ALBUM REVIEWS
Ludacris - Theater Of The Mind
4/5 Stars
Record Label: DTP / Def Jam
Article By "MP" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
MP@DaStreetBuzz.com
4/5 Stars
Record Label: DTP / Def Jam
Article By "MP" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
MP@DaStreetBuzz.com
Ludacris may not get the credit he deserves as a lyricist, but he has definitely
made an impression on hip hop with his consistency. With such talent, it's any
wonder why Luda hasn't made an album that unites both the critics and the casual
music listeners. On this album Ludacris seems to take a more mature approach.
While this MC is known for his sense of humor than his thought-provoking lyrics,
here Luda he balances both. The humor - and catchy hooks - are prevalant on
songs like "One More Drink" where the co-star of choice is none other than
Mr.Vocoder himself T- Pain, and the song takes on a funny romp about drinking
until the average girl looks like Halle Berry. Elsewhere, Chris Rock appears on
"Everybody Hates Chris" as Luda boasts about all the reasons people hate on him.
One of the more jaw-dropping moments on this album is the DJ Premier produced
"MVP". Another banger is "I Do It for Hip Hop" where he outshines hip-hop veterans
made an impression on hip hop with his consistency. With such talent, it's any
wonder why Luda hasn't made an album that unites both the critics and the casual
music listeners. On this album Ludacris seems to take a more mature approach.
While this MC is known for his sense of humor than his thought-provoking lyrics,
here Luda he balances both. The humor - and catchy hooks - are prevalant on
songs like "One More Drink" where the co-star of choice is none other than
Mr.Vocoder himself T- Pain, and the song takes on a funny romp about drinking
until the average girl looks like Halle Berry. Elsewhere, Chris Rock appears on
"Everybody Hates Chris" as Luda boasts about all the reasons people hate on him.
One of the more jaw-dropping moments on this album is the DJ Premier produced
"MVP". Another banger is "I Do It for Hip Hop" where he outshines hip-hop veterans
Nas and Jay-Z. With that track alone he should be placed among the Top 10 Lists anywhere and everywhere there
are discussions about great MC's. Theater of the Mind evolves Luda from a rapper to an elite emcee.
are discussions about great MC's. Theater of the Mind evolves Luda from a rapper to an elite emcee.
Kanye West - 808's & Heartbreak
3/5 Stars
Record Label: Roc-A-Fella
Article By "MP" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
MP@DaStreetBuzz.com
3/5 Stars
Record Label: Roc-A-Fella
Article By "MP" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
MP@DaStreetBuzz.com
Kanye West's fourth album stands to be the musical conversation piece of 2008.
Easily the sharpest creative turn West has ever made, 808s and heartbreak is
basically just as it sounds, a man with a drum machine wallowing in loss. It's West's
break-up record and his swagger has also given way to regret and stung pride.
This time around Ye doesn't have the hard production like previous projects, he
sings, not raps, and also using that damn Auto-Tune! It sometimes is the dominant
source of melody, especially on "Love Lockdown". Preceding gems like "Robocop"
and "Paranoid", however are stacked with tuneful layers. In fact, it's hard to feel
sorry for West, who, on "Welcome to the Heartbreak", suddenly feels the emptiness
of the "good life" he praised so much on his last album. It's a cliche, but its the only
thing that sounds remotely familiar on this album. 808s and Heartbreak will stupefy
almost if not all of its listeners. That is might polarize people even more than Kanye
Easily the sharpest creative turn West has ever made, 808s and heartbreak is
basically just as it sounds, a man with a drum machine wallowing in loss. It's West's
break-up record and his swagger has also given way to regret and stung pride.
