Hold Up Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the best Saian Supa Crew release to date. Its the only French language CD my friends don't complain about when I put it in the CD player.
Saian Supa Crew are my favorite French language rap group, which says a lot as I spend beaucoup d'argent (lots of money) buying just that - French Rap/Hip Hop.
The SSC show their unique blend of styles (adding more ragga blends) musically, and overall would work fine as an instrumental CD...I'm at a loss how to further compliment the work they've done in producing this CD -- its amazing.

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The Third Full Length Studio Album from One of the Most Popular of French Hip-hop Bands.

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Ready (Special Edition with Bonus DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)Trey Songz has never received his just due. Arriving at a time where other male R&B artists were blowing up with reasonable or great success (Chris Brown most notably), it seemed as if Trey Songz's fine I Gotta Make It went unnoticed. This is most sad as Trey Songz has an exceptional, well-nuanced voice that competes with the best of them. I GOTTA MAKE IT was a good, new/old-timey urban album with solid production and overall strong songwriting. It debuted at #20 on the Billboard Album Charts and tanked. 2007's Trey Day showcased a better showing (#11, 73,000 copies), though even the incredibly commercial "Can't Help But Wait" couldn't propel the singer to gold sales. Hopefully 2009's great and well produced Ready will help to propel a talent such as Trey Songz to the level of commercial success he should have already been receiving. If quality were the only indicator and not economy, Trey Songz could easily have a platinum album with this excellent third showing, arguably his best.
The album opens up with "Panty Dropper (Intro)", which prepares the listener to what ends up being Songz's most sensual, sexualized album. Despite this theme, Trey never goes over the edge like say R. Kelly at his most sensual, which means that the album is generally in good taste even though it is risque subject matter. "Neighbor's Know My Name" is an excellent first song - sensual, urban in sound, and well written. It's a song that R. Kelly would've taken to the next level (in a more twisted way that is) and Trey Songz does a phenomenal job with it. Catchy, kinky, and unrequited perfection describe "Neighbors Know My Name". Even better is the proceeding "I Invented Sex", which by title alone sounds like it should be the dirtiest, horniest song of the album. In fact, it turns out to be deceptive and is much more tame than its 'shock value' title. "I Invented Sex" turns out to be a catchy, hip-hop leaning urban song that is more insinuative than explicitly detailing 'the deed'. Again, it is a great production showcase and vocal performance.
I wasn't initially a fan of "I Need A Girl" when I first heard it on the radio; I thought that perhaps Trey Songz had already sailed the 'adult-contemporary R&B' boat with his great, understated "Can't Help But Wait" (also produced by Stargate) from TREY DAY. However, since purchasing READY, I can't stop listening to it! It should appeal to a more mature R&B crowd that don't care to hear about merely 'bumping and grinding'. "One Love" incorporates more great production, intact with sick drum programming, and 'ill' sounding electric guitar, and sensitive harmonious piano. Again, "One Love" is above average by all means and sets quite the standard for READY. "Does He Do It" similarly finds Songz at his best, supported by nothing less than top-notch production by Sean Garrett.
"Say Aah" featuring Fabulous (Loso) is one of the catchiest of the entire album. The production is high quality, Trey sounds among his best, filled with swagger, and Loso's verse is one of the best I've heard from him in a while. "Say Aah" is 'poppin', for lack of a better word. The unique "LOL :-)" is nothing less than fun to listen to, with appearances from rising rapper Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy Tell 'Em. "Ready To Make Love" serves as the 'intro-lude' for the souped up "Jupiter Love", another fine track finding Songz at his most sensual ever.
"Be Where You Are" is solid, but one of my least favorites. With that said, it isn't mere filler; there is no filler on this album. "Successful" featuring rising rapper Drake for the second time of the album (he also appears on "I Invented Sex") is one of the top tracks. The production is mysterious and cool at the same time while Trey's restrained vocals are exceptional here. Drake's verses are top-notch as always, building even more buzz about his debut album. "Black Roses" is another production showcase with its "huge" drums. No, it isn't the best of the album, but it is still a great song, which is key. "Love Lost", similar represents itself well. "Hollalude" serves as an intro-lude to the solid, though not earth-shattering "Holla If You Need Me". The album closes, solidly, though not revolutionarily with "Yo Side of the Bed". Again, even the 'second-rate' songs are solid at least, and most are above average.
There is very little to quibble about with READY. I think it Songz's best set of songs to date. Here, his swagger is really captivating in a way that it hasn't been before. 4 stars, easily.
A Grammy nomination for best contemporary R&B album would be nice.

