Album Description

2002 reissue of 1988 gangsta rap classic includes fourbonus tracks, 'Express Yourself' (Extended Mix), 'BonusBeats', 'Straight Outta Compton' (Extended Mix) & 'AB----12 AB----'. EMI. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

The Record That Started It All
NWA started gangsta rap, they have bumping beats by Dre and Yella and hardcore gangsta lyrics by Eazy Ren and Ice Cube. You gotta get this album here. It features the street anthem Straight Outta Compton and other dope tracks. NWA's best recording ever put together.

The Real Info on NWA
Nearly anyone who knows anything about hip-hop should already be familiar with this album, but here are a few things you may not know. NWA didn't start with "Straight Outta Compton" or with the album "NWA and the Posse". NWA were the kings of the maxi-single. Maxi-singles were 12 inch records with more than the normal 2 songs. Their first one was the Eazy-E maxi-single with "Boyz in tha Hood", "Fat Girl" and "LA is the Place" in 1987. Then came the "Panic Zone", "Dope Man", "8 Ball" maxi, credited to NWA. The picture on that cover was used for the "NWA and the Posse" album, which for some reason, contained the radio version of "8 Ball" instead of the street version. Next came another Eazy-E maxi with "Eazy Duz It", "Ruthless Villian", "Radio", and "Compton's N Tha House", which was only issued on the cassette version as a bonus track. This maxi introduced MC Ren, who stepped in while Ice Cube was away at college. Cube returned for the next NWA maxi with "Gangsta Gangsta", "Something Like That", "Quiet on tha Set", and "Something 2 Dance 2". After all of these maxi-singles, they released the Eazy-E album "Eazy Duz It", followed by the NWA album "Straight Outta Compton". The sixth person on the "Compton" album cover is not The DOC as some have stated, it's Arabian Prince. He was featured on "Something 2 Dance 2", but apparently left the group during the course of recording the album. Since "Something 2 Dance 2" is arguably the weakest song on the album, and is the only song he recorded with the group, it was not a great loss. The bonus tracks on this remastered cd come from the maxi-single released after the album. These were the groups final recordings with Ice Cube. A year later they returned with their final maxi-single "100 Miles and Runnin" which contained the title cut, "Just Don't Bite It", "Sa Prize (Part 2)","Real Ni---z", and "Kamurshol"-a plug for their next forthcoming album released the following year. Those songs are bonus tracks on the remastered version of "Ni---z 4 Life", which musically speaking at least, is better than "Straight Outta Compton" so cop that one too!

The Pinnacle of Gangsta Rap
If you want Gangsta rap look no further than this masterpiece. The songs are violent, hateful, masogonistic, entrenching stereotypes,a nd every other thing that could be potentially viewed as a negative charecteristic. Everything that is bad is featured on this album, however for some reason this album does not either offend or disgust me the least bit. On this album are the obvious clasics: F*ck the Police, Gangsta Gangsta, Straight outta Compton, and a few others. These songs alone are the reason why this album is worth the few bucks that you shall pay for it. Furthermore the new version has a few extra tracks including the ultra masogonistic a B*tch is a B*tch, which however is a classic song and is also a display of some twisted truth.
Furthermore everything on this album is presented honestly and openly. Though it is obvious that Ice Cube doesn't kill Cops for no reason daily, the song does display honesty in the sense that it shows the problems of frusturations faced by people everyday.
High Recommened; Buy It

To answer some guy's question...
There is no dr. ren... Dre, ren, cube, eazy, yella, and probably the doc, the docs solo album is dope , with production by dre.

What You Don't Know?
Man this her is true dope on wax. It started all this gangsta s@#%, Timeless, A Classic.... By the way for the tardy,numb, dumbs; the 6th dude on the cover is the Arabian Prince. Trust that, cuff that, love that. You've now been laced. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Reunited with producer Rick Rubin and guitarist John Frusciante (both of whom were on board for the 1991's breakthrough Blood Sugar Sex Magik), the Chili Peppers waste no time in burying their last effort, the so-so One Hot Minute. Californication's kickoff cut, "Around the World," swaggers around the room, reacquainting itself with old fans and welcoming new ones. Fuzzy Hendrix vibes and popcorn bass lines still rule the roost, along with a heaping helping of disco magic and some unexpected twists. Ten years ago, Anthony Kiedis and company wouldn't have been comfortable doing revamped new wave ("Parallel Universe") or unpretentious ballads (the acoustic "Road Trippin'"), but such material fits Californication's extra-wide canvas. Except for a few meandering numbers that could have been excised, the Red Hot Chili Peppers succeed and regain their footing on the mountain of adrenalized funk. --Jason Josephes ... Read more

Reviews (779)

an excellent album
This is an excellent peppers' album. John Frusciante is amazing. Flea too. Anthony Kiedis' voice is not so soft here yet. Like it is in By The Way. But the drums are bothering me. They really picked the wrong drums.

Around the world ***** . One of the best songs on the album. It's still a funky song.

Paralell Universe *** . A little harder.

Scar Tissue **** . An excellent ballad.

Otherside *** . Also a good song.

Get on top ** . If I would be the producer, I wouldn't put this song on the album. It's just hard, loud & noisy.

Californication ***** . Probably the best song on the album. A cool melody. Good vocals. And a fine guitar solo. And a good video. (I guess you saw the video for this song.)

Easily ** . A little harder. But listenable.

Porcelain *** . A good song to sleep to.

Emmitremus **** . Cool. The guitar is heavy here.

I like dirt ***** . A very good guitar solo. And the song is also good.

This velvet glove ** . I don't listen to this song a lot of times.

Savior *** . Weird & Strange.

Purple stain *** . Stupid lyrics & and a ok song.

Right on time *** . OK.

Road Trippin' ***** . A cool ballad. Without drums. I can play it with my guitar.

BEST ALBUM OF THE DECADE?
id say with alice in chains's 'dirt', we are looking at the best album of the decade. lets take a better look...
stars next to the songs mean how good they are out of 5.
1)Around The World **** - verse IS FUNK. lovley, with a sweet melodic chorus.
2)Parallel Universe ** - dosen't stand out much. your average track.
3)Scar Tissue ***** - beautiful song. lifting guitar riff and perfect vocals, very nice.
4)Otherside ***** - bettter than scar tissue marginally. this is nothing short of magic, i leave you to find out the rest.
5)Get on Top *** - Psychaedlic funk, just letting you know where you are.
6)Calafornication ***** - a fragile guitar and bass riff with refreshing chorus.
7)Easily ***** - chilis show that in true style, that they are still a flawless rock band.
8)Porcelain **** - slowest song to date, nice tranquil stuff.
9)Emit Remmus * - 'ive heard it all before' youll be muttering to yourself, oh well.
10)I Like Dirt * - oh dear.
11)This Velvet Glove **** - excellent piece of music, to the point yet subtle, at the same time.
12)Saviour *** - accepteble, not their best.
13)Purple Stain ***** - #FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#FUNK#
14)Right On Time *** - chorus: i smell pop. nevertheless a good song.
15)Road Trippin' ***** - beautiful brisk acoustic number reflecting on america.

ok thats it. you have got to check out 'by the way' ITS AMAZING!
billycorgan266@yahoo.co.uk

1)

Top heavy, good stuff nevertheless...
"Californication" is top notch Chili Peppers, but the best tracks on the album are definitely in the beginning. 'Around the World' is one of the best openers ever, and it rocks hard. 'Scartissue' is a radio hit and so is 'Otherside', and 'Easily' is easily (sorry) one of the best tracks on the album. The title track is the best track and speaks of West Coast superficiality. The rest of the album is scattered and not very cohesive, but it includes a variety of different songs and some sound a little experimental. "Californication" was one of the most successful rock albums of the 90's and rightfully so. Highly recommended.

California Kings
I am not a Chili Peppers fan but this is one great album! I love the simple melodies and the powerful bass. My favorite song would have to be around the world but all are high quality. RHCP combine funk with rock and some aspects of rap, a very interesting blend. This album's only weakness is that the first six or seven songs are the best and the rest of the album does not support the firsat few songs. I find myself skipping some of the later tracks. This album is fun and interesting and I think it is a great introduction to RHCP's more recent sound.

A much-needed kick in the pants for modern rock
No matter what anyone does or says about this album, you can't change the fact that it was significant. After the prolific Blood Sugar Sex Magik record, John Frusciante left the band and became lost in the hard drug scene. When the Chilis recruited Dave Navarro for One Hot Minute, it just wasn't the same, and it didn't do as well as Blood Sugar Sex Magik commercially or critically. When John Frusciante rejoined the band for the recording of Californication, alternative rock fans knew they were in for another chart topper. And that's exactly what it was. With three #1 modern rock hits, ("Scar Tissue," "Californication," and "Otherside") this record was surely the first to do so. The only other album I can remember with three or more #1 modern rock hits was Linkin Park's Meteora, but then again, that's probably based on popularity.

But as successful as this album was, some might think all it has are the singles to achieve commercial success - but that's not the case at all. Take one listen to this album, and you'll see that Frusciante had the Chilis back in full swing in no time.

The album opens with Around The World, one of the four singles released from the album. It sounds very frenetic in the beginning, with a fuzzy bass intro, and a wild scream from Anthony Kiedis, but when it settles into the verse, and Kiedis begins to rap, you're reassured. After he namedrops a few states and countries, you're introduced to the song's soaring chorus. That's when you decide what place it should have in the band's top ten songs ever. It's that good! After it's over and done with, the song leads into my personal favorite on the album, Parallel Universe. A bit different from what the Chilis have done in the past, this one is rhythmically outstanding. Flea, the bassist (I hope you knew that), maintains a steady beat throughout the song that ensures the fact that he is indeed one of the greatest bassists of all time. The chorus is definitely a highlight of the song. From there, it flows right into Frusciante's magnificent comeback, Scar Tissue. Although this is a ballad, there are no elements within the song that will bore you. There are several small guitar solos in the song that showcase Frusciante's talent that we knew he had all along. This was the first single, and rightfully so. Next comes one of my favorite songs on the disc, called Otherside. It begins with a catchy riff that leads into a quiet version of the chorus. By the end, it's just so epic you'll want to listen to it on repeat. Another one of the Chilis' masterpieces.

I'm not going to describe every one of the songs on the disc in depth, but I'll have you know that other great tracks include Get On Top, Californication, Easily, Emit Remmus, I Like Dirt, and This Velvet Glove. The other five songs, which are entirely the last four songs on the album I haven't totally gotten into yet, but what I can tell you that the slow and short ballad Porcelain does not fit well into Chili Peppers repertoire. It just doesn't seem to sit right with the band. Aside from that one song, this album is packed to the top with musical gems.

