This album is a tribute to true musical expression. It transcends anything the hip hop world is producing these dayz. Their uncanny ability to successfully experiment with different musical tastes intertwined with a hip hop base is unprecedented. They are hands down the greatest group of all time. This album is a classic, if not for they're soulful lyrics, then for sheer innovation. A+
Every year Jay-Z drops album after album. Each one with a different vibe and feel to it. And he never disappoints. The same can be said for this album, by far his most introspective. He addresses all the issues surrounding him and the hip hop world he controls on songs like "Not Guilty" in which he speaks on his current legal woes. Then on "Streets is Talkin" he reaffirms his role as a ghetto representative and warns those who think otherwise. But don't get it twisted, this album is not all about Jay as Bleek&Beans step up their game tremendously. Beanie Sigel drops one of the most heartwrenching verses of all time on, "Where Have U Been". An ode to all the dead beat dads out there. This has to be one of the greatest songs of all time. And Bleek doesn't disappoint either as he holds his own on the solo tip with "Holla". Showcasing his knack for ghetto tracks, he is truly coming of age. And if that isn't enough for you, check out the "1-900-Hustler" and peep the chemistry between these three as Beans plays operator, why the rest of the ROC schools these niggas on how to set up shop! All around this album is solid. Even though there are a few filler tracks thrown in between (i.e. Stick to the Script) it comes off with a certain fluidity that keeps the listener interested. Overall its a great album. B+
Another classic release from the Rawkus camp (the underground DefJam). This album is an example of everything right in hiphop. Talib Kweli has finally emerged from the shadow of his partner-n-rhyme, Mos Def. Kweli's lyricism truly shines over the flawless production of DJ Hi-Tek. After this release, Hi-Tek will surely be one of the most highly sought-after producers in the game.
Stillmatic....I told yall the nigga still had it. This album is a stepping stone on the path to rekindle his lyrical flames. First he sparks up Jay-Z on the venomous track Ether to the surprise of many. Be honest, none of us believed that he could chew up Jay-Z the way he did. He takes several more subliminal jabs at Jay throughout the album. Over the entrancing production of "You're the Man" he slyly spits "They plan was to knock me out the top of the game/ but I overstand your truth its all LAME." Its simple and plain. Nas is back to reign at the top of his game. He flirts with new techniques on tracks such as "One Mic" in which his voice follows the crescendo of the track, rising in intensity along with the beat. Then he flips the script, literally, on the track "Rewind" in which he details a day in the life of a gansta from the end to its genesis. Overall Nas just kills it with this album. Thats all yall need to know. Go cop that shit dunn. The REAL ruler's back.
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