Contradictory Hiphop opinion, with a bitter and twisted attitude…
Archive for December, 2005
New Archives
Dec 30th
Its all a bit boring to everyone I’m sure, but for the past 3 weeks I’ve been struggling to get a good archives plugin for wordpress that works properly. Well after a gang of bullshit, I finally am able to put the new Archives page into action.
Its here.
And permanently over in its new place in the sidebar, under my name
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Most of you won’t realise how frustrating its been to try to get this working. Most of you won’t care.
I do though.
And here’s a picture of Elvin to celebrate!
REVIEW: Ace The Grappler – Ventilation
Dec 28th
Artist: Ace The Grappler
Album: Ventilation
Label: Pitch Control Music
Rating : 1.5
Reviewer: Nick D
Every once in a while, a record drops that separates itself from the status quo in such a way that it almost defies critique. “Ventilation,†by Ace The Grappler, is certainly one of those records. Normally, declaring a record ‘indescribable’ is a compliment; a testament to its unique, refreshing excellence. In this case, however, “Ventilation†only transcends description because, simply put, it is not very good.
As an MC, Ace is poor at best. To label him as predictable and uncreative would be to understate his lack of lyrical variety. From the same mold as Jedi Mind Tricks, Ace seems to fashion himself as a cryptic, vengeful, godlike character capable of mass destruction. The Grappler, though, has neither the vocabulary nor the dexterity of Jedi Mind to make any of his lackluster threats believable.
In this instance, Ace is extremely comparable to an even less-skilled DMX. As bad as DMX is, he at least conveys some kind of emotion on his records. Ace on the other hand, is literally monotonous, having absolutely no vocal inflection. Whereas DMX, for the most part, stays on beat, The Grappler appears to have almost no concept of rhythm at all.
Should one make the perilous decision to listen to this album, he or she should be prepared for some of the worst lyricism imaginable. At one point, Ace claims that he stands for quality over quantity. Nevertheless, with lines such as the following found on the track ‘Jerks ’, this claim is baseless:
“I mean really
Fuck with us is just silly
Milli Vannilli
Was more real-ly than you
More ill-y than you
More manly than you”
Because this is probably the best The Grappler has to offer, it is easy to see that the album suffers lyrically. Unfortunately for the listener, the production on “Ventilation†is only marginally better. Sticking to the same generic gothic horror theme, the production is equally as overbearing, and sometimes even less subtle, than the lyrics. The occasional hard rock guitar riff or mildly intimidating instrumental track, while still horrible, at least provides some variety, no matter how small the degree. This ever-so-slight change of pace is probably the album’s only formal positive.
If Ace is ever going to be the ‘Future Hall of Famer’ that he claims to be on the album’s eleventh track, he may want to think about getting a new posse in addition to enhancing his skills and revamping his flow. Featured verses by guest MC s such as JB, FundTheMentals, and Rick Whispers only further drag the album down as, in many cases, they are at least as bad as those by Ace himself.
From the lyrics to the beats, “Ventilation†is an amateur album. Its aggression is unsubstantiated and, as a result, falls short on every level. In fact, the only reason to even entertain ideas of so much as listening to this album is to put one’s musical taste into perspective. As redundant as hip-hop can be, it is important to note that it is rarely sinks to this level. In other words, “Ventilation†is only worthwhile in that it may help the listener gain appreciation of records that he or she previously despised.
ARTICLE: Top 6 tracks – Black Sheep
Dec 26th
Top 6 tracks – Black Sheep
I say Native Tongues, you say De La Soul. I say it again, and you say A Tribe Called Quest. I say it again, and 90% of people will say the Jungle the Jungle, the Brothers the Brothers. After the holy trio of groups have come out, its then that most will talk about the duo of Dres and Mr Lawnge, more popularly known as Black Sheep. Its always been tough for the Sheep to get their true props despite putting out an album that’s arguably one of the top 50 Hiphop releases of all time (1991′s “A Wolf In Sheeps Clothing”), and a followup (“Non-Fiction”) that was criminally slept on by the majority of heads due to its extreme non-Native Tongues feel and distinct lack of any label help with promotion.
As commercial Hiphop came to the fore, and the classic Tongues sound was usurped by the boring different production techniques of the Ummah, the Sheep disappeared with rumors of a breakup ringing in their ears. Dres came back briefly to release “Sure Shot Redemption” but, like an E-less PMD, the sound was missing that spark that made the original duo so listenable on wax.
