Reviews (14)

Good but not slamming like old MC Solaar CD's
MC Solaar is one of my favorite Hip-Hop artists period. This one isn't as good as the other CD's but I'd also like to point out that the other albums were seriously slamming in my opinion, so just putting out a good album isn't a bad thing. He changes his style on this one and it seems like he has a different production crew from that on the "La Tour De La Question". Trax, beats and lyrics are still tight. Amazing to hear how he can go from one style to the other on the same album. Alliance Ethnik is the only French Group that seems to have figured it out. Get this one but understand that if you have his previous CD's, this one will need to grow on you.

It may sound exotic, but it's not good
I regularly travel to Paris from my hometown in London. I speak French fluently and am aware of the music scene over there. Most of times it leaves me bitterly disappointed. Solaar's first album was a fresh breaktrough for France's african/caribbean community, socially as well as musically. The first and biggest black Frenchman to go into the mainstream, even internationally. It is great any way you look at it. I keep it as one of my favourite albums. His music has gone downhill ever since. 6eme As only receives 2 stars for being daring, albeit with poor results. It has not had that much of an impact in France so far either. The French hip hop scene has also gone astray, running into new territories of hardcore, ragga and cheesy soul (proof of this is their poor presence on the worlwide stage, like Solaar did, with notable exceptions such as Les Nubians and the up and coming Corneille who is actually rwandan-canadian). It's all a big shame, and I keep waiting for a new wave of francophone artists to please mes oreilles.

The Black French Eminem!
It doesn't matter if you understand him. His beats are better than anything I've ever heard. A good friend of mine from France dropped this guy on me so I bought every album by this dude. I don't know french but the music sounds so good he might even be better than Eminem. Buy this album, you wont be disapointed at all.

About time...
About time we finally found something good about France. Solaar's meticulous flows, fluid beats, and euro-stlye definitly redefines the correlation amongst hip-hop and rap. There is a little bit of something for everyone, check it out, you'll either like it or you will won't.

1 up for the French
About time we found something good about France. Mc Solaar definitly redefines the correlation amongst hip-hop and rap. His meticulous flows, fluid beats, and euro-style definitly bring about a decent sound that this generation has been deprived of for too long. You have too appreciate hip-hop for what it is to truly appreciate Solaar. Check it out, either you like it or you don't. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

She may be beautiful, but Alicia Keys is a musician first andforemost. She plants herself firmly behind the piano keys on her debut,unlike many of the booty-waggin' junior divas who are crowding the R&Bvideoscape these days. Though many of the tracks on Songs in AMinor are embellished with adolescent angst, this 20-year-old'ssubstantial, gorgeously soul-drenched alto putties the cracks betweennotes with astonishing ease. "Fallin'," the album's first single,showcases Keys at her best. She wails plaintively and passionately overrolling blues chords, in the tradition of the greats that this youngtalent clearly wants to align herself with--Stevie Wonder,Donny Hathaway,and Aretha Franklin.She swoops and soars over the spicy, flamenco-fueled melody that opens"Mr. Mann," one of the many winning tracks gathered here. And she digsdeep into a remake of the beloved Prince B-side, "HowCome U Don't Call Me Anymore?" packing more heat into her melismaticwails than most singers twice her age. --Sylvia W. Chan ... Read more

Reviews (702)

Magazine Music Reviewers Got This One Right
Belive or not, I bought this CD without hearing one song from it. (No, I'm not living under a rock, but where I'm currently stationed in military makes hearing new music difficult.) I read the pre-release album reviews in various magazines and so I was looking forward to hearing it. I've been wanting to hear an album that features an artist with some "real" talent, like "Jill Scott." I'm happy to say that the reviews were correct in describing Alicia Keys and her music. I love her use of the piano in her music. Her CD feature songs with some great beats, just checkout "The Life, Jane Doe, Mr. Man, and Rock Wit U." She does a great job in remaking Prince's "How Come You Don't Call Me." She also has some nice slow tempo songs with "Goodbye, Butterflyz, Troubles, and Why do I feel so sad." (I really like "Why do I feel so sad" even though it's not the strongest song on the CD.) The only reason I give four out of five stars is because I feel the lyrics could of have been a bit better in some songs. Other than that, this is great CD, and I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. I look forward to her second CD, which I hope features even more of her piano playing.

Very Impressive....
....to say the least. This CD is a classic for sure. It has all the right combinations for instant repeat of all the tracks. I don't know where the industry was holding this talent captive but I am one fan who is sure glad she escaped. The entire album is just fabulous. Anyone with an open mind and an ear for music would surely feel as though they've gotten their monies worth. I've even witnessed grade school girls making up routines off of some of the songs I thought were more geared towards the adult audience. I say that to say that there is something for everyone. Anyway, if you like Sade, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and/or Mary J. Blige then buy Alicia Keys 'cause you'll find she is a combination of all these talented women and will certainly blaze a trail herself. 5 stars ***** The CD should be Songs in A++ Minor

Great CD! High recommendation!
Great Cd! I do think some of the lyrics could have been better. The profanity in it was not necessary at all. she can express herself better with out it. the top 10 songs on the cd are:

10. Caged Bird
9. Jane Doe
8. Mr. Man
7. Womans Worth
6. Butterflyz
5. How Come U Dont Call Me
4. Girlfriend
3. Fallin'
2. Why Do I Feel So Sad
1. Never Felt This Way

P.S.: this is just from the top of my head and from my point of view. i didnt pick fallin as #1 because i wanted to give all of the other songs to stand out and to kind of come to your attention more. anyway, i think all of the songs are pretty good and i think it would be a great buy for you or a friend!
i also highly recommend her 2nd cd.

KEEP LISTENIN 2 IT
wen i 1st bought this cd, i didnt really listen 2 the songs + just skimmed thro them, but wen i actually sat down + listened to it properly and the words, i couldnt believe i had actually even considered this was "rubbish". Alicia talents could not have shined thro more amzazingly + beautifully. Everythin from the lyrics to the beat of the songs themselves, are written so soothingly.
Theres a real calmness 2 this album, so if ur goin thro a stressful time + just wana wind down 2 som calming but cool sounds then this is an album 4 u!

HOPED MY REVIEW HELPED U MAKE THE RITE CHOICE! ***

ALICIA - GREAT TITLE, GR8 SOUND, GR8 EVERYTHING!
If uve read any of my other stuff, ul know im about to go fru all songs...

1. Piano & I - a beatufil is cheesy piano-opening 2 songs in a minor. 4/5
2. Girflriend - a lovely funky starting song. 4.5/5
3. How Come U Dont Call Me - a gr8 rendition of Prince's song. 4.5/5
4. Fallin' - amazing & soulful. 5/5
5. Troubles - a nice, ballad-type song with gr8 lyrics and vocals. 4/5
6. Rock Wit U - long opening, then gets real gd. 4.5/5
7. A Womans Worth - a nice song about different sexes. 4/5

8. Jane Doe - gr8 funky song. 5/5
9. Goodbye - i like it. 4/5
10. The Life - ditto. 4.5/5
11. Mr Man - worst song. 3/5
12. Never Felt This Way - beautiful cover of brian mckinghtely, also interlude. 5/5
13. Butterlfyz - 1st song she wrote. quite gd. 4/5
14. Why Do I Feel So Sad - im lovin it. 5/5
15. Caged Bird - amazing! 5/5

best songs (top 5)
5. Y Do I Feel So Sad
4.Jane Doe
3.Caged Bird
2.Never Felt This Way
1. Fallin' ... Read more

Amazon.com

Considering that most Golden Era rap talents birthed by Dr. Dre have ridden off into the sunset--or are simply much less active and relevant in 2004--it's somewhat surprising that Snoop keeps churning out the hits like it was 1993. Make no mistake, Snoop's raps are still very much gangsta, as the title of the disc implies and as "Bang Out" clearly outlines. They're just a bit more adult-contemporary gangsta now. Despite the heavy pro-pimp overtones, the Doggfather's smoothed-out timbre and flow mask the harshness of his regressive views. The exceptional production throughout is highlighted by the Neptunes' contributions, from the catchy, minimalist "Drop It Like It's Hot" all the way to the '80s retro-funk jam "Let's Get Blown." Steady vocal contributions from funk stalwart Charlie Wilson (Gap Band) and 50 Cent, and nasty beats supplied by everyone from the Alchemist to Hi-Tek put this one over the top. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Amazon.com

This debut from the most sought-after hip-hop producer not named Pharrell delivers the unthinkable: West magically sledgehammers home his opinions on taboo topics over beats that are equally daring. The envelope-ripping beats shouldn't come as a surprise given that he's supplied the soundscapes to monster singles by everyone from Alicia Keys ("You Don't Know My Name") to Talib Kweli ("Get By"). What is freakish is that in West's world, rhymes about strippers, God, college life, and guns can co-exist tidily and not undermine each other. On "Breathe In Breathe Out" he raps "I gotta apologize to Mos and Kweli/is it cool to rap about gold if I told the world I copped it from Ghana and Mali"--tongue firmly planted in cheek. On the catchy "Through the Wire," fuelled by a Chaka Khan hook, he spits some impeccable rhymes despite his jaw being wired shut after a near-fatal car accident. Maybe it was this brush with mortality that kicked his lyrics into high gear on "All Falls Down." The skits on here are just as potent, one poking fun at the overeducated underclass that makes a small fraction of the loot he does. With jaw-dropping cameos from Jay-Z, Common, Mos Def, and the Harlem Boys Choir plus the feel-good club tune of the year, "Slow Jamz" featuring Twista, College Dropout is as explosive, contradictory, and complex as rap music gets. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (637)

The boy dropped out with honours!!
The 1st thing you should ask yourself about this album is.."does it live up to all the hype that surrounds it?". I can honestly say "yes it does and a whole lot more!!" Im a huge underground hiphop fan and hate all this jiggy, player pimp s*** that, in my honest opinion, believe is killing real hiphop, so i was very skeptical about this cuz of his close ties with the ROC. But within a matter of 2 songs KANYE blows those worries away. His delivery is totally on point and his rhymes have some of the freshest and funniest lines you'll hear this year, on any album.
Everybody and his mama knows that his production is 1st rate and cant be messed with, and what's best is, he seems to have saved some of the best beats he's done for himself. (as he said on 1 of his joints). There's really no weak song on the album, but obviously i like some more than others, but my favourite are "jesus walks", "spaceship", "breathe in, breathe out", "school spirit", "we dont care", "all falls down" and the bomb "last call" (co-produced by evidence). Go cop this a.s.a.p.