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Special edition includes bonus DVD featuring a 30 minute interview with Trey! Since making his recording debut in 2005, Trey Songz has patiently and artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&B music of the decade. His first two Songbook Entertainment/Atlantic albums, 'I GOTTA MAKE IT' (2005) and 'TREY DAY' (2007), yielded a trio of top ten singles, 'Girl Tonight,' 'Last Time,' and 'Can't Help But Wait.' And when the latter song garnered Trey a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, it marked the validation of the faith shown in Trey by the late Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun, who hailed him as one of 'the most promising R&B artists we have had since we started the company 60 years ago.' Now, with the 2009 release of 'READY,' Trey Songz is more than ready to claim his place in the pantheon of R&B greats. From the street single, 'Brand New,' to his self-described male version of Mary J. Blige's 'Be Without You' in 'One Love,' the Virginian draws on a range of influences to craft an album that will thrill his longtime fans and happily surprise all newcomers to the Trey Songz story. Indeed, with its blend of hip-hop, R&B, and pop - exemplified by tracks like 'Black Roses,' where Trey croons over a distorted guitar - 'READY' demonstrates his growth on every front. The third time around, Trey displays a new vocal maturity combined with his renowned ability to twist notes and keys effortlessly, while presenting an increasing breadth of subject matter.
Track listing:
1. Panty Droppa-Intro
2. Neighbors Know My Name
3. I Invented Sex (feat. Drake)
4. I Need A Girl
5. One Love
6. Does He Do It
7. Say Aah
8. LOL:-) (feat. Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy Tell 'Em)
9. Ready To Make Luv
10. Jupiter Love
11. Be Where You Are
12. Successful (feat. Drake)
13. Black Roses
14. Love Lost
15. Hollalude
16. Holla If You Need Me
17. Yo Side Of The Bed

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Asleep in the Bread Aisle Review

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(More customer reviews)As with a lot of new artists now days it is difficult to pinpoint what sort of material to expect from them when all we hear is what the record label wants us to hear to obtain that first impression. Well, if you were one who was in the mixtape market you would know that Asher Roth dropped a mixtape last year with DJ Drama and DJ Cannon entitled "The Green House Effect." It is this mixtape where Asher attempted to get the respect to the true hip-hop heads. It showed that the dude can actually rhyme with skill and cleverness. "The Lounge" and "Start the Show" are two tracks from that mixtape that show a clearer picture of who he is as an artist than the single that came out for "Asleep in the Bread Aisle," which was "I Love College."
However, after you get through "I Love College" there are some very well put together songs that make up his official debut album. "Fallin'" is my favorite track on the album and shows Asher rhyme over a Nottz beat. Within this track he reminisces on how he found to love the art of hip-hop. I can relate a lot to this track. "His Dream" is another song which Asher sheds his reputation from "I Love College." In this track, he expresses how he was influenced by his dad, but took a different path because he was influenced by hip-hop more. Another great track.
From there though, the album goes back to play with some disposable songs which I think are more label influenced than Asher's own intentions. "Lark in My Go-Kart," "Bad Day," "Blunt Cruisin'," are all tracks specifically for the feel good audience. It will remind listeners of Eminem's own "comical" tracks which made up of most of Eminem's last album, "The Eminem Show."
And with all albums, there must be a club banger in there somewhere and that is where the "She Don't Want a Man" comes in. And actually, the song is not a bad song. It is probably the most radio/club friendly song on the album and will probably be an eventual single.
"As I Em" is a song directed directly to the critics who believe this young man is trying to take Eminem's fans. It is something that needs to be said by Asher to clear it all up. It's a good track.
All in all the album is not a bad album by any means. A lot of people will be turned off of Asher by getting the misconception that he is trying to take Eminem's spot. He is NOT Eminem. He will never be. He is still a great MC who will entertain you.
Best Tracks:
"Fallin'"
"Sour Patch Kids"
"His Dream"
"Be By Myself"
"As I Em"

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The bonus DVD contains 40 minutes of bonus fan content, including his early raps, his take on hip hop, growing up, his influences, getting stuck in elevator in Steve Rifkin's house, out on a promo tour and more. The DVD also includes the videos for "I Love College" and "Lark On My Go Kart".

