Reviews (30)

New Edition Hits the Jackpot.
You'd think the departure of New Edition's most successful member would hurt their future, but that's not the case here. Since Bobby Brown ditched the group for a solo career, the brothas from Roxbury roped in Johnny Gill, hooked up with Jam and Lewis, and the result is "Heart Break." If this ain't an r&b classic, I don't know what is. After the cutsey fare of "Cool it Now" and "Count Me Out," New Edition grows up in a big way and releases a stellar album of smooth, but not slick, soul. "If it Isn't Love" is simply a perfect song: polished production from Jam & Lewis, on-point singing from Ralph Tresvant, and cliche-free lyrics. "Boys to Men" is a convincing declaration of maturity featuring Johnny Gill's butter-smooth voice, while the uptempo jams "Where it All Started" (a nice look back at the old days) and "Crucial" still hold up well. From start to finish, "Heart Break" is a triumph and raises the bar of modern r&b. In my school of music, it merits an A.

N.E. at their best
Being that I am a die-hard new edition fan, 5 stars simply isn't enough for one of the best r&b albums of all time. It was even more influential because of the timing. New jack swing was still at its infancy and it's safe to say, heart break, along with don't be cruel and guy, established new jack swing as the dominant genre of urban music in 1988. Returning to the album, Jam & Lewis (the production team), and new edition were in prime form, as heard by Ralph, Ricky, and newcomer Johnny. They start off by telling you "that's the way they're livin" after a lively introduction. Continuing at the concert, they make you reminisce with them as they tell you "where it all started from".

Moving away from the concert, their first single, "if it isn't love", had success written all over it. Having a memorable chorus and groundbreaking production, all in compilation with Ralph's silky smooth voice, "if it isnt love" nearly topped the r&b charts at #2 and did pretty well on the pop chart too, #7. After an entertaining skit, things get right down funky on "N.E. heart break". All five members get in on the act, making for a funky dance rhythm, and in the process, peaking at #13 on the r&b chart. "Crucial" continues in the dance arena, but it's more light-hearted. Neverthless, still an enjoyable listen, peaking at #4 on the r&b chart. After another entertaining skit, "you're not my kind of girl" was a viable follow-up to crucial. With its memorable chorus and pleasant dance rhythm, it peaked at #3 on the r&b chart. "Superlady" rounds out the dance/new jack flava of the album.

"Can you stand the rain" introduces the balladry side of heart break. From the outstanding production to the memorable chorus to Johnny's buttery-smooth vocals complimented with Ralph's silky-smooth delivery, "can you stand the rain" was destined to top the charts, and it did for r&b. "Competition", my 3rd favorite track, is new edition at their best. Ricky, Ralph, and Ron complicate each other very nicely and the production is first-rate as well. The only thing missing was a memorable chorus. Nevertheless though, it's still one of the many standout tracks. After they let us know they're comin home, the most memorable tracks on the album follow. "I'm comin home" has a nice mid-tempo groove, which is just right for Ralph's quiet yet forceful delivery. along with his bridge and memorable chorus, it's hard not to snuggle up with your hubby. Rounding out the album is the unforgettable assurance of "boys to men". Johnny's smooth vocals complimented by Ralph's silky bridge, once again, is pure smooth soul at its best. They let us know even if they are maturing, they still can harmonize and croon with the best of them.

All in all, heart break is the best album that new edition has ever recorded. Their is not one filler track, or any distinct contrast of good songs and bad. Every song leads into the next, no matter which style is being used. That says a lot, especially with a majority of r&b albums of that day being uneven. For all of these qualities, this album will go down as one of the most important albums in new jack swing and is first-rate across all other urban genres (adult comtemporary, urban contemporary, classic soul). In other words, it is recommended for the casual r&b fan and essential for the casual new jack fan.

One of the greatest R&B albums ever made!
I just got through listening to this album for the 800th time (LOL) This is definitely one of the best albums ever made. My favorite tracks are: Where It All Started; If It Isn't Love; N.E. Hearbreak; You're Not My Kind of Girl; Can You Stand The Rain (One of the best slow jams ever made!) & Boys To Men (Johnny killed this one!)My ONLY complaint about this album is that the version NE Heartbreak that was featured in the video is waaaaay better than the album version. Mike's rap was classic! (I said yo baby/how the hell is ya livin'/cut that zero & roll with Michael Bivins) I'm having a hard time finding the remix but it's doesn't take away from this being the greatest group of all time. NE Forever!!

Great Comeback
This was N.E.'s first album after losing Bobby and adding Johnny. Being a N.E. fan since Candy Girl, I was hesitant at first, but this turned out to be one of my favorite N.E. albums. This album is more grown up than their previous recordings. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes good R&B that is timeless

This is what real music is
The amazement of this group for the period of time was great. After Bobby Brown left things were left in disarray but obviouly with replacement member Johnny Gill, New Edition reach a new level. They had since grown up from songs of their younger years(Cool IT Now, Candy Girl,Mr. Telephone Man,) they matured it grown men which is stated on "Boys to Men". They give love to fans by showing how they're "Thats the way we're Livin"."Can you Stand the Rain captures the heart with Johnyy Gill,Tresvant and Bell getting down to business, the mixture of voices by that trio has only been surpassed by a selected few. "Superlady","Im Comin Home" show how much they have really grown. Finally they show that they see others trying to be like them, and tell us "Where it all Started from". ... Read more

Amazon.com

Having successfully fused music and politics from their start, inspiring both moshing and young minds in the process, Rage Against the Machine emerges in peak form with merely their third album in seven years. Guitarist Tom Morello is one of the most distinctive and innovative players of his era, and his foil, vocalist/lyricist Zack De La Rocha, is as unrelenting and inspiring as ever on The Battle of Los Angeles. Rage, whose past antics include performing naked with duct tape over their mouths to protest censorship, released Battle on Election Day, but the politics of the group can be separated from the sounds. Indeed, the 45 minutes of mayhem heard here can be enjoyed solely as rousing aggro hip-hop rock. There's more variety found on Battle than on its predecessors, however. "Sleep Now in the Fire" is one of their most straight-ahead rock tunes. The trippy guitar on "Calm Like a Bomb" is out there even for the adventurous Morello. And "Born a Broken Man" serves up lovely musical interludes. Overall, the more finely honed Rage heard on Battle may not inspire a generation of young revolutionaries, but they still stir up more mutinous spirit than the rest of the current rock pack. --Katherine Turman ... Read more

Reviews (569)

Straight Forward Simplicity Blends in Peak Form
Rage against the Machine was the first band to introduce the furious combination of hard rock, metal and rap. This musical style was unheard of in the music industry. After seven years and two multi-platinum successes, the Machine further shows its musical intensity and superiority with its recent release, The Battle of Los Angeles. Although they have not made any significant changes in their style and lyrics, they further enhance their musical approaches, coming through in peak fashion with their sharpest album to date. Lead singer Zack De La Rocha remains steady with his lyrical fuel. In The Battle of Los Angeles, he deals with topics such as the media, capitalism and political controversy. He also devotes many of his lyrical opinions toward Mumia Abu-Jamal, a jailed journalist and former Black Panther who was sentenced to death in the 1981 shooting of a Philadelphia policeman. Because of the heated controversy and large-scale protest, both nationally and internationally, toward Abu-Jamal's sentencing, De La Rocha states his beliefs in the album. He shows this through "Guerrilla Radio" and "Voice of the Voiceless." In "Voiceless," De La Rocha says, "My Panther, my brother, we are at war until you're free." The heart and soul of Rage Against the Machine is shown through guitarist Tom Morello. He proves, once again, why he is considered to be one of the most explosive and multi-talented guitarists in the business. He expresses a versatile range of music in the album. Besides his cliche of clean-cut power riffs in tracks such as "Guerrilla Radio" and "Testify," Morello displays every sound imaginable in "Mic Check" and gives a pure hard rock sound to "Sleep Now in the Fire." He also intertwines a solemn and ferocious effect in "Born of a Broken Man." It is this combination of Zack De La Rocha and Tom Morello that have formed a strong nucleus for Rage Against the Machine. They have maintained a sound that they have been able to expand on with simplicity, control and style. Their styles blend together perfectly in The Battle of Los Angeles, proving why they are one of the most dominant bands in the business.