Destined to become a True Classic
When I first listened to the album I didnt recognize the true talent that Kanye West had. Speakerboxxx/Love Below was a great vacation from normal hip hop but Kanye West has managed to help to bring Hip Hop back into the music scene. His gift with old tracks and samples helps him to create instant hits. With perhaps maybe too many skits (about 4) in the album, the flow is slowed down (as we can instantly see that Kanye West is not a lover of College.

Rating of Songs:

Intro- Little Scene with Cedric the Entertainer, FUNNY, great start

We Don't Dare- Addictive Beat, nice background vocals. Solid Start tothe album 4/5 stars

All Falls Down- Destined to be a radio hit, great background vocals 5/5

I'll Fly Away- Short song with gospel influences 3/5

Jesus Walks- Good track, thought provoking lyrics 4/5

Never Let me Down- Jay-Z comes out to help his superstar producer, result is solid hit also 5/5

Get em High - One of the less themed songs of the album; catchy though 4/5

Workout Plan- EXTREMELY FUNNY! Great intro to "The New Workout Plan" 5/5

School Spirit- An ok track. Not one of my favorites but still enjoyable 3.5/5

The New Workout Plan- I HOPE he makes this one a video. Destined to be remembered 5/5

Spaceship- The BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM. My favorite with smooth beats, interesting lyrics and just extremely done well 10/5!!!!

Family Business- A softer side of Kanye 4/5

Definitely cop this CD, never a waste of money

BEST CD ON THE PLANET
okay yeah i LOVE this CD. its the not the kind of CD you listen to for like a month and then get sick of it. ive had it for like almost a year and still LOVVVVE it!! if you dont already own it GO BUY IT. kanye is amazing, i saw him in concert and i love him even more. hes got great songs, different beats, and some funny lil interlude things. he was come out with alot of new ideas for hip hop. keep it up kanye!!!

Best Album Of The Year
This album is insane top to bottom.

Classic...
This album is awesome! Every song is an excellent listen. The samples are used beautifully, his lyrics are insrpirational, and in the future, people are gonna look back at this and say: "That album was a classic, just like NWA's "Straight Outta Compton," Dr. Dre's "The Chronic," and 2Pac's "All Eyes On Me." The beats are awesome, too. In the end, I got three words to say, "Kanye's debut rulez!" ... Read more

Amazon.com

At a time when experimentation is taboo in most overground rap, that’s all Outkast seem intent on executing. Firstly, this double CD has no cohesive link, other than the fact that it sounds like a pair of solo albums stitched together to demo exactly how Andre’s yin works to augment Big Boi’s yang. Andre 3000’s Love Below disc rates as the more eclectic of the two, given that he’s turned in his emcee credentials to become a full-on funk-soul-jazz vocalist who mostly sings about items of love ("Happy Valentine's Day"), carnal lust ("Spread"), and female adoration ("Prototype"). Minus the big band schmaltz of "Love Hater" and cheesy cover jobs ("My Favorite Things"), Andre’s disc is sick (meaning great). As is to be expected, the Big Boi disc is less arty, more gangsta and worldly, and features the less-progressive guest raps of ATL crunk purveyors Lil’ Jon and The Eastside Boyz ("Last Call") and Jay-Z who rhymes the hook on "Flip Flop Rock". Unlike Big Boi, Andre keeps his collabos to a minimum, once crooning alongside Norah Jones on the cool yet sappy "Take Off Your Cool", and once with Kelis. Boi fulfills his Dungeon Family duty with flying colors by flipping some dirty southern up-tempo raps over electro beats on "GhettoMusick". By the time Cee-Lo sermonizes on "Reset", Speakerboxx and Love Below rate mostly as majestic and inspiring, with the remaining 23 per cent being just plain incredible --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (722)

Thank You Andre!
This is by far the most refreshing cd, hip hop or whatever genre, I've heard since I can remember. I cannot stop playing "the love below" because it is simply a stroke of genius. Mainstream heads will sleep on it because like most people who bought the cd just for "way you move", they're looking for something mindless and dull. If that's the case, go cop DMX, Nelly or some other repetitive, boring, follow the leader type music.
Yeah we know what you want..."true"outkast fans want an album just like "ATLiens". But you know what? As much as I would like to see that too...it's not reality. Think about it. The reason outkast is so dope is because they're constantly pushing the hip hop boundaries. They're pushing the boundaries on speakerboxx/love below just like they did in 95. And some of you might not think so now, but this is a true classic, ahead of its time and one day you'll see.
Speakerboxx to me, is sort of half genius, half average. The more I listen to it though the more I like it, because it kind of combines all 4 albums together into one. My favorite on skrbxx is probably "reset" which has so much ATLiens feel I swear it was a last second cut from the actual album.
The Love Below is just genius. Only way to describe. I truly do feel for the people who don't feel this album, because what the h*** are they listening to??? You all are missing out on so much! And I really don't mind if people don't feel this album because everyone is entitled to their opinion, but don't say andre 3000 is being different just for the sake of being different. Because that is such BS. If you can't hear good music when you hear it, than sucks to be you.
It's hard to say which is my favorite song because I truly, DO like them all, but I really like "she lives in my lap", "love hater", "Roses", "dracula's wedding" and "take off your cool"(altough that was too short!).
Overall, 5 stars to love below, 4 stars to speakerboxx
and outkast: Keep doin your thang...

The odd couple
Not sure exactly how to react to this double-set quite yet. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below are two very diverse records from one another, simply put. First off, Big Boi presents Speakerboxxx, a collection of songs any fan of Outkast will recognize. The beats are reminiscent of old 'Kast material without the strange element Andre brings to the table. Big Boi also has his share of guest artists that help showcase the more gangsta half of the group. "Unhappy" is a smooth track that is sure to please any and all ear drums with an appearance by Sleepy Brown. "Tomb of the Boom" is a tight track with spots from Ludacris, Big Gipp, and KONKRETE. "Flip Flop Rock", another highlight which sounding reminiscent to Aquemini's "Chonkyfire", features Jay-Z and Big Boi's protege, Killer Mike. Also check out "War", "Ghettomusick", and "Church".
Ah, then there's Dre. The quirky, silly-dressed half of the legend of Outkast. Don't expect another Speakerboxxx. The Love Below is not necessarily what you want playin' in ur ride. Other than the lead-off single, "Hey Ya", this record is different from anything ever recorded. With jazzy-laced tracks in full control of this disc, Andre proves to be the more creative half of the duo, not just different. Not a sound for everyone, this disc should be left up to the listener to determine how it sounds, that's it. All in all, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is another appreciatable effort from Outkast in their attempt to be different from anything on the market. How they could possibly get any more diverse is unclear and mind-blowing in itself.

HOTT
ok. these CDs are both awesome and entertaining. and although i do love Andre (fav songs on his CD are Happy Valentines Day, Behold A Lady, and Pink&Blue) i wanna give more credit to Big Boi. Ok speakerboxxx most def has not gotten his fair cut out of the Outkast fame, i absolutely LOVE his CD, more than the Love Below. He's got some really great beats, and Number 4, Bowtie, should have definitly been a single. anyway yeah hope this helps!

The lyrics
Ok, the lyrics are pointless i must admit but its the music that counts to me! The way they play music is unbelievable!!!! They used to be this wierd band that just came out of nowhere and sang "Sorry Miss Jackson" and that was it!

A few years later, look how much they are proressing! It's like from Model T Ford to Porsche Carrera GT! The first thing was good, at the time!

Roses is a great track and i just love the style of music, piano towards trumpets! Classic!

playaz fall
stick together. afromanmusic.com. sign up for the street team. get your money's worth and buy the new disc ... Read more

Reviews (496)

An incredible overview of an exciting and prolific career...
Although, 'All Eyez on Me' is probably his best literal album, I think that this is probably his best and strongest release. But, it's a little strange. Sure, 2Pac had more than enough hits to make a terrific compilation, but the appearance of this double-CD set in the fall of 1998 felt a bit like another opportunity to milk his catalog, simply because of the plethora of releases from previously unheard recordings to interview discs and bootlegs. Even with these misgivings taken into account, it has to be said that this does its job well. Most of his best songs are featured on this one from 'Keep Ya Head Up' and 'Dear Mama' to 'California Love' and 'I Ain't Mad at cha', though like any die-hard fan I would have liked to have seen some of his other ones like 'Soulja's Story', 'Can U Get Away', 'Thug Passion', 'Only God Can Judge Me', 'Part Time Mutha', 'Papaz Song' ...hell, I could go on forever. Even if you already have all of his previous work, the 4 unreleased songs on the album make it well-worth the purchase ('God Bless the Dead', 'Unconditional Love', 'Troublesome 96', and 'Changes') as they are all probably among the best songs he ever recorded. Although 'Changes' is probably the standout and most well-known amongst the four since it became one of the biggest hits of his career, I must say that 'Unconditional Love' struck a much vaster chord with me. It is one of the most honest, heartfelt, sympathetic and inspirational pieces of soul-searching music I have ever heard. In fact, it may very well be my absolute favorite 2Pac song ever, because I think it is probably the deepest and most personal song he's ever written. 2Pac certainly wasn't a totally positive role model or icon, but what makes him so meaningful to so many people is that he was striving to be. If you haven't yet experienced the work of this brilliant man yet, this album is a great way to start. It's really a shame he lived such a short life; he had the ability, mindset and power to become the greatest voice of his generation. But considering the road he was headed down, his death was nothing more than inevitable. And to this day I mourn his loss.