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The Slim Shady Show (Eminem Special Collector's Edition) (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)If South Park can be a little too tame for your taste, you might want to check out The Slim Shady Show.
The characters (loosely based on various Eminem alter-egos) and humor are more sophisticated than you might expect, even though it runs on the cruder side. Tastelessness abounds, quite often to the detriment of celebrities--Kurt Cobain, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert Downey Jr. are much abused--but always for the sake of comedy. And you don't have to be an Eminem fan to like it--his music never makes an appearance, though in the best episode, "Slimshank Redemption," Slim does some freestyling while in solitary confinement--a hilarious rant which sends up Eminem's style perfectly ("He's not even making sense anymore!" nerdy Marshall squeaks).
My personal favorite of the posse, Ken Kaniff (voiced by Eminem) is fashion-concious and man-crazy, and clearly the most fun. His act of raising Gianni Versace from the dead is by turns touching, hilarious, and results in new outfits for the gang and a great party. Anyone who accuses Em of homophobia might think twice after watching Ken in action.
This DVD loses a star for not having much in the way of extras. The "lost episode" should have stayed so and the picture gallery is pointless. The behind-the-scenes featurette is nice but basically fluff. I would like it to have been longer with more in-depth information. The D-12 video is well-conceived but musically listless. Buy this for the episodes alone, they are worth it.

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This video features Eminem's animated "Slim Shady World" program as well as never before seen footage, interviews, and plenty of music from Eminem & friends.

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Face Off (CD w/ DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm not saying that this is Grammy nominated material here or anything of that nature.
But it is enjoyable and does offer a few quality songs from Bow Wow & O as well. They have writing credits on every song on the cd some are a lot better than others like "Another Girl",
"Hood Star", "Girlfriend", "Hey Ain't Gotta Know" and "Can't Get Tired of Me". I really enjoyed those songs above.
Then are some stinkers on here as well such as "Number Ones" and "Take Off Your Clothes" which kind of made me cringe just listening to them as to me neither offer anything special and just aren't that memorable to me at all. Also didnt really care for "Face Off" but that one is barely over 2 minutes and serves more as an intro to me than anything.
Besides those songs there i didnt have an issue with "Face Off". I'm glad they both got together to do this as promised and they seem to flow back and forth pretty well on a number of songs. Its probably not for everyone but it is enjoyable and to me worth the money..although i don't understand the editing out profanity in the songs...why?? It doesnt make sense if your going to say it in the song go ahead and let others hear it as well. Or put out an edited version of "Face Off" on it own as an alternative.
Minor gripe though the cd is nice overall minus a few bumps in the road. "Face Off" will only magnify the status of both B-dub and O as well much success to you guys on this one and the future.
:D

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Japanese pressing of the 2007 collaboration between rapper, Bow Wow and R&B singer Omarion featuring two bonus tracks: 'Lights, Camera, Action' and 'Let Me Hold You'. Face Off marks the culmination of a joint collaborative process dating back to 2005 when Omarion's vocal contributions to Bow Wow's 'Let Me Hold You' (from the album Wanted) peaked at #4 in the Billboard Hot 100.Since then, both artists have achieved great success and came together when the time was right. 14 tracks including the first single 'Girlfriend'. Columbia.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Boss of All Bosses (Jewl) Review

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(More customer reviews)Slim Thug has been one of my favorite rappers of the past few years. He has not disappointed me and is one of the most consistent rappers of his era. Literally everything he's put out has been solid. Already Platinum is a personal classic to me and many reviewers and Boss Hogg Outlawz - Serve & Collect was possibly the best underground album of 2007. Every song jammed on that even though some members of the BHO weren't that good.Slim Thug makes his mark on 2009 with his criminally slept on Boss of All Bosses. Continuing the string of quality music, Thugga decided to go back to his roots and not the commercial route of the Neptunes produced tracks. The production on this album is superb to say the least. Slim Thugs flow and commanding voice go perfectly over every track and Slim Thug's lyrics are at their pinnacle. He rips every track never missing a beat. Leaning boasts a great beat and one of the last Pimp C collaborations and the track doesn't disappoint one bit. Every song rides but if I had to pick She Like That would be the absolute standout track with it's thick bass and slow beat and killer verses from Slim Thug. The vibe on this one is just too trill to be ignored. Associates, Hard, Top Drop, Thug etc. all ride out. The song length for each track lingers around the 5 minute mark but never feels like you're waiting on the next track. As a matter of fact the tracks make you wish they were longer. That's how good the songs and the album as a whole is.Nearly every rapper with a name in Texas has come through on this record to cosign Slim Thug and most of them appear on the album closer Welcome To Houston which is a collaboration of epic proportions. The song features Paul Wall, Chamillionaire, Mike Jones, Trae The Truth, Z-Ro the Crooked, UGK, Lil Keke, Big Pokey, Mike D, Lil O, and Rob G for a 9 minute opus and introduction to the sounds of HTown. Devin The Dude,Scarface,JDawg, and Killa Kyleon also contribute on various songs and it just speaks volumes to sticking together and making hot music together instead of beefing all the time. Even though it seems like it is too many guests it really isn't as Slim Thug shines on every track and there is never confusion as to whose song it is.I've been looking for a reason not to rate this a classic album but I cannot find one. On the blogs, on the internet boards and in real life I have yet to hear people objectively say that this album wasn't a stellar effort. In my opinion it's one of the best albums of the year (Deeper Than Rap I must admit is still the best album I've heard this year) and should definitely be PURCHASED because the music speaks for itself.


