Amazon.com

Long beforeSnoop Dogg, Eminem, or Xzibit came into the picture, Dr. Dre had already found the perfect MC in the D.O.C., a Texas transplant to Los Angeles. Before he tragically lost his vocal chords in an auto accident, the D.O.C. was easily one of the fiercest lyricists that the West Coast had ever witnessed--a combination of Ice Cube's scowling aggressiveness but balanced with a sophistication that would have rivaled KRS-One at his best. With a ragga-tinged flow, he could drop lyrical bombs with fury on "It's Funky Enough" or sublimely style for "The Formula." Dre supported the D.O.C. with a bevy of funk-laden tracks that were pre-Chronic, meaning that the feel was rough and rugged vs. wet and sticky. Had his voice survived, there's little doubt that the D.O.C. would have become one of Cali's greatest MCs ever. All the supporting evidence is on this album.--Oliver Wang ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A Great Lost Album
This album is hot! This was made in the when N.W.A. was at the top of its game, and Dr. Dre produced another great one. This record starts off with the standout track, "It's Funky Enough." The D.O.C. really rips up the mic here over a great beat. "Mind Blowin'" is another great one. Throughout the whole album, DOC just cruises through the tracks, making it seem so easy. "The Formula" is my favorite song on here, and is nice and laid back. "Beautiful but Deadly" is a rock-like record that makes for a very interesting shake-up from the rest of the songs. I like every track on here, except "Lend Me an Ear," which is still better than a lot of songs today. "Grand Finale" is another gem that features the whole N.W.A. crew. Overall, a great album with radio friendly hits. The D.O.C. could've easily become one of the greatest M.C.'s we've ever witnessed if it wasn't for the car accident that permenantly damaged his vocal chords. This isn't as good beat wise as "The Chronic" or "Doggystyle" but the amazing lyrics make it easy for me to give it 5 out of 5 stars. I definitely recommend this album to any old school fan of hip-hop.

Another bright spot for the West Coast!!!
The D.O.C. was a great talent in his prime, until an unfortunate car accident forver altered his once commanding voice. After the release of the phenomenal Straight Outta Compton album from N.W.A., The D.O.C. hooked up with Dre again to produce this classic. DOC was at his true form on this album, choosing to focus on rocking rough rhymes instead the gangsta attitude that N.W.A. displayed. And what resulted was one fine hip hop album. Here's the review:

Album Highlights: It's Funky Enough, Whirlwind Pyramind, The Formula, The Grand Finale(w/N.W.A.), The D.O.C. and The Doctor, and Lend Me An Ear.

Production: Thumbs up, more classic production by Dr.Dre.

Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up.

Originality: Thumbs Up.

The Last Word: The D.O.C. reigned supreme with this release. Although challenged by Ice Cube, The D.O.C., around the time in 89 when this was released, was a force to reckoned with, ALMOST ahead of his time in a way. Overall, the album is tremendous in every sense of the word, as it truly defines the West coast sound in all of its glory. Strongly recommended.

THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME??
The DOC No One Can Do it Better is one of the best rap albums of all time..easily a top 10..All the songs and beats on the album are dope and the DOC rips the mic like no other. He was definitely a natural..The beats on this album are by Dre and they are some of his bests. the Formula is my favorite..
To me No One Can Do it Better is a better first album than any of the other deceased mc's..including ready to die..does that mean the DOC woulda been the greatest? Who knows but I think he wouldve shown he's better than Biggie or Pac..

ONE OF THE FORGOTTEN HIP-HOP CLASSICS
The beats and music are so ecletic and sometimes sound incomparable; it ranges from reggae to rock, from soul to funk. And the lyrics...? His lyrical skill and delivery is top-notch; there is something about his high-pitched tone that is so intriguing. The hottest songs on this CD are "Funky Enough", "Mind Blowin'", the rock-meets-rap-flavored "Beautiful But Deadly" (The guitars are terrific!), the title track, "Portrait of a Masterpiece"--a two-minute blitzkrieg of beats and rhymes in which he hilariously pauses to catch his breath and raps his fastest, and of course, the last song - "The Grand Finale" - in which his comrades N.W.A. join in the fun. And the interludes are ingenious and hilarious, one in which Dr. Dre curses at the listener to turn the tape to side two (Yes, it is in the CD). It's witty, it's light-hearted, it's fun and it is so masterful that it is hard to believe that in this day and age, when people talk about the classic hip-hop albums, NO ONE CAN DO IT BETTER is often left out. Perhaps it is mainly due to the ending of such a promising career when a near-fatal car accident permanently damaged the D.O.C.'s vocal chords, only leaving people to wonder what could have been. But that is hardly an excuse.

WESTCOAST AT ITS FINEST!
This album is everything that a westcoast rap fan can hope for, everything from tight beats to incredible lyrics, too bad for his accident, or today we would be arguing who is better Tupac or the D.O.C. It's funky enough is the best track on the album, wish more rappers could come out with tracks like this. Let the bass go is another head banger. "No one can do it better" doesn't begin to describe this album, just greatness. listen to the formula and Portrait of a master piece and listen to the lyrics. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

This might have been the album Tribe Called Quest wanted to make from the very beginning. It's their most even, consistent album of the original trilogy that also includes People's Instinctive Travels... and The Low End Theory. But in spite of this, or maybe because of it, it's also their most uninteresting. With so many competent tracks, there's no chance for something to stand out above the pack, like "Scenario" did on Low End Theory or "Can I Kick It" did on People's Instinctive Travels. The celebration is there ("Stir It Up"), the jazz drums kick ("Oh My God"), and the stand-up bass dribbles, keeping perfect pace with Q-Tip's unmistakable mic-touch ("Electric Relaxation"). There's even a Native Tongues armistice/reunion with De La Soul ("Awards Tour"). Although it comes together like a seamless tutorial in jazz hip-hop style, it comes together so damn well that it's hard for any one track to excel, cursing the album with consistent quality. --Todd Levin ... Read more

Reviews (84)

Best Tribe album of all time!
This album is unfortunately underestimated by critics as an attempt by Tribe to sound like their gangsta contemporaries. I don't see how. I would say this album bridges the gap between their other albums. It sets the tone for Beats, Rhymes and Life and the love movement with its r'n'b sound, but keeps the jazz tempo of low end theory and peoples' instinctive intact. The best aspect of this album is the great lyrical play between Phife and Tip. The way they bounce rhymes off each other is fantastic, as "The Chase, pt.2" demonstrates: "Damn Phife you got fat." "Yeah I know it looks pathetic - Ali Shaheed Muhammad got me doing calisthenics." And "Electric Relaxation." I think this has to be the best hip-hop composition i've ever heard in my life. Truly a classic album that will remain fresh for years to come.

Truly inspirational
I had heard of Tribe and dug a few of their songs. I picked up "Marauders" because I kept hearing how tribe was so different. I've been hooked ever since. This album is excellent, of course I would say this about any Tribe album. Songs like "sucka nigga", "midnight", and "god lives through", are my favorittes. However, the whole album is phat and a must have. This album inspired me to pick up tribes first two albums, "peoples instinctive travels" and Low End Theory", as well as their last two, albums that still circulate through my cd player. Tribe also inspired me to check out artist's like, De la Soul, Jungle Brothers, and Pharcyde. Truly, jazzy, feel-good hip-hop. You can't go wrong buying "marauders". It has a piece of every tribe album in it. And Q-tip did not dissapoint on his new release, "amplified". It's one of the best albums I've bought in years. If you want to check out Tribe for yourself, pick up "marauders" first. I still can't put it down. Tribe Called Quest keeps me going. The vibe is truly amazing.

The end of the hip hop's greatest trilogy
No other hip hop artist or group have dropped 3 consecutive classic albums in a row. Classic means that every song on each album is a banger or above average with no filler tracks.
The brilliance of People's Instictive Travels, Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders displayed youthful innocence, artistry, insight and down right originality.

The reason Tribe is so revered today is they stayed true to themselves and allowed the people to crown them instead of begging for the title like LL and JayZ.

A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
I gave this album four stars (don't hate me, lol) because it's hard to top The Low End Theory, and you can tell that this album is a little more mainstream (see "Award Tour"). But this is the best mainstream album I ever heard! Who can forget "Electric Relaxation" and the classic "Oh My God"? But I also liked "Sucka N***a", "Lyrics to Go", and the hard-thumpin' beat, "Clap Your Hands". Phife drops the best line in this song: "If I ever went solo/My favorite MC would be me." Tribe went downhill from here and they tried to make a comeback last year with "I.C.U." (featuring Erykah Badu) but in my opinion, they sounded like has-beens. Pick up this album along with their first two.

the best tribe album
I've heard all of them and this one is the best. Come on, think about all the memorable songs: Award Tour, Sucka Nigga, Electric Relaxation, Oh My God, and Lyrics to Go alone are enough to make this album a classic. But Steve Biko, 8 Million Stories, Midnight, Keep It Rollin, and the Chase make this album a constant barrage of solid work. It's just a good album; there is enough variety in tempos and themes to hold the attention, and each song is self contained enough to hold its own as a piece of art. This album is honestly one of the best representatives of hip hop of the 90s (the best decade of rap), and one of the most finely balanced albums I've ever heard of this genre. I can't say much else about this, it's like everything they tried to do suceeded beyond expectations; it is more mature and focused than the 2 albums that came before it and it is more fully realized in concept than anything that came after it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

I Love Lil Boosie
I love Lil Boosie! You might think Im crazy cuz Im a lil white guh! Im a cheerleader and stuff like that! L0L! This CD is GREAT! Lil Boosie sounds s0o0o0 GOOD on it! I wish he could make some videos!

Deans Review
Lil Boosie and webbie real tight i met webbie bedore dat boy cold

south
this cd is good for the real and the real only this is whats happening in the south this cd will explain it all. its real

Reppin the B.R.
If you are tired of these commercial hip hop thugs like 50 cent, and people being successful by association like Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, you need this album. Boosie and Weebie are the realest MC's in the game. They are on the level of "real" with B.G., C-Murder and Soulja Slim(RIP). They dont beat around the bush on no topic. If you dont have this album, you need to get it.