2pac's best cd
It is worth buying this cd instead of studio albums if you are a casual Pac fan. I'm not gonna get into this whole 'infamousdogg is an idiot' thing because everybody has the right to express their opinion and let's face it he made some good points (and some bad ones!).however, cdrw622, below me, is an idiot. He called Tupac illiterate then misspelled clown.Looking at his other reviews, I'm glad I have a good point to make when I say he is a total idiot. But, besisdes that slight interruption, i'm just going to straight up review this cd, and my first thought is buy it if you like rap music!!!
1.Keep ya head up-One of 2pac's best songs.Great, thought provoking lyrics and a great positive vibe. The beat is a little too loud though. 9/10
2.2 of amerikaz most wanted-I love this song, but,(and everyone's going to think i'm stupid), I can't understand half of what Pac says. 8/10
3.Temptations- Nice song to relax and unwind to.Pretty good.7/10
4.God bless the dead-People say this song proves he's alive. Nope. He was talking about somebody else. You'll notice the other guy is the only one who mentions Biggie's name.7/10
5.Hail Mary-I'm the only person I know who doesn't like this song.5/10
6.Me against the world-Average, with a great message at the end-6/10
7.How do u want it-Great beat, catchy hook.8/10
8.So many tears-Unusually cool. Has about 6 short verses, but very meaningful. 8/10
9.Unconditional love-Previously unreleased, sounds like life goes on but not as good.7/10
10.Trapped-Great song about hood life.-8/10
11.Life's goes on-one of my favorites. Great beat, good lyrics.9/10
12.Hit em up-Bad boy diss song. Not really very good.6/10
Disc 2
1.Troublesome 96-Great hardcore Makaveli.8/10
2.Brenda's got a baby- Brilliant song, the gem of 2pacalypse now. great lyrics.9/10
3.I ain't mad at cha-One of my faves. 2pac's lyrics shine thru and the piano beat is nice.10/10
4.I get around-Pretty good party track.7/10
5.Changes-tied with dear mama as 2pac's best ever song. Great, thought provoking lyrics and a catchy beat.10/10
6.California love-If you live in Cali, this is the song to bump.9/10
7.Picture me rollin'-Pretty good, nothin special-7/10
8.How long will they mourn me?-One of my faves, nate dogg is nice.8/10
9.Toss it up-don't bother, this sucks bad.4/10
10.Dear mama-2pac's best, one of rap's best, in my opinion.10/10
11.all about u-not bad, but not good. 6/10
12.To live and die in LA-Great beat, ok lyrics. Good song. 8/10
13.Heartz of men- I don't listen to it much, but it's alright.6/10

Asome CD
I love all the songs from the CD from Keep ya Heap Up to It's all About You. I have it on Tape and now I'm going to have it on CD. It's a must have for 2pac fans.

An Impossible Task
Making a Pac Greatest Hits album was impossible if limited to two CDs of music.

First of all, this collection focuses mostly on his most popular tracks, as opposed to his BEST tracks. Sure, some of his most popular tracks were some of his best, but there are plenty of incredible songs that should have been on this album (like Pain), as opposed to a track like Toss It Up.

Then again, Pac made enough classic tracks to have a Greatest Hits collection triple this collection's size. That's what makes choosing the best of the best an impossible task.

great
Great cd.This man had compassion. (well I really don't think he's dead..but that's another story)...His songs are meaningful and at times,heartbreaking.Even when his songs are about other things (sex,etc.),it still stands out from most rap.He had great lyrical skills.A true genius at heart. ... Read more

Reviews (886)

OVER-RATED, OVER-RATED
This CD is probably the most overrated album in the history of rap. face it people, 50 is not the next Tupac and this album proves it. If I hear 'In the Club' one more time I'm going to kill myself. The only reason there is as much hype behind this album as there is because of Eminem and Dre's production. I liked his first single 'Wanksta' and the Ja Rule diss song was stupid but kinda funny. I'm not a big Ja Rule fan but he's better than 50. In the Club is just straight up retarded (go shorty, it's ya birthday. what the hell is he talking about) The only reason anybody likes '21 Questions' is because Nate Dogg is a bad ... and steals the show. 50 has no range as a rapper. A good rapper can speed up his flow on occasion and slow it down when needed. 50 has one speed and never changes. I support every rapper that disses 50 now, Scarface, Ghostface, Ja, Sticky Fingaz. I really wish people would buy CDs from geniuses like the Wu Tang Clan, Gang Starr, and Sticky Fingaz instead of wasting their money on overhyped trash like this.

Get Rich Or Die Trying
50 Cents has poor diction and a drawling rap style, but with the help of clever lyrics, backup artists, and good beats, producers Dr. Dre and Eminem make the album much more than it would have been in lesser hands.

Overall most of the songs on this track are quite entertaining and there are lots of songs on here, including some hidden bonus tracks. On long car trips I don't find myself yearning to skip songs, which in the age of CDs, means I must like the CD overall quite a bit.

Yet, there aren't a lot of great songs here. In Da Club, the most popular, is the best. There are a handful of other really good ones (see below).

I rate this CD a very respectable FOUR stars:

What Up Gangster *
Many Men (Wish Death) *
In Da Club **

Patiently Waiting and 21 Questions are near stars.

I also like P.I.M.P. but the embarrassingly bad performance of this song by 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg at the MTV Music Awards turned me off of this song.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Ratings: CDs are rated simply by how many good songs are on the album. Great songs get two stars, and good songs get one star. Songs that get no stars are those that I might like but not enough to give it a star or ones I find boring or actively dislike. CDs are not penalized for songs that I don't like because they are easy enough to skip over. There is no maximum number of stars a CD can get, but of course the more stars it gets, the better the CD.

BIG FAN
This is a really good cd. G-Unit's cd is even better though.

Garbage
Now we moved past weak voices to mumbing ones? This fool should have been dismissed a long time ago, but it is amazing what this MTV society will buy into these days.

Always about it
Hey everyone, the stupid retard that keeps giving 50 cent 5 stars, his name is "always about it" look for this b***h. He also is the one that keeps giving g-unit, nelly, j-kwon, chingy, ja rule, and cassidy five stars. Amazon should delete this f**ker. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Will the real Slim Shady please stand up? On Eminem's sophomore album, he can't decide who he wants to be: the deranged pseudo-psycho of the Slim Shady LP, or a nice guy who just likes to rhyme about slicing and dicing his girlfriend ("Kim"). Of course, according to Eminem, he's just kidding. He refuses to take responsibility for the misogynistic, homophobic bile he spews, whining that he's the victim of people who don't get his unique sense of humor. It's good old America's fault if the kids aren't alright (Eminem blames bad parenting), and he's just capitalizing on Uncle Sam's dark side. On the Marshall Mathers LP, he's ambivalent about his fame, angry at his life, pissed off that people take him seriously, and fightin' mad at boy bands--and a lot of other white people. But the blue-eyed brat is acutely aware of his status as rap's resident alien: he has the most offensive mouth running, but never uses the "N" word. He gives lyrical love to tragic (black) legends like Tupac and Biggie while dissing white rappers hard. Even sitting duck Puffy gets the kid-gloves treatment. Of course, Eminem is an interesting, witty rapper, and there's some nice production on this CD, courtesy of Dr. Dre and others. But the hatred in Eminem's rhymes makes the album rotten at its core. And his protests that Slim Shady is just a persona become less convincing with each arrest. Then again, Eminem's got it hard: he's rich, famous, white, and male. --Lizz Mendez Berry ... Read more

Reviews (844)

this is one of my all time favorite albums!
... i love this boy, hes holdin it down hard core for the midwest and im in love w/ this album. the slim shady lp was tight and the marshall mathers lp is even better, my favorite song has to be who knew or kim. he has a great way of releasing his frustrations through his music and i respect him for that. vanilla ice gave white rappers a bad name, but em came and cleared that up fast. i listen to all kinds of music, from nsync to eminem to metallica and everything in between...well...everything but britney spears cuz shes a whore...but thats beside the point, eminem really got me into the whole hip hop thing and i really like it, and i really like eminems syle.ay, just buy the CD and you can't go wrong. But beware, the return of Ken Kaniff is pretty sick but still hilarious.ngsta rap production. How does it stack up to Em's debut? At points, The Marshall Mathers LP surpasses Slim Shady, most notably on the aforementioned "Kill You" and the virtuosic "Stan". Unfortunately, towards the end it begins to feature other less talented rappers and the tone shifts to brainless profanity and straightforward violence. It's too bad the the freshness of the first few tracks couldn't be extended for the entire album (Perhaps due to the 70+ minute running time). Still, I liked more than I didn't and I think that some critics are being a bit too harsh. The most important thing is that even if eminem's lyrics slack off a bit, he's got amazing vocal talent. While clearly no "Slim Shady" this one's still a worthy purchase.

Controversy at its finest
Well, he's back, crazier then ever and pushing his 1st amendment rights to the limit. Favorites were Kill you, Stan, The Real Slim, Marshall Mathers, B**** Please II and Criminal. I didn't really like the guest rappers except Dre and co, seems like they just couldn't keep up. For the strangest reason, this CD helps me relax when I'm angry, weird huh? Don't have the Shady lp, but looks like I might get it now. This is a really good CD.

WARNING: ... This is ... NOT a CD for people who take thing seriously. ...o, please wear rubber gloves.ul.

5.) Who Knew - This one is about how he didn't know that kids would do what he says.

6.) Steve Berman (skit) - A skit about a meeting with record executive Steve Berman.

7.) The Way I Am - Explains why he acts how he acts.

8.) The Real Slim Shady - The first single off the album. Says he is the true Slim Shady and everyone who claims to be are just imitating.

9.) Remember Me? (ft. RBX & Sticky Fingaz) - The first track to include guest rappers. About how he is still rapping and won't leave.

10.) I'm Back - One of my favorites, a song that proves he's back for more dissing.

11.) Marshall Mathers - The track that is flourishing with dirty comments about 'NSYNC, Britney Spears, ICP and others.

12.) Ken Kaniff (skit) - The nastiest, most obscence track on the LP. A encounter with the oral pleasures between Ken Kaniff and the Insane Clown Posse.

13.) Drug Ballad - About how the press is all up in his face.

14.) Amityville (ft. Bizarre) - The ode to his hometown, Detroit.

15.) Bitch Please II (ft. Dre, Snoop, Xzibit & Nate Dogg) - The sequel to the original track on Snoop Dogg's "Top Dogg." Features blazing appearances by Dre & Snoop.

16.) Kim - The most disturbing track on the album. This one is about killing his girlfriend (now wife) Kim Scott. This was originally titled "Bitch So Wrong."

17.) Under the Influence - The catchiest hook provides that if you don't his music, you can suck his d##k.

18.) Criminal - The final track is about when he says he wants to kill someone, everyone thinks he will.

Well, this has been a brief breakdown of the latest release from Eminem, "The Marshall Mathers LP." If you love rap, you should definitely cop this. But if you like all that teeny bopper s##t, DON'T BUY IT!