This time around Ye doesn't have the hard production like previous projects, he
sings, not raps, and also using that damn Auto-Tune! It sometimes is the dominant
source of melody, especially on "Love Lockdown". Preceding gems like "Robocop"
and "Paranoid", however are stacked with tuneful layers. In fact, it's hard to feel
sorry for West, who, on "Welcome to the Heartbreak", suddenly feels the emptiness
of the "good life" he praised so much on his last album. It's a cliche, but its the only
thing that sounds remotely familiar on this album. 808s and Heartbreak will stupefy
almost if not all of its listeners. That is might polarize people even more than Kanye
himself is a towering feat. After listening to this album, I'm still trying to figure out where he was going with this one.
The Game - LAX
3.5/5 Stars
Record Label: Black Wall Street , Geffen , Interscope
Article By "MP" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
MP@DaStreetBuzz.com
3.5/5 Stars
Record Label: Black Wall Street , Geffen , Interscope
Article By "MP" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
MP@DaStreetBuzz.com
You can say a lot about the west coast and its resurgence, and the new artists that
stepped on the scene within the last couple of years and none has had an impact
as solid as the Game's Impact on the West. With that being said, its so hard to
believe that fans like myself have waited for this album and I guess once he got
past that sophmore jinx he figured he would now put his best interests at heart. I
never fault an artist about the craft because that is one thing I could never do. For
an artist with extremely gited lyrics I think he left his fans expecting more from the
Compton native. Dont get me wrong his album is still better than 75% of the artists
out right now. This time instead of name dropping on his album, he decided to
enlist some of everybody from R&B to Rock. There are definitely some high points
on this album. Although I find it hard to just outright like this CD, songs like "LAX
FIles" and "Gentlemen's Affair" featuring Ne-Yo keep me listening to it repeatedly.
stepped on the scene within the last couple of years and none has had an impact
as solid as the Game's Impact on the West. With that being said, its so hard to
believe that fans like myself have waited for this album and I guess once he got
past that sophmore jinx he figured he would now put his best interests at heart. I
never fault an artist about the craft because that is one thing I could never do. For
an artist with extremely gited lyrics I think he left his fans expecting more from the
Compton native. Dont get me wrong his album is still better than 75% of the artists
out right now. This time instead of name dropping on his album, he decided to
enlist some of everybody from R&B to Rock. There are definitely some high points
on this album. Although I find it hard to just outright like this CD, songs like "LAX
FIles" and "Gentlemen's Affair" featuring Ne-Yo keep me listening to it repeatedly.
Out of 19 songs, Game has 3 songs where he is not featuring someone. This seems to be more of a Game
compilation more than solo project. Nevertheless its worth a listen, I suppose the weird beats hasn't caught on with
me yet. It's definotely going to take me some time to get used to it and maybe you'll have a different outlook on it.
But it definitely seems like I liked his music better when he was with 50. At least then I knew he was coming with
those fire beats. Still Chuck Taylor deserves a listen, he still is better than your favorite rapper.
compilation more than solo project. Nevertheless its worth a listen, I suppose the weird beats hasn't caught on with
me yet. It's definotely going to take me some time to get used to it and maybe you'll have a different outlook on it.
But it definitely seems like I liked his music better when he was with 50. At least then I knew he was coming with
those fire beats. Still Chuck Taylor deserves a listen, he still is better than your favorite rapper.
Bun B - II Trill
4/5 Stars
Record Label: Rap A Lot
Article By "Nina Carmela" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
Nina@DaStreetBuzz.com
4/5 Stars
Record Label: Rap A Lot
Article By "Nina Carmela" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
Nina@DaStreetBuzz.com
It’s been three years since his debut album ‘Trill’ was released which doesn’t come
as a surprise considering the string of UGK releases, but Bun B has made a
comeback with his second solo album ‘II Trill’ which will surprise your average UGK
listener. After the tragic loss of his partner in rhyme Pimp C, Bun B has penned his
experiences and voiced social awareness through his music to conclude an
exceptional positive album.