Now in the 2000′s the Sheep are back together. Their release of the ‘Red Light, Green Light’ 12 last year was meant to be followed by a full length, but somehow things have slowed again, with “8WM” lost in the mists. Their site still promises a summer of 2005 release, so God knows what its going on. In the meantime, grab the mix cd from their site, and use the tracks below to reminisce.
1) The Choice Is Yours (Revisted)
The defining track for the duo, with the beat, the ‘this or that’ hook, and the ‘engine engine’ breakdown all being pushed into the public arena by Coca Cola, VH-1, MTV, and the Crooklyn Clan amongst others. A glossier, more refined version of the original album mix, this party-rocker supreme was back upped by an equally excellent video which saw Lawnge and Dre ripping the actual video footage from the TV screen as it played.
2) Flavor Of The Month
My personal favorite due to the way they hooked up the Herb Albert sample, this clever attack on society’s penchant for elevating certain music or people to ridiculous heights before trying to pull them back to earth takes place over melancholic strings and a bouncy trumpet solo. Dre’s dry wit and sarcasm made his lyrics stand out in a way which none of his Native Tongue comrades could ever hope to achieve, and helped the Sheep carve a niche of their own amongst the talent and output of the others.
“I never boned a honey that I didn’t like,
I never saw a mile that I couldn’t hike,
I never had a spliff to make me choke,
I never had a pocket that was broke,
Hate no one but love only a few,
Franklin, Grant and yeah mom too,
I run buckwild for self or with the crew,
But then again, I thought you knew,
Now I hear the voice,
Is it what you want?
I hope it is kid -
You’re the flavor of the month”
3) Gimme The Finga
Oh yeah, that niche? Well ‘Gimme The Finga’ describes exactly where that is on the Native Tongues chain. Y’see, the JBz, De La, and Tribe were getting megaprops for their laidback afrocentric-concious rhymes, and all of a sudden here come the Black Sheep duo describing how much they enjoy the high life, how much they enjoy fine food and wine, and how much they enjoy your… woman. Tongue-in-cheek it definitely ain’t – this is straight up brag rap without the aggressive undertones that many other other emcees often bring to the table when commiting such boastful lyrics to wax. Its hard not to crack a smile as Dres burps on cue to prove how fat he’s living…
My favorite meal is anything with meat,
My favorite quote, “Can I have a receipt?’
My favorite show is ‘Who’s the Boss’,
And my favorite ho, is yours of course,
And everyday is Saturday my friend,
Go to sleep wake up,
Yo its Saturday again,
It’s fly, gettin paid to do what you want,
Don’t believe me, BURP, see?
4) Pass The 40
One of the best posse cuts ever recorded, with quotables coming from all angles over a looped Jimmy McGriff sample, ‘Pass the 40′ features both Dres and Lawnge on the mic, as well as Chi-Ali, and rare mic appearances from Violater Chris Lighty and the legendary Dave Gossett. Lawgne’s member-focused verse is spectacularly wicked, while Gossett’s job description is superb…
“Thinkin’ I’m easy to beat.
Cause I’ll be up in that ass like a bike seat.
And when it comes to boning I’m Mr Erection, see?
Hoes come by the crib for a free hysterectomy.
I’ve got a dick that I brag about.
I put it in fast then I drag it out.
Girls, I’ll be the special friend see,
Cause your man suffers from pseudo-penis envy.
I do damage, oh, um.
The Sugar Dick is guaranteed to make you come…”
…I live large, caviar and limos.
Spent most of my time refusing bullshit demos.
Can you understand, do you you understand.
Well let me explain I’m the A and R man.
Dave Gossett. Yes I rock it.
I rip the mike and I stuff pockets.
Don’t believe me, ask the Sheep see.
They got the money, think it’s funny,
Always scooping all the honey.
5) BBS
‘Bubblin’ Brown Suga’ sums up the feel of the second album, “Non Fiction” perfectly – clean jazzy loops with heavy kicks and snares layered underneath. Personally I feel that “Non Fiction” failed commercially not just because of the lack of attention from Mercury, but also because heads simply weren’t ready for the direction that the Sheep went in after the lighter vibes of the first album. Although a strong album in its own right, “Non Fiction” didn’t have any tracks that could be pulled off as viable singles – instead this was a real ‘album’ that was crafted to be listened to from start to finish. It was this lack of attention-grabbing, breakout joints that stopped more people from checking for it… your loss, idiots.