"floydianfan" is un-educated on real rap.
This album is great. I'm white, but it doesn't make me a "whigger" to listen to this bumpin' cd. Some people just take music too literal [serious] and actually DO what these rappers joke about. Some people are too stupid to understand what is right, and what is wrong. Em' is a comedian no matter how much he denies it. This album is his best although twisted and not for the easily-offended. It's NOT a freestlye session. And many people can rap "better" but not as "sinister" as Eminem and Slim Shady[his sick side]. So if you take things too seriously, or don't like twisted rap, don't buy it. Otherwise 5 outta' 5!

THe album that got me into rap
I loved this cd when i bought it and i still do. This aint nowhere near being one of the greatest rap albums, but its great. I am an eminem fan and this one is my favorite, despite the fact that he stole esham's rap style known as acid rap, but its all good. My favorite tracks are amityville, kill you, and criminal. If you like this album you should pick up better albums like the dayton family's F.B.I. or Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's E. 1999 Eternal before you get this.

Why so much hate?
Come on people, Eminem is a very talented rapper. Sure, there is profanity. But seriously, curse words have become a huge part of our language. Now, I am not saying its a good thing, because it isn't. However, kids curse in school all the time and little kids hear their parents fight, and I'm sure quite a few parents throw around some bad words. Sure, he may sing about drugs and killing, but I don't think that would have any effect on kids. As long as they are being raised right and are tought right from wrong, thats all that matters.When Eminem was talking about killing his wife in the song, he wasn't telling millions of people across the world to kill their spouses. Remember, its all about common sense. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The sequel to 2002's Verve Remixed follows and improves upon the original's formula; take material from the storied vaults at Verve Records and let top DJs of the modern era have at them. Featuring an impressive roster of dance artists like Miguel Migs, Koop, and Fila Brazillia, the trick is matching DJ with jazz standard in a way that compliments both. It's a tough chore, given the classics involved and the need to do them justice. On Sarah Vaughan’s "Whatever Lola Wants," Gotan Project manage the task with distinction, filtering rustic and romantic accordions through the song's lusty machinations. Astute choices are required, like Mondo Grosso’s decision to build a solid thump out of just the central melody of Archie Shepp's "Blues For Brother George Jackson." Sometimes, the best thing to do is get out of the way; Mr. Scruff's Soul Party Mix of "Do What You Wanna" only adds some background party noise to Ramsey Lewis’ ripping keyboard solo. VR2 doesn't hit the mark every time, but the combinations that work accomplish what only the best dance music does--they crumble the walls between genres and encourage us all to get down together. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (41)

bemixed and between
Obviously "the shock of new" helped propel the first Verve Remixed record. This not to say that remix records are new, but certainly the Verve crew took a step into uncharted waters by allowing electronic music producers free reign to remix its storied vaults.

Rather than just stay in the realm of downtempo and do the same thing over again, there is a greater diversity of styles on VR2 from the trippy tango treatment of Gotan Project on S. Vaughan's "Whatever Lola Wants" to swing house style of Mondo Grosso on the remix of "Blues for Brother George" to Jaffa's soulful downtempo take on "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair."

Jaffa's track to me is the standout on the record, and I'm also in partial agreement that jazz lends itself better to downtempo treatments.

But that doesn't stop me from lovin' the hell out of this record. So what it if makes want to shake your moneymaker? Just bobbing your head gets old after awhile. GET OFF YOUR COUCH AND PUT DOWN THE CHEESE CURLS.

Obviously, the VR2 is going to be judged on a different basis -- the second record must live up to excitement and quality of the first and deal with the "sequel" detractors. Well, so far I think its doing well on both counts.

So thanks to Verve, almost 60 years after your inception, you're still one of the coolest labels on the face of the earth.

C'MON, FOLKS, LIGHTEN UP!!!
Was this CD really that bad, to all you three and two star reviewers? In my opinion, it takes incredible skill from producers and DJs like Herbert, Miguel Migs, Layo and Bushwhacka, Fila Brazillia, Gotan Project, et al to make old jazz classics sound fresh and alive! These songs range from funk to house to soul and acid jazz, and the re-mixing from the aformetioned in no way distorts the original material--if anything their personal touches have made these songs more accessible to today's music listeners! I have a new appreciation for Ella, Sarah, Dizzie, Nina and Astrud, and after hearing "Verve Remixed 2" I may even be persuaded to go out and get some of their stuff!

Love it!
It's even better than the first. A definite must-have.

A Worthy Followup!
Hopefully, Verve Remixed 3 will be released this year so I'll have some more amazing remixes to listen to. Volume 2 has some truly mindbending work, as well as a couple that are somewhat pedestrian. For me, the standouts are Gotan Project's remix (love the bandoneon!), which turns this song into audio crack. I cannot get tired of listening to it, and feel the need to take a tango lesson. Other standouts include Mondo Grosso's remix of Archie Shepp, which absolutely drags you onto the dance floor, Miguel Migs' "Slap That Bass," which does the same. Of course, the two Nina Simone songs are standouts, as her music is ripe for these kinds of projects. The only three that didn't do the trick for me were numbers 4, 8, and 9, since they were too close to the originals and fairly unimaginative. If they weren't going to do much with them, they should have remixed different songs. Still, there is some amazing work present here, sure to delight your next house full of guests.

AS GOOD AS THE FIRST!!!
Classic songs!!! Great interpretations by great producers. The Unmixed version is great as well and it's priced low! ... Read more

Amazon.com

You generally don't have to listen too hard to hear what's on the mind of Los Angeles music collective Ozomatli. The multi-faceted band is rarely subtle in its politics or its incorporation of countless Latin traditions as well as modern rock, jazz, pop and hip-hop. But on the band's third album, Street Signs, the addition of the Prague Symphony and the distinct influence of Arab and North African music certainly qualify as ambitious curve balls. Announcing its intentions from the get-go, album-opener "Believe" starts with a Rai-style vocal melody before finishing with a gritty rap as Bollywood-style strings provide a sweeping backdrop throughout. Never lingering in one place for long, the band quickly goes from there into some of the catchiest Latin Rock this side of Santana's "Smooth" on such gems as "Love And Hope" and "(Who Discovered) America?" before tearing off in other directions. These fearless hip-hop bambinos truly go their own way, saying what they want, playing what they want. --Tad Hendrickson ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Stunning mixture of sounds the OZO way....
I'm only a recent Ozo fan, and have to say that I have missed out on numerous chances to see this band over the years. I am fortunate enough to have seen them once, and was blown away by their raw energy, and mixture of latin, funk, hip hop, rock among many different styles of music. I was immediately hooked.

With their third full release, it's easy to hear Ozomatli's influences taken to a new level. The middle eastern underlay on tracks like "Believe" and "Who's To Blame?" featuring Chali 2na is apparent. The spanish guitar on "Santiago" soothes the soul. The Latin Jazz sound of "Nadie De Tira" featuring Eddie Palmieri on piano is pure bliss, not to mention the beautiful intro - "Doña Isabelle". The funk rock "Saturday Night" will get any party started and the Orishas like title track is a standout.

Overall "Street Signs" is a manifestation of what Ozomatli are all about - making funky, shake your ass music. Ozo have already proven to be one of the best bands in the world, live or in the studio, and this album is just another verification of this fact.

awesome
i love it! this cd just like the others is amazing a must for ozo fans!it is different but familiar.

Eclectic, Amazing
Yes, it is far better to see this band live, but this album does not dissappoint. I've been an Ozo fan for a long time and I really like the direction they took with this album. It is an eclectic mix of genres. I think the mix of the band members contributes to the mixing of musical genres in an innovative way. The sounds produced here from hip hop to ballads, middle eastern to brazilian are fresh and new. They are definitely ahead of their time, and I can't wait for the rest of the world to catch up to Ozomatli!

Ozomatli always impresses!
The one thing about Ozomatli is that you must see them perform live. However, if that's not possible, then buying the cd is the next best thing and "Street Signs" is what you need. With so many musical styles on this one cd, it's impossible to be bored. There's hip-hop with "Saturday Night," a Cuban drive in "Nadie Te Tira," and a flameco-flair with "Te Estoy Buscando," just to name a few. If you're familiar with Ozo, then you know what great music they're capable of; if you've never heard of them before, then you need to get to know this band and their music. Even if you don't understand Spanish, their music has something for everyone and their energy is contagious. Bottomline is "Street Signs" will lead down many roads, each one more enjoyable than the one before.

Ozo Packs Plenty of Surprises
After owning three Ozomatli cds (which includes this new release as well) they seem to almost reinvent themselves each time. This is an excellent thing. While some ingredients may seem familiar in each album, there is tons of new sounding material and all sorts of artistic experimentation utilized each time in good doses! I cannot pin it down exactly about what it is, but this third release has a much more coherent and smoother track flow. In each album the listener never knows what type of cultural or global influences the group will incorporate on that particualr project.These artists incorporate a healthy plethora of cultural melting pot influences to the nth degree.Ozo seems to know the secret to what is essential for them to succeed and produce such captivating music and "food for thought" lyrics.Ozo knows how to mix in plenty of vacationing/travelling escapism as well in some of their tunes; Just listen to a track like Santiago and tell me that no person in their right mind would not be influenced to wanna go or would like to go to places such as Cancun, Rosarito Beach, Baja, San Diego or even a Latin nightclub in L.A. While they may sing about life,global,social,political or any kind of issues, it's the music and talent aplenty (diversity) that makes the grade (possibly exceeds it) ! It's all universal baby !... ... Read more

Amazon.com

For Our Children launched in 1990 and in many ways inspired the bounty of celebrity-philanthropy records for kids in its wake. From Bob Dylan and Sting to Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and Elton John, the roster on this cornucopia of great kid songs--and even greater interpretations--has donated all proceeds to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Although tilted toward baby-boomer parents, the tracks have a timeless, ageless appeal. You'll be hard-pressed to find another five-star children's recording this satisfying, including the follow-up effort, For Our Children, Too. Little Richard rocks "Itsy Bitsy Spider," McCartney turns his sweet, melodic gifts toward "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and Bruce Springsteen makes a lively stew of "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips." Other noteworthy moments include Jackson Browne and Jennifer Warnes doing the Beatles' "Golden Slumbers" and Carole King reprising the Disney Dumbo love theme, "Child of Mine." But surely the crowning touch is Dylan's unforgettable version of "This Old Man," phrased and delivered as only Dylan can with his mercurial invention and powerful character. This belongs in your children's collection. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (38)

A perfect children's cd
I always tuck this cd in the bag as part of a baby shower gift. I loved rocking my babies to these tracks in the middle of the night and can't believe it's been ten years that I've owned it but still love to listen and smile thinking about their nursery years. There are a number of different charity pop compilations that were released after but none can compare to this original. All of them have just enough stylized arrangements to make them as endearing to adults who know these artists as to kids.