Stir in a Cause...Mix in some Rage...It all Sounds Good
I don't have any of Rage Against The Machine's (RATM) other CD's so can't make a comparison, but if you like innovative music with a little harder edge, this one's for you. These guys are definitely ..., and not all that happy about the system, but through the seriousness of it all, it's good music period. You won't find too many light-hearted lyrics, so it's not always such an easy listen, but there is some amazing guitar work by Tom Morello and the intensity of singer's Zack De La Rocha screamed/rapped lyrics is actually catchy. You will be drawn in by the radio play songs of, "Testify," "Guerilla Radio," and "Sleep Now in the Fire" and then hooked by the amazing sounds and the mix of hip-hop heavy metal driving rhythm of the rest of the CD. The incredible sounds these guys can coax out of their instruments are reason alone to buy the album. It would seem they have to use some serious studio manipulations or obscure instruments to get those sounds, but as the liner notes testify, "all sounds made by guitar, bass, drums, and vocals." Pretty incredible to draw such disparate sounds and have it sound so good. Some past groups that remind me of bits and pieces of RATM are, King's X for some of the driving guitar chords, Living Colour (not sure why), Henry Rollins for the political rapped voice, and the Beastie Boys for the innovative Rock and hip-hop mix. This is definitely not one to listen around kids or in the office due to the language, but with headphones or in a car, turn it up, rock out, release a little rage, and enjoy. You won't be disappointed. Too bad these guys let some of their raging political anger spill out towards each other and broke up. They could have made some more incredible sounds for years to come. That's a long time to stay that intense though.

rage is great .....
this album is the most unique and powerful album that i ve ever heard.the album kicks off with testify,which is a mighty song .the second one ,gurellia radio, is a melodious track ,with zack spitting out his words prodigiously.sporadic track born of a brakon man ;is another track that can revitalize even the dead and listless soul.sleep now in the fire is a preeminent song which is so real and the guitar part of morello in this song is awesome with nasty effects like that of a running dj.fire spitter zack's rapping style in mariais simply perfect.ashes in the fall is another track which should be adored coz zack's ebullient vocals in this song is inevitable.mellifluous track mic check is nicely generated in timing and more than a song it sounds like a mayhem. all in all the album is greatly packed up with power and fury which can knock down so called system ,norm and values.now rage is no more with us .tom morello and other remaing freaks really made a bad move by colliding with chris cornell to form audioslave which is not at all worth listening.

Rage Against the Machine spews hyprocritical bull
I know of no women of any age, race, or ethnicity who listen to Rage's music. Rage is strictly a band for teenage male sheep who think they're doing the world some great justice by being "political" by listening to "political" music. Sure, just like the majority of Americans, I want Bush to get the hell out of office too, but instead of creating the chaos and moshpit-like riots that Rage want, we need to unite and vote against the hate-filled warmonger instead. The reality with Rage is that they're all about touting militant bullsh*t 90% of the time, and their fans don't even realize it. They just like de la Rocha's violent vocal delivery and stage presence because he makes being militant anthematic. He's mucho macho, that Zach de la Rocha. Rage Against the Machine have no idea what they're talking about when it comes to certain issues that they should have absolutely no say in. Rage Against the Machine claim they are for freedom and citizens' rights to do what they believe is in their best interest, but then Rage come out with an anti-abortion song ("Born as Ghosts"). And it's always the men who don't understand women that come out against abortion. Either those types of men, or Christian fundamentalists. Tom Morello thinks that just because he went to Harvard that he can spew his own personal bullsh*t views and have them be true. Sorry guy, but your opinion isn't what anyone else should live their life by, so quit acting like you state any facts. Hey, Tom, if you think you should have a say in whether a woman can get an abortion, how about we decide whether or not you can get a testicular cancer removed?

Question the government and all forms of media, especially music that shouts it tells the truth, because truth is in the eye of the beholder. There are as many truths as there are individuals in the world.

one of the best albums ever
This is, at the moment my favourite album. I will tell you the best songs on the cd. I love Testify, Guerilla Radio, Calm like a Bomb, Sleep now in the fire, War within a breath, and ashes in the fall. the lyrics are great politicly charged and angry. This album establishes rage's place as the best by far rap/metal band of all time. that may sound repetative but it doesn't even say it enough. Zack DeLa Rocha is the coolest guy in the world. tom morello is in my opinion one of the best guiatists ever he is insane (i base that on nothing ha ha just kidding). rage may not be around any more but they popularized rap/metal and for that they will never be forgotten. if u r interested in the members of the band are now 3 of them are in the band audioslave. thank you for your time. ROCK ON! ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The Blueprint may be Jay Z's most captivating record since Reasonable Doubt, but its predictably detached mood reflects the master hustler's superior ability to trick out lackluster subject matter with lyrical complexity and brief flashes of manufactured introspection. The Blueprint, a solid mix of preprogrammed radio hits ("Izzo," "Girls, Girls, Girls") and better-than-average mid-tempo compositions ("Never Change," "Song Cry"), confirms the Brooklyn rapper's legendary status. Blistering flames of the Queensbridge/Jay Z feud fan high with"Takeover," a direct attack on Nas, set over the Doors' rock & roll burner, "5 to 1.""Renegade" provides the album's only full-on guest appearance. Jay and Eminem take this opportunity to address haters (within the industry and in the general population) who don't understand the mind of an artist. Jigga spells it out on the title track: "Reasonable Doubt--classic, shoulda went triple." The Blueprint might not be quite on par with Reasonable Doubt but it is reasonably good. --Rebecca Levine ... Read more

Reviews (361)

Jay-Z getting back to what he's good at
If you are a fan of Jay-Z's last 3 albums, then my review is not for you. When Jay-Z broke, every song I heard on the radio was typical playa-bling bling. So for a long time, I dismissed Jay-Z as an artist. It wasn't until about 2 years ago a friend of mine let me borrow "Reasonable Doubt". That CD blew me away. Jay-z's lyrics were thought provoking and the production was sharp. So I decided to give his other CD's a try thinking there might be some good stuff. I was horribly mistaking. "Hard knock life" is ok, the other 2 fall completely flat to me. So when I heard his new offering, I was pleasantly suprised to hear the return of Jigga. This album, with the exception of a few songs, is excellent. Songs like "girls girls girls" "U don't know" & "heart of the city" shine nicely and compare with the best stuff he's ever done. I hope his jab at Nas will get him to straighten out too, because Nas USED to be one of the best. Anyway, If you are a real fan of truly good hip-hop, pay the man and buy this LP.

The Album Of The Year For 2001!
...

This LP is very different from all the rest becuase there are no guest appearances on his album besides Eminem. There are no big name producers he used to use... but that does'nt mean that production is horrible, matter of fact the production is far from that. Using only Kayne West, Just Blaze, Bink, and one track produced by the following big names: Track Masters, Timbaland, and Eminem. Jigga keeps it soul on "The Ruler's Back". Jigga also aims at Queensbridge rivals Nas and Prodigy of Mobb Deep on The Doors sampled "Takeover" which is probably the best battle record of all-time. But the ammo does not run out just yet. He also aims at the haters and the prejudging critics on "Heart Of The City (Ain't No Love)" with lyrics like "My ... BIG predicted the ... excatly / Mo money, mo problems gotta move carefully / cause .... hate when you getting money like athletes..., Sensitive thugs ya'll all need hugs". What's a Jay-Z album without club bangers like "Jigga That ...", "Izzo", and the riot inducing "U Don't Know" "The Blueprint" is not better than "Reasonable Doubt", but it is a match. It's obvoius that Jay-Z ain't going nowhere anytime soon but the fact remains, you can be the biggest Jay-Z fan or you can be an underground hater, in reality "The Blueprint" is the most reognized album in 2001, period.

