I’ll be honest , I didn’t hear about Donnis until a week or so ago when I started seeing promos for Diary Of An Atlanta Brave. But I’ve been listening to it all day and I like what I hear. Donnis hooking up with the New York based clothing line 10.Deep and DJ Mick Boogie is a good look. Why? Such previously 10.Deep alumni include Kid Cudi (A Kid Named Cudi) and Wale. Not to mention Mick Boogie puts out quality product. Plus with production by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Nobody Famous, Needlz, D. Focis, Aganee & Da Grindaz, this is definitely one to give a listen. If I was to say who Donnis sounds like, I’d say David Banner with a more lyrical talent. Download the mixtape and checkout what may be my favorite album art of the year.

Download: Donnis – Diary Of An Atlanta Brave [Mixtape]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coming out in a time where New York can’t buy a vowel in the game, Maino looks to restore the feeling in a city that has been on a steady decline over recent years. Hailing from the same borough of some cat they called “Biggie”, Maino is ready to shine the limelight back on the city that birthed this thing we call Hip-Hop. Having served a ten year bid, Maino started rhyming in prison and when he got out, a friend introduced him to DJ Kay Slay, this impromptu meeting turned into several mixtape appearances, and it eventually landed him and his Hustle Hard imprint a deal with Atlantic Records. The part of the game where you pay your dues…yeah, Maino has done that part, now it is time for his debut If Tomorrow Comes to drop after numerous delays. It’s hard to deliver when you got a whole state on your back, so let’s see how Maino handles the pressure.

Million Bucks
Featuring & Produced by Swizz Beatz
It’s Swizzy on the beat, so you know that you are going to get an uptempo club banger. On this track you got Maino giving us the New York version of “Turn My Swag On”. The song has a catchy hook, and the beat makes you want get down and two step to, and Maino might have another hit on his hands with this one.

Scene 1: If Tomorrow Comes (Skit)
This is really the album intro that sets up the tone for the album, which starts with his release from prison.

Back to Life
Featuring Push! Montana; Produced by GQ Beats
On this song Maino and Push! Montana go back and forth with each other, where Maino gets caught up on what has been going on in the hood, gets set up with some cut up, sees his PO, and makes his plans to start a label and get make it rapping. The story telling is pretty tight on the song, and the production is nice, so I have to give this one the nod.

Remember My Name
Produced by Dangerous LLC
Maino gets some nice production on this track and I have to say that I am impressed with this delivery on this track. The hook has a dancehall feel, but it fits together perfectly on the song. Maino comes out strong with this one.

Gangsta
Featuring B.G.; Produced by BlastOff
Keeping with the story, this is the part of Maino’s life when he fell back into the streets after his release, and who better to have a feature than Gizzle. The production is SICK on this one, and all respect to B.G., but Maino was too much for him on this track. Not saying that Gizzle’s verse was bad, but Maino’s were that good. BANGER.

Scene 2: The Meeting (Skit)
This refers to the meeting between Kay Slay and Maino.

All the Above
Featuring T-Pain; Produced by Just Blaze & Nard & B
This doesn’t sound like your typical Just Blaze beat, so I wonder how much he did on this one. Don’t sleep on the production, it’s DOPE, and T-Pain on the hook works well with Maino, and it looks like he has another one in rotation on the radio.

Here Comes Trouble
Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
This is not the typical sound you hear from J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, but somehow Maino makes it work between the hooks. I hate the hook on this one, but I what he is saying. My biggest question is why is J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League sounding like old Timbaland?

Scene 3: Hating (Skit)
The title says it all. Everybody has heard somebody do this before. 100% Pure Hate.

Hi Hater
Produced by Mista Raja & Maino
This might have been NY’s biggest song LAST YEAR, but when it was hot, Maino got a hood saying, t-shirts, and a hot remix out the deal. Just think what he could have done had he dropped when this was popping? I still can’t help banging this one.