6) City Lights
Horns. Strings. If this had been on the first album, muhfuckas would have been memorised the lines here the way they do ‘The Choice Is Yours’ and co. On ‘City Lights’ as with much of “NF” Lawnge gets much more mic time than on the debut, and his back and forth with Dres on this and many of the other cuts is extremely entertaining. This is Hiphop perfection right here – layers and layers of samples, hungry lyrical delivery and neck-snapping beats – what more could you ask for?
“Here comes a hundred watts of force,
I shine and blind but don’t feel remorse, I burn of course, nigga,
I know you see so many lights but remember which,
Yo I’m the big nigga, the one with no dimmer switch,
I’m the surreal from the powers I use,
That’s why your ass is in the dark when I blow a fuse…”
Other shit that just missed my cut:
U Mean I’m Not (classic, but too short to qualify as a ‘real’ song), Strobelight Honey, Gotta Get Up, Summa Tha Time, Black With NV, Havin’ Fun Wit It, Have U.N.E. Pull, Still In The Ghetto
Black Sheep Top 6
The Choice Is Yours (Revisted)
Flavor Of The Month
Gimme The Finga
Pass The 40
BBS
City Lights
(download it here)
As with other top 6′s – opinions are like arseholes… everybody has one. Feel free to leave yours in the comments section.
“I’m about to leave New York I can’t stay…
Dec 24th
…The way shit is goin’ I might have to get away
All day tryin’ to hit me with prices I can’t pay
Niggas bust the guns, got to duck and stray
The Christmas Eve edition of the rapper-friendly New York Post reports this doozy in its usual non-inflammatory way…
“A rapper who describes himself as a “Wild Cowboy” allegedly acted like an Old West gunslinger this week when he waved a large pistol at three teens in Harlem, police said yesterday.
Hip hop star Sadat X, of the group Brand Nubian, allegedly boasted “I’m going to kill everybody” as he flashed a loaded .40-caliber black Beretta at a group of 18-year-olds at West 158th Street and Broadway Thursday, according to cops. Police sources said X also told the youths, “I’m looking for a guy with braids.”
After cops from the 33rd Precinct were called to the scene, the victims pointed out X, who was still standing across the street with the pistol. When police attempted to arrest the 37-year-old, whose real name is Derek Murphy, he ran. He was tackled quickly. He was arraigned yesterday in Manhattan Supreme Court on charges of criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest.”
Someone needs to tell him that Lord Jamar cut his braids off years ago, and there’s easier ways to get him back in the studio than this. Or maybe he’d just put down the pipe long enough to hear that Busta was cutting off his shits, and was on his way to convince him that it was a bad career move (I feel for you Larenze Tate.) Bad luck Derek – you’re only a couple of weeks too late. Happy Holidays! (Someone get this man a new hat and haircut please.)
In other rapper-related legal news, you’ve all probably heard that Inga was in trouble again in court for sticking her tongue out at the judge in her slap-a-nail-technician trial. Gangsta. Its only a matter of time before she steps up to driveby pea-shooting and organised chinese burns for those who disrespect her. Happy Holidays!
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MTV’s Greatest Hiphop LPs of all time – I don’t give a fuck Kool Herc himself made this list – the fact that “It Takes A Nation” is at NUMBER FUCKING TEN means that this list can automatically be called a complete pile of shite. LOL @ Jigga and Biggie being above “Nation”, “Death Certificate”, and “Niggaz4Life”.
As for “Paid In Full” – its not even one of the top 20 Hiphop albums ever recorded, never mind number one – EBAR made some of the most influential Hiphop 12′s ever… but their albums were all a bit poo.
UPCOMING… Biggie Duets review coming when I can be arsed… its a laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy day today.
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Last minute Christmas present ideas..
I want all the basketball ones
USB heated slippers
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Today’s listening list
Cookie Crew – I Got To Keep On
Dobbie Dobson – Carry The Weight
Move.Meant – The Rebirth
Oakhill Boyz – Same Thang
Sway – Month In The Summer
T.Tauri – RMHH vs The World
Willis Drummond – Its A Stick-Up
(download it here)
REVIEW: Talib Kweli – Right About Now: The Official Sucka Free Mix CD
Dec 22nd
Artist: Talib Kweli
Album: Right About Now: The Official Sucka Free Mix CD
Label: Blacksmith / Koch
Rating: 7.0
Reviewer: Nick D
Talib Kweli is a frustrating enigma. Often described as a machine gun, Kweli possesses an incredible flow which he uses to pack each line with multiple rhymes and metaphors, imploring the listener to reach for the rewind button in an effort to fully absorb each verse. Kweli was a vital part of both Black Star and Reflection Eternal, two super-groups that provided a welcome alternative to the shiny suit, video rap that was beginning to dominate the scene in the middle to late nineties. Kweli also proved that he could be successful alone as he showed in his acclaimed classic, “Quality”. While none of this is exactly new news, it does indicate that when he is at his best, Talib Kweli is one of the most gifted MC s to grace the microphone in the past five to seven years.