This album is the blueprint!
Jay-z is at the pinnacle with this record. It is the first rap record besides Kanye West that I have been able to FULLY connect with. I love this cd. His lyrics are so catchy and so rememerable that after a couple of listens I was going wit Jay and the rhymes. The beats done by the beatmaster himself Kanye, are so hot and so soulful that they almost steal the album. My favorite songs are TAKEOVER, Jay takes shots at Nas and has piercing lyrics. IZZO, because he samples one of my fave groups the Jackson 5, and its just so damn catchy. GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS, is also so soulful and very funny and Jay describes many types of girls. I like it, because its catchy and cool and it doesnt objectify women. HEART OF THE CITY, I love it for the hook, but I have to say I didn't like this song until Jaguar Wright did it right on the Unplugged cd. VERY HOT go cop that if you ain't heard it. NEVER CHANGE is a testament to the hood life and to the streets. Its almost like the song is standing his ground, he will never change. Very easy to listen to. SONG CRY is my favorite songs on the cd and one of my faves of all time!!! THe song is so hard!! He makes the song cry cause he can't see them coming down his face. I love it, it is the hiphop power ballad! Renegade is another favorite of mine, mainly because its so powerful and Eminem (I hate to say it Jay) spits hot fire on this track. This cd is so captivating, from the beats, to the verses, to Eminem ( the only guet appearance). Thats another thing Jay basically held the cd down for himself as far as performing. How many rap cds out there have a different person on each track. It's hard to hold down the fort by yourself, but hey the king of new york did it...and did it well!!

DA BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the best album from Sean "Jay Z" Carter. Nuff said.

A good album but NOT classic .
It's important to note why Many people think that this is jay-z's best album since his first because of the samples used throughout the album, the music isn't original and the beats and samples kill me, jay's lyrics seems rushed, "jigga that N888" "all I need" "hola hovito" all filler tracks with poppy hooks and are used for Cd space, On the positive side, the blueprint enjoys good production and it's difnitly one of jay-z's best albums.

Production: beats 8/10 .........lyrics 6/10
Favorite tracks: U dont know, renegade. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Since its 1999 breakthrough, the Cuban rap trio Orishas has been hailed as one of Latin hip-hop's true saviors. But the group's intoxicating third album, El Kilo, is about more than DJ scratches and looped samples. In fact, that's not at all what it's about. The group eschews studio tricks for live instrumentation on El Kilo, and it makes for a heady, well-rounded effort. El Kilo crackles with passion and urgency from beginning to end, and the album transforms Orishas into a wholly unclassifiable, strikingly original music machine. Blaring horns highlight album opener "Naci Orishas," and the pensive title track rides a simmering, soulful groove. Rappers Yotuel and Ruzzo play wonderfully off each other, and vocalist Roldan anchors every song with his playful vibe. A kitchen sink mix of soul, reggae, bossa nova and salsa inform Orishas' sound. There's even an appearance by Cuban rapper Pitbull on the raucous closing track, "Quien Te Dijo." The album's lyrical and musical poetry, however, belongs wholly to Cuba's three hip-hop heroes. --Joey Guerra ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Look at The BIG Picture...
I guess I am among the minority in thinking that these guys know exactly what they are doing & they are progressing quite deliberately with each album. I acknowledge that it is an unpopular belief that Emigrante (their second release) is indeed a progression & a step in the right direction.As impressive as 'A lo Cubano' is, it is still their first record and as any creatively strong project, they learned from their mistakes early on & decided not to depend on the guaranteed formula of their first success. Indeed, they lost one of their MC's between album one & two but the fact remains that (in my humble musical opinion) the absolute & undeniably strongest musical force in this ensemble is without a doubt: Roldán. His mastery over melody, harmony & over all musical sensibility to give a song the absolute hook, is unrivaled in ANY hip-hop SINCE 2-Pac, and that is a bold statement my friends.This new effort from the trio is absolutely on point & a creative continuation from Emigrante, just as that one was from its predecessor, regardless of the knee-jerk reaction most fans & critics had to it because it was missing an original member and because it wasn't a carbon copy of the first release. Again, as an artist you are damned if you do/damned if you dont, if you repeat what you did before you are being safe, if you grow, you are losing your way, how do you win that battle? There has been absolutely NOTHING missing, melodically, lyrically, musically, beat-wise, hook wise or production-wise since the first album regardless of any absence in personell. These guys are still at the very forefront of ANY hip-hop, it just so happens that they are Cuban & incorporate masterfully & very melodically some of the sweetest aspects of Afro-Cuban music (Batá, Son, Guaguancó, Son Montuno) into R&B tinged Hip Hop. This new album proves that they are right where they need to be musically & lyrically. The soul, funk & R&B influences are more evident in this effort, but the fact remains: these guys are at the Top of their Game. This is Hip Hop at its finest, regardless of language, influence or commercial outlook. Mainstream hip hop could learn a few lessons from any and all of their releases. A Lo Cubano is a great record, but so is Emigrante if you let it live its own life without comparison, El Kilo exists upon the exact same principles: progression, progression, progression...life is evolution & growth, the sooner we acknowledge it, the better we'll understand each other as artists & as human beings. Paz, Amor y Música...

Orishas Best: Hip-Hop Cuban Style
My knowledge of Hip-Hop is far from a scholarly and my passion for it has always been specific to certain people. Whether it was Public Enemy and early Ice-T toward the beginning, Lauryn Hill with and without The Fugees, or Eminem and Outkast in more recent times, my ears always stay with people who enrich the style and had something significant to say.
This is not to say that there have not been many others like them, which I simply lack enough knowledge of, nor the fact that I can absolutely expect and dig great grooves and some serious Funk. Now, you can add Orishas to my list of stunning Rap/Hip-Hop, and I strongly urge that you add them to your list. These guys combine powerful words and an impressive breadth of musical influences to create a sound that has achieved a new peak with El Kilo, their third album.
A little bio about these guys: they are Cuban, residing in France, and atrio since their second album, Emigrante, which was criticized by some or the absence of Flaco-Pro -original member who departed after their debut, A Lo Cubano. Yet I don't expect anyone to miss their fourth member after listening to El Kilo.
If you, like me, appreciate the richness of R&B and Soul references that Outkast's Andre and Big Boi brought to their music -to the point of creating such distinct new sound- you will find a similar and deep pleasure with the Orishas' generous inclusion of Latin rhythms.
Please be clear, this is no sampling of the Miami Sound machine or Ricky Martin Disney-approach to Salsa. What you will find is plenty of great "old school" Rumba, Son and Guajira, reminiscent of the glorious Buena Vista Social Club recordings.
The rapping and singing are also astounding, sensual and smooth at times, and nothing less than chant-like in others, the Orishas rock and sway with the best of them.
Great cuts abound. Particularly, the amazing "Naci Orishas," "Distinto," "El Kilo," and "Stress," all of which are amazing examples of their rapping/singing skills and of the remarkable band backing them up, specially the horns, bass and percussion.
The rest of the songs don't fall far behind, for example "Amor Al Arte" and "Al Que Le Guste," plus -at least in the Spain CD edition as track #15- you get the powerful chant and message of Zone Internationale, featuring the French rapper Rohff.
All in all, these are some the best sounds to groove to all year long, and a certain inclusion on my "best of 05" music list.
Hip-Hop not only has been here to stay, for long enough to have everyone notice, but it can; be stopped to speak new languages.

