pussy”; he makes it sound so nasty.

Watch Dis
Produced by Drumma Boy
I could’ve sworn that T-Pain did the hook, but it’s not him. The beat is supplied by Drumma Boy and is what Plies needs to disguise his redundant lyrics. But this one is has single written all over it. CHECK FOR THIS.

Who Hotter Than Me
Produced by Midnight Black
This is another one for the goons! The beat is tight and Plies is doing what he does best, talk smack. Is he the hottest in the streets? I let you decide that. It’s still a good song though.

1 Day
Produced by Bryan Tyson
We got a touching song from Plies on this track. You got to feel the dude on this one. If you have lost somebody to the streets, then you will feel this song. I can’t get mad at him for this one.

Bust it Baby Part 2
Featuring Ne-Yo; Produced by J. R. Rotem
You’ve heard this song, seen the video, and the ladies love this song. Amazing how Plies has turned a phrase into a new single and an upcoming reality show with the same name. WOW! Do your thing Plies.

Shit Bag
Produced by Bryan Tyson
Another goon song, this time Plies is talking about hitting somebody to the point where they need a “shit bag!” Not very lyrical, but he gets his point across.

Please Excuse My Hands
Featuring Jamie Foxx & The Dream; Produced by Frank E
Plies takes it back to the ladies on this one. He jacks 90’s R&B group Silk on this one. I don’t really like it, but I’m sure some of the ladies will.

Rich Folk
Produced by Pentagon Productions
Plies tells us all that he wants to come up and live like rich folk. I like the message, but Plies gets redundant after a while.

#1 Fan
Featuring Keyshia Cole & J. Holiday; Produced by DJ Nasty & LVM
Plies pulled out some big R&B stars for this one, but it still doesn’t work for me. I guess dudes will be walking up to girls saying this now. I guess you have to be a “bust it baby” to answer to that.

Bottom Line:
Plies stuck to his formula and produced another decent album. For some reason, I feel like this album was aimed at the ladies, but it does have songs for the guys. Plies subject matter gets redundant at times and you wonder when he will ever talk about anything else. But why should he? He has a gold plaque, and if he keeps it up, he might have another one. Plies doesn’t stray from what got him to this point, and I don’t think he cares or his fans.

nappyPicks: “I’m Da Man”, “Ol’ Lady”, “Bushes”, & “Watch Dis”

Download: Plies – “Ol’ Lady”