If you need another reason to convince you to buy it - the profits go to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

My favorite tracks are:
"Gartan Mother's Lullaby" - Meryl Streep; "Child of Mine" - Carole King; "Child Is Born" - Barbra Streisand; and "Tell Me Why" - Pat Benatar - soft sweet soothing songs. Got my kids to sleep every time.
"Getting to Know You" - James Taylor - perfect song for his style. I remember this song being sung to me!

"Itsy Bitsy Spider" - Little Richard; "Blueberry Pie" - Bette Midler; and "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips" - Bruce Springsteen - hilariously adorable.
"Golden Slumbers" - Jackson Browne - just a great song well done.
"This Old Man" - Bob Dylan - is so cute, so Bob Dylan - you'll have to hum along.

The Gartan Mother's Lullaby
I am both surprised and disappointed that nobody has mentioned the Gartan Mother's Lullaby. What is the Gartan Mother's Lullaby? Why, it's an absolutely lovely Donegal traditional lullaby. However, the most beautiful version I ever heard of it was sung-- surprise surprise, by Merryl Streep. Who knew she could sing? It's an absolutely beautiful rendition, perhaps the most beautiful you'll ever heard of this song. Magical.

The liner notes don't explain much about the song, so here it goes:

Sleep O babe, for the red bee hums the silent twilight's fall,
Aoibheall from the grey rock comes, to wrap the world in thrall.
A leanbhan O, my child, my joy, my love my heart's desire,
The crickets sing you lullaby, beside the dying fire.

Dusk is drawn and the Green Man's thorn is wreathed in rings of fog,
Siabhra sails his boat till morn, upon the Starry Bog.
A leanbhan O, the paly moon hath brimmed her cusp in dew,
And weeps to hear the sad sleep-tune, I sing O love to you.

Aoibheall - (EE-val) Meaning: the name of the queen of the northern fairies
leanbhan - (LYAN-uh-van) Meaning: little child, baby
Tearmann - (CHAR-uh-muhn) Meaning: tearmann = sanctuary, refuge, or church land, name of village near Lough Gartan
Siabra - (SHEE-vra) a prankster class of trooping fairies, also spelled Shefro or Siofra.

This song alone is worth the entire Album. But "Autumn To May" is also a beautiful rendition.

This CD is just the BEST!
Like so many other reviewers, I had this CD 20 years ago. I was a nanny at the time, and shared this music with so many different children and without exception, they all LOVED it! As fate would have it, the CD was lost, and I was devastated. When I saw that it was available again, I was beyond thirlled and ordered it immediately! This CD is an excellent way to fight childhood obesity - my own children (ages 5 and 6-1/2) just cannot sit still when they hear this music - they dance and sing throughout!

Awesome comeback with this album!
I bought this for my daughter in 1991 when she was a baby... She is now 13 yrs old. She new all the songs by heart by the time she was 1 1/2. My mom's favorite is Itsy Bitsy Spider. Unfortunately it was lost in a move and like many folks, who looked for it for years,I found it no longer in print. I had my 2nd child 5 yrs ago and by the time I tried to find a used one out in cyberspace I found, to my surprise, it was in print again(YAY!). Now my son enjoys this and still, so does my daughter. I am so glad they brought this back onto the market!!

In Harmony is better
I got this CD for my grandson. I was disappointed when I heard it. It was nice but surprisingly bland. In Harmony, while older, is a much better children's "album." ... Read more

Amazon.com

The first question everyone asks about Collision Course is "Is this album more Jay-Z or Linkin Park?" The wrong answer is that it's Jay-Z with a loud band or a back-and-forth of covers where one rearranges the other. The right answer is that this CD/DVD set is quite possibly one of the best cross-genre pairings of its kind. What started off as an exercise at "mashing" a Linkin Park track with a Jay-Z track turned into a fantastic pickup game between two artists at the top of their worlds. Each brought a short list of their best songs to the field and walked away with a six-song trophy. This is recess in the supergroup sandbox, and the boys shared their toys. "Numb/Encore" and "Izzo/In the End" are near-perfect plays of seamless sonic moves and mic assists from heavy metal to hip-hop and back. Both artists have spent a little time in the other camp on various parts of their records, but it's the collaboration that makes this album a winner. It may be true that Linkin Park is less than convincing than J-Hova on "Big Pimpin'/Papercut," but there's no evidence of "I" on this team. In fact, the DVD clearly shows Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda taking on the role of head coach as he commands the digital workstation, the mixing desk, and all the players with a collective spirit. --Pete Hilgendorf

Recommended Jay-Z and Linkin Park

The Black Album	The Blueprint	Vol. 3: Life and Times of S. Carter
Meteora	Hybrid Theory	Reanimation

... Read more

Amazon.com

Rapper and producer Lyrics Born was part of the fertile Bay Area underground rap scene for a decade before he finally dropped his debut Later That Day in 2003. That highly-anticipated album was really good, if not a little samey. See, LB. had made his rep largely by collaborating with others, spicing up tracks by the likes of Blackalicious, Tommy Guerero, and Poets of Rhythm. When it came to crafting his own album on his own time, he didn’t fall flat by any means, but something of that sense of crazy urgency was lacking. And here we have a remix album that trumps the original, showing that Lyrics Born was truly meant to work with others. He’s got quite a crew helping him too, DJ Spinna, , KRS-One, and Dan the Automator among them. It’s fun, weird, and flows really well despite the crazy eclectic style. Hooray.--Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Vibrant
This would be my first Lyrics Born purchase, with limited instances of hearing him before. LB is an MC hard to pinpoint. You can easily say that he is an all-around MC. This is the most eclectic Hip Hop album to come out this year, no doubt.
Most of my favorites came near the beginning. "Hello" gets me really amped, and is a very fun song that doesn't resort to destructive lyrics. "Pack Up(remix)" w/Evidence and KRS-One is a full-blown banger, and is really enhanced with the last verse done by the legendary Teacha. "I'm Just Raw" is an awkward, but infectious, battle track, while "Do That There" is just nuts. Very unique! That moves into "I Changed My Mind" where he begins crooning, and is the best instance of that off the whole album. I liked this song too. LB is too versatile for his own good! I mean that in a good way. It's very natural when he switches up from flowing one track to crooning the next. You may barely even notice if you're not paying close enough attention.
"The Last Trumpet" w/Latryx mate Lateef is a pulsating rallying call, and has some really nice political and social lyrics with great chemistry between the two. I actually enjoyed the slower "Over You"(w/ his wife Joyo Velarde) and enjoyed the next one "I Can't Wait For Your Love"(w/ Joyo again) even more. I'm a sucker for lyrics, and while I didn't find LB is be a superior lyricist, his eclecticism and versatility is irrefutable. Plus, he does flex lyrical muscles on tracks like "Do That There" and "The Last Trumpet," among others.
Overall, the eclecticism and production make this album a winner. The production is great throughout, and is as eclectic as LB's styles. There are instances of funk, soul/R&B, hard bass, and just pure Hiphop that give this album such a vibrant quality. For now, it's one of the better Hip Hop albums of the year, and something worth checking out. The excellent bonus DVD makes the purchase a wise investment.

Lyrics Born Joins Quannum's Top Ranks

It's 2005 and, since his beginnings as MC Asia Born, Lyrics Born has undergone a massive artistic transformation. The high-pitched freestyle ramblings, off-kilter flows, and nonconformity that once defined Latyrx and the Quannum Projects collective are completely absent from "Same !@#$ Different Day."

Instead, LB has mastered his craft as both a versatile emcee and, in the post-Jay-Z era of hip-hop, involuntary businessman. The insipid beats found on "Later That Day" have been replaced with top-notch production from Jumbo The Garbageman, Dan The Automator, Chief Xcel, and DJ Shadow; and the album also includes a DVD chronicling Lyrics Born's career.

But the true highlight of "SSDD" is LB's phenomenal range. He gets downright funky one minute ["Do That There (Hoo Hoo Mix)"], and then vents all of his angers and frustrations the next ("Shake It Off"). On "I'm Just Raw," LB utilizes a Stuart Smalley (of SNL fame) phrase to belittle his competitors, and then croons his heart out on "I Change My Mind (Rattlesnake Mix)." The already larger-than-life political anthem, "The Last Trumpet," is remixed into a Latyrx classic; complete with paranoid whispers, a DJ Shadow scratch solo, and progressive warnings of the country Americans REALLY live in. The album then climaxes with "I Can't Wait For Your Love," LB and Chief Xcel's ode to committed couples, and "Callin' Out (Remix)," where E-40 and Casual drop candy-painted flows bound to get a few rumps shaking.

In terms of faults, the sequencing on "SSDD" could have been better. DJ Spinna's remix of "I Changed My Mind" is both poorly executed and blatantly unnecessary, while Morcheeba's remix of "Stop Complaining" would have fit in around mid-album.

Other than that, however, Lyrics Born has created his most cohesive album - group-wise or solo - with "SSDD." The album deserves your ducats for its sheer positivity and ambitious lyricism, if not for its rock solid production. Lyrics Born - already the best live performer in Quannum - can now claim bragging rights as one of the label's premier artists; and after 12 years of grinding it out on the independent hip-hop scene, those rights are well deserved.

quit bein stupid and buy this album.
maybe i'm just nuts, in fact i probably am.at least that's what my last therapist said.regardless - this is the best hiphop album to drop in 2005 - all you palookas out there still listenin to lame hip POP need to toss out your old eminem, 50 cent, li'l jon, and... well you get the idea.use 'em for coasters or somethin'.but LISTEN to this cd.even better get it on 12".this is the truest and illest hiphop currently, the fact that The Blastmaster Himself KRS-One appears on the album should be proof enough of that for any true hed.can we get Chuck D on the next Quannum?i WISH someone would bring back '88... before hiphop went all screwy.LB and crew (and special honored guests) are here to straighten it, and YOU, out.word.