Just on the record
I love this CD I wish this site let you get samples of the tracks or something!! If you don't like this CD you down bad ya heard me!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

With one album--no, one song ("Shook Ones, Pt. 2")--Mobb Deep went from gimmick kiddie rap duo to hip-hop's dark horsemen of the apocalypse. Gritty and nihilistic, Prodigy and Havoc ushered in a post-gangsta era of reality rap that privileged vivid street narratives over mere drive-by posturing. As well, production by themselves and guests like Q-Tip (who did the jazzy "Drink Away the Pain") kept the soundscape moving beyond just the dissonant drone of "Shook Ones." "The Infamous" captured Mobb Deep at the beginning of their rebirth, before their formula became redundant. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Reviews (98)

The best rap album EVER
I doubt you will ever listen to a more hardcore album than this. If you ever wondered what real grimey street rap sounded like, this is for you. Mobb Deep have created an unmissable classic with The Infamous, their defining work to date. I feel that this album is Queensbridge's most defining work to date also. I haven't heard a better representation of the streets than this album. Prodigy's lyrics are raw and sharp, and Havoc's production is bone-chilling. The best song is, well, all of them. The album starts off with "The Start Of Your Ending (41st Side)", which is a very tight song to kick off the album with. There is the hit "Shook Ones Pt. II" (one of the greatest songs ever), "Survival Of The Fittest", "Eye For a Eye (Your Beef Is Mines)", "Up North Trip" (love that sample!), "Right Back At You", "Drink Away The Pain (Situations)" and the eerie "Cradle To The Grave". But there is no bad song on the entire album. Every song is good and you won't find yourself skipping through any tracks. Nas and Raekwon both have tight performances on "Eye For a Eye (Your Beef Is Mines)", and Q-Tip makes a memorable appearance on "Drink Away The Pain (Situations)". Mobb Deep's long-time protege, Big Noyd, is also tight on the club banger "Give Up The Goods (Just Step)". There is not enough I can say about this album. It is a straight-up classic and it is definately a must-buy for anyone who likes hardcore rap. If you don't have this, it's not too late!

There Famous 2nd Best Ever
This album is awesome and contains the Best produced album in
rap history hard 90s NYC Hardcore.Song by Song
1.The Start of your ending-Great 10/10
3.Survival Fittest-awesome production 10/10
4.Eye for an Eye-has the nasty one and the Chef creation 10/10
6.Give up the Goods-Great 10/10
7.Temperature is Rising-great 10/10
8.Up North Trip-Great knife beats 10/10
9.Trife Life-The one with the vocoder 10/10
10.Q.U.Hectic-Awesome so great 10/10
11.Right Back at you-Great Ghost and Rae 10/10
13.Drink Away the Pain-heard only a few times 10/10
15.Shook Ones Part 2-Don't know whats better the Lyrics
are the Beat(2 and 1 respectively)I must admit the only reason
I baught this album is because of this joint right here.

Lyrics 10/10 Production 10/10 X Factor 10/10 Style 10/10 Voice 10/10 Music 10/10 Innovative 10/10 Classic 10/10 Guest 10/10
Blends in 10/10
Overall 100 wich is absolutely Flawless type albums just epic
masterpieces a Deffinant 5 Mic Classic.Prodegy was 19 guess
what I am 19 expect a 5Mic Source Album from me

The Infamous Mobb Deep
This is a great album. Every song on this album is awesome! The 2 best songs are "Shook Ones Pt. II" and "Survival of the Fittest". You must have this if you want a real music collection. So instead of buying Ja Rule, 50 Cent, Eminem, and Chingy, and buy some real music like Mobb Deep's "The Infamous"

strictly the best
Havoc supplies the harcore beat and verse in every song and prodigy takes it home. after being a fan of the imfamous mobb deep for only 6 months now, i am convinced that havoc is the best producer ever and prodigy is the best rapper ever, straight up. and im not ur average rap dummy thatll throw those titles up anytime either. i have explored every rapper ive heard of and the mobb remain to be the best in my book. they are without a doubt the best duo of all time, and if u have found somebody better than id like to hear them cuz there is no one realer than mobb deep. the only duo who is even close to being as real is MOP(my second fav duo). this is without a doubt though, mobb deeps best album, and in my opinion the best album of all time. i have over 40 cds and this cd is still the best ive ever heard.

beats= 5/5
lyrics= 5/5
realness= 10/5

More classic NYC
Mobb Deep came out big with 'The Infamous' in 1995, and were following on a long line of classic NYC stuff that was being released at the time, like Biggie, Nas, Wu Tang, Boot Camp Clik, OC, etc. This album fits right in with all that stuff. What a great period the early to mid 90s was for hip hop, how I miss those days. The killer cut here is 'Shook Ones', but the whole album rides nicely, hard beats & hard lyrics, and guest spots from guys like Chef Raekwon and Nas. Overall this is a dark, cold blooded gangster-styled album, probably Havoc & Prodigys best effort. Recommended NYC flava. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Near-clinical detail are the watchwords on Enter the Dru, R&B quartet Dru Hill's follow-up to their double-platinum debut album. "Is it gonna be on the floor or by the sofa ... by the TV?" If you've kept up with the exploits of pseudo-rude '90s acts on the order of Jodeci and Silk, you know the, er, drill: promises of how the singers are ready to "freak" their ladies vying with whiny ballads, all attempting to demonstrate just how enlightened and sensitive these heroes are. The formula is broken here mainly by an appearance by Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man on "This Is What We Do." Which, in a Wu-mad world, hardly counts as a formula breaker at all. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (203)

Dru Hill is a good singer!
As you can see, (five stars) I really enjoyed this album. I saw reviews that didn't really give dru any credit. Those appeared to be the listeners who don't favor the harmonous style which is what most of the content of this album is made of. The album starts with uptempo tracks including their hit "how deep" and a Method Man feat. track, then moves into slower more soulful songs like "wondering." Real Freak is an energetic and very good uptempo track. The album takes the turn into ballads and harmonized songs with "one good reason." Though "Angel" doesn't appear to be that well sung by Woody, I found it to be a great song. "what do i do with the love," "these are the times" and "the love we had" are great ballads reminiscent of the style of Boyz II Men. Many people say Sisqo makes the group and with due respect, he has great vocals modeling after Kci. But next to Sisqo, i think Jazz is very good as well. i think this album is better than the first.

Dru Hill have serious talent
These guys have truly soulful voices that have you hooked on every note. I bought 'Enter the Dru' after hearing 'How Deep is Your Love?' on the radio and thinking, 'Wow, what a tune!' and it's really amazing. Probably the best album I bought last year...'Beauty' and 'What are we gonna do?' are excellent slow jams, while 'Real Freak' is a sexy, upbeat track to keep you dancing all night long. The only thing that lets the album down is a lack of fast tunes that get you going- the first 3 are perfect examples of this. Even so, if you're an R&B fan, buy it- you won't be disappointed.

Enter The Dru
Dru Hill's CD, Enter The Dru is a great example of R&B perfection. From hip hop tracks to smooth ballads, the CD appeals to almost everyone. Dru Hill's follow up to their first album shows how much the group matured and changed for the better. The CD offers a chance to relate to Dru Hill's lyrics. Another element that makes the CD good is the fact that every member of the group blends well together even though they all have different voices. The CD is great and offers tracks to relax and vibe to.
Dru Hill's CD has a song for everyone; the CD offers a different variety of sounds. There are upbeat tracks that make people want to dance like "How Deep Is Your Love". The song was a big hit for the group; it received lots of air play and was even featured on the Rush Hour soundtrack. Another good example of a dance track is "This Is What We Do", which is all about going out and dancing, it has a great beat to back it up and a little extra help from Method Man. At the same time there are smooth songs like "Beauty", which is a great love song that is about a crush. "Beauty" also has a great melody that makes the song flow even better. So if you like love songs and want a song to put you in the mood or you feel like dancing the CD offers all those qualities.
Enter The Dru also shows how Dru Hill matured as a group from their first album. Just looking at the CD cover listeners can see how grown up and confident Dru Hill really looks. The songs seem to be deeper and invoke thought. Songs like "The Love We Had (Stays On My Mind)", which happens to be a remake of an older song that sounds perfect when sang by Dru Hill and shows how the group has changed. Another good example of the group's growth is "What Are We Gonna Do", the song sounds great and you can sense how much thought and talent was put into it when you listen. The group's new found maturity really comes out on this CD.
The CD offers the listener a chance to relate to Dru Hill's lyrics as well. Everything Dru Hill says can be related to by many people. The average person experiences most of what Dru Hill is singing about on the CD. Everyone has had a bad relationship or wanted to tell someone how much they loved them. Songs like "One Good Reason" and "These Are The Times" are good examples. In "One Good Reason" the group is talking about a bad relationship: "I'm remembering in the first days/ You would never leave me alone/ But now it seems here lately baby/ That you are always gone/ So tell me what am I supposed to do/ Should I stay and wait for you/ My heart is slowly aching for love/ And I don't know what to do so" they go on to say give me one good reason why I should stay. The song "These Are The Times" is about how much they really love someone: "These are the times we all wish for/ The moment when less means so much more/ We don't have to do a thing at all/ We can just take our time and talk/ And this is the way things need to be/ No pressure from you and none from me/ Just let the mood set the moment off/ We can make love or not at all". Listening to the CD lets people know that they are not alone and other people share the same feelings. Also, unlike other artist Dru Hill writes most of their lyrics, which really help people to relate more, since Dru Hill have had the experiences that they sing about. The lyrics on the album represent people's real feelings. Dru Hill has a lot to say throughout the whole CD. All the songs and lyrics makes listeners feel they know the group.
Another characteristic that makes the CD good is the members. They all have very distinct voices that go together well. Sisqo' has a deep raspy voice that mellows out most the songs. Jazz has the smooth tenor voice of the group. Nokio has a high pitched sexy voice. Woody has the voice that almost sounds like he sings. All of the members' voices flow great together over the melodies of the songs. All four members' voices go so well together to make the whole CD even better.
Besides Dru Hill being my favorite group in the whole world, all the qualities I wrote about are found on the CD. Listeners can sit and listen all day long or relax and vibe with the lyrics. The CD offers so many different elements and a great sound. The lyrics, the groups' voices, and the variety of sounds make it really easy to listen to and not get tired of it. The album offers a song for every emotion people have, so if you are feeling down you can sit and listen or if you want to feel better you can still listen. I love everything about Dru Hill and they are all around great entertainers. People should definitely have Enter The Dru or at least listen to it once in their lifetime it's a great CD.

always dear to my heart
This is Dru Hill at the height of their talent. These Are The Times advocates not rushing sex (how rare in an R&B song!). Beauty (my fave) is about that unattainable crush. The Love We Have Stays on My Mind is an awesome remake (even my mom loves it). How Deep Is You Love had us all dancing at the clubs.