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2009 release, the long-awaited studio follow-up to Already Platinum. Slim Thug began his official relationship with Koch/E1 Records with the release of the two underground Boss Hogg Outlawz projects which brings us to Slim's long-awaited sophomore solo album. Boss Of All Bosses contains that Texas fire that fans have come to expect from Slim. On the heels of his smash-in-the-making 'I Run,' 2009 promises to be a big year for one of Houston's finest.

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Revolverlution Review

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(More customer reviews)You know how so many rap media outlets complain how the best album never get enough airplay or sales. Stuff like Rawkus etc, overrated stuff.
Public Enemy is facing the same problem. It's latest album Revolverlution is full of floor-shaking beats and varied production that gives the groups still on point MC the perfect sonic background to drop some knowledge.
Problem is...does anyone care anymore?
Record companies have mega-selling rappers like Nelly (bless him, he's entertaining), Eminem, Dre, Red and Meth,Kurupt etc.
They dont need to deal with the always explosive Chuck D and his views anymore or with Public Enemy's crew for that matter.
Songs like " 5 4 3 2 1 Boom" and "Son of a Bush" feature superb production up there with the best of them. Over booming, classic
PE beats the crew drops political commentary but doesnt forget that the music needs to entertain as well. it certainly gets your adrenaline flowing just like hearing "Fight The Power" did.
The oft forgotten art of Deejaying has always been prominently featured on PE's albums. Personally, I really miss the scratching and other DJ techniques which were all over old skool rap albums. Terminator X blesses "Revolverlution" with some superb scratches, especially in the choruses. The afore-mentoned cut "5 4 3 2 1 Boom" is extremely catchy. As you'd expect it's not just about [RUMP]-shaking beats but the message as well. Chuck rips into the Bush family as well as various "black"-owned radio stations and record companies. Vitriol from an man no longer creating massive albums sales? No, definitely not. Chuck D doesnt need to do that, he does actually have something say as does Flavor Flav. All songs contain strong lyricism even if some of the topics are old and we've heard the social commentary before.
Besides 8 new songs, there are four remixes of old PE classics like "Shut'em Down". These have been done by artists around the world who were able to take part in a remixing contest at Public Enemy's website. Most of the mixes are quickly forgotte, but it's the few live tracks like an amazingly poignant "Fight The POwer" that are the highlights beside the eight new cuts.
Is this going to get you in a party mood like Dre or Nelly...probably not, but it's going to make you think while it's entertaining the hell out of you. Not an easy feat.

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Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Montezuma's Revenge Review