I would without a doubt recommend it to any rock fan. One of my favorite bands is 311, so if you're a 311 fan, I can guarantee that you'll like this release from the Chilis. In my honest opinion, this is a record one could use to portray the meaning of alternative rock.

Keep it up, Red Hot Chili Peppers. ... Read more

Reviews (59)

WOW!
If this isn't the soundtrack of the year, I dont know what is. I mean, from the begining to the end of the CD, I couldn't stop listening to it. For one, Wyclef and Claudette always hit us big, but this song, is so catchy, that I put it on repeat for an hour. Its a good mixture of the latin world, and hip hop flava. I am not spanish, but even the songs in spanish were addicting. I found nothing wrong with this album, because its good to dance to, and I couldn't get the songs out of my head, when I left the theater. I picked up the CD in a hurry. You'll like the movie, surprisingly just as much as you'll love this album. Perfect soundtrack, good beats, amazing artists, this music pretty much made the movie. GET THIS SOUNDTRACK!

Not what I was expecting
First I'd like to say I LOVED the movie, and yes it did make you want to get up and dance. I like the CD, I don't however think the two go together. I bought the soundtrack thinking it would be the songs I loved in the movie and was suprised to find it sorely lacking. It doesn't have the same feeling as the movie. I'm hoping they release a second one that has more of the '60's style latin music that I was craving after seeing the movie. I would recommend the cd, because I really do like the mix of latin and hip-hop, I just want people to be aware of what they're really getting!

MUSIC LOVER!!!!
AWSOME!!! makes me wanna dance! im hispanic and love hip hop! so i think its awsome that it has a hip hop style to it...and being hispanic many of us are mixed with black people so MORE POWER TO US!!!!!! its called afro-cuban or afro-hispanic same THING!!!! GO LATINOS AND LATINAS!!!!

So much more than I thought it would be...
Being a huge of fan of the first movie and its entire repertoire of songs, I was skeptical when told about an upcoming sequel/prequel. So many turn out to be weak, bland, repetitive versions of the original and I thought 'Havana Nights' would be a total washout, both plot and music-wise. I was pleasantly surprised on both counts. Not only was the movie fresh and entertaining, I actually ran out and bought the CD as soon as my schedule permitted!

Not being a regular listener of Cuban music, I must admit that I can't comment on the soundtrack's authenticity. Seriously though, I didn't care a whit about whether Cuba played these kind of songs during the 1950s or if the rap influence is more American than Latin. None of it mattered. Tracks like 'Dance Like This', 'Guajira', 'Represent, Cuba' and 'Satellite' were catchy, appropriately sexy and contemporary without sounding overtly 'pop' and had me shimmying and shaking right along with Diego Luna and Romola Garai. I also found the ballad 'El Beso Del Final' hauntingly beautiful... And that was before I found a translation and realised how poignantly apt the lyrics were.

All in all, I'd say this one's a keeper. It's going to my personal 'Hall of Fame', right next to the 'Dirty Dancing' and 'More Dirty Dancing' soundtracks I have carefully tucked away. :)

Lets get dancing
I wathced the movie and its great! If u saw it,u want to go to cuba,have a sweet boyfriend like Diego Luna there and dance with him all the nights! The song from the cinema trailer is Latin Lover from "Lemon" Its a great song,why isnt he on the soundtrack cd? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Produced by the infamous Dr. Dre with assistance from Mr. Suge Knight, Doggy Style was the first solo outing by Calvin Broadus a.k.a. Snoop Doggy Dog. Incorporating a straight gangsta vibe into the deep funk grooves pioneered by George Clinton and his Parliament-Funkadelic ensemble, Snoop and Dre dogmatically invent the "G-Funk" aesthetic. Espousing an irreverent dope, bitches, and guns mentality, Doggy Style garnered the Parental Advisory for explicit lyrics it sorely deserved. Still, Snoop's lazy-yet-acrobatic rap/drawl is distinctive and undeniably entertaining. With additional vocals from Tha Dogg Pound (Nate Dogg, Warren G, Kurupt, and Dat Nigger Daz), this disc is deceptively professional and musically quite slick. "Murder Was The Case" is practically an inner-city classic, while "Ain't No Fun" is another blunted, urban-rap anthem. Woof! --Mitch Myers ... Read more

Reviews (110)

a must have rap classic!
1. Bathtub - Umm... sort of pointless.... (4/10)    
2. G Funk Intro - Cool song. Dr.Dre makes an appearence in it. (9/10)    
3. Gin and Juice - Awesome song. Love it. (10/10)    
4. That Shiznit - Great beats (10/10)   
5. Lodi Dodi  - Not a big fan of this one. (2/10)  
6. Murder Was the Case (Death After Visualizing Eternity) - Awesome song. (10/10)    
7. Serial Killa - Great, but many better ones. (8.5/10)    
8. Who Am I? (What's My Name) ? - Awesome song. One of my favorites. (10/10)   
9. For All My N**** and B****** - Great track. (9/10)    
10. Ain't No Fun (If My Homies Can't Have None) - My favorite. This is an awesome song. (10/10)    
11. Doggy Dogg World - Great Snoop hit. (9/10)   
12. GZ and Hustlas - An okey track....(6/10)   
13. Pump Pump - Awesome. Love the beats. (10/10)

One of the Top Rap Albums Ever!
Every track on this CD is good. There is not ONE bad track to speak of, and that's a huge accomplishment by itself. This is the perfect complement to The Chronic. Both albums define the very nature of what G-Funk and rap are all about. It's produced by Dr. Dre, and his influence is seen in every track through incredibly irrestible beats (a la The Chronic). This CD has some of the best beats ever heard on a rap album, combined with incredible lyrics and Snoop's best style. Guest appearances from The Dogg Pound rappers are excellent, and this is by far Snoop's best rapping.

This CD CANNOT be compared to any other Snoop Dogg CD; it surpasses any of his other albums with ease. There are so many classics on this album ("Gin and Juice," "Murder Was the Case," "Ain't No Fun," "Tha Shiznit," etc.) and the others, though less played, are equally as good. If you liked The Chronic (in other words, if you like real rap with incredible beats and lyrics) then buy this album. It will not disappoint. This goes along perfectly with The Chronic and many debate which album is better. Either way, you cannot lose with this album: It is easily one of the best rap albums EVER.

give black people their own country
the black "race" is always complaining that they want to have their own everything such as colleges. i have an idea, america should take every blackie out of society and give them their own territory with their own government, schools, etc. this will be very amusing because their country would crumble within the first few days. and i would send letters to the taliban asking them to bomb the new and "much deserved" country after it crumbles to destroy the ashes and crumbled buildings that now lie there just to be sure that i won't have to hear this crappy music blasting and hear blackies pathetic cries of injustice and "White america owes me."

thank you

now die

3 and 1/2
I bought this album not too long ago, too young to hear it when it first came out (I was 8), but not too old to dislike it. Around 5 years after this album came out, it was deamed a classic, probably because it came out so long ago. There's some quality tracks here (G Funk Intro, Gz and Hustlas, Serial Killer, Ain't No Fun), but there's some garbage here too. If you like rap, you'll love this, but for me, this album was a little dissapointing. So if you're not the biggest rap fan, be prepared to be let down. Snoop Dogg's still the man though.

pretty good
this is the best of snoop right here. Ever since he left deathrow his music just aint as good. However he did very well on Dr. Dre 2001 & The Marshal Mather's Lp.

Oh well, thats just my opinion ... Read more

Reviews (46)

No doubt, Dave Koz is The King of "Smooth Jazz"!
I listened to Dave's new CD, and as usual, he's out done himself again. He just get's better and better with each CD.
Dave, and his brother Jeff, with the help of Brian Mcknight, Jeff Lorber, Culby, and the other writers who contributed to this CD, have done an outstanding job. There are no "bad" songs on this CD, in my opinion. From the very first time I popped it into my player, I was hooked! The cord progressions and arrangements of the chorus parts, (which Dave doubles up on his sax), are just pure genius. But what do you expect with the guy's he's got working with him. If I could be half as good a writer and arranger as these guy's, I would be truly blessed with mad skills. My favorite tracks are: "Love Changes Everything","Definition of Beautiful","All I see", "Only tomorrow knows", and the sensual ballad, "Just to be next to you" makes chills come all over me. :-) This CD will bring out so many emotions in you, that's it's just unbelievable. A definate must have in your music collection. I highly recommend this CD! One last thing, if you've never been to a Dave Koz concert...GO!! Once you see this guy, and feel the energy he projects into his music, and his fans, you'll be hooked!!
NO DOUBT!!

Koz Magic went Missing a Bit !!!
On the onset this CD didn't impress me, as I was expecting the same - if not more, of the kind of magic that made 'The Dance' and 'Lucky Man' etc. such great albums. This one unfortunately seemed to lack a bit of that magic. It's not that its 'bad' - its just that I was expecting more- given the exceptionally high standards of his previous albums. My first impression was exactly as one of the other reviewer's ie. it seemed as if Dave was just "fulfilling his recording contract". After listening to it in my car several times, I've grown to enjoy it somewhat- but still not as much as his previous works. Some great vocals on the tracks "Love Changes Everything" &"Definition of Beautiful". If you're an avid Dave Koz fan like me, get it. If you just getting into smooth jazz and want something really spunky by this artist, then I would recommend 'The Dance' anytime.

Horrible!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with C.M. Covias from NY. This cd is horrible!

Very Below Contemporary Jazz Standards!!!!!!!!!
As I opened up this cd, I though it might be a cool contemporary jazz package. With the first song, Honey Dipped, I was rather dissapointed, but it wasn't the worst song in the world. I just said, it had its good moments, let me go to the next track. Track after track, nothing got any better. In fact, they were very much worse then, Honey Dipped. Honey Dipped actually sounded good after the next tracks popped into my ears. The rest are just very bad "new age" music influenced with, jazz? The synthesizers and electric instruments, dont make it any better. Most of this cd is, an electronic drum beat over some saxophone playing. Bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cool CD
If you like smooth jazz, you'll love this one! ... Read more

Reviews (27)

An average hip-hop album...but yet something's missing...
'534' is the latest release from Roc-a-Fella rapper Memphis Bleek. Back in 1997 Bleek was the first person signed to the original ROC (besides Jay-Z) & since then he's released 3 LP's. Bleek, since day one, has been stated as the "new & improved Jay-Z" but has proven himself to be nothing more than a sidekick who can never seem to get out of Jay's shadow. The main problem with Bleek is that he's missing the likeability factor that Jay-Z has/had. Whether its him not having enough charisma on tracks, his wordplay or just him in general...Bleek is/has/and it looks like will forever be the "invisible rapper" of The ROC.