Dru Hill- Enter the Dru
Dru Hill's (Sisqo, Woody, Jazz, Nokio) sophomore album "Enter the Dru" (1998) is a good follow up to there first self titled debut. The "5 Steps" video was my introduction to Dru Hill and ever since then I have enjoyed this quartet's work. "Enter the Dru" consists of fifteen tracks(+ 3 Interludes) and is executive produced by Hiriam Hicks, Dru Hill, Kevin Peck, Kenneth Crear & Haqq Islam. Guest appearances are limited to Chinky Brown Eyes and Method Man. First stand out track for me is "How Deep is Your Love for Me", a fastpaced track, highlight of this one is a simple but nice chorus. Next three tracks are not that memorable for me, then we come up on the impressive "You are Everything" a track about appreciating ones loved one which has been remixed over the years. Soulful slowjams "Ill be the One" and "One Good Reason" succeed in being love ballads to remember. "What Do I Do With The Love" is a track about heartbreak (something many people can relate to). My favourite track is the Babyface/Damon produced lead single "These are the Times", an uplifting positive love song. Album finishes off strong with the deep "The Love We Had (Stays on My Mind)" and even deeper "What are We Gonna Do". Though some tracks standout more then others for me, there are no tracks that I dislike, making this an album with great continuity. On this release Dru Hill delivers smooth soulful music, backed by sick instrumentals making "Enter the Dru" an album for the collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Has neo-soul been around long enough to already have throwbacks? The ostentatiously named Musiq Soulchild seems to think so. The vibe on his debut album, Aijuswanaseing, feels an awful lot like the one D'Angelo first got folks all hot and sweaty with (way back in 1995, with the now-classic Brown Sugar). Musiq even liberally borrows from "Brown Sugar" on "L Is Gone," when he croons, "Skin caramel complexion/Lips chocolate brown" (D's version says "Skin is caramel with those cocoa eyes"). The 23-year-old newcomer is smart enough to have a couple of his musical predecessor's partners in his crew, like producer James Poyser and bassist Pino Palladino. They get some nice, laid-back grooves going on the sassy opening track, "Girl Next Door," and on "Speechless" with its sly, funky Stevie Wonder-style bounce. Despite their best intentions, however, the Philly native never manages to generate any real heat. He has a perfectly adequate croon (part Stevie, part Eric Benet, and of course, part D'Angelo), but it's his lack of lyrical prowess that does him in. Tossing off verbal gems such as "So I could be like Michael Jackson and enjoy myself / Cause what I want to do is make a tuna melt" and "Your body's banging like a 400SE" with complete sincerity, Musiq lets his ulterior motives show, which sabotages the sensitive-ladies'-man image he's obviously trying to cultivate. He leaves us hoping that he'll let someone else write the words for him next time. --Sylvia W. Chan ... Read more

Reviews (145)

Musiq Soulchild brings R&B back to its jazzy roots
Yo if you aren't feeling this kat out of RnB's soul renaissance also headed by ( Jill Scott, The Roots , and Bilal ) you don't know good music. This is a true soul artist every track sounds totally different. The intro to this CD shows you his roots to hip hop. "Girl Next Door" paints the picture that every dawg has of that chick that you thought was just one of the boys but never looked at her in a sexual way but you finally come around." You and Me " is a great track but it gets over shadowed by his lead single " Just Friends". " Mary Go Round " is by far the secon best song on this CD the poetry of the lyrics is just genius. " 143" is a tight song and a different way to tell that special lady what you want to say but can't say. This next track is by far to me the best track on the CD and is his second single " LOVE" i dont even think Shakespeare could have gave a better definition to what you go through when you are in love. This is my anthem for the year. I don't care what other CD's are released this track is my anthem. If you don't like any of these other songs I garauntee that you will like this song. " My Girl" is a track that lightens up the beat after "Love" a heavy romantic ballad. After a tight interlude that brings him back to his hip hop roots. He drops a track called " Seventeen" which is laced with a tight beat and dope lyrics but every person is not gonna be able to relate to this song because it deals with a subject that every person may not be able to relate to it. A dope track that brings memories of "Brown Sugar" by D'Angelo is "L is Gone" which is an ode to smoking that hydro with a female and having a good time. " Speechless" is a great upbeat track but its overpowered by pervious EXCELLENT tracks. " Poparatzi" is a great track that I can relate to and it shines out before two great tracks that end the CD. This is a song that all fellas can relate to if you trully have messed up with that lady that holds that place in your heart. " Settle For My Love" is a great song but it is positioned between two great tracks that kinda overshadow this song. "You're Be Alright" brings Musiq back to his church roots but keeps the jazzy and soulful feel of the CD. This song is a deep one that is 100% true its up there with "Love" and "Mary Go Round" this song is a perfect relaxation track that puts an end to a great end to one of best CD's dropped in the 2K. If you are feeling this CD please check out Bilal and Jill Scott.peace. im out

Its all u Musiq
Dangelo, Maxwell, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu....Musiq is getting endless comparisons to these artists, which is ok, but give the brotha a little bit of props! The CD really is tight and it comes with a lot of originality and creativity (he likes to spell out things) that we don't to hear very often. Now u guys know you are tired of the "blinging, chickenheads, down for my....... "-type cuts that get played in overdrive on the radio....this is real music, adult music (I know don't hate) that just makes you feel good. I instantly was feelin this CD the very first time I heard it and I haven't stopped since, its a definitely must-have....anytime you want to mellow out, chill, get your groove on or just listen to some really good sing-along music, this is the choice. Like his CD title says, he just wants to sing and showcase his talents...and even if he's not the best lyricist or singer and only stays around for a minute, I think its pretty cool that we got to sample a lil bit of his unique 'neo-soul' flava

Definitely check out these cuts Speechless, You and Me, Love, Mary Go Round, Poparatzi, Girl Next Door, You Be Alright, Settle for My Luv, oh hell....all the tracks are tight!!!!

A Devotion To The Era Of Classic Soul
The son of a die hard '70s soul music fan, Talib Johnson aka Musiq Soulchild was no stranger to Philadelphia's open-mic scene in his early teens. Musiq performed at Philly showcases like the Five Spot and Wilhemina's until his management team, Mama's Boys, brought him to Def Jam Records' attention. His influences range from the Beatles, the Rolling Stones to Billie Holiday, James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone and the likes of Soulchild's idol Stevie Wonder, which is hinted on the rhythmic finger-snapping beat and experimental vocal riffs of "143," serving as evidence that Soulchild's voice is plenty strong enough to stand on its own (style of fellow soul sista Erykah Badu). Aijuswanaseing (I Just Want to Sing) is not a surprisingly, extraordinary collection of numbers that successfully showcase Soulchild's vocal talent and versatility as he intersects the analogous styles of funk, R&B, jazz, soul, slow-paced tunes and hip-hop vibes.

On the up-tempo number "Girl Next Door," the '70s throwback singer demonstrates the smooth like effortless, rich texture of his voice. "Girl Next Door" is a romantic trade-off that features the vocal prowess of Ayana of the duo Aaries. Tracks like the assured and fun-loving "Just Friends" and the indelibly funk-smokin' "My Girl" certainly pick up the pace of the album. The somber, soul-searching track "Mary Go Round" and the earnest sentiments on "Love" display Musiq's mellow, sincere side.

Aijuswanaseing is a casual yet valiant excursion that mirrors the many faces of a model swooner: a calm, cool, and collected attitude, mixed with a light sense of humor and a healthy serving of poise, swank, and sensitivity. Aijuswanaseing paints an aural portrait of this model combination which is best brought to life on the slyly flirtatious "Just Friends (Sunny)." Aijuswanaseing is the perfect backdrop for an intimate candlelit evening or just a casual stroll on a sunny afternoon. Musiq can now join the likes of D'Angelo, Maxwell, Terence Trent D'Arby and Raphael Saadiq.

real musiq
I just wanna say I Love This Album, i let my friend borrow it she lost it, then i dang near lost it(yes it is that serious)! This is a very good debut, loved the whole album one of my fav. in neo-soul. My personal favorites are "You and Me" "Mary Go Round" "143" "Love" "Seventeen" "Speechless" "Popartratzi" and
"Settle For My Love". I love it and so will you.Feel the soul of the soulflower, peace.

BEST ALBUM!
i love this album!
i bought it and i love it!
the song aimewitue is the most beautiful song in the world...
amazing
BUY THIS ALBUM!!! NOW!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

On the singles "Tell Me" and "In My Bed," the vocals not only blend flawlesslyinto an intricate harmony scheme but also link up perfectly with the booming bass beats. On both songs, Mark "Sisqo" Andrews's raw-edged, full-throttle gospel singing dominatesthe foreground, but it's his three bandmates' inventive harmonies that distinguish thesong from hundreds of similar bedroom ballads. The group members cowrote five of the14 tracks on their debut album, and group member Tamir "Nokio" Ruffin coproducedfour of them, including such Stevie Wonder-ful imitations as "April Showers" and "AllAlone." And when teenagers sing like the Temptations and write like Wonder, you haveto sit up and pay attention. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (43)

THIS IS A CLASSIC! A MUST GET IF U LUV SLOW SONGS.
Overall this cd is probably Dru Hill's best work. They wrote most of it and sing very well in all the songs. They need to work on their up-beat tracks here...but the slow tracks make up for it. It starts to get great at track number six.

1. Intro- lame 1/5

2. Nothin To Prove- has this capella back beat to it. okay 3/5

3. Tell Me- one of those freaky slow songs. it's alrite 3/4

4. Do U Believe- up beat...pretty tyte! 4/5

5. Whatever U Want- no comment 0/5

6. Satisfied- i luv this song, catchy chorus..kinda nasty tho 5/5

7. April Showers- one of those sweet ballads 5/5

8. All Alone- they really show emotion in this song, great vocals 5/5

9. Never Make A Promise- one of the best songs! again it's slow 5/5!

10. So Special- This ballad grew into me, GREAT! 5/5

11. In My Bed- THis is not the remix..its slow 5/5

12. Love Train- one of those ol' skool songs, upbeat 5/5

13. Share My World- ballad with a catchy chorus 5/5

14. Five Steps- very serious slow song, outstanding vocals 5/5!

The best R&B group next to Boyz II Men...
I was a little skeptical to their music at first because "Tell Me" is like any other R&B about sex. But when I heard Dru Hill's first album, I was very impressed. Although Sisqo sang lead most of the time, he always left you wanting more. I love how Woody sang on "April Shower." That is one beautiful song, as well as "All Alone." "Love Train" was a nice old-school to listen to. I thought I heard Keith Sweat, but I DO have bad ears. But nothing compares to "5 Steps." I think it really showcases their abilities to harmonize and take the song to another level. It makes me think about God and all things. But enough about me, go get this album. I promise you'll love it.

not too good.
except for "never make a promise," i didn't like this album.