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(More customer reviews)Souls of Mischief have just released their first album in over 9 years entitled "Montezuma's Revenge." The album was produced by the legendary Prince Paul behind hip-hop classics from De La Soul, Gravediggaz, Stetsasonic and Handsome Boy Modelling School. Souls of Mischief stormed onto the rap scene when they were just 17 years old releasing hip-hop classics like 93 til infinity. That track is still much loved and their first album is considered one of the best hip-hop albums ever released. They followed it up with the much maligned "No Man's Land." This album remains one of the most underrated rap albums ever released. The sound was in stark contrast to their first album but the lyrics and flows were still unparalleled for the time. Souls of Mischief were always way ahead of their time. They were dropping cadences, styles and multi-syllabic flows that the rap industry is just catching on to now almost 15 years later. Their third album "Trilogy" was in much the same vein as their first 2, sticking to the tried and true formula of ridiculous lyrics over crazy beats.
Montezuma's Revenge is a new era for the Souls. They are all older, a bit more mature, and yet with this album they've retained that timeless `93 style hip-hop sound. Much credit has to go to Prince Paul for getting the very best out of Souls. Prince Paul knows how to make an album. In this age of Itunes and people only downloading tracks they like, "the album" is almost dead. Prince Paul has created something that is complete and is best consumed as such. The entire album flows from beginning to end and it covers so many styles.
I don't think you will ever find a better rap group than Souls of Mischief. They are a unified force, they come together as one and smack you over the head with those ridiculous flows and lyrical gymnastics. It is not simply a track with 4 rappers each dropping a verse. They combine together as duos or together as a foursome like in "Fourmation" dropping one line each. They follow on from each others rhymes, they drop in and out like tag team specialists.
What is special about this album is that it isn't just the tried and true hiero formula of non stop battle lyrics. They have created great songs here. "For Real Y'all" is just a driving bassline with Opio hitting the chorus over and over again. It just bumps. The hooks are also back on track. On Trilogy they become unnecessarily long and unwieldy. Things are kept simple here, Prince Paul using samples in "La La" or a simple "Tour stories, true stories" in Tour Stories. It often work's best and its why 93 til infinity still sounds good today. Think of "Never No More" as the blueprint. The topics are still varied from crazy women in "Postal," leaving women in "Lickety Split," and storytelling tracks like "You got it" and "Dead Man Walking." This combined with the signature hiero bangers like "Hiero HQ," "One," and "Poets." It's finished off withe summer BBQ track "Home Game," which really deserves a single and a music video to be released in summer 2010. That would surely help blow up the album. The track has a great feel reminiscent of other hiero hits like "You Never Knew" and "93 til Infinity."
I think what Souls of Mischief does is create albums that you can listen to over and over again. Don't listen to some reviewer who's played it a couple of times amongst 20 albums he is reviewing and given it 3 and a half stars. This album is a classic that you can listen to over and over again and till you can recite every verse. The beats are incredible, the flows and rhymes on point and the vibe an era of hip-hop in 93/94 that has never been matched. Prince Paul has always got the sound of the tracks right. Everything is not crisp and clear, he's intentionally made it sound like something from the early 90s.
Take "Proper Aim." Surely one of the greatest Souls of Mischief's tracks ever. A thick double bass line comes roaring in. Vinyl crackles, kicks and snares and the Souls hit you with that trademark flow. It really gets no better and is a great example of the quality of the album.

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Montezuma's Revenge was created the old-fashioned way, withthe MCs A-Plus, Phesto, Opio & Tajai - and producers PrincePaul & Domino - in the lab together from the beginning to theend of the recording process. "We rented a house" explainsOpio. "Prince Paul came out, we had no distractions, we just didmusic every day. " "It was cool" adds Tajai. "He had concepts, andits good to have an outside perspective - it was a great process."The result is a cohesive, creative Hip Hop album, the kind ofproject you d expect from veterans like Souls of Mischiefunder the auspices of a genius producer like Prince Paul.Souls first encountered Prince Paul while touring with A TribeCalled Quest and De La Soul back in the day. But it was on amore recent tour with Handsome Boy Modeling School thatthe seeds of this collaboration were planted.So what exactly is Montezuma's Revenge? Tajai comments,"We recorded the album on Montezuma Street." The finalproduct features 18 tracks of the quality Hip Hop you ve come to expect from Hieroglyphics, with cover art byesteemed illustrator Steve Lopez (famous for hisillustrations of Erykah Badu and others). Of coursethere s more to the title than the location of therecording, Tajai says "The deeper meaning is this albumwill make you cr@p yourself."