Orishas come through again!!!
3 albums & these guys have not yet disappointed me ONCE!!! "El Kilo" is a great album! Each one of their albums is different, yet they manage to maintain their sound consistant, distinct & at the same time fresh! Once again I am taken away by Roldan's voice, it's so reminiscent of that ol' school Cuban sound....I LOVE IT!!! My favorite tracks on the album are "Naci Orishas", "Distinto", "Kilo", "Bombo", "Al Que le Guste", "Amor Al Arte", "Tumbando y Dando", "Vacuna"....I could just keep on going, because EVERY song on this album is good...the entire album is FIYAH!!! I highly recommend "El Kilo"!!!! :)

Great recording...
I was waiting anxiously for this release and it seemed like the release date got pushed back.I was in Spain in early March and picked up a copy.While I drove from town to town in my rented car I listened to this CD several times.My favorite track is the title track.Great background vocals.That's a big departure for Orishas.The two rappers are contributing a lot more in actually singing.The whole album is very melodic.The instrumentation is also much more robust than the two previous albums.I rate it up there with "A lo Cubano" and better the "Emigrante".By the way the copy I picked up at FNAC in Spain doesn't have the last track with Pitbull.I guess it wasn't ready for the early European release date.Enjoy this album.Every time I hear it now I think of the vast expanses of farmland I drove through in Spain and the small towns I passed and stayed at.

All The Energy From A Lo Cubano
I have to agree with others here that Orishas have never quite compensated for the loss of Flaco Pro, but they've definitely made a great step in that direction with El Kilo.I'd like to avoid hyperbole, but they're the best latin rappers I know of, because of the intelligence of their lyrics and the skill and diversity of their musicianship.And there's so much energy on El Kilo!Naci Orishas (the first track) is the perfect example, with percussion that is reminiscent of A Lo Cubano, but still totally fresh.The same goes for Bombo, which is my favorite so far (after listening to the album 3 times). ... Read more

Album Description

Francis is one of the most controversial, gifted, and innovative MCs today. For nearly a decade, his relentless DIY approach--equal parts eloquent poet and vicious MC--brings a style that smashes genre boundaries. His music is rooted in classic hip-hop, but he comes across like an amalgam of Dylan, Lou Reed, Chuck D, and George Carlin. Introspective but aggressive, politically incisive but funny as hell, "A Healthy Distrust" is Sage's first Epitaph release. Eclectic and complex. Features collaborations with Will Oldham, Saul Williams, Danger Mouse, Alias, and Joe Beats. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

SAGE FRANCIS
This is a very good album ,but not as good as his first Personal Journals ,buy this album if you liked his first.

Sage Does ItAgain
Beautiful, thoughtful, funny, intelligent, the truth!! Can this be a hip hop album? Call it what you like Sage Francis is a master of poetry. I have listened to hip hop nearly all my life and I have never been more impressed by any artist more than Sage. This is his first album on a big time label and won't be his last. I got this the first day it came out and after many listens it still stands strong. Buy it now!!!

Great...
don't get me wrong, this album is excellent. The music is inspired and interesting and the lyrics and flow are getting better with each album. But this is nowhere near as great as "Personal Journeys", which is one of the most personal and brilliant underground hip hop albums ever released. No matter what Sage does, I will always compare his future efforts to that masterwork. In fact this labum isn't as good as the Non Prophets "Hope" or any of his previous "bootleg" releases, but because it's Sage, you will love this CD. But I recommend getting the early stuff as well.

GREAT STUFF !
SAGE FRANCIS is one of the best things to happen to music in a long time! this album "A HEALTHY DISTRUST" is an absolute masterpiece! a must have if you love true redemption music!

SAGE FOR PRESIDENT!!!!
This is easily the best album of the millenium so far.If you're a liberal go get this cd right now, and if you're conservative then definitely go get this cd, and listen to it over and over until you become sane again."You support the troops by wearing yellow ribbons/Just bring back my motherf!#*ing brothers and sisters"~Sage Francis
SAGE FRANCIS 2008 ... Read more

Amazon.com

While North American rap drowns in its own clichés, international artists are invigorating the genre with their own musical traditions. The Orishas, a Cuban group based in France, use Afro-Cuban religion to summon the spirit of hip-hop. Named for gods of Santeria, they came together in 1998 when members Yotuel and Ruzzo hooked up with Roldan and Flaco-Pro (a veteran of Sergeant Garcia) through a cultural exchange program between French and Cuban rappers. Collaborating with French hip-hop producer Miko Niko, they bring the attitude of Havana streets to the rest of the world, appealing to the Buena Vista Social Club crowd as well as the hip-hop heads. On their debut, A lo Cubano, the song "537 C.U.B.A." (their remake of Compay Segundo's "Chan Chan") gives new meaning to the term "old school." And the sound of sacred Santeria beats and traditional son weaving through sharp-edged lyrical attacks with groove-heavy bass and drum tracks on tunes like "Represent," "Atención," and "Atrevido" make for a cool joyride through the back streets of Havana. --Jesse "Chuy" Varela ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Orishas's take Latin HIP-HOP scene by storm.
In Afro-Cuban beliefs the ORISHAS are the emissaries of Olodumare or God almighty. The 9 Orishas rule over the forces of nature and the endeavors of humanity. In this case these ORISHAS are only 4 and their powers have been felt in Europe especially France, Italy, Spain and Holland. This CD is indisputably the best combination of rap/sonero sound/and salsa blend ever put together. The Orishas are Cuba's answer to now extremly well known Fugees originally from Haiti. Fortunate for the Orishas they do NOT resided within their native land of Cuba. It is due to their freedom that they are able to express themselves in the way in which they do. The tentalising rapping flows and back beats along with their salsa scats and choruses will make any latino dance their but off. This their second production will forever leave a unbelievable mark on the history of Cuban music and what it has evolved into in the new Millenium. On a more personal note, I have been a DJ for over 12 years and have worked in local radio station here in Miami. I listen to 90% anglo music, this CD blew me away. Thank you ORISHAS!

Mike

amazing dance music
I LOVE this CD. Dancing to housework has become a regular sight in my house since A Lo Cubano came to town. If you're not a fan of hip hop but you like salsa and can appreciate hard hitting beats, check this spanish language CD out. EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT INTO SALSA but you like hip hop and love dancing, check it out. Even if you don't know Spanish, it'll make you want to learn! The band is fantastic. Did you ever think you'd hear rapping to "the Buena Vista Social Club"? You will now. It's awesome. How much do I love this band? I had downloaded all the songs on the net and STILL bought the CD. It would make a great gift for a hip hop fan wanting to branch out.

AMAZING
THIS IS TRUE HIP HOP. THIS ALBUM IS INCREDIBLE. VERY INNOVATIVE. I WAS BLOWN AWAY BY WHAT THESE GUYS CAN DO.

Orishas celebrate Cuba with beautiful mix of sounds, beats
This is a masterpiece. The Orishas have mastered the technique of the hiphop idiom while melding the best of Cuban musical traditions to make a unique and unforgettable CD. Rejecting the racist and violent character of much of US hiphop, these guys celebrate their communities, their families, their beliefs, and most importantly, their love for their homeland. Nurtured and celebrated in Cuba, they still had to go to France to cut this CD and access a world audience. Yet another reason to demand an end to the embargo...

orishas - lo maximo
this is the real thing from the young cuban music scene - a must for anyone who likes music that represents the complexity of history - cultural, political, and social - while still being quality entertainment. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

The originators of CRUNK are back!!!!!!!!!
This cd reminds me of the old 3 6 and HCP. Great hype, crunk music so far this year. Production by DJ paul and Juicy J is still hot. This cd might not be on the level of "When the Smoke Clears 66 61", "Chapter 2", or "Crazyndalazdayz" but this cd has some banggin' cuts. Not to take away anything from Lil Jon but 3 6 and the rest of HCP been saying CRUNK and making CRUNK before Lil Jon got hot! Hypnotize Minds Ho!!!!!!!!

Kings of memphis...... another hot release
im not writin some long review, like all the ppl claiming it lacks "variety"? haha thats funny...... if u like Da Unbreakables, or any project pat/ three 6 mafia album, then get this one.