On this, Bleek's fourth release, he shows that he can make a well-rounded hip-hop album. Bleek tries his hardest to pull of both sides of the "keeping it real" argument by throwing pop-hop tracks & the same ROC-flavored hip-hop he's been doing for years into one project. The results: mixed.

The album opens with the title track (which is the intro of the disc). This track is pretty nice...Bleek spits with heart & the beat is off-the-hook. No problems at all with this track. Then, about the time Track 2 hits, is when Bleek starts to lose credibility.

Track 2, an Interlude, is a sort-of "opener" for Track 3, which is "Dear Summer". This track, which has been praised as the album's finest moment since a month before its release...is just that: the best that '534' has to offer. That's all good & fine except for one thing...Bleek is NOT featured on this track. The big problem with this is that its a Jay-Z solo...and it outshines pretty much everything Bleek is doing on this album. That is the biggest mistake of all to put a track like "Dear Summer" on an artist like Bleek's LP & have it outdo the other 12 tracks.

Everything else after Track 3 falls short of expectations. You keep waiting for Jay-Z to come back & save the LP or even have Bleek do some magic ish & pull out an amazing track but it never happens. "Like That", the album's lead single, is good on the ears but can't even compare to most of the album's other tracks. "Infatuated" & "The One" sound WAY too radio-friendly (very pop-hop if you know what I mean) & a few other tracks (such as "Hater Free", "Alright" & "All About Me") are just average at best.

Don't get me wrong, there are a few other tracks to be happy about. "Smoke The Pain Away" is a great Bleek track, "Straight Path" is very emotional & is one of Bleek's deepest to date & "Oh Baby" is very nice both lyrically & production-wise...its just that after hearing "Dear Summer" you kind of just don't even give a damn what else is being offered.

I'm not trying to say this album is only good for 1 track but honestly that 1 track outshines the whole LP. Sorry Bleek, but you (or your label) made a HUGE mistake putting that on here.

Album deserves a 3.5...which is what I gave it (I meant 3.5 but it only let me put 4). It's just sad that you will forgot about this album in a month or so. Bleek will never be one of those widely celebrated hip-hop stars...he'll always just be hot for a second & then disappear.

Albums Top 5 best tracks (in order):

1. Dear Summer (feat. Jay-Z)
2. Straight Path
3. Smoke Da Pain Away
4. Oh Baby (feat. Young Gunz)
5. 534 (intro)

Good cd Bleek
As I listened to this cd, I thought it was put 2gether nicely.Jay-Z makes his presence felt on "Dear Summer". I really enjoyed "Infactuated" and"One", they are my favorite cuts on this album.I think Bleek did a great job and the ROC will survive w/o Jay-Z. BE Easy. VA Holla

Average
There really isn't anything just excellent about this album, its just average. The songs that I liked were "Like That", which features Swizz Beatz in the first single and a video has already been shot for this song. "Dear Summer" is just Jay-Z singing about the summer, nothing really great. "Infatuated" and "The One" could possibly be singles but won't burn up the charts. That's about it. It's a mediocre effort.

ROC at its finest!!!
Go out and get it. Bleek is now on his own. Time to take the crown given to him. He was a M.A.D.E. artist since 1996. The only Rocafella artist still around on Reasonable Doubt. Dear Summer is reason alone to buy the album but he spits some hot stuff. You haven't heard hardcore Bleek since The Understanding years ago. If you have M.A.D.E. this will make up for it. The Gunnerz make an appearance and he does the same on their album Brothers from Another. Buy That too!!!

It's About Time (3.5 Stars)
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like this is the kind of stuff Bleek should've been dropping in the first place? I mean, he's never been all that amazing as far as lyrical skills are concerned, but this album is easily his most well rounded. Beats, rhymes, and flow -- it's all there this time around. The production is on point. Joints like "Get Low", "Like That", and "Oh Baby" are all sure to keep heads nodding. "Dear Summer" is a pretty good joint which features some decent work from Jay Z. Jay has slipped lyrically, but he still manages to do a decent job here. Also, 9th Wonder laces Bleek with a killer beat on "Alright" (hurry up with that new Little Brother album, dammit!). In my mind, this is the best song on the album because Bleek is actually saying something and the beat is dope (his verse on Dear Summer is suspect). Also, "Straight Path" is pretty tight and Bleek comes through on the lyrical side again.

There are a few cuts on the album that should've been sent straight to the trash bin. "Infatuated" and "The One" are sort of generic and they have a "been there done that" feel to them. "Smoke The Pain Away" is the obligatory "weed" song. It's decent, but it suffers from a suspect hook. "All About Me" is pretty boring and "Hater Free" is straight up wack.

With all things considered, this is a solid release from Bleek. It's not neccesarily out of this world, but you won't be disappointed that you bought it either. It's worth checking out. I'd also reccomend picking up Beanie's new joint. And look out for the Young Gunz too.

Standout Tracks: Alright (My Favorite), Oh Baby feat. Young Gunz, Like That, Get Low, Dear Summer, First Last & Only feat. M.O.P., Straight Path, and 534
... Read more

Amazon.co.uk

Hip-hop confabulations don't come much more forward-thinking than this. Working from solid atomic principles, Deltron 3030 takes one producer, one MC, and one DJ and throws them beyond Futurama. Dan the Automator (one of the founders of the Handsome Boy Modeling School and administrator of Dr. Octagon's porno hospital) reinvents himself as the Cantankerous Captain Aptos and teams up with Deltron Zero (a.k.a. Hieroglyphics crew member Del tha Funky Homosapien) and Skiznod the Boy Wonder (bucky turntablist Kid Koala). Between the radio ads for future-funked, rap jams, and camouflaged cameos (by the likes of Prince Paul, a castrato Damon Albarn, MC Paul Barman and his Upper West Side doppelgänger Sean Lennon), the Deltron crew advise you to upgrade your brain to avoid getting sucked into the time virus. ("Ugrade your gray matter," they chant, "'cause one day it may matter.") The thematic opener, "3030," sounds like a beat-driven David Lean movie that slipped into the DJ's fingers with 31st-century rhythm stutters and scratches. Automator ping-pongs loops as rousing choral parts swell with space pride. "Things You Can Do" riffs off mod rock while a harpsichord hack and Sean Lennon drops feature on the sickly sweet mental apocalypse of "Memory Loss." Over its 21 tracks, Deltron 3030 erases the errors of this rap era in favor of hip-hop's future fathers. --Chris Campion ... Read more

Reviews (154)

Amazing.
This is an amazing CD. Just about everything works. Del's lyricism and delivery are the best he's ever spit to us (not to disrespect the other stuff now), Kid K.'s work is slightly outta sight, and Automator is just plain always brilliant. And this is deep stuff here, not easy hip hop listening. I was challenged by this CD right off and still am every time I listen to it (which is five or six times a week). And that's the way I like it. But your results may vary.

Still, I personally think that everyone who listens to hip hop should give this disc a spin and join the party. Now I know that's not how it will be, though, cause lots of people will think there are too many skits, some will think that the words are no good, and other folks won't like the way Deltron Z (or Del tha Funkee Homo Sapien, whatever) rhymes. Maybe some folks won't like the "positive conTACT!" overdub on Positive Contact. (Well, actually, I don't like that particular element myself.) But I think that anyone who comes to this looking at it as, album-oriented hip hop, will be pretty impressed. I sure was.

All in all, this is the best thing I heard in 2000 and I look forward to listening to it in 2001, 2002, 2003...

3030: A hip hop
I've always been impressed by Dan The Automator's work. From his lounge hip hop concept album with Prince Paul(Handsome Boy Modeling School)to his tinkering with make out music(Lovage), to finally his most comercially successful project yet(Gorilliaz). However, I can't think there is an album that shows off the producing prowless like Deltron 3030.

Its soundscapes and lush atmosphere rival that of Doves and Massive Attack(no small feat) layered with Del's complex, smooth as silk delievery. The combination works like no other I've ever heard. The tracks themselves are layered perfectly, showing off the production skills of the former classical musician, Nakamura himself. Combine all these things with Kid Koala virtuoso scratching and sampling skills, and you have hip hop super group.

Another great aspect of this CD is its balance. For variety, there is a balance were the music is the central focus with Del complmenting the music, and then vice versa. Then sometimes, they just come together as one to form on eccstacy inducing musical pleasure(the title track is the perfect example of this). This is something that most hip hop lacks but Automator and co. pull of perfectly.

Fact of the matter is, everyone should get a kick out of this. Quality transends genre and Deltron 3030 is the perfect example of this. Fans of music should check this one out.

Welcome to the Future of Hip Hop
'Deltron 3030' is an innovative undertaking by rapper Del the Funky Homosapien, producer Dan the Automator, and DJ Kid Koala. With futuristic production and skillful lyricism, 'Deltron 3030' tells of a post-apocalyptic world in the year 3030. This CD is by no means commercial with its lack of hooks (most verses are met with simple repeated samples and/or scratching) and its offbeat lyrical content. There are some great tracks like 'Mastermind', 'Madness', '3030', and 'Madness'. However this CD is weighted down by a whopping nine skits that follow the futuristic theme of the CD. Personally, I never find skits groundbreaking or even necessary to a project so it definitely prevents me from putting this in my CD player and listening from cover to cover without skipping. Nothing profound is said by Del, and I am more attracted to how he says it (he flows very well with the beats) rather than what he says. However, I would recommend 'Deltron 3030' for any hip hop fan who is looking for something different because this is definitely a memorable album.

(4/5 mics)

Good. Not necessarily a classic, though
I liked the style that Del used in the hit "Clint Eastwood" on the Gorillaz album, so I looked for more of his work. Among several solo works, as well as other collaborations with Dan The Automator, I found this.
Deltron 3030 is a pretty good album with great lyricism and wordplay, as well as interesting production. However, when I say "interesting", I don't always mean in a good way. There are some slip-ups - "Virus" and "Battlesong" aren't very good songs. Also, in many of the songs, there aren't great choruses. Some don't have choruses, at all.
Also, for a concept album, this album isn't very conceptual. Many of the tracks merely have Del bragging about what a good rapper he is, replacing talk of guns and such with talk of laser pistols and other futuristic gadgets.
Still, despite it's flaws, it's a good album. The opening track (the one after the intro) is great, and really reminds you of authentic sci-fi, which I assume is what they were trying for. The best song on the is (in my opinion) "Time Keeps On Slipping", featuring Damon Albarn, the singer from Blur, as well as a collaborator on the Gorillaz album.
So, summarizing it all up, this is a good album, but it may not be the epic that they were trying for. Worth a listen.