Total waste of money.
I bought this CD by accident. It was the wrong Dru Hill CD. I thought "Hey, I'll give anything a try." So I popped the Cd in and took a listen. First of all, this CD is no where near "good" or even "slightly entertaining". You will be bored by track two (track 1 is only an into). If you are looking for a great listen from Dru Hill, consider buying "Enter the Dru". You'll be better satisfied.

Borderline and Silly.
This is the debut album from Dru Hill, who name themselves after Druid Hill in Baltimore, Maryland. The lead singer is the exceedingly flamboyant Sisqo, an otherwise talented vocalist. While this album never lacks attitude or spark, the songs, though not disastrous, are subpar and predictable slices of radio-friendly r&b. The hit single, "Tell Me," is a slow jam that qualifies as a guilty pleasure, despite its banal lyrics which attempt to rival Jodeci in the raunch department. For the rest of the ride, these guys don't really bring anything new or exciting to the table of r&b. If you're 14 and haven't listened to a note of soul music prior to 1990, then this CD will be your cup of tea. But for the mature and discriminating audience, we will have to get something else. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's a 50 Cent world, and we're just living in it. Lloyd Banks's solo debut is one in an upcoming series of G Unit-affiliated releases coming to a hood near you. With his understated raspy flows and gift for penning clever punch lines, Banks has long been considered the crew's nicest lyricist. He might also be the most braggadocious. On choice cut "Warrior," the narcissism begins: "I'm smooth as the Isleys, sometimes I surprise me." Then there's the self-explanatory "I’m So Fly," produced by Timbaland, and "If You So Gangsta," where he informs his fellow hood dwellers why they can't compete with the "rap Lebron." As with all G Unit productions, the beats are first-rate. Remarkable backing tracks supplied by underrated producers Hi-Tek and Baby Grand ("I Get High," "Die One Day") act as a much needed counterweight to Banks's clichéd thug-guns-girls-jewelry banter. A better reason to cop this album is to hear Banks's introspective take on the flipside of thug living. R&B-tinged ballad "Karma" demos his ability to serenade the hotties in more, um, gentlemanly fashion. When he raps "if it wasn't for 50, I probably wouldn't be around," he might be right. But the rap world's no worse off with this capable debut in our midst. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (117)

The story of the year.
This cd is awesome. Banks is well known for his lyrics and that is why he is the #1 mix tape artist, but on this cd on top of the great lyrics and rhymes, this cd has great chorus on every single song. Its rare to find a cd on which all songs are good and there is no need to skip sertain songs. Well this cd has got it. Plus guest appearances incluce 50Cent, Snoop, Nate Dogg, Eminem, Young Buck, and Tony Yayo. I definately recommend this cd it is great.

1) Ain't no click - 10 - a great start to the cd has a potential to be a single
2) Playboy - 6 - the only bad song on the cd
3) Warrior - 10 - a great song with a nice beat and great lyrics
4) On fire - 10++ - this song is banging. the anthem of the year
5) I get high - 8 - its got that snoop dogg sound to it. It awesome if you like snoop
6) I'm so fly - 10 - one of my favorites. a great chorus, maybe the next single
7) Work Magic - 9 - a great song. Can get a little boring thou
8) If you so gangsta - 9++ - a good chorus, makes you want to sing along
9) Warrior Part 2 10+++ - an awesome song. great lyrics and beat plus features Eminem, 50, and Nate Dogg. You cant go wrong with that lineup
10) Karma - 9 - this song is for the ladies. it has a good chorus and compared to other rap ballats this song is awesome
11) When the chips are down - 9 - a little boring but is still great has a similar sound to the g-unit cd
12) til the end - 10 - great song and great beat. Produced the Eminem
13) Die one day - 10 - one of my favorites. Reminds me of a Kanye West song.
14) South Side Story - 10 - a simple song with a great chorus. A good conclusion to the cd

This cd is awesome i can not wait till Banks' next cd comes out.
GGg(...)Unit 4life

Lloyd Banks Is on Fire!!!
Cop dis cd. it is straight fire!!
Aint no click- Nice Intro and great start to the album. 4/5
Playboy- A lot of people dont like the song but it has a greast beat and nice chorus 5/5
Warrior- Another great short song 5/5
On fire- Yall heard this one. Im kinda already bored of this one from the overplays 4/5
I get High- Some will like it some wont. I really dont like it because of the beat, but its relaxed. 3/5
Im so Fly- Possibly going to be a single. Its relaxed and the chorus is catchy. 5/5
Work Magic- Young buck verse is good so is banks. solid track. 4/5
If you so gangsta- Nice chorus and solid verses. 4/5
Warrior Pt.2- possibly going to be a single. great track with em and nate dogg. 5/5
Karma- possibly going to be a single. A love song. Awesome track if ya like love songs. Best on the album 6/5
When the chips are down- Everyone loves this song but me. I just hate the annoying chorus. But the verses are solid. 3/5
Till the end- Awesome song. Its very gangsta with the intro to the song. 2nd best on the album.
Die one day- very retro beat to it. But im feeling the chorus. 4/5
Southside Story- Good storytelling track. Chorus is great. 4/5

In all, cop this cd. Trust me you wont regret it.

Transition from LA to Game
Number 11 has people confused. When game dies he is basically going from LA to Game. most people think its confusing because he flat lines at the end. but he is just making a transition. this song is crazy. the whole cd is off the chain. this dude is the next eminem, the whole G-Unit is. Lloyds cd is basically talking about his life and how he lived it. this cd is a must have if you dont have it get your ass up and buy this hit.

gggggggggunit!!!!
this album is hot! i didnt know what to expect after 50 cent's nightmare album. but lloyd really surprised me with this work of art. he IS the best of gunit. Ain't No Click: w/d Tony Yayo this is a good lead song. it sets the mood of the whole cd. tony's verse is awesome. lloyd's strong voice is very serious and clear. 8/10 Playboy this is my fav song. the killer beat, the verses and the off the chain chorus. go lloyd! 11/10 Warrior this song needs more recognition. you gotta give him his props for this one. 9/10 On Fire i could listen to this song 10 times in a row. this is the reason i bought the cd. this killer lead single. i want more of this! 12/10 I Get High: w/d 50 and Snoop this song is hot! smoker's anthem. snoop tears the mic up. 10/10 I'm So Fly this song does not do anything for me. it is overplayed and boring. the repetitive chorus. 6/10 Work Magic: w/d Young Buck oh yeah! at first this song didnt make the cut for me. now i love it. nice,nice,nice! 9/10 If You so Gangsta this song is so cool. down to earth and hardcore. right on lloyd! 9/10 Warrior Part 2: w/d 50 and Eminem killer beat killer vocals killer song. em does a cool job on his part. 50 too. 10/10 Karma: this song is tied for 1st with Playboy. i love it. he sounds like he did in smile and like fabolous in into you. the chorus is so awesome! 11/10 When The Chips Are Down: w/d Tha Game i can't stand this song. the chorus is awful. lloyd banks disappointed me on this track. 4/10 Till The End another favorite. this song is very nice and slow. nice beat and killer vocals. 11/10 Die One Day i just started to like this song. This has the best two liners of the whole album. A+ 10/10 Southside Story this is pretty good. the words are very true and down to earth about his rough childhood. 9/10 Overall i give this album an A+. i hope to see more in the future from him.

Fire Extinguisher
Lloyd Baks 1st solo project is aight. He got about 6 tight tracks a couple other soso. Had some good help from 50 & 1 of the TIGHTEST of all time EMINEM gotta keep it real. Good buy- good 4 collection never a classic:(
But it's some REAL G-Unit flava ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Back Down Memory Lane
After listening to the New Edition compilation, it is amazing to realize just how many memorable songs came from this supergroup. The inclusion of early favorites like "Candy Girl", "Cool it Now", and Bobby's "Girlfriend" take you back to when the group was compared to the Jackson 5 and for good reason. The fact that they all had solo success is a no-brainer. This CD is a better overall showcase of their success as opposed to their greatest hits CD, and easily leaves the door open for another collection of their non-number one hits as well

Is This The End ?
How many different 'Best Of', 'Greatest Hits', 'Solo Hits', 'Love Songs', etc. can MCA create for New Edition? This idea is tired, and I am getting the feeling that New Edition is a thing of the PAST! What's next, a BOX SET containing rare unreleased remixes & B-sides ? You don't need this CD, and it's not because of the music.Save your money, and have someone burn a New Edition 'compilation' CD for you.I can do a better job than MCA! Peace, Sean

Cool it Now
"Ronnie, Bobbie, Ricky and Mike-
if I like the girl, who cares who you like?"

Whenever I hear "Cool it Now" I'm reminded of my days on the professional break dancing circuit and my appearance (on the cutting room floor sadly) in the film "Breakin' 2: Electric Bugaloo". Sometimes it makes me cry.

Nice thing about THIS one is the singles from spinoffs
This includes the popular singles that weren't technically New Edition, but came FROM New Edition. Nice little twist there. If you ever liked this group, this is a good addition to your collection.

Sensitivity
I thought that was a Ralph Tresvant song rather than New Edition? ... Read more

Reviews (125)

Worthy Follow up
This cd caught a lot of heat. Purists was looking for Illmatic part two and labeled this as a wack crossover effort. Also they thought he had fallen off. It was unfair to Nas to expect him to recreate the magic on his first album Illmatic.The down fall of this album is mainly the production. It jsut doenst measure up to Nas ability. But some songs like The Message were brilliantly constructed. Street Dreams( the song Nas caught some heat for because it has almost the exact same beat as Tupac's song All Eyez on Me. Just because of that it wasnt well recieved on the west coast either. Plus it was in the middle of the EAst vs. West war. With that said i like both songs neither better than the other though. I gave you power is a metaphorical rhyme aabout the life of a gun. A masterpiece of a song.Watch dem n...... is also a pretty good song as is Take it in Blood. The Dre/Nas collaboration couldve been a lot better effort but the song is aight if you listen to it. Affirmative Action is the posse cut with The Firm and it is a a pretty good song with each member dropping a good verse even Foxy Brown. The set up is usual Mobb Deep material and is tight. However the album starts to waiver after this song. Black Girl Lost is the definition of bad production, this is not a good song.Suspect is almost worst than Black Girl Lost production wise but the lyrics save this song. Shoutouts is another mediocre song with weak production. Live N*&^% rap is ano;ther Mobb Deep collabo and comes off as decent. And Finally, arguably the best song on the album, If I ruled The World is a great song with Lauryn Hill taking care of business on the chorus and background singing and ends the album on a particularly high note. If you like Nas then you will like this album. So go get it.