Quannum does not disappoint...
I found this CD yesterday on accident. I'm a HUGE fan of all of the Quannum artists (Blackalicious, Lateef, Joyo Velarde, DJ Shadow) and was just looking around in the L section of the record store when I saw this. Now I usually wouldn't buy a 'remix' album. I mean, I assume that it would just be the same songs rehashed. But I knew this one would be different. I was right. This is an AMAZING CD with new songs as well as great takes on old favorites. Here's how I rated each song:

1. Intro (4 Stars) - Well, this is an intro... but it keeps with the same vein as LTD, and I liked the ambient feel.

2. Hello (5 Stars) - Wow, I haven't heard much of Lifesavas, but their production can be felt on here. Easily as funky as DJ Shadow or Lyrics Born's own beats, this is a great song to start the album off with. (It's weird that it ENDED the last CD). Very dancable.

3. Pack Up (4 Stars) - This was a great song, and it was great to hear the Godfather, KRS-One, as well as Evidence spitting on this track. It wasn't as unique as the others, so I don't give it five stars, but still a song to bump in your car.

4. I'm Just Raw (4.5 Stars) - Very funny and intelligent battle rap. Good to hear a rapper come up with reasons why he's good besides his b*****s and money.

5. Do That There (5 Stars!) - Wow, one of my favorite moments on LTD was the nonsense of the third verse of Do That There, and him rhyming 100 words that were off-the-wall. Now he gives us a WHOLE song where he does this, and it rivals the flowing ability of Gift of Gab. My third favorite song on this CD.

6. I Changed My Mind (Rattlesnake Mix) (4 Stars) - Very funky, very original. I like hearing Lyrics Born belt the funk and take a break from rap, but seemed too long after a while.

7. Bad Dreams Interlude (5 Stars) - Great way to remind us of the FIRST Bad Dreams cut.

8. Shake It Off (5 Stars and more...) - This is my favorite song on the CD, and the one where he doesn't rap. A lot of people where tripping when he sang on his first CD, but people don't realize that this is Bay Area HIP-HOP, not RAP. Hip-Hop is being funky, and flowing over a great DJ or producer, whether it be singing or rapping. And he really funks it up to the level of Sly or P-Funk.

9. The Last Trumpet (4.5 Stars) - First mellow song, and done properly by DJ Shadow. I enjoyed it, but it still seemed too similar to the first cut, so I couldn't give it 5 stars.

10. Over You (3.5 Stars) - Not totally feeling this one yet, may need to listen to it in the right mood. Not bad, but his next track is a better duet with Joyo.

11. I Can't Wait For Your Love (5 Stars) - This song is more proof that Lyrics CAN speed it up AND slow it down whenever he darn well feels like it. And I'm not stopping him. Very poignant song.

12. The Bay (4 Stars) - Nice song, good to hear a shout-out to the area responsible for such great underground hip-hop. I wasn't feeling the LB feel as much on this, but a great track nonetheless.

13. Callin' Out (4.5 Stars) - And here, the funk comes back in. Tight track, E-40 should've rapped at his normal pitch, but overall keeps the party goin'.

14. Outro (5 Stars) - Nice outro, tones it down for us.

15. Stop Complaining (5 Stars) - Holy crap, more songs? Nice! This is my 2nd fav, and it's VERY funky. I actually didn't like the beat at all on the original, but I can listen to this song 5 times in a row, and STILL hit repeat. LB & Capricorn work well together.

16. I Changed My Mind (DJ Spinna mix) (3.5 Stars) - It was a good song, but it wasn't right for this CD. If it was on a DJ's CD, or maybe on a more relaxed CD, I wouldn't mind. But I'd rather listen to the Stereo MC's version to keep with the LB funk explosion.

Overall, this CD is well worth its money, and I would've even payed double for it. I played it at a party that same night (last night), and had all the girls dancing in a second. Get this CD if you like funk, underground hip-hop, soul, or if you're just looking for that feel-good CD.

LB remixed
"Same S!@#$ Different Day" is one of those rare occurances where the remix album is stronger than the original album.I thought the original Later That Day was good but it didn't do that much for me.This remix album is underground hiphop from the bay area, with good beats.

The Quannum-label as usual, means it's good stuff.The beats are stronger on the remix album.The songs seem to have more energy.

It's odd that the album is tighter on the second go-around.Well worth the affordable list price! ... Read more

Reviews (99)

Dre putting it Down for California
This album right here is a G-Funk classic this is soooooo
good one of the Best ever from the WESTSIDE this has some
Gangsta type rap in it also I will review each song
1.Chronic(Intro)
2.F Wit Dre Day f Snoop Dogg-never heard
3.Let me ride-classic cruising G-Funk 7/10 ***^
4.The Day they took over I rember it being good 9/10 ****^
5.Nothing But A G Thang-a classic featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg
a great party type Jam Dr.Dre best song 10/10 *****
6.Deeez Nuuuts-Pretty Awesome with great Posse Track 10/10 *****
7.Lil Ghetto Boy-Good Production to little Drummer Boy Beat **
8.A - Wit a gun another classically produced Song a 10 *****
9.Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat-Another good one 9/10 ****^
10.The $20 Sack Pyramid
11.Lyrical Gangbang-great verse by Lady of Rage 10/10 *****
12.High Powered- I Believe I liked it
13.The Doctors office-funny intermission
14.Stranded on Death Row-Tight Beat Awesome 10/10 *****
15.The Roach
16.B_ Aint S_ another great posse track with Snoop 10/10 *****

All in All a great experience the Top 5 are track 5 Track 11
Track 6 Track 16 and Track 8 Peace

Amazing - an all-time classic of any genre
"The Chronic" is brilliant. Although I was initially put off by the lyrics (which tend to be violent, profane, and misogynistic), the talent here is undeniable. Dre himself isn't a great rapper, but he doesn't embarass himself on the record, and the guest stars are all good. Especially notable, of course, is Snoop, who proves himself as one of rap's all-time greats. He brightens up every second of his rapping, and delivers some of the most memorable vocals in recent music history on "Dre Day" and "Nuthin' But A "G" Thang".

Still, though, "The Chronic" gains its reputation primarily on the basis of Dre's production. This album alone can make a convincing case for Dre being the greatest rap producer of all time (not to mention his work on "2001" or "Straight Outta Compton"). The music varies from smooth ("Let Me Ride") to confrontational ("Dre Day", "Lyrical Gangbang") while never losing the incredible funkiness and knack for hooks that Dre brings to every track. And to top it off, it isn't overly reliant on sampling... small wonder that the music here is nothing short of intoxicating.

In short, brilliant rapping and production make "The Chronic" one of the greatest rap albums ever, and a classic no matter what type of music you consider. Highly recommended.

Took a while to get used to...
but once I did, I started listening to it every day. I had been listening to a lot of newer hip hop so it was hard to tune into this, but after I did I realized how great the album really was. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes hip hop.

Good when I got used to it.
I was used to the style of newer rap, and it took a while to get into this album, but when I did, I realized how catchy it was. In fact, I'm listening to it right now

THIZ IZ HOW RAP SHOULD BE RIGHT NOW
Okay if yall neva got thiz album and got 50 cent and eminem's album...then your dumb...seriously...you dont know anythin about rap or hip hop...50 cent and eminem are a bunch of bozo's and i dunno why dre signed them clownz into aftermath...Before dre wuz wacked in tha head....he made thiz classic album...thiz album got alotta ol schoo beatz n it will get you to listen to hiz older muzik...snoop dogg featurez on here too and that time he wuz good before he became lame...Pick thiz classic album up...and also pick up N.W.A. and Easy-E's albums...PICK THAT UP...DO NOT...I MEAN DO NOT BUY AND WASTE your money on rap crap like...50 cent eminem chingy nelly jkwon lil jon crappy muzik...they are not rapperz...they are laughin at ya cuz they are makin money while you are just buyin junk rap crap and makin you feel real dumb...If you disagree...then you need friendz to fit in...LMMFAO!!!! ... Read more

Album Description

The King of the South is back with his highly anticipated Urban Legend. After spending a good part of 2004 dealing with legal issues, T.I. is now ready to take over. Months of anticipation created by underground tracks circulated throughout the mixtape circuit and some controversial moments have made T.I. the one to wait for. The lead single "Bring Em Out" will be a club anthem with great potential to go all the way at radio and video outlets. With special guest appearances from Pharrell Williams, B.G., Lil' Jon, DAZ, Ciara, Jazze Pha and production from Lil' Jon, KLC, Scott Storch, Swizz Beatz, Fury, DJ Toomp, KAO & Sanchez this album is sure to be a hip hop classic. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Soundtrack of the Year!
The "Fighting Temptations" is the best soundtrack I have heard in a long time. Thank the Lord for Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The hottest producers of the 80's and early 90' are back with a soundtrack that will be remembered for years to come. I am also happy to see my homegirl from Texas - Beyonce -really show her writing and singing talent on this CD as well as her spiritual side---you go girl! In addition, Mathew Knowles is to be commended as Executive Producer, Houston Texas is really making its mark on the music industry in a big way. It is great to be a TEXAN!
The entire soundtrack is good. My favorites: "He Still Loves Me" sung by Beyonce and Walter Williams,Sr.(of the OJAYS) this is one of the songs written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, "Time To Come Home" sung by Beyonce,Angie Stone,and Melba Moore, "I Know" sung by Destiny's Child, "Rain Down" sung by Angie Stone and Eddie Levert,Sr.(of the OJAYS), "Summertime" sung by Beyonce featuring P.Diddy also the title cut "Fighting Temptation" which has the rap beat but a real nice mix-(Missy Elliot does it again), "Everything I do" which will probably be the next hit and there are some songs from Gospel Legend Shirley Caesar and Ann Nesby that you do not want to miss. There is also a gospel rap song "To da River" that has the spiritual flavor. This Cd will leave you feeling happy and upbeat no matter what your going through -it will remind all of us to "Keep Your Head Up" because "He still Loves Me"

Not a big Beyonce fan, but that girl can sing some gospel.
I went to the theaters to watch the movie the first week it was out; just because it had my favorite singer of all time in the movie, Shirley Caesar. But as it turns out I really enjoyed the whole movie and I am not to big fan of Beyonce but she is a really good actress. I loved most of the songs in the movie but kept passing the soundtrack up. I finally bought the soundtrack and it is the best soundtrack that I have heard in a long time. My favorite songs on here are:

"I Know," by Destiny's Child (whom I am not a big fan of, but I really love that song).
"To Da River" by T-Bone, Zane, Montell Jordan for all the hip hop fans.
"Rain Down" by Angie Stone and Eddie Levert, Sr
"I'm Getting Ready" by Ann Nesby
"The Stone" by Shirley Caesar and Ann Nesby (takes you to church).
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" by Beyonce I feel the Holy Ghost when she is singing that song.
"He Still Loves Me" by Beyonce and Walter Williams, Sr (my favorite song on the whole album).
"Time To Come Home" by Beyonce, Angie Stone and Melba Moore (my second fav).