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Full Circle Review

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(More customer reviews)No way does this album deserve some of the hate that it's been getting, although people are finally showing it some love with the last few posts. Okay, so Del's not all over the album. So what? We've heard from Del for 12 years up to "Full Circle," it's time to let the other members get their time to shine. We need to thank Pep Love love for his work on this album. Almost every verse he drops is memorable, and he saved a few songs that would have been mediocre otherwise. Pep Love is arguably the strongest Hiero member RIGHT NOW (sorry Del) and proves it on "Full Circle." Opio is all over the album too, and shows how valuable he is.
The album starts out on an excellent roll that lasts until midway where the momentum dies somewhere in the arguably mediocre songs "Chicago" and "Heatish." "Halo" follows and is a standout, it touches on a lot of spiritual themes, and the till the end of the cd, the following songs are hit-or-miss (more "hitting" than "missing" in my book). "Jingle Jangle" seems to be the only track that I can't get into, it's a little too much. The beat on "Love Flowin'" might be a little overdone. Otherwise, the last two tracks are definitely winners.
I believe that "Powers That Be" is the album's best cut, with a lively, upbeat sound and outstanding lyrics and a chorus with humming in the background. Plus, Del and Pep Love grace that track. The single "Make Your Move" is actually quite good compared to the cold reception it's getting. Goapele's vocal's are so soulful, and actually enhance the track instead of feeling recycled. If there's any doubt, just listen to Pep Love's lyrics and you should like the song. "Classic" has one of the best beats on the album, although the lyrics aren't the tighest they have to offer, it's still a standout. "Let It Roll" is a faster song, and one of the best, but the preceeding "100,000 Indi" is lacking energy, and somewhat wastes the talents of guest Abstract Rude. "Maggie May" revolves around a rather cliched story, but they end up making it worthwhile. The title track has some of the strongest lyrics through-and-through. Although I was feelin' Goapele's vocals more on "Make Your Move," the title track is still probably my second favorite off "Full Circle." The last one, "7 Sixes," all the members join in and just flex their skills (especially Del.) The best songs on the album??? I think they are: "Powers That Be," "Halo," "Let It Roll," and "Full Circle." "Fantasy Island," "Make Your Move," "Classic," "Maggie May" and "7 Sixes" are the other notables.
I don't see this album as being inferior to "Third Eye Vision." "Third Eye" wasn't as untouchable as some are claiming it to be, anyway. This has got some memorable tracks, and the whole album flows quite smoothly, song-to-song. The production, overall, was much, much better, which is where "Third Eye Vision" dissappointed. Jay-Biz is not to be found on "Full Circle," so just eight of the members are involved. I can see people complaining that this is too much 'business as usual.' That feeling arises at points, but Hieroglypics are too strong to have that notion be a deterrant. They do need to work on their hooks, though, some of them being the low-points of the songs. If you can't think of a good hook, just lay low and let the DJ do some scratching or something! Anyways, this album still clocks in at 4 to 4.5 stars, which is quite impressive given the mediocrity and disposability of Rap these last few years.

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Japanese edition of the 1997 album by the dark metal sextet featuring the bonus track 'Mercyless Force'. Seven tracks total. A Neat Metal Records release. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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W.I.C.K.E.D Review

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(More customer reviews)Now at first listen of this album, I was thrown off. I thought here we go the downfall! After several listens later I was just amazed at the layering of this album, and the now obvious view of how much time and effort was taken in placing all the elements. I am a fan of twiztid and icp, I get what this label is trying to do so I guess it puts me at an advantage in discovering things thru different eyes. With that said if you don't care about these artists you are not gonna get it and you should stick with the jonas bros. Independent labels rule!

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2009 release. Twiztid know scary.Their genre is known for crossing the lines of comfort, safety, and decency; and Twiztid have pushed the envelope with ruthless abandon since their first record.Twiztid is going back to their roots for this album. Plus it has a lesson to teach to those you darn to listen.

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Gates Mixed Plate Review

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(More customer reviews)i didn't get into Tech until just right before "Killer", but this album is one example of how unfair the music industry is. This guy has one of the most amazing flows in the business. He knows how to make a song, and makes all of the other MCs around him better. This is a good album. And oh yeah, don't burn it- BUY IT!

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Tech N9ne steps out of the darkness to party withhis friends on the latest album from the Tech N9neCollabos imprint, The Gates Mixed Plate. With anemphasis on enjoying life, The Gates Mixed Platebrings together a diverse set of notable features includingJay Rock, Glasses Malone, Yukmouth, DevinThe Dude and Stevie Stone, as well as the familiarStrange Music cohorts: Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhounand Big Scoob.On The Gates Mixed Plate, Tech N9ne and companyfocus on party-inducing anthems with songs like O.G. - an ode to Kansas City and barbecue thatfinds Tech N9ne waxing poetic about his hometown and KC Tea a boisterous tribute to Tech snewest beverage concoction.As a follow up to his darkest album, K.O.D., TechN9ne makes sure to let everyone know he s steppedout of the emotional shadows and is all about thebright side of life on The Gates Mixed Plate. Goahead, step up to the counter and order The GatesMixed Plate guaranteed to leave your palettesatisfied, whatever your tastes may be.