Worthy Follow up
Reviewer: formally from Atlanta This cd caught a lot of heat. Purists was looking for Illmatic part two and labeled this as a wack crossover effort. Also they thought he had fallen off. It was unfair to Nas to expect him to recreate the magic on his first album Illmatic.The down fall of this album is mainly the production. It jsut doenst measure up to Nas ability. But some songs like The Message were brilliantly constructed. Street Dreams( the song Nas caught some heat for because it has almost the exact same beat as Tupac's song All Eyez on Me. Just because of that it wasnt well recieved on the west coast either. Plus it was in the middle of the EAst vs. West war. With that said i like both songs neither better than the other though. I gave you power is a metaphorical rhyme aabout the life of a gun. A masterpiece of a song.Watch dem n...... is also a pretty good song as is Take it in Blood. The Dre/Nas collaboration couldve been a lot better effort but the song is aight if you listen to it. Affirmative Action is the posse cut with The Firm and it is a a pretty good song with each member dropping a good verse even Foxy Brown. The set up is usual Mobb Deep material and is tight. However the album starts to waiver after this song. Black Girl Lost is the definition of bad production, this is not a good song.Suspect is almost worst than Black Girl Lost production wise but the lyrics save this song. Shoutouts is another mediocre song with weak production. Live N*&^% rap is ano;ther Mobb Deep collabo and comes off as decent. And Finally, arguably the best song on the album, If I ruled The World is a great song with Lauryn Hill taking care of business on the chorus and background singing and ends the album on a particularly high note. If you like Nas then you will like this album. So go get it.

Another masterpiece from Nas ........
This is another classic album from nas, the whole album feels like it's telling a story, witness the tragic beauty of "I gave you power" where Nas forces the listner to think he is a gun and explain what he sees, This time around the music has a more wider appeal, it isnt quiet on par with illmatic, but still as good.

production: beats 9/10..........lyrics 10/10
Favorite tracks: If I ruled the world ( imagine that ), I gave you power.

This was tight but not tight enough
This was tight but not tight enough

It was Written that Nas is the Best Rapper Alive, NOT JAY-Z
Nas is the man. Every track on this CD is banging. Alot of people said that Nas went pop, and that's not true. Nas was just trying some new things and experimenting with his sounds a little. Nas is not Ja Rule. He's never sold us out and how dare the people online who write their reviews say that about him. The CD kicks out with an intro and then it automatically jumps into fire mode with the first track, "The Message". Over a hot beat, Nas rips this track down to shreads. The heat keeps coming with songs like "Street Dreams" and "I Gave You Power". This is an amazing song because Nas actually challenges the listener to think that he is a gun. The only weak track on this CD is the Dr. Dre produced "Nas is Coming" which has an annoying chorus. Everything else it hot though.

Highly Recommended CD.

- Dwayne ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Keep The Faith
This is Bad Boy first lady first disc and let me tell you is you missed it 9 years ago you still have time to enjoy this timeless album.It is packed with no_filler and just simple love songs that anyone who has been in love can feel. With songs like Give to me , Don't be afraid, Reasons, and Soon As I Get Home makes this a instant Classic. Check out all of her cd Keep The Faith And Faithfully they are all pack with qualitys and hits.

A Modern Day Soul Classic...Faith Evans IS the First Lady!
Faith Evans, the "Diva With Clout" brought forth this, her debut album in the summer of 1995, and I've been playing it since! This is truly one of the best r&b/ soul releases in the past decade. Her voice is one that is instantly recognizable! Her lyrics are deeply touching, and the music is laced as only Bad Boy could create.

When Faith released the first single from the album, "You Used to Love Me", I immediately fell in love with her voice. This woman SINGS a song. She doesn't shout like many of her contemporaries, yet instead lets her vocal speak for itself. Don't missunderstand. She can perform the vocal acrobatics like many of her fellow divas, but she chooses to take a milder approach and her music is better for it. The second single, "Soon As I Get Home" was another hit, and many then fell in love with Faith's ballad. A great torch singer, Ms. Evans greatly showed her longing and bore her soul on this song. However, my personal favorite from the album, though all of the album is well crafted, is the soulful/ hip hop "Ain't Nobody". This song perhaps is my favorite of all time by ANY artist. And in my heart it further solidified Faith as my favorite female vocalist.

In all, the album is a well crafted blend of ballads, soul and a little bit of hip hop thrown in for good measure. It is a must have for any fan of these genres and anyone who has ever been in love.

GOOD DEBUT
Good album. This lady doesn't get the credit she deserves for her writing and singing abilities. Nuff said.

a GREAT cd for ANY music lover
Hands down: THE best Faith Evans CD! and one of the best R&B/soul CDs to ever drop. romantic and heartfelt; great writing, arrangements, and production. pick it up; you will NOT be disappointed.

AIIGHT!
Ms. Evans has a voice..no doubt. But this recording is dull. No one song stands out. The beats are all the same. The lyrics don't say much. Instead, check out some Badu, Arie, Jill Scott, Vivian Green or Blu Cantrell. Sorry! ... Read more

Reviews (136)

Usher's Way of Gettin' to the Top
Giving the STARS:

...- Even if you're the most loyal fan, you don't deserve this album
...-If you've got money to burn, buy this CD or else,...just copy the songs
...-Need something to add in your CD collection?
...-Fans from this artist's music genre would enjoy this
...- a CLASSIC.

If you're buying this album merely because of hits like "You Make Me Wanna...", "My Way" and "Nice & Slow", you are definitely making a huge mistake. A good mistake that is, for Usher (a.k.a. Usher Raymond) has a lot more to offer in his debut CD, "My Way". Ten cuts don't seem a lot for typical album collectors but these songs are enough to say that Usher will absolutely grow more as a gifted singer-composer.

In the world of abundant r&b boy groups, Usher didn't find trouble as he stood out as one of the best, or perhaps, the finest rookie in his genre. I bought this CD six years ago because I was hooked with "You Make Me Wanna", the first song off the album. Great music arrangement and slick lyrics launched this song to the top of the charts worldwide. Female r&b sensation Monica performs a duet with the prince of r&b for Babyface's "Slow Jam" while Lil' Kim raps for "Just Like Me", which I consider a good filler. The winner of the album would be "Nice & Slow", one of the best slow jams I've heard in a long time since the peak careers of Jodeci and Dru Hill. Accompanied with the unforgettable plucking guitar and sultry lyrics, Usher R-A-Y-M-O-N-D couldn't have done this song better. Do I hear R. Kelly? Nah. Not at all. Next up is the third single, "My Way", wherein the presence of Jermaine Dupri takes place. Good beats and bass lines are a perfect combination for this song-titled CD. A piano introduction opens for "Come Back" where JD takes on the mic as Usher carries his emotional style.

You will definitely enjoy listening this debut CD from the first track to the last track. I know some of the songs are quite short but that doesn't mean that this album falls short in the music and lyrical quality. Production-wise, I can say that Producer-rapper Jermaine Dupri and Babyface did a good job in maintaining the urban r&b style. Unquestionably, this has to be one of the best debut albums ever done in a while.

classic c.d
okay i have not heard 8701 or usher's new c.d. "confessions" but he does a very good job of expressing himself in "My Way" i first got into usher when my cousin Ivan kept on talking about him and listening to him and bragging that he looked like him then one day i decided to get the c.d. the first song i listened too was nice and slow... i liked it then i listened to the whole thing i decided my favorite songs in order 1-10 were 1.bedtime (which he should have done a music video for 2.i will 3.slow jam 4. nice and slowt 5. just like me 6. my way 7.you make me wanna 8. come back 9. you make me wanna 10. you make me wanna (extended) this c.d is definetly r&b usher has a very smooth sensual sexy voice even though he tries to rap in my way it doesn't sound bad but he goes better in r&b. Bedtime a smooth sensual song comoposed by babyface is very sweet. I will another smooth sensual song composed by Chauncy Hannibal. I never really liked I will until recently i decided like listening to Usher again and i was listening to this song on the computer and i couldn't get to the computer mouse in time to change the track so i decided i would stick with it and listen to it and i just couldn't stop listening to it i put it on repeat it gets good in the middle to the end of the song. If your ever feeling down, depressed, or want someone to love you or feel like no one does just either listen to bedtime or *i will the titles basically say it all this is one of the best c.d.'s ever to me usher has a VERY distinctive voice if you don't have this c.d. i highly suggest you buy it and the first songs you listen to let it be *bedtime and *i will those are classic songs then you can move on to slow jams and nice and slow very classy sensual songs they can just make you go to sleep i don't know if this was usher's first c.d.'s but if it was he did very good for some one who had just started TRUST ME you will not be disappointed i would give this c.d. 5 stars no matter how old it gets i don't care if i was in the year 2010 this c.d. is a classic and a must HAVE for fans go out and get yours TODAY! YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED :)

More like 4.5 stars...
This is a pretty good album by Usher, despite the fact it only has 10 different songs. Out of those ten, though, I have to say only 2 of them are tracks I really don't care for.

The first track and great single is "You Make Me Wanna...", produced by Jermaine Dupri, is the best song on the album. I was always hearing this on the radio a few years back, but I never new Usher was the artist singing or the name of the song. So when I bought this CD I didn't expect to hear this song. The title track, "My Way", is also top-notch. It's about how a woman would rather be with Usher because "She loves it his way". The chorus can get stuck in your head. "Come Back" is pretty good, too. Usher sings about how he never missed his girl till she was gone and now he wants her back. It's produced by JD and he also raps on the track.

The more slower, romance type songs are also great. "Slow Jam" with Monica tells how two people meet and fall in love on a slow jam. Usher does a great job with this song, and Monica add to it nicely. "Nice and Slow", "I Will", and "Bedtime" are all great ballads as well.

The only 2 songs I don't like are "Just Like Me", and the extended version of "You Make Me Wanna". "Just Like Me" has Lil' Kim rapping 2 verses, but she's a little too dirty at some points. ("If I had a penis, I'd be heartless, for real though, N***as start s**t I'd just flash out my d**do") The extended version of the 1st song is there, I think, because Usher just ran out of song Ideas. I don't know, but it's kinda pointless.

Other than those, I'd recommend you to get the album, if you don't already have it. It's great for any RnB or even hip-hop fans. It's better than Usher's "8701". But I'd pick up this, 8701, and "Confessions". They are all cool CD's.

untitled
"You make me wanna leave the one I'm with start a new relationship with you." You leave that B/*-h then! Call R Kelly and give her his phone number. She'll be alright.