A Gift From The Future
In all honesty, I have not heard a better hip hop album than Deltron 3030. The more and more I listen to it, the more and more I fall in love with it. What sets this one apart from the rest is the production. Koala and Automator shine together, created rhythms and beats that sound like no other. The album kicks off with a bang with the hip hop symphony, 3030. The rest progresses perfectly, with not one track out of place. There is not a slouch in the bunch, but I do have my favorites. 3030 and Mastermind, oh wait, also Madness, oh wait, there's also Virus, oh wait.... just buy the album, you won't be sorry!

And Del The Funky Homosapien kills it, as usual. Were there any doubts in your mind? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Named after the thriving rap subgenre he popularized, Lil' Jon's Crunk Juice makes no claims to be anything but XXX-rated,hip-hop mosh pit music. Three 6 Mafia's crunked-out compositions may predate Lil' Jon's, but Jon's unique production methods continue to dazzle on cuts like "What U Gon' Do," where protégé Lil Scrappy's vocals create jarring audio effects. The trademark futuristic blend of Miami bass, Jamaican dub, electronica, and punk--littered with call-and-response chants--is in full force on "Crunk Juice," "Get Crunk," and "Da Blow." More impressively, he's broadened his crunk palette to include a brilliant rocked-out Rick Rubin collaboration, along with more conventional R&B tunes featuring Usher and R. Kelly--he even looks to D.C.-style go-go beats for inspiration on "Aww Skeet Skeet." The vulgar yet hilarious Chris Rock comedy cameos help make this album a winner, even if it's intentionally zany and lyrically vacuous. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Amazon.com

Badu and her large turban appeared out of nowhere in early 1997, on a murmuring, romantic album that trod the median between old-school soul and contemporary electronic R&B. Badu's songs, especially the hit "On & On" and the catchy "Certainly," recall Sade in their polished, subtle sexiness. Badu almost never raises her voice--save the occasional "ooh-wee!" exultation--but she skillfully uses repetition and chanting to empower her words. Later portraying a beautiful swamp queen, she was one of the only good things about the movie Blues Brothers 2000. --Steve Knopper ... Read more

Reviews (83)

My Personal Favorite Album
Erykah Badu is a very gifted & talented singer, songwriter and actress. Her soothing blends of old-school jazz & soul influences create an amazing backdrop of seductive beats, and a distinctive vocal style. With a musical approach that contains highly mature lyrics, Badu scats her way through an album of masterpieces.

From the opening "Rimshot Intro" all the way to the closing "Rimshot Outro", Badu offers us an in depth look into her wonderful life filled with poetic visions and respected insights. "On & On" is a treasure, as is the hip-hop influenced "Apple Tree". "Otherside of the Game" is silky smooth and my personal favorite track "Next Lifetime" is a tale of reincarnated love.

Though some found "Afro" humarious, it carried a very distinct message, that Badu plays nobodys fool. Other sure fire favorites include "Certainly", "Four Leaf Clover", "Drama" and "Sometimes".

The lyrical content varies from track to track, and its nice to hear Badu's unique style of blended music put together onto one terrific album. She is definetly gifted and I hope that all her releases leave me as happy as this one in the future.

Good Sleepytime Music...
Odd as it sounds, I really enjoy listening to this album when I'm sleepy. It lets me relax and eventually fall dead asleep. The rhythm and music is just so soothing and relaxing. This definatly isn't driving music if that's what you're looking for. Though some of the songs on this album sound the same, I give Erykah Badu credit because she was truley an influence in modern day r&b and soul, thus paving the way for such artists as Angie Stone and Macy Gray. She is definatly an interesting figure in the music industry, known for her body jewlery and hair raps (I remember hearing Billy Crystal commenting at the Academy Awards on her infamous hair wrap: "They finally found the last missing Oscar. It was found under Erykah Badu's wrap." LOL) Hit songs include "On & On", "Appletree" and one of my favorites, "Certainly." Another song I also enjoy is the catchy, "4 Leaf Clover" as well as the "Intro" and "Outro." "Next Lifetime" I also remember hearing on the radio and is catchy as well. So, if you're interested in modern Soul/R&B that you can relax to (Whether it be at dinner or going to bed) this CD is reccomended.

Next lifetime
This is one of the best debuts ever. She put her foot in this one along with her other cds. She created a new field in R&B with her new sound. Her album can fit any mood and make you feel like a glass of wine and just relax.It starts off with the mind moving (Rimshot) and flows all the way through with hits like Otherside of the game, Sometimes, No love and maymore. This is one Cd that I can listen 2 all the way through with out pause or fast forward. She hit a home run with this one . If you like this one you will love Momma's Gun and fall in love with her latest cd Worldwide Underground its hot along with her concert.

how cynical can erykah badu be?
i love badu's voice, i love the music, but i cannot stomach how her lyrics convey such cynicism and bitterness. listening to "lifetime" makes me utterly depressed that this woman in her lyrics cannot hope that she can get the man she wants in her present lifetime, perhaps a bit later than sooner. the lyrics in "certainly" give me the impression that badu deliberately preaches that alienation is her life script. has she gone through horrible relationships which reflect in her lyrics? again, i love her voice; billie holiday's sensuality comes to mind when i listen to this CD. the music is amazing; jazzy, soulful, smooth, and entralling. i'm not saying that erykah should sing about all things hunky-dory, but enough with the cynicism.

A cooled debut...
Erykah Badu was part of that neo-soul movement from the mid to late 90s that were trying to make REAL R&B rather than all the bad boy hip hop kinda mess that most acts were making. 'Baduism' is a real cool debut, a nice collection of chilled, jazzy numbers about love & spiritualism etc. The main song here is 'On & On', the big single that I personally can play over and over. But there's a lot of other good stuff here, the production is inventive and Badu has a nice style. 'Next Lifetime' is a deep & meaningful song with a lot of truth. All the melodies here are real nice and the album is likely to stay in your hifi for a long time. Well Recommended for those in need of some intelligent R&B. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Young, aggro, and from Los Angeles--it's tempting to put Incubus in the already crowded category populated by Korn, System of a Down, and their other loud and heavy brethren. But that would sell Incubus short, because Make Yourself, the quintet's sophomore album, is a strong progression beyond their 1997 debut, S.C.I.E.N.C.E.. More like Faith No More than Limp Bizkit, Incubus still have that teen-mosh appeal, though the songwriting and instrumentation on Make Yourself is diverse and thoughtful, both lyrically and musically. "Drive" is an easygoing, slightly trippy acoustic-based outing, while oddball scratching (courtesy of DJ Chris Kilmore) and trip-hop funkiness make "Battlestar Scralatchtica" aptly titled. "Nowhere Fast" is vaguely 311-ish with a reggae tinge and lovely melodic interludes, in contrast to the furious intensity of "Out from Under," which gives Make Yourself a surprisingly cohesive diversity that's hard to categorize. Ultimately, singer Brandon Boyd is not a vocal genius, but lyrically and in performance, he's sensitive, charismatic, and unique. Ditto for the 13 cuts that make up Make Yourself. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

Reviews (521)

A STELLAR ALBUM BY A GREAT BAND!...
After their bizarre (yet awesome) 1997 album S.C.I.E.N.C.E, Incubus decided to kick it up a notch in diversity with their 1999 album 'Make Yourself'. The album was a huge success with several hit singles that put the band into the mainstream of popular music.

The thing that made this album so successful was Incubus' wonderful way of crafting great music. It's not exactly raging hard rock there's a little more to it than that. Trippy sounds and great acoustic ballads meshed with rock music bring out Incubus' creative style on this CD. Hits like the acoustic driven DRIVE, the unique PARDON ME, the beautiful ballad
I MISS YOU, the rocking MAKE YOURSELF or the awesome STELLAR (a personal favourite of mine) bring out this unique style of music making. However the hits on this album do not over shadow the other material found here. PRIVILEGE is a great rocking opener. THE WARMTH is an excellent rock ballad. NOWHERE FAST and WHEN IT COMES are more powerful rockers. CONSEQUENCE is an eerie rock ballad like THE WARMTH. BATTLESTAR SCRALATCHTICA is a tune with an extremely unique flavour and some great mixing by DJ Kilmore. CLEAN is another quirky rocker with some wonderful singing and great percussion. OUT FROM UNDER is a great rocking album closer.

Bottom Line 'Make Yourself' is the best album of 1999! I love Incubus. I think their music is just so awesome and creative. Get this album! You won't regret it. This band is one of the very few that are actually excellent nowdays. Most bands have little to any creativity or feeling in their music (if you can even call some of it that!). Incubus is not one of those bands. I hope they continue to make wonderful music like this and their latest album 'Morning View'. Highly recommended!

A soothing rock experience
Incubus' "Make Yourself" is truly an incredible album, soaring with great acoustic work with brilliant lyrics. Their initial tone of rock is mostly softened from the normal definition (head-banging, full rock out), providing an ablum that really IS rock -- just a softer kind, based on more acoustic than electric guitars.

"Privilege", the record's opening track, is an enthusiastic cut that readies you for the rest of the album. Its catchy tone and cool lyric combine to make you addicted first-come-first-serve style. "Nowhere Fast" and "The Warmth" soon follow, showing us the band's incredible talent at having an emotional side.

"Drive", the more popular and largely known single from the album, is actually one of the album's best written lyric. Giving an inspirational side to living, it provides an infectious sound with contagious words that make you enjoy the song despite its overwhelming playback on radio.

"Make Yourself" truly is an amazing album that offers a unique sound giving us proof as to why Incubus has such a strong and faithful following. Their talent shows a potential that is hard to find among bands in 2000.