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God Loves Ugly Review

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(More customer reviews)Since the late 90's, mainstream hip hop has taken an unusual and very unpleasant turn with the main focus being money, cars, women and the other materialistic things that have been the sole motivation for getting a record deal and releasing an album full of pure garbage. Thus, with the release of God Loves Ugly, Atmosphere's Slug and Ant once again give the correct dose of hip hop that true fans would respect and appreciate. Dubbed as emo-hop(emotional hip hop) by critics and mainstream artists alike, God Loves Ugly breathes life into a genre that has seemingly lost it's way. Slug's lyrical ability is once again on display with tracks like "Lovelife", "Vampires" and the title track, "God Loves Ugly" with Slug's spitting lyrics like "I wear my scars like the rings on a pimp, I live my life like the captain of a sinking ship". My favorite cut would have to be "Blamegame", hands down features some of Ant's best work displaying an old school vibe with Slug expressing his dislike for mainstream hip hop with lyrics like "Raise your hands if you remember the Juice Crew/they don't make em like they used to/this is supposed to be the new school/your songs are nameless/guns are aimless/how long you been famous". Once again complimented by extraordinary production by Ant, this album solidifies Atmosphere's already legendary status.

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2009 two disc (CD + DVD) reissue. Repackaged, re-mastered, and uglier than ever, the critically acclaimed third official studio release from Atmosphere is back and now includes a bonus DVD, originally released as Sad Clown Bad Dub 4 (The godloves ugly Release Parties. The DVD features two hours of live performance footage, backstage shenanigans, several guest appearances, and music videos for "Godlovesugly", "Summersong", and "Say Shh".--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Sickology 101 Review

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(More customer reviews)Thats all i can say is DOPe. Tech shines again on this album. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a Mixtape,meaning that there are a lot of features and its dosent have the same feel as a Tech n9ne solo album(thus the name). But with tracks like Sickology 101, Rednose, MWC2 and Let Me In you get to see all of the musical sides of tech on this album, and like always comes clean on every track. Overall the most diverse album to date from Tech and from Strange Music. I would recomend it for anyone new to Tech becasue if gives a full range of his musical styles and to anyone that has been a long time fan or collector....overall 8 out of 10 album

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2009 release from one of the hardest working entertainers in the game. Sickology 101 is set to be the hottest collaboration album of the year. Powered by the inspiring, in-yo-face anthem "Nothin,'" featuring The Boy Boy Young Mess (Messy Marv) and Big Scoob, as well as the haunting, hypnotic "Red Nose." Sickology 101 also features lyrical heavyweights, Chino XL, Crooked I and Krayzie Bone.

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Just Tryin Ta Live Review

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(More customer reviews)Devin The Dude is a Dirty South underground legend. Appearing on such classics as Scarface's F. Friends and Dr. Dre's F. You...Devin has never been outshined. He is a chilled out hustler and pimp with a love for the sticky icky and his music reflects this. This album sounds high. It is so free flowing and laid back...you can let it play right through. There are no upbeat uptempo tracks no sir. I believe you have to be pretty laid back as a person to truly appreciate this album. Devin's rhyme style is humorous at times and he is telling stories most of the album. His voice is better than most with his slow smooth talk/rap over smooth beats. He shows he can get down with some of the best on Some Of Em with Xzibit and Nas. Just Trying Ta Live just makes you say ahhhhhh....I mean there's really not much to explain about it. Doobie Ashtray would have to be my favorite track on the album though. With a great chorus and a phenomenal beat provided by DJ Premier, this is one of the best songs of the year.
"what you gon do when the people go home and you wanna smoke weed but the reefas all gone,
somebody had the nerve to take the herb outta the doobie ashtray why they do me that way,
What you gonna do when your friends go home and you wanna drink a beer but your ends all gone,
somebody had the nerve to take the herb outta the doobie ashtray why they do me that way"
That's a taste of the vibe of the album. This album is easily one of the years best and you should definitely check it out if you a chill out type of person. Must buy.