This whole album is a winner. If you would purchase this CD you will not be disappointed.

3-1/2 stars -- Dangerously In Love II
Beyoncé was obviously the star of the movie The Fighting Temptations, and she conveniently appears to be the star of this soundtrack as well. She appears on eight of the fifteen tracks, and the songs she doesn't appear on even seem to be Beyoncé-flavored (see Faith Evans' "Heaven Knows").

But that doesn't mean this album is worth throwing in the trash. There are some good performances turned out by the likes of Ann Nesby ("I'm Getting Ready") and Shirley Caesar ("The Stone"). But the fact that several gospel songs are mixed in on an urban album may make things seem a little disorganized (but Missy Elliott had a hand in producing, so that's not really surprising). However, some people will probably argue that the movie dwelled on singing in a gospel choir, so those tracks fit perfectly well.

Anyway, there ARE a few missteps on this album, like the cheesy title track performed by Beyoncé, Missy, MC Lyte and Free (the VJ from 106 & Park). It's hard to distinguish between MC Lyte and Free anyway because they both rap exactly alike. And "I Know" by Destiny's Child neither helps nor hurts the album. There's another song, "Rain Down", by Angie Stone and Eddie LeVert. Angie sings well, but Eddie LeVert's scratchy (for lack of a better word) vocals don't sound right on an uptempo song. He sounds better when he's at home with the O'Jays later on the album on "Loves Me Like a Rock".

The rest of this soundtrack is okay, but as reviewer Reginald D. Garrard said best, none of the songs really stand out on their own. Basically only buy this album if you're a huge fan of the movie or of Beyoncé.

Anthony Rupert

Great movie and great soundtrack!
I still think there is no better Cuba Godding Jr than the one we saw in "Jerry McGuirre", but I was dragged up to see the movie, though. Well, the movie is terrific!, and you know why??? because its music! (OK, it is really inspirational about Gods Love as many others) but its music makes you really sing and shake yourself in your sit! Quite sticky, lifting and rithmical! I'm agree with everybody saying that Beyonce is great and T-Bone with Lil Zane are just wonderful. It is better to listen the CD after seeing the movie because some recalls from the scenes will make you laugh everytime you play this excellent soundtrack...!
Worths every penny, no doubt about it!

Beyonce gives me fever.
Fever is my favorite song on this soundtrack.
She performed it in style in her Wembley concert.
It is now my favorite sultry jazz song.
5 hot stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If The Black Album is truly Jay-Z's last statement before retirement, he at least goes out near the top of his game. While it probably won't be remembered as his best album, The Black Album is his most personal to date and features some of his most compelling writing. Jay-Z is defiant and defensive here--he's trying to make sure his legacy is properly acknowledged, although he can get a bit heavy-handed at times. Still, he's rarely been more incisive or insightful in his rhymes, exposing his own childhood struggles on songs like "December 4th" while slapping at his haters with "What More Can I Say" and the cutting "Threat." Longtime Jay-Z collaborators Just Blaze and Kanye West churn out outstanding production, especially Blaze, whose beats for "December 4th" and "Public Service Announcement" are among the album's best. Newcomers Aqua and the Buchanans represent well also but Eminem's minor-key drone for "Moment of Clarity" is mired in mediocrity. Jay might fade to black after this one but his last shot doesn't miss. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Reviews (567)

Grand Opening, Grand Closing
As his 7th album under his belt, CEO of Roc-A-Fella, and now actor, Jay-Z goes out as an MC in his prime. As a an artist's Swan song, he has put out a strong album that will leave its mark in stone long after radio airplay. The "Black Album" arguably may not be highly innovative in production or lyrically but it is definitely one of his best releases, if not his most personal. One has to agree, Carter is consistent with solid lyrics and flow on all 14 tracks.
On "What More Can I Say", he shines as an ever confident MC determined to make his last verses felt. The tracks "Moment Of Clarity" and "December 4th" get very personal about his life and problems with his father's drug addictions and death. The tracks "Encore", even samples jazz great John Holt, while the chorus goes "After me there will be no more". "99 Problems" a De La Soul "Lost my Wallet in El Segundo" storytelling rap over a a hard rock/rap sound very reminiscent of Run DMC. The only low point on the album is with the chorus of "Justify My Thug" (Yes..a reinterpretation of the Madonna song). Fortunately, Carter makes up for it with his rap, even getting vaguely political near the end of the song. But he never gets further than condemning liquor stores. By the end bluesy "My 1st Song" after Jay-Z hits the stop button in the studio, one can only hope that he will one day return to the mic.

Another legendary album from Jay
This cd is one of Jay-z's best. It is up at calibur with some of his previous best albums like Reasonable Doubt and Blueprint. He expresses his whole career from his childhood to present.

1. Interlude-I always skip it cuz its not a song
2. December 4th-5/5 Fantastic song overviewing his whole life
3. What more can I say- 4/5 A last song to all his haters
4. Encore-5/5 An awesome song produced by Kayne West(watch out for this kid
5. Change Clothes-5/5 Phat song, even better with an equalizer
6. Dirt off Your Shoulder- 5/5 Ill song to get you hyped up
7. Threat-5/5 Ill lyrics with vengence to his haters
8. Moment of Clarity-5/5 bout his father
9. 99 Problems- 5/5 Bout his problems throughout his carreer
10. Interlude2-5/5 Awesome lyrics, sounds like a freestyle
11.Justify my Thug-5/5 Bout honor and love
12.Lucifer-5/5 Favorite Song
13.Allure- 5/5 Also favorite song
14.My first song-4.5/5 Rather short

So this is one of his best albums. Its good that he went out with a good one. So any Jay-z fans out there, go out and get this cd! Even non-jayz fans will love this!

Is This The End??? (4 Stars)
It's hard to rate an album like this. On one hand, I expected more from Jay. Especially since this is supposed to be his last album. I guess, like most people, I expected him to finish things with a bang. While this isn't a bad album, it's not a classic either. High points on the album come when he's backed by strong production. You can zone out to tracks like "Allure" while the drum arrangements on "Encore" (courtesy of Kanye West) are just plain sick. The first single "Change Clothes" is a bouncy track that you know is really formulaic, but you dance to it anyway. And the beat to "99 Problems" is about as good as it gets on this album in my opinion. And if there wasn't so much talking in between verses on "Threat", that song would be a classic. But it's still vintage Hova though. Meanwhile, there are a few shortcomings on the album. Tracks like "Justify My Thug" and "Moment Of Clarity" are skippable tracks that could've been left off the album and I don't think anyone would've ever noticed. But the negative aspects of the album end there. Overall, this is a good (not great) album from one of the best to ever do it. We all know that Shawn Carter isn't as sharp a lyricist as he was on Reasonable Doubt, but I'll take a declining Jay Z before I listen to a hot nobody any day.

Standout Tracks: Encore, My 1st Song, Public Service Announcement, What More Can I Say?, Allure, 99 Problems (My Favorite), Lucifer, & December 4th

What the Black Album should have been
In my opinon the Black album was a alright album,. I was dissapointed with this album because its Jay-Z last album and this is how he's choosing to go out. If I was a executive producer I would cut production from Eminem,The Neptunes, and Timbaland. No disrespect to any of these guys cause they do their thing but as far as a last album for Jay z he needed pain in da a$$ doing the intro and outro, Dj Premier, and maybe even a ending to the coming of age story with him and Memphis Bleek. its seemed like Jayz was looking for a club hit and a song to be on popular radio when he should've just spit and made popular radio come to him like he's done in the past when I think of going out on top I think of songs like 22 Two's not 99 problems.

Not really the Greatest
Jay z claims to be the greatest rap artist alive and may not say it but i know he think he,s the greatest of all time.Im here to let you know that legends and greats dont STEAL other legends and greats beats and lyrics.Thats right for those who listen to albums and mixtapes off the streets you know of (DJ-VLAD) and (DJ DIRTY HARRY)who did the notorious B.I.G,s rap phenomenon. There were lyrics that jay z took from this hip hop legend. Jay z,s what more can i say sounds exactly like biggies keep your hands high feat, tracey lee.
overall the album is good but its not something you retire with, its not that hot.Now im no jay z hater but when lyrics and beats are stolend i must say something.People need to know when they are thinking there getting the best of jay z but are really getting the best of biggie and some other hip hop greats.And if im not wrong jay z never beat nas for the king of new york. For those of you who want more on biggie the rap phenomenon go to www.mixtapekings.com and search under DJ VLAD. Oh and the ones that dont know jay z,s dead but shawn carters supposed to come back to another record lable. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The King of Brooklyn, Biggie Smalls, busted through with an instant hip-hop classic on his first album, Ready to Die, but he outdid even his standard on Life After Death, an audible, posthumous autobiography about the life of the former dope dealer. The 2 CD set revels in death, especially on "Niggaz Bleed," "Somebody's Gotta Die," and "You're Nobody ('Til Somebody Kills You)," but it's painfully clear that this chestnut-cheeked, fun-loving father of two wanted to see his kids grow up on "Sky Is the Limit" and "Miss U," both of which point to the future. The album also serves as a testament to Biggie's flexibility: he adopts Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's rapid rhyme flow and Midwestern beats when they guest on "Notorious Thugs," he positively bounces on both "Mo Money Mo Problems" and "Going Back to Cali" (guesting Eazy Mo Bee), and even kicks it Wu-Tang style when RZA shows up for "Long Kiss Goodnight." --Asondra R. Hunter ... Read more

Reviews (212)

A big man, with an even bigger amount of talent
Through only two albums, Notorious B.I.G. showcased his amazing lyrical and rhyming talent. The second, Ready to Die, released mere weeks after his tragic murder in Los Angeles, is a double-disk set. One would expect a large amount of filler, but there is surprisingly little on either disk. The mood varies greatly, from the tragic-toned "Somebody's Gotta Die" to the haunting "What's Beef?" to arguably my favorite track on the entire album, a song so masterfully described I could picture it as a scene in a crime movie, "Niggas Bleed". On the lighter side, we have the upbeat "Going Back to Cali" and the laid-back "I Got a Story to Tell". As noted elsewhere, Biggie has a very vivid and detailed way of describing the events going on in his songs, so to picture yourself at the events as they happen is surprisingly easy. Overall, this is a solid album, despite being a close to a career that was clearly not over. The Notorious B.I.G. may have had but two albums, but sometimes, that's all it takes.