Let’s Make A Movie
Produced by Mista Raja, D. Smitty, & Sef Millz
This is you obligatory song for the ladies. It’s up to you how far you want to go, and Maino kept it G on this one, no singing, just a song that will have the strip clubs and hood girls going crazy.

Kill You
Produced by GQ Beats
On this song Maino pulls a Marshall Mathers and makes a song about the stress of a baby mama. The song works because it is a hood version of “Kim”. I know I said this earlier (JSK) but Maino has really impressed me so far.

Scene 4: Contemplating (Skit)
On this skit Maino questions if rapping was in the cards for him or will he be in the streets forever.

Runaway Slave
Produced by Versatile & Dilemma
This is the first song on the album that I wasn’t feeling. Nothing about this song worked for me. I have to break out the SKIP button on this one.

Soldier
The production reflects the title of the song and Maino represents for the streets on this one. Maino definitely hasn’t lost touch with the streets, and it shows on this track. Plies would have been a good addition, but Maino kept it 100 all alone.

Hood Love
Featuring Trey Songz; Produced by Dangerous LLC & Marcus D’ Tray
This is the fourth of five singles Maino has on the album. Trey Songz has become the R&B guy the street guys get to jump on a track. A new age Kells without the urinating and young girls (allegedly). Maino tends to do well with radio friendly songs. He might have another hit with this one.

Floating
Produced by Nard & B
This is another slip on the album from Maino, the production is lackluster, and the hook is lazy and annoying. I have to break that skip button out again.

Scene 5: The Phone Call (Skit)
Maino gets the call from Brian Berger from Atlantic and Maino finally made it.

Celebrate
Produced by Versatile & Brian Berger
This is run of the mill last song of the album, but on this one Maino lets the beat ride for ten minutes just so he could talk about how good it feels to finally be at the point that he always wanted to be. You could easily call this one a victory song for Maino. I am not mad at him at all for this one.

Bottom Line:
Maino was not really on my radar before this review, but I do have a respect for him after listening to his album. Maino album was well put together and besides those two slip ups, he had a respectable debut. Maino told us his story, and while we might have heard this story before, he did make it interesting. Maino has an ear for the streets and if he can keep coming up with catchy songs, he might be around for a while. Is this the album that is going to swing the pendulum back to NY…probably not, but it does inject some life back into New York.

nappyPicks: “Million Bucks”, “Remember My Name”, “Kill You”, “Soldier” & “Hood Love”

Download: Maino – “Kill You”

As you might have already noticed, once again this week I’m not doing a Friday Night ‘Fro (Y’all was sleeping on the last one though…). After driving a couple hundreds miles, watching a graduation, eating, watching some of the game, etc; I just don’t have it in me tonight. But, I did get a chance to listen to that new Jeezy mixtape Trappin’ Aint Dead. It’s not Trap Or Die, but it’s not bad either (And people are buzzing about the Drake & Wayne song). I wasn’t gonna put it up (Like a million other sites already have), but hey, at least I listened to it first. Good night ladies and gentlemen. “I’m Goin’ In”…to bed. Update: Added a No DJ version

01. Trappin’ Aint Dead (I’m The Truth) ( Produced by MegaMan)
02. Betta Believe It (feat. Lil’ Boosie & Webbie) (Produced by Mouse)
03. Air Forces 2 (Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)
04. My Money
05. My 1st 48 Hrs (Produced by Aktual)
06. I’m Goin In (feat. Lil’ Wayne & Drake) (Official Version)
07. Dead Or Alive
08. Always Strapped Freestyle
09. Trap Files
10. Sunny Days (Produced by Midnight Black)
11. Might Just Blow That (Produced by DJ Toomp)
12. The Underdawg (Produced By DJ Toomp)
13. First Name Last Name (feat. J Money)
14. Stupid Freestyle
15. Consistent (Produced by The Olympicks)
16. Ready To Ride (Produced by Midnight Black)
17. Biggest Movie Ever (feat JDubb & Boo Rossini)
18. She’s A Lesbian
19. Get Alot (Remix) (feat. Boo Rossini) (Produced by CKP)