A Classic #2 Hit for Usher Raymond in 2002
I have been a big usher fan from 1997 this was another classic off his 1st album he does it his way.Trually a great single
Lyrics 10/10 Production 10/10 Overall 10/10 ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you were wondering what the heck phrenology means, the Roots wouldn't have it any other way. Hip-hop's hardest-working live band continues where they left off with Things Fall Apart, forcing listeners to think outside of the Hot 97 FM box--or just plain think. On "Thought at Work," lead emcee Black Thought--the most criminally underrated wordsmith of his time--weaves captivating flows over a neck-snapping break beat, while on "Water" he boldly addresses the controversy surrounding his partner-in-rhyme Malik B's alleged substance abuse. While collaborations with Nelly Furtado ("Sacrifice") and Talib Kweli ("Rhymes and Ammo") read much better on paper than they sound, the catchy, up-tempo call-and-response routine utilized by the crew on the latter song will amp up Roots nonbelievers. As a bonus, Jill Scott's dreamy falsetto refrain hammers home some finer points about love on "Complexity." --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Excellent Album
I'm surprised that the album is not as talked about as "Things Fall Apart" but then again they haven't had a "radio hit" to attract the mainstream. I enjoyed EVERY song on the cd. The sound of The Roots is evolving and is less jazzy than their previous work, but there's no denying their unique touch. I would say it has more of an R&B element to it than jazz this time. My favorite songs were "Sacrifice", "Quills", "P***y Gallore", "Break You Off", "Complexity", "Thought at Work" and "Water". There's also the second track, pretty upbeat, danceable but The Roots nonetheless.

If you like hip hop, you'll enjoy this breath of fresh air from the radio nonsense. If you like The Roots, you haven't bought it yet??? If you like all kinds music, here's another gem to delight your ears.

A breath of fresh air....you'll love it!
I've heard them perform live and on their album....they are absolutly incredible. If you're a diehard roots fan, yes, their music has become a bit more commericalized but that doesn't mean it isn't orginal. The roots are not exactly underground, and their not exactly mainstream either, they're in-between, which makes them great. They don't talk about bling-bling, guns, and all the crappy stuff that they have. They are musical geniuses, being one of the best REAL live hip-hop groups with a drummer whos a genius. It's straight music from the heart, even if its not as good as their past albums. The song "thought @ work" is just plain insane...all I'm gonna say is...go see them live, you'll be impressed. Once you buy this CD, you'll be even more impressed, I'll guarantee you.

up against the wall
There are a lot of people in the world who will spend their lives following. Will only listen to things popular, eat things that dont sound weird, and will continue that way. If you are one who lives that way, you need to snap out of it and listen to the roots.

It took some time for the group who did things differently to do things differently. The roots were always the live band with the hot rapper.. This time they are the stellar band who are making an album full of "songs." there aren't many people in music who can spell that word.

Black thought went from talking about his band mate's drug problems, to sacrifices the roots have made to get here, to relationship issues, to acting on temptations, to the downfalls of media, without Malik B and Dice Raw, and not a lot of guest rappers. Talib was definitely welcome to be part of the experience, and he did what he does best.

The Amiri Baraka poem was definitely a nice flavor of icing for the cake.

this album was not as cohesive as their best effort, "Illadelph Half Life", but it is damn good.

Best Roots Yet
If you're new to or "wondering" about The Roots then definitely get this album. This album is The Roots at their peak. They have some truly great colaborations on this album, and with The Roots it's not just "oh let's put this famous person on our album to boost sales." For The Roots it's all about the music and the colaborations on this album are truly that: colabortations!

While some say Outkast is taking hip-hop to places it's never gone before, The Roots make hip-hop the way it's supposed to be made. There is a palpable feel of all the roots of music in The Roots' sound: jazz, blues, rock, and R&B are all meshed beautifully into this musical form called hip-hop. And PHRENOLOGY is the best effort they've put forth yet (including their new 2004 release, 'Tipping Point'). Own PHRENOLGY and you'll own hip-hop at its essence.

These Roots Still Have Some Growing To Do
The Roots are an interesting hip hop group in that they play their own instruments and are apparantly really good live, however, on this album, most of the songs are really repetetive and most of the rhymes and singing are kind of flat. Nelly Furtado and Jill Scott pop in for some vocals and really juice up the tracks that they appear on. The highlight for me (and the reason I bought the album) is "The Seed", with Cody ChesnuTT helping to cover his own song from his "Headphone Masterpiece" album.It has a lot more bounce and groove than Cody's original version and this kind of Rock n' Soul is something I would love to hear more of from The Roots. Some of these tracks seem to go on forevor and The Roots are definately not afraid to be pretentious or longwinded. They have talent and are on the right track but I don't feel that they have really found their groove yet. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With Beck's unexpected commercial breakthrough, everyone's suddenly interested in a new kind of music best described as "slacker-rap." Although it uses the sing-song cadences of hip-hop, it's the polar opposite of gangsta rap; in both its laid-back delivery and self-deprecating lyrics, slacker-rap acknowledges vulnerability and failure. It was done first and best by Washington's Basehead, but it gets an invigorating twist on "G. Love and Special Sauce," the eponymous debut album from this Philadelphia trio.

G. Love not only looks like Michael Stipe, but he has the same mealy-mouthed vocal delivery. If Stipe ever decided to record his first rap album with an unplugged blues trio, it'd probably sound a lot like "G. Love and Special Sauce." Recorded live with no drum machines, samples or overdubs, the album creates a fresh, distinctive sound with its odd blend of lazy rapping and funky acoustic blues. Unfortunately, G. Love's absurdist observations on life aren't as funny as those by John S. Hall of King Missle, and the laid-back minimalism of the music wears thin after a while. Only "Baby's Got Sauce," which boasts a pop hook and a valentine to a domineering woman, holds up on repeated listens. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (36)

This Baby's Got Sauce
Hey, G. Love & Special Sauce has been my favorite band since the day I was introduced to them back in 1994. I was hooked when I heard "Baby's Got Sauce". They mix hip-hop, rock and blues into a great original flavor that now many musical artists are trying to immitate. There are so many great songs on the CD and you'll be drawn in. I heard this album first, and then the others when they came out. So, I recommend starting with this one. I think that you'll love the style of these Philly boys. Put this baby in your collection, dig? Peace & One Love.

One of my ALL TIME FAV'S
Since hearing G Love's "Baby's Got Sauce" song in a friend's car, I have been forever hooked on G Love's witty lyrics and funky blues mix. What's best about his music is that it's always fresh and keeps you groovin wherever and whatever you're doin. It's one of the few albums that I can put in my cd player and listen to several times over because I seriously "just can't get enough". It's that good. Hearing this band in concert is even more amazing. Whatever you do, be sure to at least get this album of G Lovin for your cd collection to truly kick it in style. ;)

Interesting
The combined effect of smart rap lyrics and acoustic picked bass is an interesting one. this album is a great one, but you have to listen to it in a spread-out fashion. If I ever listen to this album consecutively all the songs start to sound more and more similar until they all mush together, but altogether this album is a gem. Buy it.

A seamless hybrid of several genres
On paper, G. Love & Special Sauce's album sounded interesting - a combination of hip-hop and blues music, with a little jazz and folk thrown in for good measure. Doesn't sound like the easiest thing to pull off, as this could have sounded like an unfocused pastiche that goes nowhere, but the songs are executed quite well - the band sounds remarkably confident considering that this is their debut album.

GL&SS's take on the blues is not quite as reverent and pure as someone like John Hammond Jr., but at the same time it's not like the slick roadhouse rock that passes for blues these days. G. Love introduces himself and the band with the brief, harmonica-infused opener "The Things That I Used To Do". Many of the songs on the first half of the album are mid-tempo and bluesy and nicely showcase G. Love's nimble fretwork. The members of the band were all pretty young when they recorded this album (early to mid 20's), so the general tone of much of the lyrics seem to be fun and carefree, some would say frivolous ("Rhyme For The Summertime", "Cold Beverages" and "Shootin' Hoops" are examples), but they nicely represent G. Love's laid-back view of everyday life and provide the ideal soundtrack for pursuits of leisure, be it cruising in your car, hanging out on your front porch, or ... yes, shooting hoops. Elsewhere, more worldly concerns are expressed on tracks like "This Ain't Livin'", a song set to a slower tempo that chronicles the plights of people struggling to make ends meet in the inner city. Also, G. Love's deserves credit for writing a song called "I Love You" that doesn't make the listener nauseous - it brings out his folk roots and isn't nearly as cloying or sentimental as the title might imply, but at the same time it's genuine and heartfelt ... not an easy feat to accomplish.

In summary: An auspicious debut from a band with a very distinctive sound. They have evolved over the years (no two albums sound alike), but I would definitely say that this is the place to start for anyone that wants their first taste of the Special Sauce.

Why haven't I seen it in Woolworths...
Its hard to avoid comparing G Love to other better known artists, but it helps set them in the frame. especially if you have come across this album on a impetuous riffle through, faithfully aided by "recommendations" and "others bought" guides. by now you can't remember what album you started with.

I would suggest holding on and taking some time here, the other reviews are spot on, it's bluesy, some neat jazz overtones, jaunty rhythm and laid back rap delivery. It is a very cool album.

But should you buy it? Or see what else was recommended, maybe something more hip hop, more blues?
When I first heard it several bands sprung to mind, but I got that feeling, you remember the one you got when you first heard Scooby Snack by the Fun lovin' Criminals, or Loser by Beck, or the first time you saw the Sabotage video?
Along with realising you will never be that cool, you had the gut feeling there was a chance you would be perceived that way just for the 3 odd minutes of the track.. Well this album hits that spot, with some added summer.
Its one for THE Collection (the 6 or so CD's you can fit in the glove compartment for long drives) each track holds its own and it wouldn't be out of place next to Digable Planets, Wagon Christ, Johnny Cash and of course Air!