Overall Grade: B+

It's no S.C.I.E.N.C.E
My first taste of Incubus was Morning View. Even though I was not an Incubus fan at the time of listening I didn't think it was anything special. My interest in this band was reignited after a friend lent me S.C.I.E.N.C.E. That album simply blew me away with the way it used turntables and I became an instant fan. Then I bought Make Yourself. I was expecting music in the same vien of S.C.I.E.N.C.E but was slightly disapointed. The turntabling that made S.C.I.E.N.C.E. so great has been toned down in this album and in my opinion it is worse off because of it. Without the turntables I think this album sounds a bit blander and more mainstream. Don't get me wrong, this is still an awesome album, but could have been a lot better if DJ Lyfe had stayed on, or at least given some lessons to DJ Kilmore. But it still gets four stars because it is a very good album.

a good album!
1:Privilege 4/5
2:Nowhere fast 3/5
3:Consequence 4/5
4:the warmth 5/5
5:When it comes 4/5
6:Stellar 5/5
7:Make yourself 4/5
8:Drive 5/5
9:Clean 4/5
10:Batllestar scralacthica 4/5
11:I miss you 4/5
12:Pardon me 5/5
13:Out from under 2/5

Pretty good...
Incubus is a wonderful rock band. Maybe one of the best. This is the CD where they scored their first mainstreem pop hit "Drive". It was also #1 on the Alternitive charts. It has some good tracks on here. Brandon Boyd is the leader, and, he has an OK singing voice. Not the best singer ever, tho (duh). No tracks are bad, but, ill tell you why I just gave it a 4 soon. On with the songs!:

1. Privilege (5/5) Could possibly be the best song on the record. This is what im MAD about, tho. Why couldnt this be released as the 1st single?? It sounds like it shouldve. Silly Epic! This wouldve easily got to #1 on any rock chart if it was released!!!! Ah, sorry.
2. Nowhere Fast (5/5) Neat. Brandon is good on it, and, good beat. Pretty soft and hard.
3. Consequence (4/5) A pretty good hard rock ballad. Its half of a ballad, anyway.
4. The Warmth (5/5) OMG!! Listen to Brandon on this! Hes AMAZING! Great ballad!!!
5. When It Comes (4/5) OK.
6. Stellar (5/5) 2nd single. I luv this! A classic. It did well at TRL in 2000.
7. Make Yourself (5/5) OMG!!! Brandon screams! He sounds tight when he does it! He screams bloddy murder! Sometimes on it, anyway. Their is quite some cussing on it, tho.
8. Drive (5/5) Obviously a classic, and, 3rd single. Pretty overplayed, but, it never got that old. Too bad they barley play it anymore, tho. Ill always remember this by heart, tho, even till the day I die!
9. Clean (4/5) Very decent. Not 1 of my favs, tho.
10. Battlestar Scralatchitca (Instrumental) (5/5) Amazing instrumental! Ahh, funky, and, you can relax to it often. There is one weird voice in it, tho.
11. I Miss You (5/5) Cool! Very sad, and, youll love it at first listen. Pretty short, tho.
12. Pardon Me (5/5) 1st single. Classic. Good scratching at the begenning by the DJ in the group! (cant remember his name)
13. Out From Under (4/5) Pretty good.

OK, this was a spectacular album from Incubus. Keep it up, boys! Oh, they PRODUCED THE WHOLE ALBUM!!! Isnt that awsome?! OK, I hope you liked it! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

It Takes a Nation of Millions was the sign that hip-hop had exploded like a grenade. A rap record as abrasive, hardcore, and eloquent as a JFK speech, the 1988 disc is one classic track after another: tense, multilayered, harmonically wild music. Chuck D. declaims like a master preacher with foil Flavor Flav's voice darting around his. They've got the desperate energy of people fighting for their lives, and everything from their pumped-up rhetoric ("Prophets of Rage") to the group's quasi-paramilitary organization to the sirens and sax squeals in nearly every track declares how urgent their mission is. It's a hugely influential album, and it still sounds fresh and frightening after all these years. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (123)

Louder Than a Bomb
The second you pop this album into the CD player you are instantly grabbed and shaken by it's forcefulness. It Takes a Nation...is one of the best hip-hop albums I have ever listened to.

Chuck-D, though not as technically brilliant on the mick as say Cali-Tuna from Jurassic Five or Common, he is arguably the best writer in hip-hop history. Most MC's are stuck trying to figure out how to rearrange swear words in their verse, but Chuck-D has written some intellegent lyrics. I may not agree with everything he says but at least he's saying something.

The production is also flawless. This should be what hip hop production is like today. The only one to come close to it nowadays is Outkast. The Bomb Squad use samples from everywhere to produce a wall of sound that is uncomparable to anything but Pauls Boutique by the Beastie Boys.

The only things I didn't like about the album were it's lack of bass and the seemingly pointless inclusion of Flava Flav. Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos is one of the best rap songs of all time. When I listen to it I automatically bob my head, but it would be a truly break neck beat if a slinky bass line was added at least in the pauses between verses. Second I don't really see the point in Flava Flav proclaiming the groups atributes on every track. He doesn't have any verses outside of Cold Lampin With Flavor, all he does is say yeah boyee before every song.

Anyway those are nitpicky problems. The whole album is excellent, and ranks up their with Pauls Boutique by the Beastie Boys as the two greatest rap albums ever recorded.

Probally the most influential Rap album 1-A
This album is considered a classic and the rock list have this one as the Top Rap album of them all.This album has an influence on people like Ice Cube and Nas or who ever this one has Chuck D very political and he kills it out with some of the best power on record(Probally behind only Biggie)Yes at times his boy Flava Flav gets annoying but he still does okay.It is true meaning everything he sais he belives heres more
2.Bring the Noise-one of the classic songs off here 10/10
3.Don't believe the hype-Probally the best song on here 10/10
4.Cold Lampin-This one was okay 8/10
5.Terminator X on the panic-this one is very good 10/10
7.Louder then a bomb-This one is tight to 10/10
8.Show em what you got-This one is pretty good 9/10
10.She watch channel Zero-Loud and wild this one 10/10
11.Night of the living Baseheads-Too much talking 7/10
12.Black steel in the hour of chaos-Just tight 10/10 Classic
14.Rebel without a pause-A classic beat for you 10/10
15.Prophets of Rage-This song is okay beat wise 8/10
16.Party for your right to fight-not the greatest ending 5/10
This is not as revolutionary as it was in 88 but still it is a classic and must get mad respect from all heads
Lyrics 10/10 Production 10/10 X Factor 8/10 Style 10/10 Voice 10
Music 9/10 Innovative 10/10 Classic 10/10 Guest 10 Blends In 10
Overall=97 wich means it is good for 5 Mics *****

Dont slag this record...
...because you're a hip-pop loving doucher.

This is a cornerstone of hip-hop and should be treated as such and if this was all then I would probably not even be writing this review. However, such is not the case. This album was the voice of a generation. It spoke for the depressed state of inner-city African Americans and the constant injustice they faced. Its true, hip-hop used to be about more than just money.

Where Have You BEEN All My Life?
Why have I been wasting my time listening to Charlie Parker and Claude Debussy all these years? What ever made me think that Aretha Franklin and Gundula Janowitz could actually sing? I must have been high. THIS is the great work of true musical genius that all mankind has been waiting for. It marks the culmination and final, greatest achievement of the human race. What have we left to live for? It's all downhill from here, folks, so let's end it now, on a high note, and go out in a blaze of glory.

Genius but can get annoying
Well this cd presents the dualities of rap: great flow and great beats and complete obnoxiousness. Both rappers Flavor Flav and Chuck d are obviously very talented and deserve more recognition than they get, unfortunately Flavor can get really annoying for example the yeah in Don't Beleive the Hype becomes rather irratating rather quickly. However the colloboration with Anthrax shines as a skillfully mixed combination of rap and metal. Songs like She watch Channel Zero and Rebel Without a Pause are true rap classics that mix superb music with a social message. Chuck D does say some somewhat racist things like "selling drugs to the brother man instead of the other man" which can be turn off for some but hilarious for others. Overall this is a seminal rap album but some songs can be easily skipped over. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After a five-year hiatus, superstar producers Prince Paul (De La Soul) and Dan the Automator (Gorillaz) join forces again, assembling an even more eclectic and arguably more rewarding sequel to 1999's So… How's Your Girl? Most producer-based albums suffer from guest overload, and certainly Handsome Boy has a challenge in juggling over 25 different cameos, ranging from Del Tha Funkee Homosapien to Barrington Levy to Pharrell Williams to Cat Power to John Oates to… you get the idea. Yet they thrown down with such creative aplomb that you're just thankful to have a ticket for the ride. The vibe jumps from the soulful slide of "Breakdown" (feat. Jack Johnson) to the high-powered hip-hop of "If It Wasn't for You" (feat. De La Soul and Starchild Excalibur) to the indescribably dense "Rock and Roll (Could Never Hip Hop Like This) Part 2," which includes DJ Qbert, Lord Finesse, and Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda among other guests. There's so much to digest as Paul and Dan stock the album with a wide range of treats, and each listen reveals something new and delightful. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Amazon.com

You get the feeling Mike Patton did his time with major label bands like Faith No More and Mr. Bungle merely as a way to fund the stuff he's really into. He's got a solo project called Peeping Tom that includes collaborations with Massive Attack and Amon Tobin; the fourth album from his experimental instrumental outfit, Fantomas; and guest spots on Björk's Medulla and Handsome Boy Modeling School's White People. At the front of the pack is this collaboration with Oakland, California turntable crew the X-ecutioners. Using the group's punctuated scratches and samples as raw material, Patton builds a symphony of cut-and-paste chaos over which he applies his trademark shrieks and growls. It's clearly not for everyone, but those who found Jay-Z and Linkin Park's Collision Course a little too sterile will definitely find something to gape over. -- Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (17)

One of a kind Hip-hop . . .
. . . from Mike Patton and the great X-ecutioners.Lots of commentary on the album that I won't go into here. (Suffice it to say, it's both entertaining and subtle while being not-so-subtle.)
Patton sings his heart out on some tracks, in a very polished, poppy way we've not heard in a while, and the X-ecutioners are as impeccable as ever throughout.

Pick it up, put it on and enjoy. It's delicious.