AS GOOD OR BETTER, I MUST SAY!
I LIKED THIS MOVIE AS WELL AS THE FIRST!
IT WAS GREAT HOW THEY PULLED OFF THE HEIST!
I LIKE CLEVER PLANS!
NOT THAT I CONDONE HITTIN LICKS!
5 STAR MOVIE *****
THE CD WAS BLAZIN!

CLIFFTON POWELL YOU ARE A WONDERFUL ACTOR!
PLEASE STRIVE FOR BIGGER BETTER ROLES!

BISHOP DON, WHUT UP?
CHUUUTCH!

another masterpiece
I went to the store earlier had no idea this cd came out yet and picked it up as soon as it caught my eye I tore off the wrapping and put it in my cd player this cd bangs I have always been a fan of 36 since when the smoke clears came out and have followed along with their newer stuff side projects and their older stuff as far as im concerned this is the one rap group that never disappointed me there new stuff delivers as good as their older stuff i will always be a fan of their work and continue to look forward to more to come....... some of my favorite songs are who da f***, yeah i rob, its whateva wit us, stanky stanky, and the i sho will remix even if your not as big of a fan of 36 as i am this cd is still good for all the rap fans out there with beats in the trunk

"ANOTHER AVERAGE RELEASE BY THE KINGS OF MEDIOCRITY"
In 2001, Three Six Mafia released "Choices," their first feature film debut, in an attempt to cash-in on the success of other rapper's straight-to-video releases, such as "Baller Blockin" and "I'm Bout It." The result was a decent film that featured everyone on the HCP roster; most notably Project Pat, who was hilarious as the similarly-named "Big Pat." The soundtrack was good, and went gold with the single "Baby Mama."

The soundtrack for "Choices II: The Setup," however, lacks the variety of the first. Featuring a slew of non HCP guest artists such as Mr. Bigg, Youngbloodz, Ying Yang Twins, Trillville, and Lil Flip, the album still suffers from not offering any classic cuts. Much of the material sounds recycled, as in the case of "Yeah I Rob," which features a hook that has been used on at least half a dozen other HCP songs. Some good (not great) tracks are "Who Da F*** You Playin' Wit?" "P.I.M.P," "Pass Dat S***," and the "Posse Song." The classic Paul & J intros/outros are still funny, even if the album wasn't that hot. Some of the skits are funny as well, undoubtedly due to Paul & J's wise choice to hire a stand-up comic from BET's Comic View. Overall, although this album was a bit of a disappointment, it guarantees its spot in this summer's rotation.

The film portion of the Choices II DVD/CD combo is by far the highlight of the two, featuring far better production than its predecessor. Choices II, marks the return of Paul, J, and Crunchy, and newcomers Frayser Boy, Lil Wyte, Clifton Powell (Menace II Society, The Breaks) and "Tiny" Zeus Lester (Friday, The Player's Club). The plot is much more solid this time around, with the exception of Paul & J's "miraculous" recovery from previously being shot. The only discrepancy I have is the absence of "Big" Pat, who was the comedic element in the first film. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

go nelly
quite frankly, i was disappointed with this cd. it has a few good songs but the repetitive chorus' get old fast. heres a rate of each song. Heart of a champion verses to slow to music however awesome chorus by lincoln university vocal. 7/10 Na-nana-na: jazze pha killer chorus and verses. my second fav track. 10/10 Flap your wings a classic!!! youve all heard it. 10/10 American dream: lunatics nice verses by nelly and his crew. sorry chorus. i normally skip this song. 4/10 River don't runn: murph lee an ok song with an ok chorus 6/10 Tilt ya' head back: Christina Aguilera next single. awesome beat and verses by xtina. cool chorus 10/10 Grand Hang Out: T-squad nice thats all i can say . one of the best tracks. 8/10 Getcha getcha: lunatics cool nice track nice chorus 8/10 Another One somewhere inbetween all the other tracks. not a standout. 7/10 Spida Man AWESOME!!! my FAV track! totally awesome. I love this song. killer verses and chorus. 15/10 Playa: mobb deep and missy my second favorite track nice verses by mobb deep. shocking chorus by missy.NICE!!! 11/10 Boy: lil' flip Horrible. this song is a total disaster. The absolute worst nelly song ever, even worse than luven me off of country grammar. the whole song is retarded. -5/10 ... Read more

Amazon.com

Before Pitbull or Jacki-O got picked up on the rap radar, the challenge for Floridian MCs was to avoid sounding like a crunk cliché or a 2 Live Crew derivative. Half the excitement of picking up a Trick Daddy disc is that you have no idea what to expect. Hyper-political numbers like "Amerika" or nonsensical party fluff like "Shut Up"? This eclecticism continues unabated as Trick goes all Bad Brains, rocking out with the aid of an Ozzy Osbourne sample on mosh-friendly "Let's Go." Trick still "loves the kids" apparently, smartly re-tooling a timeless MC Lyte's "Self Destruction" verse and imploring the youth to aim high and stay dry on "These Are the Daze." On the other hand, when most of your discs carry the label "thug" in the title, there's only so much you can do to suppress your compulsion to talk trash; here, he even contrasts women with fruits. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Amazon.com

DJ Shadow, a.k.a. Josh Davis, could be credited with bringing newfound introspection to the gloating sounds of hip-hop. Condensed with urban oscillations and scatological beats, Endtroducing shutters with eclectic samples and aural montages that reach beyond the constraints of hip-hop style. Enhancing the mix with fundamentals of rock, soul, funk, ambient, and jazz, the modern fusions fail to go unnoticed, even by the casual listener. While most of the tracks are compiled by layering samples from vinyl treasures found in used-record bins, the production quality of the mosaic is unmatched. Darkened melodies carry throughout the album with its eye on the end of the tunnel. The narration samples come from numerous sources and keep the listener involved and waiting for resolution. With a message as fragmentary as an overheard conversation, Endtroducing conveys no apparent conclusion, but begs the mind, body, and soul for some rewind. --Lucas Hilbert ... Read more

Reviews (159)

DJ Shadow is the Postmodern artist
I first go this album in 96; I was still in high school and didn't know much about sampling, beat production, etc. I thought it was one of the most amazing things I'd ever heard. Now, as a senior in college with more musical experience under my belt, I can still say this is one of the best albums I own. DJ Shadow revolutionized the way I and many people thought about sampling. As he takes a record from his insanely deep crates, he doesn't simply loop a catchy cut a la Puffy, he manipulates and recontextualizes these sounds into something completely his own. Like his track "Organ Donor," where he uses a sample of a church organ and turns it into a beat. Shadow in my opinion is the epitome of the postmodern musical artist: taking what's already out there in the world we live in and breathing new life into it. I highly recommend this to any electronic or hip hop fans. Oh, and by the way I heard he has a new album coming out soon; he's on MCA now, so his access to production equipment is gonna be insane this time. I'm expecting a truely remarkable album.

Wow! DJ Shadow's a genius!
I bought this album a few days ago on my 13th birthday because I liked "Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt" and "Organ Donor". At first I didn't like it because a lot of it I found boring. It also made me angry that the Organ Donor song is only 2 minutes in lenght on mine! (The one I listened to on the internet was over 4 minutes long)I put it in the next day and I got it. It may not be the Orbital, Fatboy Slim type stuff that I usually listen to but it isn't supposed to be. I got it in the Dance/Electronica section of the local record store...so it is a bit misleading. Dance? No way. It's very different and extremely hard to classify. I would say...Trip-Hop/Jazz/Electronica/Hip Hop/Soul.

So overall:

PROS:
Very moving
Nicely mellow
Great variation of songs
Often funny

CONS:
Seems kind of short
Some filler "tracks" like 6 and "Why Hip-Hop Sucks in '96" which are somewhat annoying.
Organ Donor is WAY too short!

Best tracks:
Building Steam
Stem/Long Stem
Changeling
Midnight in a Perfect World
Organ Donor

-Also I have the "Mo Wax" label, and it says "Mu Wax" on the back in really small print when it should say "Mo Wax"!