Download: Young Jeezy – Trappin’ Aint Dead

Download: Young Jeezy – Trappin’ Aint Dead (No DJ Version)

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”

I don’t know if I have told you guys this before…but Rick Ross is my DUDE! (Pause) I have been waiting for his new album Deeper than Rap to drop, and hearing songs like this makes me think that this might be some of his best work EVER. Enough of the riding of Ross, I want you guys to check out “Yacht Club” off his upcoming album that drops on Tuesday. This song is produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, so you know the production is BLAZING. What stands out to me on this track is the island feel that it has. This songs actually puts you in the same mindstate that “Maybach Music” put you in when you listen to it. Ross is spitting some serious bars and rappers need to take heed that the BOSS is in the building! Enjoy this installment of Song of the Week!

Download: Rick Ross – “Yacht Club”

Bonus: Rick Ross, The Game, Ja Rule, & Fat Joe – “Mafia Music (remix)”

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”

After years on the independent grind and after scoring a hit with the T-Pain assisted “She Got It”, 2 Pistols is ready to release his debut album Death Before Dishonor. Now I’d be lying if I said I was looking for this album (As a matter of fact, I had to explain to King Jerm who 2 Pistols was). Being that 2 Pistols is from Florida (Tarpon Springs to be exact), I expected the 19 year old to get more buzz since that state has been turning out a some hits lately. One thing I did notice looking at the tracklistings, is that J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League produced most of his album (They also produced the best songs off Rick Ross’ Trilla album, “Luxuary Tax” & Maybach Music”). Maybe this 19 year old has something; let’s find out.

1. Intro
A skit where 2 Pistols is in court and barely escapes 15 years on a drug charge after his friends snitch on him (He gets house arrest instead). It’s an okay intro; it’s been done before, but the quality is there.

2. Death Before Dishonor
Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
I guess this track could be also taken as an intro; it’s barely over 2 minutes. 2 Pistols breaks down the title of the album (basically don’t snitch) with lines like; “These Kanye West ass niggas speaking through the wire”. The beat does it’s thing as a high paced Southern party starter. If you was to ask me how 2 Pistols sounds, I guess I would say it’s a cross between Lil’ Wayne (With the talent turned down), Plies, and some Young Jeezy (With the charisma turned down).

3. She Got It
Featuring T-Pain & Tay Dizm; Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
The first single off the album and probably the whole reason he got the deal with Universal. I guess the reason this song didn’t make a bigger splash (Like say, what Plies and T-Pain did with “Shawty”) is because T-Pain overpowers 2 Pistols on his own track. It no longer sounds like 2 Pistols featuring T-Pain, it sounds like T-Pain featuring another rapper. 2 Pistol doesn’t really do anything to get noticed (I caught the Jay-Z line too). I always like that beat though. Oh, who is Tay Dizm? He’s a rapper on T-Pain’s label; he’s horrible.

4. Been Throwin’ Money
Produced by Kane Beatz
When will rappers understand that throwing money in the air is getting real lame (I personally never thought it was smart)? Besides the worn-out subject matter, it’s actually not a bad song. The horn heavy beat is a club ready track that 2 Pistols rides well. That hook could have been better, but I sure the hoods/strip clubs will love it; Any city that I’m in/They know that I’m the man/See I never heaistate/I’m quick to pop these rubber bands/Bitch I been throwin’ money.

5. Getting’ Money Mane
Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Wow, 2 songs in a row with “money” in the title. Do you see a theme occurring? The beat on this track is nice! 2 Pistols does his thing, I just wish somebody with more talent could have jumped on it. It’s not just that talking about flossing, guns, and women gets tired. I just think if you gonna talk about it, talk about it with more creativity or bring something different. While lines like about “poppin’ tags”, “suicide doors”, and “putting hole in ya ass like hoola hoop” may excite others; it has me yawning.