This is also what is so frustrating about Kweli, as he is not always at his peak. The same MC who ensured that the Rawkus record label lived up to its “Independent as Fuck†slogan seems to, especially as of late, be more and more concerned with commercial success. This is illustrated on his 2004 album, “The Beautiful Struggle”, in which he collaborates with the likes of The Neptunes and Just Blaze. Consequently, while representing lyricism at its finest, Kweli simultaneously conjures unholy images of the extremely underwhelming “Soundbombing 3″.
Talib Kweli’s latest release, “Right About Now: The Official Sucka Free Mix CD”, is a perfect example of this paradox in a single, neatly wrapped package. On one hand, several of the tracks on the album are on par with the best Kweli has to offer. On the other hand, however, the remainder of the album mirrors his less creative, more lucrative side.
After ‘Right About Now’, the record’s ample opening track on which he rhymes about his career over a jazz-type beat that perfectly accentuates his voice and flow, Kweli teams up with first-class lyricists Planet Asia and Phil Da Agony on the record’s best track, ‘Drugs, Basketball, & Rap.’ The dark, hardhitting beat compliments the styles of each MC allowing for sharp lyricism and wordplay that includes clever references to both Dave Chappelle’s voyage to Africa and children’s literary character Lemony Snicket.
The album is also ripe with outstanding guest appearances. The tracks that feature the likes of Papoose, Mos Def, Jean Grae, and M.F. Doom are each as successful as the Planet Asia/Phil Da Agony collaboration and are definitely worthy of a look particularly for fans of each artist. In addition, ‘Ms. Hill’, an affectionate tribute to Lauryn Hill, shows that Kweli can still hold it down on his own.
Although roughly half of Right About Now reflects the talent that made Talib Kweli the underground legend that he is/was, the other half is disappointingly bland. Many of these filler tracks are a combination of poor, sluggish beats and spiritless, unimaginative lyrics. On some tracks, such as ‘Roll Off Me’, Kweli simplifies his lyrics to almost atypical directness.
Even when Kweli manages to reach the pinnacle of his abilities, he is often grounded by the album’s shoddy production. This is evident on the record’s closing track, ‘Two & Two’, on which Kweli’s superior verse is overshadowed by a cheap, distracting beat which would be more welcome on a top ten television countdown than on a Talib Kweli album.
There is little doubt that, as he has displayed in the past and continues to demonstrate on occasion, Talib Kweli has the potential for brilliance. When on point, Kweli is an interesting, energetic, complex, and politically savvy MC. And although “Right About Now” is inconsistent, there may be just enough of Kweli’s ability evident to warrant a look. If not, keep in mind that it does feature new material from Jean Grae and M.F. Doom.
WTFGIO? Part 698450980
Dec 21st
I blame Marshall for this. WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON? Kill them all now. Please.
On a somewhat related note, whatever happened to Nile from ‘Made’? “Who?” you say. “THE BLIZZARD IS COMIN’!” says I.
WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?
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If I had 6 months to live (Nappy Diatribe)
Byron comments on Benzino threatening white women. Benzino is a fucking tool – call him and tell him..
Stop fucking sleeping on these cats and what they do – B-Side Wins Again.
Lil Scrappy versus Orlando police
My man sets the record straight on this jinny-ann as expected. I forgot to post this earlier.
The Perfect Beat
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Playaz Circle – Playaz Circle ft Jazze Pha
Windows Media Player
Real Player
Slim Thug – Already Platinum (Chopped & Screwed)
Listen to the whole album online here
and peep the related contest here
Termanology (a DJ Premier favorite… all files open in Real Player)
22 Years
The Anthem
Motion Picture
This Is Hip-Hop
Learn more about Termanology and his upcoming album here.