My Top 5 for both discs:

1#: Niggas Bleed
2#: You're Nobody ('Til Somebody Kills You)
3#: Somebody's Gotta Die
4#: What's Beef?
5#: Going Back to Cali

I miss Biggie's Music
WOW this album is perfect. This album is everything you want a Rap album to have. Great songs about what Biggie was feeling at the time. This album makes you think. Thats something that todays mainstream rap music cant do. I remember when i first heard Biggie in 1993 before he hit it big in 1994 with "Big Poppa" i was BLOWN away with his flow and lyrical mastery. I was only 11 when i heard it and i had to find more about this guy. His First album is a masterpiece. This sophomore LP can be called his 2nd masterpiece. With songs like "Notorious Thugs" and "Hypnotize" they will leave you hungry for more. Unfortunately Biggie was killed for NO REASON AT ALL in 1997. His music will live on forever!!

Looking back to the mid-90's in Rap music i can honestly say that todays rap makes me cringe. I mean Big Tymers, Nelly, Eminem, Jay-Z, are just too concerned with image and making money instead of making music with emotion and meaning. If you really love rap music listen to Underground rappers like Mos Def and Talib Kweli. They are actually keeping the REAL art form alive.

Biggie Does it Again
After owning his first album, I copped this one today at Spinnakers, and am glad I did. Biggie's music has never let me down. It pisses me off that Biggie was shot, he was the most talented rapper of the East Coast scene. If Biggie and Tupac were still alive, and if them and dre were still in the rap scene I'm sure things would be much different. We'd have new material from the most talented rappers of the 90's instead of crappy cash-ins.

HIPHOP CLASSIC
Life After Death is the sophomore of the Late Notorious BIG. He showed maturity and growth in his skills and agenda. I previously believed Ready To Die was unsurmountable and nothing in the future could be better. He proved me wrong. Biggie Smalls is definitely the GREATEST MC OF ALL TIMES. Both of his albums are street classics which most consider in the top 10 hiphop classics of all times. Rest In Peace ma brother. Rap has never been the same without u.

End of BIGs brief career
Wow I remember back in 1997 when this album was released, the whole hip hop scene seemed like all out war... Biggie had lifted the vacant King of New York crown back in 94 with his killer debut 'Ready To Die', but got waxed on the streets of Cali weeks before this follow up album was released.

This album is kinda like an advanced & extended version of 'Ready To Die'. Its more polished & smoother than his debut, there are some hard-edged songs but none of the beats here are gritty & street like the first album. Puffy has taken over Bigs style more and more, and now we have a lot more R&B cuts and rhymes about expensive clothes, cars, and drink. Its all cool I guess, nothing wrong with Big getting paid. Basically what we do have here are two discs of cinematic gangsta rap. Big had a rare talent for painting very vivid stories, so clear you actually find yourself there with him and his tales of gunplay and sex fiends. Primo hooks Big up with two of the best hard hitting cuts, 'Kick In The Door' (which rides that crazy Screamin' Jay Hawkins beat), and '10 Crack Commandments', whilst 'Sky Is The Limit' is probably the most pleasing smooth cut.

Disc two starts with a great cameo by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, but kinda tails off into mainly R&B and dance floor numbers. The final three cuts are probably the best. The RZA jacks an old Al Green beat with 'Long Kiss Goodnight', and 'My Downfall' and 'You're Nobody Til Somebody Kills You' are pretty creepy. Guest spots from jokes like Mase, The Lox, Lil' Kim and all the other no talent wannabes Puffy associates with should have been left off- these guys can't hang with Big on the mic at all. But other than that, you have to be impressed by this album. Jay Z and hundreds of come-and-go emcees have tried & tried to replicate Bigs formula over the years and no one can do it. Big had a unique talent I guess that is lacking in hip hop today. 'Life After Death' is an atmospheric two disc set of gangster rap, a nice but untimely way to cap off Bigs brief career. You got to say Big was the best ever. ... Read more

Album Description

The original soundtrack album to the smash television show, Smallville. Artists include Five For Fighting, Eva Cassidy, Lifehouse, Ryan Adams, Sixpence None The Richer, Remy Zero, & more. Also includes several exclusive bonus features.Elektra. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

Like Cliff Notes for the Series...
If you want to relive the moments of Smallville, this CD will be an excellent companion for you "die-hard" fans. Most of the tracks emulate the mood of the show, with memorable songs like "Don't Dream It's Over" by Sixpence None The Richer, "Everything" by Lifehouse, "Time After Time" by Eva Cassidy, and of course, the "opening title" song, "Save Me" by Remy Zero, in which the band also appeared in the first season's cliffhanger finale. I was disappointed, however, that "Wherever you will go" by The Calling, didn't make the final 12 tracks. In my opinion, it set the tone for the "rollercoaster" relationship between Lana and Clark and makes you think of the times that made you say out loud, "Dammit, Clark!". Despite this, the 12 tracks and the bonus "enhanced" material (playable on a PC) are well worth the cost. If you are an avid fan, and you want to reminisce over the episodes of Smallville, this CD is a "must-buy"...

Big Time SMALLVILLE...
SMALLVILLE: The Talon Mix is great anthology of a Super Show's
moods and themes. The long version of Remy Zero's SOMEBODY SAVE ME is stirring anthem whose twelve string-backed rhythm and banshee lead vocal opens the album like a desperate prayer. EVA CASSIDY's "Time After Time" closes the disc with her beautiful ballade of consolation assuring listeners heroes "hear" and are, indeed,ready to save...

Songs--time in between--range from good to excellent. FIVE FOR FIGHTING's John Ondrasik's SUPERMAN(It's Not Easy)is SMALLVILLE centerpiece moveing from reflective ballade to anthem recalling John William's triumphal "Superman" opus. "Don't Dream It's Over" by Sixpence None the Richer wistfully complements hard-rocking pieces of Sound Track that work--like bands and artists who comprise it--independently or evoke episodes of the series well. Clark Kent goes "NUCLEAR" in season finale: defying command of Kryptonian Father Jor-El's Spirit summoning him to destiny as MAN of STEEL. Watching Clark head-out on the highway (motor cycle; black-leather jacket;shades)jacked on Jekyll-Hyde dose of Red Kryptonite into a James Dean Super Pique may not satisfy viewers with its "Born to Be Wild" rebellion everyone(except Kal-El)knows is ill-befitting and won't work. The SMALLVILLE sound track ...lyrically fine;technically proficient/good,without radical forays...works Big Time.It's the winner Clark Kent/Superman will soon be and--mythologically--remains.(4 & 1/2 stars)

Smallville fan here likes the music from the show
Hey, I'm a Smallville fan. This is the best tv to come along since Star Trek, and it's actually all I watch on television, which in our house stays dark except for Wednesday night and well, sometimes on Thursday if there's a good wrestling match on. (Ugh, not MY choice.)

WB makes no bones about featuring music to enhance its hit television show "Smallville." They promote the music after each show, but at least it's some of the best of the new "alternative rock."

My particular favorites are Five for Fighting's "Superman", the cut by Steadman, and of course the incomparable Eva Cassidy (Time after Time.) The funny thing is the theme by Remy Zero. Listen to their intro album "Remy Zero" and it's pretty lame. But the "Save Me" theme from Smallville is incredibly good. This is a must for Smallville fans to revel in.

Music better for younger crowd, CD enhanced in wierd way
I guess maybe I'm too old for the music on this CD, #1 "Save Me" by Remy Zero was just about my favorite tune. A couple of other tunes did all right, I think #11"Everything" by Lifehouse was one of those, but most didn't do much for me. Some people like #12 "Time after Time" by Eva Cassidy, I think the Cyndi Lauper version was better.
This CD has the strangest manner of enhancement I've run across, it appears that you can't listen to the music list on your PC the way I can with most if not all of my other enhanced CD's. You'll get a music video or two (but not Remy Zero's "Save Me", a short slide gallery & some other stuff. When I tried it out I found the online access to be very slow loading so the faster the connection you have the better. There's an interactive map with points of interest in Smallville (but not the Kent home & a few other bits I would expect), not the easiest thing to navigate, click on icons to bring up fake web pages for each. I tried the one for the Talon and the Luthor mansion, the Talon was OK - the Luthor mansion webpage included a slow loading, for me,but interresting looking Quicktime VR tour of the house.
I also noticed that the exclusive access weblink on the CD was smallville.net but that what you ended up arriving at was http://smallville.warnerbros.com, save that & you don't seem to need the CD for access.

Better than I expected.
As a casual fan of the show I decided to obtain this cd because I liked the song Superman (It's Not East). I have always felt and still do feel that this song would have made a better opening theme song for SMALLVILLE than Save Me. I never cared for that song. Except for Save Me I would have given this cd 5 stars as I like the remaining eleven songs included on this cd. I gather many people like Save Me so I guess I may be in a minority as far as this song is concerned.

I found some of the tracks to be truely wondrous. I don't usually go in for remakes but I have to admit that both Time After Time and Don't Dream It's Over are almost as good as the originals. Actually Time after Time is better than the original and how can something so sad be so beautiful as well? Also, the new more modern arrangement for these songs seems to fit the show better than if the tv shows producers had decided to play the 1980's originals. I'd also like to mention Island in the Sun and Everything. Island in the Sun is a nice slightly upbeat song that seems to improve the listeners mood. The romantic ballad Everything starts out soft and actually builds in sound and intensity during the final portion of the song.

All in all not a bad cd. the pc extras didn't appeal to me but then I bought the cd for the music and not the extra pc features. In general such features on a music cd hold little interest for me. I await a sequel cd but find it hard to believe it could be as good as this one. ... Read more