Rap-a-tap-a-tap-a-Jazz
Causa efecto, reacción! Se subentiende quien gana en esta batalla de scratch, samples y trastornados ruidos vocales en esta guerra entre Mike Patton y The E xecutioners
General Patton :10
The E Xecutioners:01
La mayoria de los ritmos latinos, étnicos y el swing, ya se están convirtiendo en una característica reconocible para los seguidores de este vocalista compositor solista, lo que transforma a este disco en uno mas de su coleccion particular, pero sin restar meritos al trio de scratch, quienes aportan una gran técnica y dominio en la tornamesa, dándole características impresindible para la realización de este disco.
La utilización de ritmos hip-hop, podrían hacerte creer que se trata de un disco de rap, pero mas bien parece ser una composición de "Avant Rap", ya que no encontrarás un vocalista freestyle, sinó a Patton.
Con cierta similitud al proyecto "Moonracker" (sin discos editados), este disco juego con los cambios de ritmo inesperados, ruidos indecifrables y tecnología en demasía, pero con un nivel muy superior por sobre una improvisación en vivo.
Si te gusta "Naked City" en su epoca "Torture Garden" este disco te vá a gustar, pero si esperas escuchar un rap de "Doctor Alban" este disco no es para ti.
"Get Up, Punk", "Fire In The Hole" y "L.O.L" son los track mas Pop y orejas (con una composición convencional) listos para la fiesta (o para escucharlos con tu nena, ya que Patton que no olvidó su lado sensual de "Lovage"), el resto son temas de no mas de 1:30 minutos con cambios de ritmos constantes y saturantes cada 3 segs. Y otros temas de 3:00 minutos mas atmosfericos y constantes, lo que lo transforma en un disco que no se formará en una tortura musical, pero recuerda, estás en medio de una batalla y estos tipos se dan con todo.

A Collaboration of Legends
Simply amazing.Those are the two words that went through my mind after I listened to this album two times through.Being a fan of both sides of this collaboration, I had very high hopes.The entire 3 months before this arrived on the shelves I had contemplated and considered the idea that my hopes may be too high, that I was only setting myself up for disappointment.Not only did this meet my expectations, it managed to exceed them.The X-ecutioners are as sharp as ever, reminding me of their absolutely stellar preformance and Bonnaroo last year.No other ensemble can work those turntables quite like DJ Rob Swift, Grandmaster Roc Raida, and DJ Total Eclipse.Their albums most always involve guests, but they always outshine said guests.Not here, but then again, this is no ordinary guest.Mike Patton has always pushed the envelope, challenged us to question what we know as music, and brought us what is truly music.From absolutely stellar groups such as Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, and Fantomas, Mr. Patton has very rarely let me down.If you enjoy Fantomas's first album or Mr. Bungle's "Disco Volante" you should enjoy this.If you are an X-ecutioners guy, give this a shot.If you dig it, and you are open to experience truly challenging music, I'd give the two afformentioned albums a good listen.If this is your first time with both sides, I'd recommend the X-Men's "Genocide in Sudan" and Faith No More's "Angel Dust" as starter albums.

Genre bending jump cut hip hop.
This one is really intriguing--vocal acrobat Mike Patton goes to war, sometimes literally, with turntable army The X-ecutioners.I'm a big proponent of turntablism, and I enjoy the fusion of Patton's avant-garde and rock sensibilities with the the X-ecutioners.

Much of this is scratches, screams, yelps, effects, noises, etc. interspersed with bizarre commentary about war, there's precious little in the way of songs.Its more often genre bending/blending, "Precision Guided Needle-Dropping and Larynx Mutations" in less than two minutes manages to bounce between California-esque pop music, organ drones, swing, and scratches before fading into a bizarre banjo piece that ends with a hip hop take on a marching drill.All this is followed up with "Battle Hymn of the Technics Republic", which is roughly what its title sounds like, scratches over a dark march.Some of the jump-cut pieces also bring Patton's singing (rather than vocalizing) to the forefront, including the rather familiar rhythms of "Take a Piece of Me", it never ceases to amaze how he can sing in the most pop-oriented styles over the most dense hip hop and somehow make it work, and we even get a straight lounge style croon (if only for 20 seconds before it cuts styles again) in "We'll Paint This Town".In many ways, its like Zorn's Naked City filtered through Patton and hip hop, some tracks, like "Modified Combined Obsticle Overlay", bounce through half a dozen genres in the first 45 seconds before settling into a funky groove, only to switch gears altogether and start bouncing through genres again.It can be frustrating at times, because just as you start to really enjoy something, it switches gears, but somehow in the end, it all fits together.

The structured songs that are there are of remarkable quality-- "Get Up, Punk!" is a good example of this early on in the record, with a droning synth line, hip-hop beats, and Patton's growled vocals, its superb.Perhaps even better is the mighty "Fire in the Hole", more turntablism and hip hop beats, with a crooned vocal courtesy of Patton.Also a more concrete song form is the near-alternative/industrial "Loser on Line", probably the closest thing to a commercial song on the record (which is to say its only moderately bizarre).

I suspect this is a first listen thing for most people, either you get what they're trying to do and you think it works, or you think its a mess.I personally loved it.

Suspended Variation
If there is one thing you can count on Mike Patton for it's variation.No two projects sound anything alike.I would love to tell you this is a standout project for the man, but it is not.For most of his career, thus far, Patton has been involved with and created some of the best music I have ever heard.I used to eagerly await the release of albums from a number of artists, but I am now eagerly awaiting the releases of one artist. Oh, I'm still buying far too many CD's for my own good, but I'm no longer marking calenders and counting the days for anyone else.Patton never disappoints me in quality or quantity.If you are not already listening to this guy, you have no idea what you're missing.The guy has changed my whole music world.In my personal opinion, you can start here with Patton.You can start anywhere, just don't ever expect to listen to one of these CD's one time and see the brilliance.It's in there, you just have to give it time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's fitting that the Kid Rock revival got started when the Beastie Boys featured him in their Grand Royal magazine--and not because the kid from Detroit shares their skin tone. Rock has often been compared with the early Beasties--the boys of "Fight for Your Right to Party" and "Brass Monkey," the boys no one ever thought would grow up. With lines like "I ain't straight outta Compton, I'm straight out the trailer" and "I started an escort service--for all the right reasons," it's obvious that Kid Rock doesn't aim to follow suit. But that's no hindrance to Devil--backed by the funky metal band Twisted Brown Trucker and special guests like blues vets Robert Bradley and Thronetta Davis, Rock is hosting one hell of an interesting party. Ultimately, Rock's party is great, schlocky fun, equal parts old Beasties and Sebastian Bach--making Devil a guilty pleasure, the Starship Troopers of hip-hop. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (425)

An excellent album, however, not as good as Polyfuze Method.
I loved it. I have had the album for months now, but it's definitly my 2nd favorite Kid Rock album. For some people, it's the only Kid Rock album they know of, but I'm a true fan (been down since Gritz Sandwiches for Breakfast). The Polyfuze Method was Kid Rock's best effort, in my opinion. But I love Devil Without a Cause. Kid Rock combines southern soul, rap, rock and metal to make a unique sound, apart from the fact that it IS of the rap/rock genre which has become steadily more popular in recent years. Remenicent of the early days of Beastie Boys and Run DMC (who were ahead of their time), Kid Rock has a pimpin', drug-usin', don't give a f***, old-school attitude that really appeals to young people today. I love it, because I can relate to what Rock is talking about. I, myself, am a white rapper and I give credit to Kid Rock along with the Beastie Boys, Tribe Called Quest, Limp Bizkit, Rage Against the Machine and the Roots as my greatest influences.

Devil With A Cause....To Make Music
Kid Rock is nuthin' new. He wasn't the first to fuse rap with rock and he wont be the last. He's not the best at it but the album is still pretty good. Anytime a cd has 6 or 7 decent tracks on it I find it to be a good pickup.

I've heard people refer to this album as being heavy metal, um and that would be hilarious if people actually believed that. This album is not heavy, but it does have some rock to it. The best rock song on here as far being the heavist is "I am the bullgod". It's a great song and it was the reason I brought this album What....I didn't buy it because MTV decided to tell me Bawitdaba was cool? No I brought this when I first heard the cd from a friend and "I am The Bullgod" was gettin' no airplay. Anyways like I was saying the cd is good with other great songs like Only God Knows Why, and Black Chick, White Guy (great song), Devil Without A Cause, and Fist of Rage(last 2 not as good as the previous 4 mentioned).

Now if you are big on lyrics and saying that all your lyrics have got to mean something, then you might want to shy away from this album. There are a few songs on here with meaning, but the cd is more focused on good beats and decent lyrics. Most of the songs on here are good and this cd is a great buy. My advice if you like rock fused with rap then pick this up, if you are looking for heavy metal music, go elsewhere. I think you'll be impressed with it, as long as you don't try to make it out something it is not as soooo many people have in these reviews.

This Will Make You a Believer
Guns N'Roses are gone. Led Zeppelin is history. Aerosmith has been clean for years. The Rolling Stones are living, breathing anachronisms. Rod Stewart is a pop singer. And hip hop bands don't use live bands with loud guitars. Is the modern music scene hopeless?

Nope. It's alive and dangerous. For those of us who miss loud guitars and controversial lyrics, Kid Rock has come to the rescue.

If you are a hard rock fan and can keep from banging your head during "Bawidaba," you don't have the volume loud enough. If you don't bang your head after the piano break in "Cowboy," you need to buy Pat Boone's "In a Metal Mood." If you don't sing along to the bridge in "Roving Gangster," perhaps you need to take your a** to the early-bird special at Denny's and take your geritol.

If you miss the danger of G N'R, you'll love the drug-glorifying jams of "I Am the Bullgod" and "Where You at Rock?"

While I've never been a fan of hip hop, I must say I thoroughly enjoy the drug-glamorizing, braggadoccio of Kid Rock's "Devil Without a Cause." Imagine the Beastie Boys merged with G n' R, Zeppelin, and Skynyrd and you have Kid Rock.

If you're looking for modern music with the edginess of the backporch of a house overlooking the Pacific in SoCal, this is it.

A lot better than I thought it would be
"Devil Without A Cause" is a lot better than I thought it would be. It opens up with "Bawitdaba", which is one of the best song's on the CD. My other favorites are "Devil Without A Cause", "I Am The Bullgod" and "F-ck Off". If you like rap-rock than you should get this CD.