Urban Mystic – Its You ft Paul Wall
Windows Media Player Vid
Real Player Vid
Quicktime Vid
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Today’s listening list
ABN – My Momma
Baby Bash ft Paul Wall & Natalie – Throwed Off
Blood Of Abraham – 99 Cent Lighter
K Young – Happy Together
Mad Lion – Take It Easy
Starpoint – Bring Your Sweet Loving Back
Zhigge – Rakin’ In The Dough
(download it here)
Rolling Stone can do more than just report on the latest Franz Ferdinand album. Who knew?
Dec 17th
Seems like there’s been a lot going on regarding what is now almost a 10 year old subject- the murders of Biggie and 2Pac.
Almost seems like the murders of Biggie and Pac will serve to open up eyes to the overwhelming corruption rampant in the LAPD/City of Los Angeles. Not that it wasn’t know before. But you know. Shit happens.
It’s weird how everyone has focused on the murders as an East/West feud, when really, they might have just been plain old contract killings. Assuming any contract killing can be ‘plain old’.
MF
A classic you haven’t heard.
Dec 17th
Not much time to write lately, surprise surprise, but I just rediscovered a song that I’ve loved for a very very long time. Going back a few years in Canadian hip hop, there was a group called Nefarius. It was comprised of 3 members- MC Collizhun, Don D, and Kwesro. It’s not an understatement to say that the trio were basically the best thing to come out of Canadian hip hop during the late 90′s- innovative beats provided by Don D, and two MC’s that oozed uniqueness in Collizhun (who sported a more bugged out Kardinal type flow) and Kwesro (the more ‘traditional’ MC of the two).
Thing is, they never really released much music. There was a 6 track 7 inch EP that was dropped a while back that featured 3 complete songs, and a number of instrumentals. There were mixtape appearances. But never a whole LP of new material, as far as I know. Then in 1999/2000 (can’t remember the exact year), Kwesro passed away mysteriously one night in his sleep. Quite shocking at the time, and completely unexpected.
Shortly after his death, Nefarius as a group folded. Don D. went on to become a member of noted Canadian production team, Tone Mason. Collizhun has continued to release solo material in the form of dubplates and small singles, but has never really broken through as many expected. And thus ended something that started out with so much potential. For the few songs that were there while they were around though, it was something special.
The ‘official’ website of the group can be found here, including a message from Don D.-
And here’s ‘Pondering’…spectacular.
And I’m out.
MF
REVIEW: Panacea – Thinking Back, Looking Forward EP
Dec 16th
Artist: Panacea
Album: Thinking Back, Looking Forward EP
Label: Glow In The Dark Records
Rating: 8 / 10
Reviewer: A to the L
Panacea, a DC based duo comprising of rapper Raw Poetic and producer K-Murdock, promise on their “Thinking Back, Looking Forward” EP, to have crafted a sound that is a unique mixture of conversational storytelling rhymes and soulful compositions. Signing to Glow In The Dark records, home of those likeable Time Machine lads, is a good move, as this label seems to both give the artists freedom to produce their own music, AND work hard to promote it once its done.
The uptempo ‘Birdfeather’ kicks things off, and instantly produces fits of head-nodding, not just from K-Murdock’s impressive beat but also due to the way Poetic rides the track. Supremely confident, he spits clearly and crisply, like some kind of Pete Rock AND CL Smooth / Count Bass D hybrid, to produce an uplifting track, that gives a nice first glimpse of Panacea, and still hints that they’ve left something more in the locker for the rest of the EP.
That something is ‘Colorful Storms’. This time its K-Murdock’s turn to invoke Pete Rock – this time on the beats, as sparkling synths dance behind a dusty drum track. Raw Poetic again doesn’t disappoint, describing the processes involved in writing his rhymes and wrapping them up in vivid descriptions, which transform the mere acts of putting pen to paper into some kind of magical ritual. By the time we reach the largely instrumental ‘Freedom Theory’ its clear that this is a talented duo. Here Poetic lazily drops a couple of short verse while sounding eerily like the Count, as K concocts a backtrack of jazzy percussion, golden strings, and warm piano chords, which eventually dominate the track.
‘The Great Escape’ is vintage boom-bap. Concrete-hard snares, a ton of ba-bump, and a gorgeous guitar bassline already make it very easy to listen to, but the hook is a big winner, pushes an already-strong track into the stratosphere. Raw Poetic’s introspective lyrics are perfectly matched to the track and make this the best track on the EP by far.
Rounding things off comes ‘Limitless Pages’, where Poetic evaluates his life and the paths he’s took, and how the different situations and struggles he has faced and overcome have influenced not just his rhymes, but each further decision he’s taken in his growth.