Producing one of the best albums ever
From the opening sample of "Building Steam With a Grain of Salt" where a voice is heard saying "Producing..." you know you are listening to an outstanding piece of work. In order to better understand this, you have to position yourself at the time this album came out.

You have to realize Trip Hop was already in full fledge: Massive Attack and Portishead had already come out with their own thing, but DJ Shadow came with a different proposal in 1996 when he produced 'Endtroducing...'. Through the magic of samples, he blended in a way many have tried to copy, yet no one yet matched, genres such as rock, soul, funk, ambient, and jazz, into a final product that transcends time. If you need further proof of that, think how long it's been since this album came out (1996) as you are reading this, sit back, listen to it and be amazed, as so many have been amazed to this day.

After listening to 'Endtroducing...' almost daily for three weeks now, turning back and thinking of acts such as Fatboy Slim almost feels awkward, considering his sample-based 'Better Living Through Chemistry' came out almost a full year after Shadow's debut. Granted that everyone has a place in music, DJ Shadow's genius with sampling work simply is above and beyond, making this not only his breakthrough, but also one of the best albums ever.

Other favorite tracks: "Changeling", "Untitled" and the grandieuse "Mutual Slump". If you want to take a dip into an evolved form of his work, check out his side project, U.N.K.L.E., in particular 'Psyence Fiction'.

A shadow of himself
A couple years back i became interested in underground hip hop and turntablism. My first, and best purchase, was DJ Shadows Endtroducing. Nary a day goes by that I do not find myself listening to this album. The way he mixes and blends the songs together puts Shadow at the top of his game on this record. Where this album excels is in its ability to not only drag you into the world that Shadow has produced but takes you through the mind of one the most talented individuals in all of music. If you enjoy music, do yourself a favor and buy this album. You will never find another like it, as it creates a constant state of euphoria, as the beats and samples are blended together in such a way that it is almost impossible to describe.in my top 10 albums of all time.

Excellent work
Dj shadow has proved that he is one of the greatest artists ever. With such diverse tracks and complex beats, Endtroducing will be something to look back on from years to come. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With the No Limit and Cash Money crews having permanently seared the once-ignored Deep South into the hip-hop map, Nelly arrives to make a mark for the heretofore uncelebrated St. Louis scene. After outlining the rules of the game from lifestyle (gats, grass, and sex) to wardrobe (he cuffs his jeans like Beaver Cleaver), the rapper offers scenario after scenario depicting the gangsta world as one big party; he and his crew seem much more interested in fellatio than shootouts. The title single, which preceded this CD's release by months, is the clear standout with its low-rider groove, but the midtempo R&B-flavored flows of "Utha Side," "Greed, Hate & Envy," and "Steal Da Show" are also seductive.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (278)

Nellys got SOME Grammar goin
2. St. Louie- not his best songs, but yah, its ok. 3/5

3. Greed, Hate, Envy- this is one of my favorite songs on the cd, going with Ride Wit Me. i love it so much, its got a great beat and is so unique. 5/5

4. Country Grammar (Hot....)- great song and all but like most of his songs, its the chorus over and over again. i usually skip to the next song when i get to the middle of the song. 3/5

5. Steal the Show- 4/5

7. Ride Wit Me- my favorite on the cd, is great and really has a good beat to it and great for anything. partying, relaxing, etc. rate it 5/5

8. E.I.- great song! read "Ride Wit Me". 5/5

9. Thicky Thick Girl- 5/5

10. For My- 1/5

11. Utha Side- 0/5.

12. Tho Dem Wrappas- an okay song, like the rest. 2/5

13. Wrap Sumden- whats with Nelly and "wrap"? wrappas, wrap lol. after listening to 12, im sort of tired of hearing itbut overall i give it 4/5

14. Batter Up-if theres a song im gonna hate, its this one. i find it quite annoying!!!! >:( 0/5

15. Never Let 'Em C U Sweat- i like it. its ok, not his best nor his worst. i usually just listen to half of it then skip. 3/5

16. Luven Me- 3.5/5

overall, Nellys cd is pretty good but most songs are rated 3/5. if you extrememly like rap and nelly, then go for it. but otherwise, its all the same thing. there is only one steady pace with Nelly in his songs. its hard to explain, but if u hear all of them. you will know. i hope this was helpful :)

AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT C.D.!!NELLY IZ TRUELY #1

1.INTRO-8/10
2.ST.LOUIE-NEEDS SOME WORK-7/10
3.GREED,HATE,ENVY-UM...OK I GUESS-6.5/10
4.COUNTRY GRAMMAR-WOW!-10/10
5.STEAL THE SHOW-AWSOME SONG ST.LUNATICS MAKE IT BETTER-10/10
6.INTERLUDE-8/10
7.RIDE WIT ME-ALL CITY SPUD BABY!-10/10
8.E.I.-GREAT SONG NO DOUBT-10/10
9.THICKY THICK GIRL-ALI ALL ALI-9/10
10.FOR MY-LIL WAYNE MAKES IT BETTER-10/10
11.UTHA SIDE-OK-8/10
12.THO DEM WRAPPAS-BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM!-10/10
13.WRAP SUMDEN-ALL KYJAUN ALL KYJUAN-10/10
14.BATTER UP-GREAT BASEBALL SONG-9/10
15.NEVER LET EM C U SWEAT-ILL!-8/10
16.LUVEN ME-GREAT SONG!-10/10
17.OUTRO-IIGHT-7/10

Nelly's Only Good One
In my opinion, this is Nelly's only good cd. He's had good singles since this album, but the albums that they're on are horrible. "Greed, Hate, Envy" is one of the coolest songs on the album. All the singles(you already know which ones) are really good. "Luven Me" is a nice song about his mom and is one of the best on the album. "Steal the Show" is almost a St. Lunatics freestyle, but it still delivers tight stuff.

Nelly Sux
Did Nelly honestly try to even diss KRS One?? How can this f@ggot do that. If you call urself a rap fan and like nelly, go suck ur own d!ck.

GREAT CD BUY ONE OF THE GAMES BIGGEST HITMAKERS
THE CD IS GREAT STILL BUMPS THIS
TOP 5 SONGS ON CD IS
1.THO DEM WRAPPAS -THE BEST SONG HE EVER DONE
2.EI-PROLLY THE 2ND OR 3RD BUT DEFINETLY THE BEST SINGLE
3.FOR MY
4.STEAL THE SHOW
5.GREED HATE ENVY, LUVEN ME, RIDE WIT ME-CANT CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM ... Read more

Amazon.com

As the vitriol spewed from Evil Empire, Rage Against the Machine's long-awaited follow up to their 1993 debut owes much to Chuck D.'s polemic fury and rapid-fire urgency--though as always the band rages without hip-hop machinery in favor of the heavy-duty power tools of rock. But no matter if Rage against the Machine amounts to revolutionary rap, protest metal, or a combination of the two, the band's command of sonic rage makes Evil Empire a powerful assault in any musical language.