A real masterpiece
This is Kid Rock at his best! I love this album. The whole album is bad ass.If you don't have this album PICK IT UP! i guarentee you won't be dissapointed. from his opening " MY NAME IS KIIIIIIIIIIIID ROCK!!!" of " Bawitdaba" to his LAST cut "I AM THE BULLGOD" ( the remix version, NOT #4, the orginal one) is KICK ASS!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

After the out-of-nowhere success of Licensed to Ill, the Beasties had to prove they were more than one-album wonders, and they hit it out of the park with this follow-up. The Boys' lyrics are a hysterical deluge of cultural allusion (Ponce De Leon, Sadaharu Oh, and Love Connection's Chuck Woolery all get name-dropped), compressed wordplay, and adenoidal snottiness, but the real stars are the Dust Brothers, whose production is a hip-hop landmark. Their music tracks sound like the history of rock and funk radio boiled down to a pure concentrate--monster jams built out of thousands of unexpected samples (Johnny Cash! The Sweet!). It's a killer party album, kinetic and dense, and it never slows down. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (166)

Are there other albums? I hadn't noticed.
Paul's Boutique is sublime. The Beasties have combined side-splitting humor with groovy sampling with amazing ryhmes to producve the greatest album ever. It opens with a dedication to (who else) all the girls, then a manic drum solo leads you into shake your rump. Shake your rump is decent, but simply can't compare with the next track, Jonny Ryall, with its sweet blues riff and humorous depiction of a New York City bum. The other standouts are the sounds of science, with a slow-to-fast tempo change that really makes it two songs, Hey Ladies, which describes the bboys' exploits with the fair sex, and my personal favorite, eggman. Eggman combines the base and bongos from Curtis Mayfield's Superfly, the theme of psycho, and some amazing rhymes. For example: Which came first: the chicken or the egg? I egged the chicken, and then I ate his leg. In the interests of saving time I won't effuse about the rest of the tracks, except to say that this is the best work the boys have ever done, and it's the best work anyone will ever do. A sample from Beastie-Boy Bouillabase sums it up: It's a trip, it's got a funky beat, and I can bug out to it.

An absolute masterpiece
Every time I listen to this album (and that would be almost every day) I can't help but be awed by one simple thought: by all conventional rules of music, this album is not supposed to work. How many of you could add rhymes like "Tom Thumb/Tom Cushman/or Tom Foolery/date women on TV with the help of Chuck Woolery" over samples of the Commodores AND a cowbell? Can you drop Jean Knight's "Mr. Big Stuff" into a rockabilly groove about a homeless guy? I didn't think so, and it's a testament to the talent of the Beastie Boys and the Dust Brothers that this album not works so well, but that it works at all.

Lyrically, this is probably the most inventive album I've ever heard, as the Beasties will rap about ANYTHING. Pop-culture references include "The Brady Bunch", "The Flintstones", Donald Trump, Humpty Dumpty, Houdini, Ben Franklin, Ponce De Leon, Jack Kerouac, Vincent Van Gogh, Rapunzel, and "Amazing Grace", among others. They're simply hilarious. However, the real highlight of the album is the music, which is unbelievably rich and creative. "Paul's Boutique" contains a mind-numbing **400+** samples, including: Johnny Cash, the Ramones, the Beatles, Isaac Hayes, the Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Chic, Public Enemy, Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley, the theme from "Psycho", Sly Stone, Alice Cooper, James Brown, and so many more. The samples are layered and used so creatively that they're never simply theft; instead, they create something new out of something old.

"Paul's Boutique" is not just one of the best rap albums of all time, or one of the best "alternative" albums of all time, or one of the best dance albums of all time. It is one of the best albums ever, period. If you don't own it, it needs to be the next CD you buy.

the album that kicked off the 70s revival
I first heard Paul's Boutique in 1988 after coming back from London. There, a 1970s fashion craze was sharing the stage with acid house, acid jazz, etc. The Beastie Boys were the first to put something out like this in the states.

I love the city street scene on the cover, the dirty sound that smacks of vinyl records and 8 track tapes. Each track is dense with references to pop culture and samples and snippets from everywhere, I don't know how much of the sound is Beastie Boys and how much the Dust Brothers, but it all comes together.

The snot nosed kid sound of Licensed to Ill is still here, looking for a piece of ass and a window to break. Hey Ladies is a fine example of the good natured fun, slightly malicious and politically incorrect. Likewise with Car Thief, but there is a kind of warped record sound that makes it all sound a bit ominous. In the lyrics, there are stirrings of deeper things to come such as A Year and a Day which are gonna lead into the Buddhist chanting and philosophizing in Check Your Head. Most of all it is funny as hell and has an excellent groove from start to finish.

If you buy one Beastie Boys CD this is the one.

whose masterpiece?
the dust brothers? or the beasties?

either way, it's the greatest rap album of all time, hands down. so take that, snoop.

and not only is it the greatest rap album of all time, it's the prototype of beck's mid-90s masterpiece odelay. not bad for a couple whitey nerds from the big apple.

Essential
You don't have to be a BB fan to enjoy this CD. It truly exemplifies musical talent, at a time in the industy when there was freedom of sampling. These guys put together a really incredible compilation of words and sound. A must have in everyone's collection. Just listen! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Talib Kweli's sophomore solo album arrives with considerable fear that his mainstream aspirations may turn off longtime fans (ah, the curse of the conscious rapper). However, the album isn't as crassly commercial as some might complain. To be sure, The Beautiful Struggle could stand more consistency, and the album's production is a primary liability: songs like "A Game" and "Going Hard" weakly ape current fads while "Around My Way" inadvisably interpolates the Police's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic." That said, the balance of the album still holds up to scrutiny. Kweli might cut a party track ("We Got the Beat") and puff up his street cred ("Back Up Offa Me"), but much of The Beautiful Struggle articulates itself with emotion and intellect: "I Try," "Ghetto Snow," and "Black Girl Pain," for example. Like Kweli's debut Quality, this follow-up falls considerably short of classic status, but it still suggests some moves in a promising direction. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Amazon.com

R. Kelly is arguably one of R&B's most productive minds in years and the Chicago native creates music at a pace that few artists in any genre could keep up with. "Happy People/U Saved Me" serves as Kelly's own personal "Best of Both Worlds"--highlighting both the singer's love for stepping (a Midwest-based dance craze) and need for salvation. "Happy People" is the more upbeat of the two discs with Kelly taking on the persona of the Weatherman, a DJ on the fictional LOVE radio station. The album's title track and lead single is a perfect introduction to its infectious sound. Similarly, the midtempo groove of "Red Carpet (Pause, Flash)" will have stepping experts and novices headed straight to the dance floor. While the recurring stepping theme quickly becomes repetitive, you can't help but groove all the way through.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for "U Saved Me." The message-heavy disc sacrifices Kelly's raw talent for melodrama. Songs like "I Surrender" and "Prayer Changes," while expressing a sincere sentiment about believing in something greater than yourself, are a little overwhelming. That said, this disc's title track is a rousing musical tale of overcoming obstacles with the help of God--complete with a rising choir. In the end, "Happy People/U Saved Me," like most double albums, has both its highs and lows. --Rashaun Hall ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Gifted
Hard to reconcile the "bad press" that had been a part of the essence of R. Kelly, but there is always something very odd about people who are tremendously gifted. R. Kelly has the dubious distinction of being tremendously gifted and he is operating in the area of his tremendous talent--music. His genious has definitely found it's outlet and this 2 CD set is just ear candy, plain and simple. The Happy People CD just makes you smile. I listen to it at work with my earphones on, and I must appear very bizarre to my co-workers because I'm just'a smiling to beat the band. The U Saved Me CD is music for the soul, and I wind up being "very vocal" when I am playing this CD--much to the chagrin of my co-workers. The best he's made, and the only one he has ever made that I, a mature woman, would buy and listen to from start to finish...and then start it all over again. Truly something for everyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A collection of well-known pop tunes, this record documents those ubiquitous tracks that have been played into the ground at nearly every sports facility in the country. Most, like "Whoomp! There It Is" and "Hip Hop Hooray," are undeniably catchy, and other tracks were downright splendid when they first appeared on the scene. Some even credit "Pump Up the Volume" with being a breakthrough for the electronic music scene of the late '80s and early '90s. Still, bringing musical innovation to light is not what the makers of this recording had in mind. It's all about the trashy glitz, fleeting glories, and mindless greed of late-20-century American sports. Revel in its dubious charms, and risk having your brains turn to mush while a permanent grin takes over your face. --Matthew Cooke ... Read more

Reviews (21)

This CD rules!!
This Cd had the best selection of dance and hip-hop music I have ever heard! This is the best Jock Jams CD. Especially the "Come Baby Come" song.

So Close
This CD has some of the best sports songs ever on it. Like "Let's get ready to rumble", "Get Ready 4 This", "Strike it Up" and "Rock N Roll", among others. But you have to wonder what songs like "Unbelievable" and "Ive got the Power" are doing on there. This CD came so close but didn't quite make it.

Great Music for Parties and Sports Freaks
This album is one of the best I've ever heard! All the music on this album is great for car rides with friends, great for parties and for those who love sports. This album is full of cool late 80's and 90's music. I suggest at least two copies of this album for all households! It's THAT cool!

a must for techno/hip-hop lovers
the cd has its up and downs, the hip-hop/rap being the downs and the techno being the ups. really old skool music.

Music that you can dance the night away!!!!!
I like this music because you can use it to dance. You can also use it for that Pep Ralley before the games. I discovered this when I was in the high school Pep Band. I also discovered that this is music to pump up the team. As in get them excited for the games. I like all the groups such as Village People, M.A.R.R.S, 2Unlimited, and Technotronic. I also like the arangement of Rock And Roll Part 2. Hey! that song should have been used on the Glitter soundtrack. Come Baby Come is like a jumpin kind of song, and that's exactly what I listened to in my early time before I left High School. Man! It's been a long time since I did this. I got this back in 1997. I bought this at a music store. I highly recommend this to future fans. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Despite the popular perception that the death knell has already rung for political hip-hop, Immortal Technique jams a shot of adrenaline through the chest plate into hip-hop's conscious heart. Tackling topics from America's complicity in the drug trade ("Peruvian Cocaine") to the cycles of inner-city poverty ("Harlem Streets") to the global military complex ("The 4th Branch"), Immortal Technique unabashedly radiates his radicalism in a time of apathy. There's a thin line between passion and didacticism, and, at times, he forces rhymes that sacrifice style in service of content, but most of the time his delivery is as razor sharp as his politics. The beats are mostly understated and minimalist, armed with just enough punch to accent the rhymes. "You Never Know" drifts sweetly on jazz-guitar strums while "Crossing the Boundary" snaps with a hard, funk edge. Clearly though, Immortal Technique is the strongest sonic force on the album, a claxon alarm that shatters the complacent silence. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Buy this CD!!!
I'm usually skeptical of Amazon.com reviewers, who have the annoying tendency of giving every album that is above mediocre five stars. In this case, however, Immortal Technique has earned every one of these five-star reviews. Much like dead prez, Technique combines uncompromisingly revolutionary political messages with amazing skills and complex lyrics. Best of all, he doesn't come off as "preachy" or as substituting politics for musical ability (e.g., Michael Franti). My favorite tracks are "Peruvian Cocaine," an innovative posse cut which traces the path that illegal drugs take to reach the streets, and "The 4th Branch," which illustrates the mainstream media's complicity in war. I would also highly recommend Technique's first album, "Revolutionary, Vol 1". Unfortunately, Amazon.com doesn't carry it, but it's worth the effort of tracking down.