‘II Trill’ is the first track on the album produced by Clinton Sparks has an instant
Southern sounding orchestra which is a great introduction to the album and makes
you want to press rewind. The second track, ‘That’s Gangsta’, continues the hype
with Sean Kingston giving it a commercial feel and was the first single taken from
the album. ‘Damn I’m Cold’ tames the tempo and is mellow compared to the
as a surprise considering the string of UGK releases, but Bun B has made a
comeback with his second solo album ‘II Trill’ which will surprise your average UGK
listener. After the tragic loss of his partner in rhyme Pimp C, Bun B has penned his
experiences and voiced social awareness through his music to conclude an
exceptional positive album.
‘II Trill’ is the first track on the album produced by Clinton Sparks has an instant
Southern sounding orchestra which is a great introduction to the album and makes
you want to press rewind. The second track, ‘That’s Gangsta’, continues the hype
with Sean Kingston giving it a commercial feel and was the first single taken from
the album. ‘Damn I’m Cold’ tames the tempo and is mellow compared to the
previous tracks, but with vocals from Lil Wayne his slurred swagger and deliverance he out stages Bun B.
The second single taken from the album is the Trilled chopped and screwed ‘You Are Everything’ (formally known
as ‘Cry For You’ by Jodeci) features Rick Ross, David Banner, 8Ball & MJG. It’s a dedication to former peers within
the Hip Hop scene, showing respect of the artistry and creativity of rappers across America. What better way is
there to show appreciation from some of the leading pioneers within the Southern movement?!
It’s surprising to hear Lupe Fiasco on ‘Swang On Em’, it’s unexpected if you hadn’t read the credits in advance but it
definitely works. The production from Enigma is almost like a Hip Hop march and you could almost imagine Bun B
leading it! Another track which stands out is ‘My Block’ featuring Jazze Pha which almost sounds like a 1 sided
freestyle battle and has a catchy hook.
‘Pop It 4 Pimp’ is sampled from Juvenile’s ‘Back That Azz Up’ which features the man himself and Webbie. It’s a party
track dedicated to Pimp C and the difference in swagger is really noticeable but again, another collaboration which
differs the versatility in Bun B’s tone. ‘Underground Thang’ features Chamillionaire and the late Pimp C who laces
his verse with credibility but it isn’t a track to sing about whereas one of the best tracks on this album is ‘If I Die
Tonight’ which features the sensational vocals of Lyfe Jennings and Young Jeezy. The lyrical content is really deep
and touches the loss of loved ones, looking back of experiences that shouldn’t have happened and knowing that
one day it could be you. You can hear the emotion over the J Roc production; it’s a great track raising everyday
experiences on the street and is followed with the concept on ‘Another Soldier’ featuring Mddl Fngz and Cobe with a
more ‘alternative’ sound.
Flipping the production with a Reggaeton feel is ‘If It Was Up To Me’ featuring Junior Reid. The lyrical content really
stands out and with the lyrical content, again raising social awareness, would sound great as remix with follow
rappers. As the album is leading up to a finish Bun B hits an emotional nerve with ‘Angel In The Sky’ which is a
dedication to his brother and with the help of soulful vocals from Razah you know this song has come with much
thought from the heart. As the album comes to an end, ‘Keep It 100’ is a great outro that will keep up with the
anticipation of the next project.
‘II Trill’ hit #2 on the billboard 200 and sold 206,576 within its sixth week. That’s 206,576 people now made aware of
their social surroundings and sets great example to up and coming artists as it represents the advantage of power
of speech through music.
The second single taken from the album is the Trilled chopped and screwed ‘You Are Everything’ (formally known
as ‘Cry For You’ by Jodeci) features Rick Ross, David Banner, 8Ball & MJG. It’s a dedication to former peers within
the Hip Hop scene, showing respect of the artistry and creativity of rappers across America. What better way is
there to show appreciation from some of the leading pioneers within the Southern movement?!