But wait, there's more to the name. Raging against the machine, like yelling at the TV, is woefully misdirected. Lyricist Zack de la Rocha is clearly someone with strong political views--particularly when it comes to the plight of fellow Mexicans on both sides of the border. He vents his indignation sharply at times ("Vietnow," "Without a Face"), rather clumsily and artlessly most others. Music this angry should be aimed at something more specific than an entire race or nation or government, or else it risks sounding like the empty rants of confused postpubescent rebellion. If only Rage against the Machine's raw musical muscles were grinding over a focused message, lord knows how potent they could be. --Roni Sarig

... Read more

Reviews (241)

Few flaws, but still a standout
After 3 to 4 years, Rage released this "more metal than rap" style album. Evil Empire doesn't have as much talent as the debut with the exception of a few songs(People Of The Sun, Bulls On Parade, Down Rodeo), but it's still better than Renegades. Battle Of L.A. Is better than this, but this isn't far behind. Tom Morello takes the guitar skills to the next level on Revolver, People Of The Sun and Roll Right. Zack De La Rocha really gives it the young Phil Anselmo style voice on the vocals on the songs like Snake Charmer and Tire Me. Well, here's the song-depth review:

1)People Of The Sun(2:30) - Shortest song, but really heavy. Pretty cool, sounds better live. This is a standout track. 4/5

2)Bulls On Parade(3:52) - My personal favourite on the album, much like everyone else. Seems really cool, no cheesy starts, just goes straight to the action. Not as good as Guerilla Radio from Battle Of L.A., but the best song on Evil Empire. 5/5

3)Vietnow(4:39) - Well, it's not too bad, but it's very average. A bit like Take The Power Back, only less good. Unfortunately it's my least favourite. 2/5

4)Revolver(5:30) - Long, but heavy. This is tied with Down Rodeo for 3rd best song. It's soft, much like Settle For Nothing and Born Of A Broken Man, but then it gets heavy with a lot of screaming. This is a song that never gets old. Standout. 5/5

5)Snakecharmer(3:55) - 2nd best song. It's nice, It's a fast song with a lot of screaming, much like Revolver, but shorter, heavier and more creative lyrics. Another standout. 5/5

6)Tire Me(3:00) - 3 minutes exact. This is the closest song to being much like 13 Steps To Nowhere from Pantera's Great Southern Trendkill. Perfect, but just loses to Down Rodeo. Still good. Zack really makes this a different Rage. This is the only song that even comes close to being heavy metal. 5/5

7)Down Rodeo(5:20) - Nice guitars. A pretty good tune. Nice screaming near the end. It's a very creative song, that doesn't drag on, despite the fact that it's 5:20. It's a perfect song. 3rd favourite with Revolver. 5/5

8)Without A Face(3:37) - Not bad. Just doesn't seem as good as the likes of Tire Me and Bulls On Parade. But still, you just can't skip it. 2.6/5

9)Wind Below(5:50) - Longest song on the album. Although it does tend to drag on, it's got a pretty cool guitar riff, courtesy of our dear friend, Mr. Tom Morello. Zack's vocals really make it seem like a lullaby when it becomes soft, but the chorus really makes him shine. 3.8/5

10)Roll Right(4:22) - OK, this isn't bad at all. Tom really shines here, as does Tim Bob. Zack shines again here. A combination of People Of The Sun and Down Rodeo, kind of. It's not a favourite, but it's listenable. 4/5

11)Year Of Tha Boomerang(4:00) - Nice, we end on a good song. Although not as memorable as Freedom, or the latter War Within A Breath from Battle of L.A., it really shines here. Screaming and rapping again. Nuff said. 4.3/5

That's Evil Empire. Go get it now, or start with the debut and work your way up. You might be disappointed, but it's still a good buy. Get it now.

Rage At It's Best!
First of all, let me start off by saying that I am the biggest Rage Against the Machine fan in the world! I worship everyone of their songs, even the ones on soundtracks, live shows, and compilations. I'm behind their political beliefs 100% Evil Empire is undoubtedly their greatest cd. here's a description of each song:

1. Peoeple of the Sun: Rage manages to gloriously blend alternative rock, funk, and metal with this revolutionary gem of a track. Definitely one of Rage's best!

2. Bulls On Parade: My personal favorite. This track starts off with a crushing two-note intro and continues its juggernaut assault on your ears and doesn't stop. One of the best rock songs ever!!!

3. Vietnow: One of their most angry songs, Vietnow mixes heavy metal with hardcore rap. Listen to this one when you're pissed.

4. Revolver: The intro guitar solo is unbelievable! It's kind of like a subdued Jimi Hendrix type solo. The rest of the song is superb too!

5. Snakecharmer: Many people overlook this one. Zack De La Rocha's (lead singer) mood swings are genius throught this entire song. Great great tune!

6. Tire Me: A grammy winner!!! Fast paced and entrancing, Tire Me is a furious track. Take a minute to catch your breath after listening to this one.

7. Down Rodeo: With highly offensive and revolutionary lyrics, odd guitar sounds, distorted, and furious drum loops, this song is a great example of what Rage is all about.

8. Without a Face: It was clear that the focus was more on rap for this song, and that's not a bad thing!!! Zack is unbelievably gifted. The end chorus is strikingly powerful (and loud not to mention!)

9. Wind Below: One of my favorite Rage songs (I'm not sure why), Wind Below is a devastatingly truthful tirade. You've gotta love it when Rage trashes major companies like GE and ABC.

10. Roll Right: The message at the end of this song ("Take 'em to the seventh level!") is just as powerful as "f*** you I won't do what you tell me!" This is a truly heavy song!

11. Year of the Boomerang: Not very heavy, but never the less catchy, Year of the Boomerang is a beautiful song and a wonderful way to close out the greatest cd ever made.

There is no logic to inciting violence to create peace
Look kids! If you shell out $16.00 you too can listen to the supposed socialist political musical stylings of Rage! So much for the band supposedly being anti-capitalism. Rage Against the Machine are 90% bullsh*t. I can't stand how they try to rationalize themselves. Violent, riot-like vocal inflections create riot situations (studies have shown). Vocalists don't get much more violent-sounding than de la Rocha (unless you're Alec Empire of Atari Teenage Riot, who has no relation to this album or Rage). Trying to get peace through inciting violent revolution doesn't work (and don't act like you don't know about the deaths attributed to tramplings at Rage concerts). I don't care if Rage played the Tibetan Freedom concert or not, it doesn't make them any more peaceful. Rage claim they're vehemently against capitalism, but then they go sell their records for profit. They don't even try to reduce the price either! F*cking hypocrites. Yeah, that's right: I'm questioning them, as anyone should be... just like everything political should be questioned. And unlike you Rage fans, I don't groove to the funky guitar solos of the upscale Harvard boy who has no business speaking for the downtrodden (I believe you fans know him as Tom Morello). I groove to my own beat of my own personal views instead.

Nice!
I like it a lot. But is not my favorite one.

The Joy of Rage
RATM's sophomore effort is a worthy followup to their incredible debut. I can't say that I enjoy this album quite as much as their first , but it still has a great collection of tunes. People of the Sun, Bulls on Parade, Vietnow, and Down Rodeo are some of my favorite Rage songs. I absolutely adore RATM's blend of politics and music. It is so great to hear intelligent music with an intelligent message behind it. I must say that I strongly disagree with Roni Sareg (author of Amazon's editorial review above). I don't find Rage's message misdirected at all. Zack, as he said on their first album, knows his enemy. Rage is against the entire global capitalist system. There is nothing empty or ranting about this. It is a much deeper and more philosophical political message than just railing against the President or the war or whatever would be specific enough. To me, the uncompromising opposition to the system that spawns so much destruction is a much more powerful message that gives RATM a uniquely powerful quality. Rage Against the Machine provides some of the best rock out there today. I highly recommend all their albums, both for the music and the message contained within the music. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Nice Summary of the Exception to the Rule of 1990s Rap
In a genre consisting of "hardcore" artists like Busta Rhymes, 2Pac, and Public Enemy, the general public found Will Smith's easy-going style as a welcome exception to the rule of rap- at least for a time. During the late 1980s and 1990s, both solo and with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Smith created a number of novelty records that have remarkably stood the test of time. And this issue of GREATEST HITS, which came at a time when Smith's glory days had presumably passed, showcases his power pretty well.

All of Smith's solo hits are accounted for, and the best of them- "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"; "Men in Black"; "Miami"- rank among the best songs of their time. As for his tenure with DJ Jazzy Jeff, the collection gathers big hits like "Parents Just Don't Understand"; "Summertime"; and "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble." But it does not dip into the Fresh Prince years enough (most likely due to contractual restrictions), leaving out good songs like "I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson"; "Ring My Bell"; and "Boom! Shake the Room."

Those missing songs may keep GREATEST HITS from being a dynamite collection, but it still features most of the heavy hitters that Smith created. And that alone should make for a nice entertaining collection on one of the most popular rappers in the 1990s. A lightweight rapper, perhaps, at least when compared to other artists of the genre, but one that sure had skills.