“I got pride that’s always keeping me from turning back,
Mistakes that I create will keep me looking back,
What’s right within my life? I’m left without no facts,
I write my life through wax with every written track”
The fact that he’s doing this over another superb K-Murdock track, this time built around an understated piano scale and a simple drum loop which support Poetic as he flows, makes this another winner.
With these 5 tracks, and the 5 instrumentals on the flip, you’re bound to get your money’s worth here. Panacea are definitely a name to look out for in the near future, and if this is setting the standard that will be found on their upcoming longplayer “Ink Is My Drink” then we’re in for a treat on that one too. You should definitely pick this up.
REVIEW: Pitbull – Money Is STILL A Major Issue
Dec 16th
Artist: Pitbull
Album: Money Is STILL A Major Issue
Label: TVT
Rating: 6.5 / 10
Reviewer: A to the L
Aiming for the stocking-stuffer category this Christmas, Pitbull’s latest release is a budget-priced compilation of remixes from his debut album “M.I.A.M.I” and collaborations with other artists that have occurred in the past year. With “M.I.A.M.I.” already shipping gold, its a smart move by the Cuban to try to maximise his exposure without going through the effort of hitting the studio for a whole new album session.
Lead single, ‘Everybody Get Up’ opens the album. Here Pitbull links up with teen-R’n'B flavor of the moment Pretty Ricky over a bouncy Jim Jonsin beat which is reminiscent of his earlier hit ‘Dammit Man’ but which, ultimately, lacks the impact of that particular single. ‘Rah Rah’, and the later ‘She’s Hotter’ attempt to push a reggaeton flavor – on the former, Pitbull and Elephant Man ride an energetic guitar groove to produce an enjoyable club record; on ‘She’s Hotter’ its TOK who share time with Pit, and the end result is a track that’s half dancehall, and half Sex And The City theme tune which you’d be forgiven for marking down as an R Kelly production (its actually Chris Birtch). Elephant Man also appears on a remix of the massive Ying Yang club banger, ‘Shake’. Pitbull drops a different verse from the original, almost entirely spitting in Spanish here, but it barely matters as the beat and the hook is what will always blow this song up.
‘Culo’ appears for what it seems is the 2765487654th remix of this particular track. Again Pitbull spits much of his verbals in Spanish, though his last verse is in English and shows the type of talent he actually has. Meanwhile Lil Jon eggs him on over the familiar Coolie Dance Riddim and Ivy Queen pops up here for a pretty worthless guest appearance. Fellow fans of the Coolie Dance Riddim, Nina Sky pop up on their remix of ‘Turnin’ Me On’ where Pitbull features with a verse. Its a face paced, Beyonce-lite affair though, and Pitbull’s verse neither adds or subtracts from what is actually a fairly average song. ‘Mil Amores’ is more interesting due to the fact that it flits between reggaeton and soca flavors, as Pitbull, Master Joe & OG Black throw down, but not being a big fan of the whole genre, much of what I’m sure is the best of the track, passes me by.
The second half of the album is of a much higher standard. Rich Boy’s ‘Get To Poppin’ is as highly impressive now as it was 4 or 5 months ago when I first heard it. Brian Kidd’s beat is Timbaland-esque to the extreme, which is no bad thing, and Rich Boy and Pitbull flow effortlessly over it, interpolating ‘Top Billin’ as they do so. ‘Might Be The Police’ sees Pit and Poe Boy’s Brisco talking about life in Dade over a bass heavy, horn driven beat, while ‘Who U Rollin’ Wit’ features Pit, Picallo & Cubo rocking at around 80bpm on a Tazz track built exclusively to get the club crunk. Cubo also features later on the plodding ‘Oh No He Didn’t', the only real misfire amid the strong tracks that appear after the halfway point.
Things wouldn’t be complete without revisiting ‘Dammit Man’ and ‘Toma’, arguably Pit’s two biggest tracks of his career so far. On the ‘Dammit Man’ remix, you get the same sick Jim Jonsin beat, and Pitbull and Lil Flip trading verses over the top; while ‘Toma’ remixed sees a cast of reggae stars lining up to rock the track with Pitbull, including Mr Vegas, Wayne Marshall, Red Rat, TOK & Kardinall Offishall.
Although several of the tracks here are firmly entrenched in filler territory, the highpoints here, plus the budget price and the inclusion of a bonus DVD featuring vids for ‘Culo’, ‘Dammit Man’ and ‘Toma’, and a host of live perfomances still pushes this into the ‘things you might want to check for’ category.
