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Reviews
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Wu Tang Clan
The W 11/00 3 |
On their last album, the RZA said that they "would be back in the Y2G." Before I purchased this CD, I hadn't heard one track off of it. I bought it solely on the strength that it was a new Wu Tang album and the fact that RZA was supposed to be behind the boards on this one. After the Ghostface joint (which is off the hook I might add), I figured how could I go wrong. Well, RZA is behind the boards, but it sounds like he fell asleep on half the album. The tracks are just lazy. And tell me, when did the Wu need guests on their albums? They have Nas (whom I happen to loathe, but nonetheless steals the show on "Let My Niggas Live". They have Redman on "Redbull". That song was simply filler material. And when did Cappadonna's ridiculous ass become a regular? Aaarggghhhhhhh!!! There are some nice tracks on here though "Careful", "Hollow Bones" (classic wu-material), the wu-banger "Do You Really" and "Gravel Pit" has finally grown on me. The video for it was kind of funny. If you are a die-hard Wu fan, you may like the album. Me, it'll only get a few more spins before I toss it in the collection. |
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Jay Z
The Dynasty 11/00 4 |
Jay Z has finally given his underground fans the album they wanted, an album filled with straight spittin. This album is tightly wound together thru the production, the lyrics and the guest MCs (Memphis Bleek and Beanie Siegel...Amil is only on one song thank goodness). The album jumps off with "Change the Game". The track thumps and introduces the listener to a rejuvenated Jay-Hova. "1-900-Hustler" is a nice posse track where the R.O.C. fam gives advice thru a phone service. The type of advice they give should be self explanatory. "Where Have You Been" is probably one of the most honest songs on the album. Jay Z and Beanie Siegel write letters to there missing fathers. While there is some jiggy filler material, overall, the album is a nice switch the usual "Jay Z has a new song on the radio" joints he's been providing lately. This album will remind fans of his Reasonable Doubt debut. | ||
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Outkast
Stankonia 11/00 4 |
Outkast is the Parliament-Funkadelic of our generation. Everytime you think you know them, they change their style and musical direction. "B.O.B." as you have probably already heard is on some underground, rave music type of vibe, but it comes off rather nicely. Dre and Big Boi ride the track effortlessly. "I'll Call Before I Come" bumps in the trunk. Gangsta Boo makes a surprise cameo and drops a dirty verse or two. The album on a whole is an experimental trip thru the minds of Outkast. The music (produced almost exclusively by the group and its DJ) shines, but it never outshines the words, which is where the group has as much to offer, if not more so. They are probably one of the only groups that can apologize for past relationships with their baby mama's "Ms. Jackson" while at the same time telling why they probably broke up with them in the first place "We Luv Deez Hoes". True Outkast fans will not be disappointed. you come to expectthe unexpected from these two. |
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Ludacris
Back For the First Time 11/00 3 |
Ludacris puts together a surprising debut. Executive produced and promoted by himself before landing the deal with Def Jam, this album would have still been a hit. Though some of the songs seem to have a bit of redundancy with the same chants in the backgrounds, most of the songs showcase the rappers freestyling ability with his crew the Disturbing the Peace Click. A few heavy hitters also show up on the disc. "Stick Em Up" adds UGK to the lineup. Bun B and Pimp C are up to their old ways as the song really needs no explanation. Timbaland even pops in as a producer on the underground hit "Phat Rabbit". The "What's Your Fantasy Remix" features Foxy Brown, Trina, and Shawna dropping dirty verses. An impressive debut, hopefully Def Jam will get him some better production and a variety of topics on his next go around. |
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