Jason's Own Music Reviews
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Rap/Hip-Hop Music Reviews

The Notorious B.I.G.- Life After Death---7 out of 10---

The late Biggie Smalls has hit everyone with his new 2CD/3LP album, Life After Death, and for the most part stays true to what made Ready to Die a platinum success. Biggie's topics in this album range from talk about thuggin' it up with Bone in "Notorious Thugs" to gettin' another partner with Lil' Kim in "Another," to player life with cream everywhere in "Hypnotize," Biggie's first single. The pure length of the album is enough for all Biggie fans to enjoy before the inevitable "Biggie's Hidden & Unreleased Cuts" album makes its way into stores. Life After Death does have its flaws, however. The album has too many mediocre songs, and lacks some of the "hardness" Ready to Die had. It does have a good range of producers, including Kay-Gee, Puff Daddy, Havoc, my personal favorite RZA, and my second favorite, DJ Premier. DJ Premier never ceases to hit people with his well-crafted and addicting production. RZA's, on the other hand was a let-down from my perspective. The track, "Long Kiss Goodnight," sounds eerily similar to his latest solo single, "Tragedy." And my take on that song wasn't that great. But all in all, the album is a head-nodder, and Biggie will have you pumping your speakers for some time to come.

Best cuts to look for:



DJ Muggs- Soul Assassins Compilation---6 out of 10---

This certainly has major potential. When you have RZA and GZA from Wu-Tang, Goodie Mob, Cypress Hill, KRS-One, Mobb Deep, etc. you have to expect something spectacular. While this album has its good points, it didn't live up to my expectations. Many of the song have the same elements and beat patterns, and some are plain boring to sit through. There are some definite gems in here, though. Third World, featuring RZA and GZA, is a really nice song, but a bit short.

Best cuts to look for:

Other Reviews

Tricky- Pre-Millenium Tension---7 out of 10---

Tricky, for those who don't know, is a British artist that excels in the style of trip-hop. Although the 26-year old Tricky hates to be labeled as a trip-hop artist, there really isn't any other category closer. In his second solo full-length album, Pre-Millenium Tension, Tricky plays with more industrial-type beats as compared to his heavy hip-hop influences in Maxinquaye or Grassroots, his compilation EP. In "Christiansands" Tricky and his sidekick, Martina, talk about meeting "meeting a Christian in Christiansands" and "a devil in Helsinki" over an incredible beat.Although in some songs it's hard to tell what his point or meaning is, the lyrics are still nice and the well-crafted production of Tricky is fun to listen to. A very nice album.

Cuts to check for:


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