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Awesome, I Shot That (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)First, let me start by saying this: if you're not already a fan of the Beastie Boys, this DVD is not going to convert you. Usually, that kind of statement is a cop-out reserved for defending a poor live performance, but in this case, it simply is what it is. If you're one of those people who either A) doesn't like hip-hop, or B) doesn't like "doo-doo rhymes" (elaborately constructed rhymes consisting of ridiculous non-sequiturs, Dada surrealism, and absurdist goofiness delivered for the sole purpose of putting a big, stupid grin on your face), you are never going to like the Beastie Boys...ever. And when you see the manic energy of both the crowd and the boys themselves, as well as the reciprocal love, you're simply going to wonder what all of the fuss is about. I'm not about to give you any of that "You have to see them live" business that die-hards will often trot out to defend lackluster albums. Seeing them live won't change anything. You either like the Beasties or you don't. Period. End of discussion.
That said, on to the DVD itself. Quite simply, this is what Beastie Boys fans have been waiting on for a long time: a full-length concert. Why it has taken so long is anybody's guess, but that may actually be a good thing - now that they have so many great songs (many of which are bona-fide hits) to chose from, the set list is a lot fuller than it might have been at an earlier point in their career. Oddly, their biggest hits are MIA; they're obviously so sick to death of "Fight For Your Right to Party" and "No Sleep `Til Brooklyn" that they're apparently refusing to play them anymore. For some people, this will be a deal-breaker; but that's too bad, because they honestly aren't missed. And the rest of the playlist is superb. Now on to the specifics:
Audio: This is a soundboard recording with a full, well-defined 5.1 mix. This is live hip-hop, so don't go in expecting chamber music, but it sounds good to me, and I consider myself an audiophile.
Video: This is where there is going to be the most controversy. In one corner you have the older generation of performance footage fans who grew up watching "videos" of `50's, `60's, and `70's artists playing live. At that time, there were typically three cameras: one at stage right, one at center stage, and one at stage left. The center stage camera did most of the work, and the pans were long, the cuts infrequent, and the fades slow. If you grew up in this generation, chances are you're not into the Beastie Boys, but if you're one of those rare exceptions of boomers who listen to hip-hop, chances are even greater that you're still going to hate watching this DVD. In fact, there are going to be children of the `80's who can't watch this performance. This kind of video style (literally more cuts and pans per second than most older footage has per minute) is geared for a generation that possesses, in the words of Dennis Miller, "the attention-span of a ferret on a double-espresso." And if you have any adverse reactions (epilepsy, etc.) to strobe lights, this DVD is out of the question. But I personally think they made the right choice. As my girlfriend and I were watching this show, we were amazed at how the DVD captured the energy of the live performance itself better than most DVDs we've seen, and I honestly don't think that could have been achieved with a more traditional style. I also like the fact that they mixed in hand-held Super-8 camcorder footage (a la Blair Witch) with professional filming equipment; again, it added to the rough, live feel of the show. Finally, some people may not like the fact that the concert cuts away to follow people getting beer, going to the restroom, etc., but it really puts you there, and the way it's edited, you don't really miss any of the show. They even follow the Beastie Boys around between the final song of the regular set and the encore. In case you've ever wondered what bands do during those minutes, at least with the Beastie Boys, now you know (mainly a lot of running).
I've seen the Beastie Boys twice, and this is as close as you can get to what it's like actually being there. Overall, if you're a fan, this DVD is not merely recommended; it is essential.


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No Mercy No Fear Review

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(More customer reviews)I can see why Eminem and Dr. Dre signed 50 after listening to this CD. His style is so powerful and inspirational.

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No Mercy, No Fear is the tape that found its way into the hands of Eminem and Dr. Dre, leading to 50 Cent's initial signing with Interscope Records. Standout tracks include 'Back Seat' and 'Say What You U Want'.

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Steve Miller Band - Live From Chicago Review

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(More customer reviews)I was very excited to hear that this was coming out as I have seen Steve Miller in concert and it was great. This DVD is well done with good sound. As others have stated, the band is in good form. I do have a few problems with it though.
1) The documentary is interesting and it was nice to hear Steve talk about his past in Chicago but I felt the person conducting the interview was a complete waste. It was nice to let Steve do most of the talking but on the other hand, the lack of actual questioning almost made him seem uncomfortable. The shots of the interviewer just nodding his head were also not needed.
2) Song selection. While I can appreciate the need for Steve to pay tribute to his blues roots with the 3 covers, I felt short-changed by the lack of material from some of his albums. Nothing from Italian X-rays, Born 2 B Blue, Livin' in the 20th Century and Wide River and even the widely regarded mis-fire Circle of Fire. Not only are there hit songs on most of these albums, but there are good blues tracks.
3) The rap section during Fly Like An Eagle is oddly out of place.
I still give this package a high rating because of the value for the $ and even with the above albums not represented, you still can't go wrong. At least the cover songs were well performed.

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The long-awaited live performance DVD from the legendary Steve Miller Band featuring the hits Swingtown Fly Like An Eagle The Joker Jet Airliner and more. Bonus features include behind the scenes footage a private tour of Chicago with Steve Miller a beautiful photo gallery and many other extras now available for the first time ever! Running Time: 125 Mins

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