"Hip Hop stand up the underground has a new voice.."
In the bling bling era to name a few MC's have managed to capture such a honest political view of both past & current issues, but what separates Technique from other artists is that he does it so effectively. With potent lyrics a skilful flow, each line delivery so clever it will leave you in deep thought. Also the great thing about tech's flow is that you can understand every word he says, and he delivers it with conviction. Point of no return, Peruvian Cocaine, Obnoxious, Industrial Revolution just to name some to look out for on the album. His songs are just issues people are scared to address or to naive to acknowledge. With a combination of street tales and war conspiracy Tech keeps the whole album on the same theme never straying to far from his current state of mind. He addresses culture & religion in the same vain.
Not since Nas dropped Illmatic have I been as excited about an artist.
Philosophy of KRS1, Skills & Delivery of Rakim, Story telling ability of Slick Rick, Pure Genius of Nas, from my prospective Tech has some of each of these elements making him a monster super MC. Hate to see anyone from the mainstream call out his name out, this guy would eat any of these artists for breakfast.
Last word, Tech deserves to be heard, so support a good artist because there are not much of them around. (Listern out for Dance with the Devil, not on the album)

Simply amazing
I have never been so excited about discovering a new up-and-coming emcee since...well maybe EVER. I bought this album and listened to it every day for about 2 months and I still have not gotten tired of it.

There are lots of reasons to like this album. One is simply Immortal Technique's presence. He raps with such passion, and with such a sick flow, that you are hanging by his every word. Much like 2pac (who I think has the greatest VOICE of any emcee ever), sometimes you don't even really pay attention to the beat because you are so focused on what he's going to say. And this is good, because the beats, although not horrible, are merely adequate. There are a few great beats (peep the Scarface sample on "Peruvian Cocaine", or the guitar on "Leaving the Past"), but most are just good enough.

The other reason to like this album is because of what Immortal Technique says. He's raw, pulling no punches and saying exactly what's on his mind. He's gonna piss off a lot of people, on all sides of the spectrum. Right wingers will be really pissed off with all of the anti-Bush talk, and PC left wingers might be upset with his use of the word "fag" and "bi***". He's a conspiracy theorist, and he attacks the US government on all sides. On "Cause of Death" he basically argues that 9/11 was planned by the Bush administration, and he says many things that get you wondering ("The US sponsored the rise of the Third Reich/ Just like the CIA taught terrorists how to fight/Build bombs and sneak box cutters onto a flight"). However, he raises some imporant questions about our nation, and you can tell that he's been doing his homework.

There are no throwaway tracks, all songs are strong, but here are a few other notables. "Peruvian Cocaine" tells the story of how cocaine reaches the 'hood, from the perspective of all the players involved. "Obnoxious" is hilarious, in a very vicious and offending way (My favorite line: "A raging alcoholic like the president's daughters"). "Industrial Revolution", the first single, also features a dope beat and is his attacking major labels and "the rap game" in general. "Freedom of Speech" (creatively using a Pinnocchio sample on the hook) is Immortal Technique talking about how he won't let record labels or corporate sponsors change what he's gonna say. And "You Never Know", the obligatory love joint, is a 7 minute opus that tells a tragic story about a girl from the block. Although, this is one of the few "non-political" songs on the album, it is probably the one that holds the most emotional weight.

I love this album. Although some of his facts might be debatable, the key is that Immortal Technique makes you think and question everything around you. And he does this with a voice and flow that just grabs you for attention. Hopefully, because of his sick flow, he will be viewed more than just a "political" rapper and will increase his buzz. BUY THIS!!

classic
just buy it, Revolutionary volume 2 should be in your shopping cart.

Death Row?
Man, I just came by to see what people have been writing 'bout one of the illest MC's out right now and I see this review from some dumb a$$ who apparently didn't even listen to the lyrics. To say that the whole CD was dedicated to dissin' Bu$h is so off it's ridiculous, and what's hillarious is that homie actually thought it was a "Death Row" record. People please buy the album and LISTEN to the LYRICS, you might learn sumthin'!!!FREE MUMIA ABU-JAMAL!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A couple of years after asking Can I Borrow a Dollar? and before he lost the "sense" in his moniker, the Chicago MC now known as Common dropped this impressive sophomore set, marking him as one of the most versatile MCs to emerge in the 1990s. Shirking the often derivative flows of his debut, Resurrection finds the Windy City rhymer ably assisted by the voluptuous jazzy excursions of producers No I.D. & Ynot. He revels in ear-tickling wordplay, slinging countless witty punchlines and similes on "Orange Pineapple Juice" and "Communism"--songs that require several listens to unravel. Far from relentless chest-thumping bravado, Common's lyrics have substance, exploring inner faults and fears on "Book of Life" and touching poignancy on his classic metaphorical ode to hip-hop culture, "I Used to Love H.E.R.," a track that is perhaps more relevant today than when it was released. The beginnings of Common's ongoing struggle between his boyish effusiveness and moral responsibility, which figures greatly in his subsequent releases, is captured on this essential release. --Del F. Cowie ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Roni Sarig Needs To Listen Better
Rhymes "rarely spectacular"?!?!? They must have been pretty deep considering that you failed to understand them. Everytime I listen to this album, I pick up something that I didn't hear before. (So I can understand where you're coming from, Roni, if you've only listened to it once or twice.) "My style is too developed to be arrested/It's the freestyle so now it's out on parole." "I'm like BJ/My arm is strong/So I'ma Stretch a/Style from east to west..." (Get it? BJ Armstrong/Stretch Armstrong...yeah, ya probably missed that.) Lines like those can be found throughout this album, and "I Used to Love H.E.R." is reason enough to buy it. "Communism" stands out, utilizing COMplex language and fantastic rhyme control. "Chapter 13" is an excellent example of Common's social awareness, a theme that presents itself throughout the album. The X-Men's Mista Sinister's scratches are on-point and add a unique flavor lacking from many a hip-hop song nowadays. NO I.D.'s production is ill, but it is Common's relaxed flow that makes this album a classic. Take another listen Roni, because you're missing out on the best emcee to bless the hip-hop community.

It's a start, a very good start. Common is anything but.
Common's newest album, "Like Water for Chocolate",is a 5-star album without a doubt. After listening through that album the last couple weeks, I backtracked to his first album, and I was impressed. Although it is not up there with Mos Def, Black Star or some of The Roots album's, this is still better than most. The two classic tracks are the title song, of course, and perhaps the greatest new-school song ever, "I Used to Love H.E.R.". It has a great message, and, overall, very well written lyrics, with the exception of lines like "And you could tell, by the way her ti**ies hung". Overall, this is a great effort from the young cool cat from Chicago. Buy this, you will not be disappointed. Peace out. And keep Hip Hop in its Essence for Real going.

One of the all time greatest...
Ressurection is one of my favorite albums of all time, in any genre. Having said that, it's probably the greatest hip-hop album of all time. (even better than Blazing Arrow and Madvillainy, and those records are really dope) Common blends funny and intellectual lyrics with jazzy, catchy beats. Its hard to accuratly describe the genius of this album, all I can say is buy it.

At any rate brothas gain interest cause I loan em microphone
It is clever wordplay such as this that absolutely saturates this hip hop masterpiece by my man Common (formerly known as sense). I actually still have copies of this album with Common Sense on the cover instead of Common on both cd and cassette. They're not in the best condition though because I've listened to this album so many times in the past nine years. This is one of the last great hip hop albums to come out of hip hop's most fertile period, which lasted from around 1987-1995. When I listen to this album now, it sounds even better than it did back in the mid-nineties. The music of this album has a very lite funk/jazz type feel to it. It is the perfect backdrop for Common's cerebral rhymes. Common kicks it off with the title track which is nothing more than a continuos flawless display of clever and witty wordplay. The next song is one of the greatest hip hop songs to ever be recorded. 'I Used to Love H.e.r.' was my absolute favorite song for at least a year. The first time that I listened to the song, I knew exactly what he was talking about before I even heard the ending. 'Watermelon' is yet another impressive display of witty wordplay and rapping technique. 'Book of Life' is one of the most honest songs about being a young black man in urban America that I have ever heard. He paints a vivid picture about life that is not at all exaggerated. 'In my own world' features him and his producer having fun trading verses back and forth. 'Another Wasted Nite With' is an interlude that you will probably either find hilarious or offensive depending on your perspective. I find it to be hilarious myself. 'Nuthin to Do' finds Common reminiscing about fond memories of the good times and the strong and true bonds that were built with his homeboys growing up. This is a real love song right here. 'Communism' has nothing to do with the social theory, but rather finds Common brightly demonstrating his lyrical dexterity by using the first three letters of his name about thirty different times in about thirty different words all throughout the song. This is the type of display of craft and ingenuity that Common probably used to seriously hurt brothas all over the streets of the Chi. 'WMOE' is an interlude that act's as a prelude to the most personal and introspective song on the album: 'This Is Me'. This song has a really dreamy otherwordly feel to it. It basically finds Com opening his mental window to let you in. He's largely talking about coming to terms with just being himself inspite of the pressure that he's getting to conform, particularly the pressure to be a more gangsta mc. 'Orange Pineapple juice' is not only one of my favorite drinks, but is yet another song on this album where Common effortlessly displays his wit and cunningness. The next song, 'Chapter 13 (Rich Man vs. Poor Man) is hilarious. It is basically a really lighthearted song about being broke, that has a really funny story in the form of a common joke at the very end. The next song is yet another display of Common's quick wit and intelligence as an MC. This song has a real party feel to it. The next song is another clever and even more straightfoward on the corner battling diggin in rapper's stuff type song. This is what was so great about hip hop in the early to mid-nineties, crafty displays such as this were common place on city streets. He uses so many double plays on words and points out so many ironic double meanings in phrases and words that I still catch something new every time that I listen to this song, and the same goes for the entire album. Common is one of the most gifted, astute, and intelligent mc's ever, and he proves it continuously throughout this album. He ends the album off with a nice spoken word piece by his father. This album is a hidden hip hop gem that I would encourage all of you to take the time to discover.

another great album that inspires thoght.
if you love a great, lyrically advanced mc then get this album. he is one of the best rappers in a dying breed of lyrical rappers (mostly Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, and oldskool OutKast but there a few others). "I used to love H.E.R."is reason enough to get this album. if i had donald trumps money i would personally by this album for every one jus so they can expiriece it. ... Read more