One of my top buys this year, and its 10 years old so already stood the test of time (relative to the present state of the music industry) ... Read more

Amazon.com

A double disc may seem indulgent after barely a decade in the biz, but after meandering through the commercial minefields of innocent fun (1992's Born into the '90s), pure raunch (1993's 12 Play), and pop crossover (1995's R. Kelly), Kelly has come close to the perfect mix--and if it takes two discs to do so, why not? There are still moments of indulgence (the forced theatrics of "The Opera"), and the occasional venture into mediocrity ("Did You Ever Think?"), but the sheer funk of tracks like "Home Alone" (a head-bobber featuring Keith Murray) and "Dollar Bill" (featuring--surprise!--Foxy Brown) allows you to overlook such cracks in the formula. Other bit players in this star vehicle include Cam'Ron, Noreaga, Jay-Z, Nas, and (yes) Celine Dion. --Rebecca Wallwork ... Read more

Reviews (164)

THE KING OF R&B IS BACK!
The best CD (or CD:s)I own is R Kelly's "R". No one can beat this masterpiece. Except, of course, the soulman himself. One song I can't get enough of is the fantastic "Half On A Baby". Seems like heaven appears while hearing it. Other great songs are "Did You Ever Think" for its extremely original text and beats, "When A Woman's Fed Up" one of many truths about women, "Don't Put Me Out", " V.I.P." the one about jealousy , "Reality", "2nd Kelly", "Down Low Double Life", the best ballad of the year "If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" , "Suicide" for its blues, "Home Alone" the cool party song ... the list just goes on and on. Only one thing disappointed me: the CD didn't include "Be Careful", which can be found on Sparkle's CD (produced entirely by R Kelly). I like both the fast and the slow songs, but the slow touches my heart and soul every time. I bought the CD about one year ago, and i still listen to it. If you want timeless soul then look no further. If you want music that never gets boring buy this one. R Kelly is without a doubt the 90's biggest R&B and soulartist.

.... Too many songs
Don't get me wrong, this CD is slammin' at times. R Kelly takes you back to "12 Play" with some of his slow jams. The slow jams from "Born Into The 90s" is what got Mr. Kelly known in the business. "Honey Love", "Slow Dance" and "Dedicated" were all songs to remember. "12 Play" was his breakthrough album. His slow jams were so tight that people didn't even bother to criticize some of the fast songs that you had to fast forward in order to get to the slow songs. "It Seems Like You're Ready", "Your Body's Callin'", and "For You" have always been favorites of mine. On his 3rd album it seemed like R Kelly was fighting between his religious beliefs and the formula that made his previous albums work. He still found time to make "Down Low (Nobody Has To Know"), "I Can't Sleep", "(You To Be) Happy" w/The Notorious B.I.G. and "Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby". On "R" the best moments are when R Kelly stays true to his old "12 Play" formula. Most of the slow jams are on point and are worth the double CD's price. I'll put "When A Woman's Fed Up", "One Man", "Looking 4 Love", "Suicide", "Etcetera","If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" and "I'm Your Angel" w/Celine Dion against almost any other R&B artists slow jams and R Kelly will be #1 against most artists. My personal favorites are "Home Alone" w/Keith Murray, "Spendin' Money", "When A Woman's Fed Up" which is the best song, "One Man", "Suicide", "If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" and "Looking For Love". I agree with reviewers "I.B." and "Tony" when they say that this should've been one CD. Even though this is a tight double CD collection, they're a lot of "filler" songs on the CD. "2nd Kelly","V.I.P", "Down Low Double Life" (How many versions of the song can you make), "Dollar Bill" w/Foxy Brown (R Kelly is trying to rap again) and the forgettable "The Opera" which never should've been made. This is the reason why I gave this CD a 4 instead of a 5. This is still a quality CD. If you're a R Kelly fan, this is a must have for your collection.

I Had It! This Album Is [not worth]!
I remember playing the 2-tape set NONSTOP in '98, '99, like the "R." album was something I HAD to get and when I got it, OH BOY! I enjoyed hearing the many different sides of the cat. I mean it's a masterpiece simply because I haven't seen no other artist have a hardcore female rapper like Foxy Brown in one side and have a POP diva like Celine Dion on the other. A mixture of R&B, soul, hip-hop, funk, rock, pop, reggae and gospel, this album is Robert's "Songs In The Key of Life". Now if I can just find it again and buy it, I would be sooo happy!!! R. Kelly has done it again, ain't nothin' more to it!

R. Kelly's Mammoth Opus!!! Hands Down!!!!
It might've seemed early for R. Kelly to release a double album, but I think it was time for people to hear what R. Kelly really had to offer. His 1998 double-disc mammoth opus, R., is a masterpiece, which has a wide range of styles and sounds. It is a little uneven, but it does have some of his biggest hits. The opening, "Home Alone", is a funky, hip-hop, party jam. "Home Alone" is one of my favorite songs on this album. "Half On A Baby" is a sensual, slow jam that shows off R. Kelly's best vocal abilities. The next song, "When A Woman's Fed Up", is a classic. It is an angry and mostly frustrated song about a woman's betrayal to a man. "Get Up On A Room" is a slow, bedroom jam that is one of my favorites. "One Man" is about being sympathetic to a woman. The classicial-flavored, "The Opera" is a somewhat confused song or 1-minute interlude that has R. Kelly sounding strong and clear as ever. "Only The Loot Can Make Me Happy" is a hip-hop/R&B-flavored track that is probably one of the shining moments of this album. It's another one of my favorites. "Suicide" is a edgy and soul-searching tune that is very moody. "If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time" is probably one of the best tunes R. Kelly has ever performed. It's another soul-searching tune that I just can't get enough of. It is wonderful. The closing, "What I Feel/Issues is a personal tune about hatred and fears in his life, I think. It's a dark and moody song. Disc 2 is weaker than Disc 1 probably because of all the filler it has. I think there are 3 tracks I enjoy here. "Did You Ever Think" is my most favorite song on this disc because it is smooth. It is about living the big life and probably being thankful for it all. "I'm Your Angel" is an adult contemporary tune. It is an amazing duet with Celine Dion. "I Believe I Can Fly" is one of the best songs R. Kelly has written. It is a moving piece of work. I think it's the best song on the whole album. R. is a stroke of genuis. The project, itself, is a classic. Some of the songs may seem self-indulgent and sometimes even overkilled, but the songs are just great. There is not alot of filler, which is good. So, buy this masterpiece because it's the best R. Kelly has ever done. (...)

Excellent
This is great work, R Kelly has showed that he is truly a great artist. I am one of his biggest fans, I certainly do appreciate his hard work & effort. This album is above the call of duty, he reached out with different sounds that blew me away, I really did not know that this was album until I saw the cd case, he did one hell of a great job. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This Album Crushed My Mind
This is the album that put BlindSide on the map. At this point you either loved thenm to death or you hated their guts. No band goes from alternatve rock to hard core metal but this band managed to somehow pull it off and with style. From the crazy opening of the now classic "King of the Closet" to the beautifully structured epic "Nothing but Skin" this album mixed all the harmonic elements of their first album with a new sound that caught everyone by surprise. It's light years better than "Silence" and matched only by the sonic velocity of "About a Burning Fire". The bonus tracks are a real treat and the bonus cover art makes this one really worth getting. If you own the first release of this record(and its probably worn out by now) than you owe it to yourself to get this version.

Since this record BlindSide have moved on from the hardcore scene but you can still see the remnants of it in their new songs.

Great way to witness the evolution of a powerful metal band
The Good
The best part about having both of the Blindside re-issues is that you get to hear how they evolved and defined their sound. On their self-titled debut, Blindside struggle with finding their sound. You can hear that they become torn between sounding sort of like Clutch or sort of like Shadows Fall. "Invert" comes barreling at you like a 16 wheeler out of control on a steep hill (long way to go for a simile), with its monster riffs and manic vocal delivery. It's almost like Blindside is messing with you on "Born". The track takes a completely different direction with more subdued vocals and minimal distortion. The track is defined by a simple guitar lick.

It's back to releasing the fury on "Empty Box". This time theirs a soulful bass line matched by heavy breakdowns. A meaty chugga-chugga riff runs rampant on "This Shoulder". The vocals are melodic yet still edgy. "Teddy Bear" has a clean arpeggio lick and somber drum rhythm. By the time the chorus kicks in, the riffs become thunderous and driving. It's nice to be able to compare the four demo bonus tracks to their final product.

On A Thought Crushed My Mind, Blindside have settled on what they want to sound like (more like Shadows Fall). It's also apparent that they had a bigger production budget when this was originally released. "Vow of Silence" is everything but silent. It's pure assault of heavy distortion and furious vocals. It's amazing that vocalist Christian Lindskog's lungs haven't exploded. "King of the Closet" is a tale of vampires that chugs along with breakneck unruliness.

"My Mother's Only Son" briefly flirts with the soulful sounds of Blindside's debut, but reverts to the angst they so relish in. Think bass riffs take hold of "Nara". The intensity builds when the guitars and vocals kick in. Instead of including demos with this reissue, Blindside decided to include two hard to find 7" vinyl releases and two previous unreleased tracks. If you want to hear a completely different side of the group, listen to the final track "[Phatbeat 1303]".

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
The Blindside reissues are a great way to witness the evolution of a powerful heavy metal band. It will also hold over their fans with demos and unreleased material, until their new album is released later this year.

Blindside's best gets better
"A Thought Crushed My Mind" has always been my favorite Blindside album.This rerelease has been beautifully remastered and is better than ever.The bonus songs are exellent stuff (sounding very punkish for Blindside).If you already own the first edition of this album, you need to buy this rerelease.The remastering alone makes it worth the 12 bucks (including shipping!), nevermind the extra songs.My only disappointment is that neither this disc nor the remastered selftitled disc contain the song "Sidewinder", which is on the original Swedish Day-Glo Records release of the selftitled album.That aside, I consider this to be the best Blindside album on the market to date.