It’s surprising to hear Lupe Fiasco on ‘Swang On Em’, it’s unexpected if you hadn’t read the credits in advance but it
definitely works. The production from Enigma is almost like a Hip Hop march and you could almost imagine Bun B
leading it! Another track which stands out is ‘My Block’ featuring Jazze Pha which almost sounds like a 1 sided
freestyle battle and has a catchy hook.
‘Pop It 4 Pimp’ is sampled from Juvenile’s ‘Back That Azz Up’ which features the man himself and Webbie. It’s a party
track dedicated to Pimp C and the difference in swagger is really noticeable but again, another collaboration which
differs the versatility in Bun B’s tone. ‘Underground Thang’ features Chamillionaire and the late Pimp C who laces
his verse with credibility but it isn’t a track to sing about whereas one of the best tracks on this album is ‘If I Die
Tonight’ which features the sensational vocals of Lyfe Jennings and Young Jeezy. The lyrical content is really deep
and touches the loss of loved ones, looking back of experiences that shouldn’t have happened and knowing that
one day it could be you. You can hear the emotion over the J Roc production; it’s a great track raising everyday
experiences on the street and is followed with the concept on ‘Another Soldier’ featuring Mddl Fngz and Cobe with a
more ‘alternative’ sound.
Flipping the production with a Reggaeton feel is ‘If It Was Up To Me’ featuring Junior Reid. The lyrical content really
stands out and with the lyrical content, again raising social awareness, would sound great as remix with follow
rappers. As the album is leading up to a finish Bun B hits an emotional nerve with ‘Angel In The Sky’ which is a
dedication to his brother and with the help of soulful vocals from Razah you know this song has come with much
thought from the heart. As the album comes to an end, ‘Keep It 100’ is a great outro that will keep up with the
anticipation of the next project.
‘II Trill’ hit #2 on the billboard 200 and sold 206,576 within its sixth week. That’s 206,576 people now made aware of
their social surroundings and sets great example to up and coming artists as it represents the advantage of power
of speech through music.
Jim Jones - Pray IV Reign
3 / 5 Stars
Record Label: Sony
Article By "Vena" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
Vena784@DaStreetBuzz.com
3 / 5 Stars
Record Label: Sony
Article By "Vena" For www.DaStreetBuzz.com
Vena784@DaStreetBuzz.com
Jim Jones has put a lot of time and effort in a relentless campaign in recent years to
get his rapping taken as seriously as his business savvy. Those efforts finally pay
off, well to some degree, on his fourth album, Pray IV Reign. I must admit I am a Jim
Jones fan but not of his music alone. I can say his lyrics are more developed on this
album than those on his nursery-rhyme-level 2006 hit, ''We Fly High.'' Even so, these
songs are still full of money power and girls. The only thing Jimmy didn’t do was have
power features. The joint “How to be a Boss” with Luda is cool but not something
that I would recommend to someone who loves REAL Hip Hop. I can honestly say this
album is good to listen to if you like that stuff. I honestly think Damon Dash Jim Jones
and Chink Santana (whoever that is) put this album together too quick and used all
the unknown rappers within their camps to keep the money themselves. Give Jones
points for honing his craft,but he's got a long way to go. I grade the album a C+.
get his rapping taken as seriously as his business savvy. Those efforts finally pay
off, well to some degree, on his fourth album, Pray IV Reign. I must admit I am a Jim
Jones fan but not of his music alone. I can say his lyrics are more developed on this
album than those on his nursery-rhyme-level 2006 hit, ''We Fly High.'' Even so, these
songs are still full of money power and girls. The only thing Jimmy didn’t do was have
power features. The joint “How to be a Boss” with Luda is cool but not something
that I would recommend to someone who loves REAL Hip Hop. I can honestly say this
album is good to listen to if you like that stuff. I honestly think Damon Dash Jim Jones
and Chink Santana (whoever that is) put this album together too quick and used all
the unknown rappers within their camps to keep the money themselves. Give Jones
points for honing his craft,but he's got a long way to go. I grade the album a C+.