Originally conceived as a sequel to the spectacular Sincerely Yours, Southside, 50 adds his magic touch to some mo’ R&B classics. This time it’s ’90s bangers that get the takeover treatment. He makes it clear that “success is his addiction” on Gina Thompson’s “The Things That You Do”; counts his stacks over Horace Brown’s “One For The Money” and is lookin’ for a ride-or-die chick to the sounds of Intro’s “Funny How Time Flies”. But instead of sticking to the […]

Hold up. Before we get started, let’s get something clear. Just ’cause I don’t personally like someone, doesn’t mean I can’t document objectively their contributions to this culture which is bigger than all of us. I hate Kobe, but he’s three rings away from being the undisputed G.O.A.T. Yes, I’m not fond of Mr. Jaco, but there’s no denying his strong MC skills. His Turkey day-released gift to fans, Enemy of The State, is even further proof of that. Timbo’s […]

You can’t call your album “Kiss My Ass”? Fuck it, make a mixtape bearing the name. Get back with Green Lantern, the DJ behind the captivating Champ Is Here, and attempt to make a work that comes close to eclipsing its potent prodecessor. Revved up for the reunion, Jada spazzes on the MIC with Pacquaio power-packed punchlines. He’s “the cornerstone of the corner store” (“Child Albuse”), “nicer than Jordan when he hit the jumper over Craig Ehlo” (“The People”) and […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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”); […]

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”); […]

I told ya I had a feeling Crack had something up his sleeve. Call it a comeback, Mr. Cartagena!

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, […]