6. Let’s Ride
Produced J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Damn, the beats that J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League gives to this dude are crazy. This one particular is sick! If somebody like Jeezy or T.I. was to jump on this, it would be a certified hit! Not saying that 2 Pistols doesn’t sound good on the track. Check this one out for the beat alone (I caught another Jay-Z line too).

7. Flexx 2008
Produced J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Yes old heads, 2 Pistols remakes Mad Cobra’s reggae hit “Flex”. It’s okay; kinda funny. It uses the same hook from the original with rap verses added. Of course its another song aimed at the radio/ladies/clubs. If you like the original song, you might wanna check this out.

8. Eyes Closed
Produced J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
This song uses a screwed up Young Jeezy Line (Don’t ask me from what song); Frost been that/And my wrist froze/You can see my damn watch with your eyes closed. I guess you can tell what this song is about. The beat is okay (He actually sounds a lot like Jeezy here), but another song about money and jewels? Really?

9. Phone Skit
This is a voice message of 2 Pistols’ lady warning him about messing with other girls; very (not) original.

10. You Know Me
Featuring Ray J; Produced J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
This is supposed to be the second single off the album. When did Ray J become the go to guy for R&B street hooks (Styles, AZ, etc.)? The track has 2 Pistols explaining to his girl about he can’t leave the streets. It’s your average track, but I never really liked Ray J.

11. We Run It
Featuring Slick Pulla & Blood Raw; Produced J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
2 Pistols hooks up with USDA’s Slick Pulla & Blood Raw on this one (Young Jeezy’s boys). Do you think Jeezy sends these guys when he’s not available? The beat as well as the whole song seems kinda generic. Nobody really say anything noteworthy with their tough talking.

12. That’s My Word (Intro)
Intro for the next song…

13. That’s My Word
Featuring Trey Songz; Produced J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
I see 2 Pistols is really trying to make sure this album gets radio play. I noticing he has quite a few songs for the ladies/radio on this album. This songs has him asking a girl to leave her man for him (Another unoriginal rap concept right?). Trey Songz does his thing and the beat is well produced, but it feels like we’ve heard it all before.

14. Robbery
Here the “Young Boss of the City” (He says this on almost every song on the album), tells the story about when he got robbed at his house. I applaud him for actually keeping it real and admitting to getting rob. Don’t get it twisted though, 2 Pistols makes sure not to make himself sound like a punk. It’s not a bad song though, and it shows that he has some storytelling ability.

15. Lookin’ Down On ‘Em
Featuring BMU
2 Pistols brings out his crew Blood Money Union. The beat sounds like something you may have heard before but its okay; the rhymes from 2 Pistols’ boys, not so much. I’m really not looking forward to an album by BMU or a solo album from any of the members. It’s not terrible, but nothing to write home about amd a little boring.

16. Candy Coated Diamonds
Featuring Tyra B; Produced by D.A. On The Track Man
Another song about jewelry (I thought he already covered this on “Eyes Closed”.)? It has a ridiculous hook by Tyra B (You remember Tyra B?); Blue raspberries/Red strawberries/…I got all kind of colors. He should of kept this one off the album. Skip!

17. From The Bottom
Like most of today’s Rap releases, 2 Pistols gives his inspirational story at the end of the album. Even though the story is typical of the “dopeboy turned rapper” stereotype, it’s still one of his better tracks. The beat fits well with the lyrics and content, so I guess its an okay way to end this album.

Bottom Line:
I admit I’m a little hard on this younger rappers coming up in Hip-Hop. When I say younger I don’t mean Weezy, Juelz, or Lupe; I mean in the 18 and 19 age range (Remember my Tyga review?). A lot of these younger rappers like 2 Pistols don’t invent anything new or add anything different to the game, they just retread on current trends. 2 Pistols is not a terrible rapper, just a standard one; he may need some more seasoning. At best, 2 Pistols managed to put together a clichéd average album. The real highlight of this album is the production. If you are a fan of good beats over lyrical prowess and charisma, you might wanna check this out. If you’re looking for a new Southern king in the making, you may wanna look elsewhere.

Download: 2 Pistols – “Let’s Ride”