Rap Radar

Where’s Cam’ron > Where’s The Beef.

The hype behind Mr. Giles return to the rap game was crazy. We were starving for the Diplomats founder to feed the streets and the Internets too. I remember seeing him live at the Highline Ballroom and for the first half of the show as he ran through his past arsenal it was Gilesmania. But when he dropped the new material, not so much. No disrespect to in-house producer Skitzo, but next time, Cam might wanna share the ball (no homo) and bring some additional beatmakers in the mix. A lil diversity of sounds never hurt anyone and please no mo’ Soulja Boy sounding slop like “Cookies-N-Apple Juice”. Feed me “Get It In Ohio” or give me death.

Before: RR’s ’09 Disappointing Albums: #2 Asher Roth  Asleep In The Bread Aisle

Ghostface Killah’s Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City should’ve came with a mattress for the way it was slept on. Where was the support?! From top to bottom, the LP had something from everyone. For the pervs there was “Stapleton Sex”;  the scorned (“Do Over”); and purists (“Guest House”). Beautifully unconventional, Ghost showed his sensitive side with “Baby” and vulnerability on “Paragraphs of Love”. Then with the help of John Legend, Starks laid his game down flat on “Let’s Stop Playing”. Salute Mr. Coles, you deserve it.

Before: RR’s ’09 Underrated Albums: #2 Maino …If Tomorrow Comes

When I first heard this album, I dug it. Was pleasantly surprised. But a record doesn’t have to suck to be a disappointment. This guy was one of the heralded freshman and we were expecting him to really make an impact until Rick Ross spanked him on SoundScan. Shit, Steve Rifkind had a spot on his wall ready for the platinum plaque. So why didn’t this project work? You can’t tell me “Lark On My Go-Kart” doesn’t bang or “As I Em,” isn’t a clever examination of the elephant in the room. Maybe the pop sensible singles did him in. After the frat boy anthem “I Love College,” Roth followed with two club clunkers “Be By Myself” and “She Don’t Wanna Man” that couldn’t get any real radio spins. Don’t get it twisted, Asher’s talent is there. He’s good. But as a White MC, he just may have to be great. Damn you, Marshall.

Before: RR’s ’09 Disappointing Albums: #3 Jim Jones Prey IV Reign

Here’s the first cut off Luda’s upcoming Conjure mixtape. Just like his booze, this one goes down easy. Remember to listen responsibly.

A few years ago, Maino was written off as another “mixtape rapper”. After many postponements, he proved naysayers wrong and in June finally released his debut album …If Tomorrow Comes. Though Maino isn’t the most gifted wordsmith, he’s probably one of the most palpable. His warrior cry is echoed on cuts like “Remember My Name”, “Gangsta”, and “Kill You”. Meanwhile, he enjoyed the fruits of his labor on “Million Bucks”, “Hi Hater” and “Celebrate”.  Shame only 59,000 experienced it with him.

Before: RR’s ’09 Underrated Albums: #3 Method Man x Redman “Blackout! 2″

Following the classic record that defined his career, “We Fly High,” Jim Jones put the suits at Sony in a headlock and they put them dollars up and backed Dip Set’s engine. Unfortunately, it only paid off for Da Capo. Maybe it was the juvenilish first single, “Na Na Nana Na Na” but this project never connected with the masses. Despite highlights like the Ryan Leslie two-step punch of “Precious” and the emotionally chest-clearing “Frienemies,” the album was marred with poor production and an overall lack of cohesion. Still and all, Jomo landed on his feet and continues to hustle all types of biz deals. Show him the money.

Before: RR’s ’09 Disappointing Albums: #4 Jadakiss The Last Kiss

As much as I enjoy the Reggie Noble and Clifford Smith chemistry, I must admit I had zero expectation that a reunion album ten years later would be something I would enjoy. But thankfully I was wrong. Rae wasn’t the only Clansman who made a comeback in the final year of the decade, as Meth sounds rejuvenated paired with a rhyme partner who still got sword-sharp metaphors. A potent playlist can be easily be formulated from the soaring intro (“BO2″); formidable first single (“A-Yo”); UGK collab crunch (“City Lights”); ladies friendly ode (“Mrs. International”) and a pro-weed puff-fest (“Diz Iz 4 All My Smokers”). Smoke something bitch and revisit this.

Before: RR’s ’09 Underrated Albums : #4 Wale Attention Deficit

The stakes are high for Jadakiss. As one of the game’s premiere spitters, the Yonkers native’s forced to meet towering expectation with profitable return. The release of The Last Kiss proved no different in pumping out impressive first week numbers. There’s no denying Jada’s skill set (“Pain & Torture”) or songwriting ability (“Rockin’ With The Best”, “Can’t Stop Me”).  His Achilles heel however is song selection. Tracks like “Who’s Real”, “Something Else” and “I Tried” should’ve been left on the cutting room floor. Same goes for “What If” and “Stress Ya”. With time, Mr. Top 5 Dead or Alive will have an album worthy of the same praise.

Before: RR’s ’09 Disappointing Albums: #5 Busta Rhymes Back On My B.S.

Wale ain’t famous but all the famous people know him. Ha. Although, critically-acclaimed, Attention Deficit hasn’t fully connected to the general public and that’s a damn shame. It’s a solid debut that displays the promise of an even brighter future. Few MCs are versatile enough to make a record with Lady Gaga (“Chillin”) and Gucci Mane (“Pretty Girls”) and sounds as comfortably in command. Tell me the Tribe-inspired “World Tour” doesn’t knock. Can’t get Kanye to give you a track, fuck it, make a song he wish he wrote (“90210″). Still my personal favorite “Prescription” best represents the DMV’s finest, he’s lost in the sounds of the band and the lyrics are flowing like fine wine. I’ll take a refill.

Before: RR’s ’09 Underrated Albums: #5 UGK 4 Life

Back in 2006, Busta was at the top of his game with The Big Bang. Three years—and a few delays later, Mr. Smith sought to win listeners again on his eighth LP. But things seemed doomed from out the gate as Busta switched labels and got off to a rocky start with the controversial lead-off “Arab Money”. Things didn’t fair better on the following singles “Hustler’s Anthem ‘09” and the Estelle-assisted “World Go Round”. Album tracks like “We Want In”, and “Shoot For The Moon” were equally unsatisfying. Fortunately, Busta’s saving graces came in the form of “Respect My Conglomerate” and “I’ma Go Get My…”, and “Decisions”. Hopefully on Busta’s next go round, The Dungeon Dragon’s bomb has a stronger impact.