Worth it for the bonus songs
This is still Blindside's best album, and the hardest. The bonus songs just make it that much better. They were recorded between "thought" and "silence" and were originally only available on a limited edition 7". If you are a Blindside fan, pick this up immediately! ... Read more

Amazon.com

From January 2000 to June 2002, Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong laboriously pored over loops and samples, collecting synth squeals and snatches of howling guitar and, naturally, writing songs. Aided by raging rapper Rob Aston, he's put it all together to form this often intriguing and strangely beguiling side project. The opening's not promising. With the death-riff of "Romper Stomper" followed by the urban R&B and chanted party-rock chorus of "Tall Cans in the Air," Armstrong flails badly. But then his Clash obsession kicks in once more. This London-Kingston-California hybrid is thoroughly weird but oddly touching. It rings out in "Weigh on My Mind" and "Diamonds and Guns," with its Sex Pistols-inspired marching intro, rollicking piano, and Stones-like woo-woos, while the closing "Down in Oakland" is an enthusiastic take on the Clash's later spaghetti-western reggae. These, and Armstrong's sonic experiments, provide interest, with adrenaline pumping from searing punk-metal bursts. Though Aston's outbursts are often confrontational in the most predictable and tedious sense, Transplants is something new. --Dominic Wills ... Read more

Reviews (108)

Don't care what anyone says....
This CD rules. Another Rancid side project. It's great. frontman Tim Armstrong laboriously pored over loops and samples, collecting synth squeals and snatches of howling guitar and, naturally, writing songs. Aided by raging rapper Rob Aston, he's put it all together to form this often intriguing and strangely beguiling side project. The opening's not promising. With the death-riff of "Romper Stomper" followed by the urban R&B and chanted party-rock chorus of "Tall Cans in the Air," Armstrong flails badly. But then his Clash obsession kicks in once more. This London-Kingston-California hybrid is thoroughly weird but oddly touching. It rings out in "Weigh on My Mind" and "Diamonds and Guns," with its Sex Pistols-inspired marching intro, rollicking piano.
1. Romper Stomper 5/5
2. Tall Cans in the Air 5/5
3. D.J. D.J. 4/5
4. Diamonds and Guns 5/5
5. Quick Death 5/5
6. Sad But True 5/5
7. Weigh on My Mind 5/5
8. One Seventeen 5/5
9. California Babylon 4/5
10. We Trusted You 5/5
11. D.R.E.A.M. 4/5
12. Down in Oakland 5/5
SO buy this already!

A few good moments but lyrically appalling
When I heard this group had Tim Armstrong of Rancid fame in it, i presumed they were going to be pretty good. I also heard it had Travis Barker from Blink and the Aquabats - I hate Blink but I think he's quite a good drummer. I also heard this cd was going to have fusion of ska, punk and hip-hop - being totally in to those three genres I immediately thought it was going to be an amazing release. However, despite some nice beats (Diamonds and Guns, D.R.E.A.M), the lyrics that Rob Aston spits are some of the worst of all time - they make some of Nelly or Ja Rule's lyrics seem good. Usually, I'd think if the lyrics aren't good but the music's nice, its still slightly good. However, I found Aston's cliche gangsta vocals just unbearable and they completely ruin the CD. They should have let some good rappers on this CD as guests instead of having their own rapper. I think even Tim's lyrics on this are boring and sound lke they took a day to write. I gotta say I love Rancid but this is really bad. If you're into punk get stuff by Bombshell Rocks (except their latest album), Leftover Crack, Propagandhi, and Common Rider. If you wanna hear good, intelligent hip-hop, listen to Company Flow, Aesop Rock, Dead Prez, MF Doom, and Jedi Mind Tricks. I doubt most punx can fathom why Tim has allowed himself to be a part of this.. He just get the new Rancid album over and done with.

ONE HECK OF A CD!!!!!!!!!
I love this CD!It is one of my favourite CD's. You don't even have to like Rancid or Blink-182 to like the Transplants (Although I love those bands), because they sound NOTHING like those bands. Buy this CD now. I have hand it for more than 4 months and listen to it every day. My favorite tracks are "Diamonds And Guns", "California Babylon", and "Romper Stomper". Like I said before, buy this CD immediatly.

GREAT ALBUM
tranplants, a side project of travis barker and t. armstrong combines essences of punk, hardcore, dance beat, and rap/hiphop. many say that it includes some metal, but that is plain bull, it's hardcore not metal, and that's easy to see by anyone who has ever heard the two. Anyway, all the songs are GREAT, except for D.R.E.A.M. which i think is just okay (after you listen to it a couple of times it gets pretty lame). As for the rest, i could listen to them over and over again for a couple of months (which i already have done).

POSERS!
so i had to redo this entire review, because i just recently learned the definition of PUNK. This band roots off of the poser punk, long time sold out rancid. Now, im not knocking the good ol' days of rancid, like lets go and out come the wolves, those are classics, but indestructible is the sorriest excuse for punk ive ever heard! Anyway, this band sold out on its first album, not very punk rock of you ask me. Check out dead kennedys, or the adicts, now thats some kick ass punk that has been around for more than 20 years and has yet to sell out! ... Read more

Amazon.com

There are two ways of combating the blazing misogyny of gangsta rap: with water or with fire. Journalists, teachers, and ministers have been trying to douse the flames of sexism with intellectual and moral arguments. The reasoning is persuasive, but it's doubtful it reaches rap's hard-core young audience. For that crowd, you have to fight fire with fire, and that's just what the female rap trio Salt 'N' Pepa have done so successfully with Very Necessary. With their explicit rapping about bedroom gymnastics, Salt 'N' Pepa are unlikely to be held up as role models in classrooms or churches anytime soon. For a sexually active teenage girl, however, the trio shows how you can get your pleasure without putting up with any disrespect. Salt 'N' Pepa's hit singles "Whatta Man" and "Shoop" are both sensual appreciations of the men they like, but the album also contains some hilarious, pitiless putdowns of the men who don't treat them right. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (12)

I LOVE THE WHOLE CD
I LOVE THE SONGS: SHOOP, GROOVE ME, WHATTA A MAN I LOVE SALT-N-PEPA THEY ARE MY DIVAS. THEY INSPIRE ME TO GET INTO THE MUSIC BUSINESS.

"Very Necessary" by Salt 'N Pepa
The 3 member group of Salt 'N Pepa date back to the mid-eighties with hits like "Push It." In 1993, they made a strong comeback into the hip-hop scene with their hit-packed album "Very Necessary" which featured two chart-topping singles: "Shoop" and "Whatta Man(featuring R&B quartet En Vogue)" and the grammy nominated song "None Of Your Business." That song was filled with liberating, pro-female lyrics that were both innovative and catchy. Salt 'N Pepa also had strong video support as well. The group released one more cd called "Brand New" in 1997 before disbanding. Salt went on to make a few cameos like her brief rap verse in a gospel song called "Stomp(remix)" by God's Property. Pepa married rap originator Treach(of Naughty By Nature) and gave birth to a child recently. You can also check the group out on raggae queen Patra's sophomore disc where the group makes a guest appearance on one of her songs. Basically, if you're into old school-tinged hip-hop with a pro-woman empowering feeling, I would recommend picking it up. Even if you just like to hear some of the classics that shaped rap into what it is today, I would urge you to have a listen. If not, then don't. Once again, this is THE RAP REVIEWER signing off. Just look for the trademark name atop other rap, hip-hop and R&B titles and you can trust that it's true and informative. ~Peace.

the best salt 'n' pepa album// release a greatest hits CD!!!
Very Necessary is not only the the best selling Salt 'N' Pepa album (5x platinum), but their best period. This cd also won them a grammy for the song "None of your business" and is the best selling album by female rappers (solo or group) EVER. (Lauryn Hill's "Miseducation" cd is mostly singing) I can still listen to this CD now and enjoy it. What is really needed NOW is a Salt 'N' Pepa digitally remastered greatest hits CD with great photos and extensive liner notes. There are too many greatest hits CD's from undeserving artists with 2 or 3 hits when S'N'P has at least 12 major hits. Enough on that... bottom line this cd is hot.

A classic and a must own.
This is one of my favorite albums. I grew up listening to Salt-N-Pepa throughout the 80's and 90's. This album rules. I love it when Ellen Degeneres sings "Shoop" on some her her comedy specials (example : DVD - "Here and Now"). I mean, the song is about men, and Ellen is a lesbian (no harm meant) and I think it is funny. I wonder what ever happened to Salt-N-Pepa. Did they split up or just left the music business?

Awesome CD--never tire of it
This was one of the best Salt-n-Pepa CDs ever. Full of fresh tracks and in your face lyrics... and you can dance to it. ... Read more

Reviews (211)

Talib Kweli (5 star MC), DJ Hi-Tek (5 star Producer )
If you are a fan (real hip hop fan) of ATCQ, The Roots, BEP, Common, Mos buy this album! Dj Hi-Tek is one of the best producers out now showing his skill and versatility on this album, yes i've heard everything he's done even the stuff with Mood and Rawkus, and Talib Kweli is one of the best MC's to come out in years (all day ill metaphors and similies). He's one of my top 5 right now. DJ Hi-Tek also produced the WHOLE album! I've have a full promo of the album for about a month now and its still the first cd in my cd changer, but that will change soon when i get the real album. Head noddin, straight MC spittin songs include "eternalists" (if you like any of the songs from the hiphop masterpeice "Illmatic" you will feel right at home) "move something", "too late" & "soul rebels". Other classic cuts include "the Blast" (it hit me like one when i first heard it), "Love Language" (a beautiful track with Les Nubians singing the hook in french, Kweli spittin lovely about love). I love this cd, its up there with illmatic , things fall apart, and black on both sides. Get on the train and get away from the bling bling.

ONE WORD ... CLASSIC !!!
I wonder sometimes if anyone else can put an album out that is this good. Talib Kweli & DJ Hi-Tek ( Reflection Eternal ) have created a classic LP that will live on for generations for future Hip-Hop fans to appreciate. Every song on this album is good or at least listenable. These 2 have come a long way before this album dropped ( Manifesto, Fortified Live, The human element, Lunchroom classics, The express, Chaos, On mission and 2000 seasons which is easily the best Reflection Eternal track ever recorded ). Talib Kweli sounds great over DJ Hi-Tek's beats and Reflection Eternal could be or are the next Gang Starr ( cause of the MC/DJ-Producer combo ). Tracks like SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL, THE BLAST, THIS MEANS YOU w/ Mos Def, MEMORIES LIVE, DOWN FOR THE COUNT, LOVE LANGUAGE, ETERNALIST, TOUCH YOU, GOOD MOURNING and the bonus track FOR WOMEN are the tracks that standout. I own a lot of CD's but in reality this is the second best CD I own. So for every Hip-Hop fan out there that are waiting for something good to come out, WAKE UP cause this joint dropped 2 years ago and must be picked up immediately. ...

beyond tight !!!
A masterpiece not one dissapointing track all the tracks are excellent specially the one with kool g rap. grab this cd immiedietly a true classic for true Hip-Hop heads.

Absolute Classic
There is nothing else to describe this CD. Talib is one of, if not the best MC. Hi-Tek's beats are tight thruout this entire cd. Classic.

a poet
i first saw talib kweli do his performance on chappelle's show and i thought he was very skilled. so around a year later, i heard "africa dream" in my music class and i was extremely into it. that is without a doubt my favorite track on this album. many other tracks on this album prove kweli to be a skilled mc and lyricist, very poetic and doesn't swear in every sentence (ludacris). him and mos def make an amazing team, when they're together they're unstoppable. if you're just getting into kweli, or mos def, check out black star, their group together. great album, great rapper. ... Read more