Fun Rap
If you are looking for a hardcore or gangsta hip-hop album, I suggest you look somewhere else. This album does not have any hardcore or gangsta lyrics on it. It's simply a rap CD done for fun.

The best part of the album is the fact that Will doesn't have to curse every second. Don't get me wrong, though. I would listen to any hardcore rap album any day. I just listen to this CD when I feel like relaxing, or when I want a break from all the new stuff that's hitting the shelves these days. The songs are just fun, laid back, and easy to listen to.

I have to say that the songs that are with DJ Jazzy Jeff are better than Will's more recent songs. "Parents Just Don't Understand" is my favorite song. It's about Will having troubles with his mom and dad because they have him where awful clothes to school and beat him to death after he picks up a runaway in a car when he doesn't have a license to drive! The song is hilarious! "Nightmare On My Street" is about Will being terrorized in his sleep by Freddy Kruger, who wants Will to join him in killing people. "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble" is a track about Will getting into a mess 3 different times because of girls he meets. This one is pretty funny, too. "The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air" is the full version. It's very catchy, as most who's seen the show will know. I usually rap along.

His more recent songs include "Just the Two of Us", which is a nice song dedicated to his son. "Will 2K", a nice song to dance to about the new millenium. "Miami" which states Will's love for the city Miami. Who can forget "Gettin Jiggy Wit' It" and Freakin it"?

There is also the songs made from his movies. "Wild Wild West", "Men In Black", and "Nod YA Head" are all nice songs to go with the movies he's starred in. Oh, and who can forget the summertime classic, "Summertime"? You have to play this in your car for the summer.

Like I said before, this isn't full of hardcore rhymes. It's just fun raps to chill to. Don't pick this up if your all about gangsta rhymin'. If not, and you welcome yourself to all types of rap, then give this a try. Personally, I prefer Smith the rapper over the actor.

HOT ALBUM! ALL OF THOSE FUNKY HITS!
This album was long overdue! Credit should go to the person who compiled all of Will Smith's hits and the ones he did with Jazzy Jeff in his Fresh Prince persona. I can't stop playing "Miami", "Men In Black", "Parents", "Girls", "Freak It" and others. He even put the theme song of his hit sitcom--Fresh Prince of Bel Air on here! But I have been playing "Just Cruisin" a lot--very smooth, funky beat on that song! And yes, Will is hip-hop just as much as his competition, so his hard edges here fit with that clean image. I like his softer side on "Just The Two of Us" as he talks to his son. But this is a very dynamite album that covers his career fully both solo and duo.

WILL SMITH IS THE KING OF JIGGY!
I'm the no.1 fan of Will Smith. Will Smith is off da chain. The Greatest Hits I loved. WILL, PLEASE COME OUT WITH ANOTHER CD!

Would be 4 stars if...
it had "He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper". Seriously folks, that old-school number is one of DJ Jazzy Jeff And the Fresh Prince's best. But I guess since this is just the best of Will Smith it was left off. Oh well. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Real Deal
There's just a little I can add to Mr. Sinclair's extensive review (available elsewhere on Amazon's page for "Naturally").

I have yet to have the pleasure of seeing Ms Jones and the Dap Kings play live, but it's worth mentioning that the DaptoneRecords site lists upcoming dates.

To my ears, several tracks -- especially "Natural Born Lover" and "How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?" -- would appeal to ANYONE who has EVER loved ANY of the great American "soul" styles (R&B on Atlantic in the 50s & 60s, Motown, Philly Soul, 70s funk, etc.)

But Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings transcend nostalgia. Refreshing, real, soulful -- every track on "Naturally" is brimming with music that feels just as good as listening to a side of the Atlantic Rhythm & Blues box set.

Their version of "This Land Is Your Land" is a special treat, the track that I come back to after filling up on the two songs mentioned above, the revelation of what depths still lie within the song, and within the country, Naturally.

Can't take it out of the CD player!!
Heard this CD playing at the a local indie store and bought it on the spot. If you are like me and new to purchasing this type of music, this CD is a good place to explore what FUNK really is! It;s not the junk you hear at dance clubs today for sure.I have always been a rock and roll guy but this album just grabbed me. Give it a shot and I am sure you will LOVE it!

The most Genuine and Soulful modern album yet!
What you get with any Daptone, Truth and Soul, Soul Fire or Desco release is serious no punches pulled gritty soul and funk with the same feel and sound as classic late 60's and early 70's soul.

This music is not a gimmick.

Nor is it like a cheesy 70's Blaxploitation soundtrack or a misjudged pseudo-soul acid jazz sounding record. There is quality and depth to these performances and heart and soul that goes as deep as anything you have ever heard.

It is being created and listened to by people who are sick and tired of the sterile mass marketed soul-less dross that the music industry continues to spew forth nowadays. People like Sharon Jones, Lee Fields, Charles Bradley, Joseph Henry, Naomi Davis and the NYC collective of musicians is doing us a great service by creating sounds of such organic beauty and raw funkiness.

What is great about this album is that, unlike Dap-Dippin', the music is way more varied; there are more ideas and more scope for lyrics with meaning. The biggest success of this album is that it proves to the critics that Sharon and the Daps are no one-trick ponies.

Here's a quick breakdown of the tracks in order;

How Do You Let A Good Man Down
This is my favourite new track by Sharon Jones. Firstly the groove is way different from anything off of the first album and it's more of a medium paced tempo. Great little horn riffs. The lyric is great too. We've all been in a similar position, but the band has got the feeling and groove nailed down tight!

Natural Born Lover
This one is a real late 60's stomper in the vein of the slew of 45's that came out around Mr Big Stuff (similar geetar in places) and has backing vocals. Over the drum breaks there's a chant 'An N.B.L. and a T.B.C.' which is very kitsch. It doesn't ruin the song but a lot of DJ's would have preferred an open drum break. I can take it or leave the little chant but it's a mighty fine Groove as always.

Stranded In Your Love
Is a duet with Lee Fields (check out his 2 albums, Problems and Lets Get A Groove On). This is a funny, jokey but heart-warming song. Despite this the general groove is just great. Sure it's a ballad, and it's not going to get many plays out, but it's bound to win you over with oodles of charm. All I can say is; 'Thank god Lee's car got stolen, cause otherwise he would never have slipped into Sharon's bed...'

Hang on, did his car ever actually get stolen, or was it a dodgy scheme to get in her pants?... I'll let you decide!

My Man Is A Mean Man
Has the BEST groove on the whole album. It's frenetic like the first album, but it's even better than anything on there as it sounds significantly different (some of the tracks on the first were very similar to each other). This a real butt-shaking floor-stomper, with bass drums and conga played at a breakneck speed! I don't know how these guys play such dense, frenetic- yet tight grooves so effortlessly. Totally thrilling.

You're Gonna Get It
Side one finishes with You're Gonna Get It which is another ballad, but this time much slower. This sounds so like an old 60's tune that it's unbelievably authentic. A nice tune, not funk, just soul. The horn players manage to sound a bit like a Yorkshire Colliery Brass Band at about 3.00mins in too. Get your whippets and flat caps out!

How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?
Side 2 starts with How Long Do I Have To Wait For You?. This is another highlight. Middish tempo and sufficiently different from their first album to feel that the band are moving forwards with the 'sound'. Fat Drums and Sharon in form, topped of with a sprinkle of trumpet.

This Land Is Your Land
You'll already know this if you buy the singles direct from the website. Again another highlight for me. An old Woody Guthrie tune (he was a folk singer who inspired Bob Dylan) that pushes the band out a bit further with their sound than Dap Dippin' did.

Your Thing Is A Drag
Is a vamp based on Papas Got A Brand New Bag and is typical of reply songs that that came out in the sixties (a la It's My Thing, It's Your Thing, It's Our Thing etc). Bass is the highlight on this one. Great party tune.

Fish In The Dish
Is a New Orleans type of track, done at a slow-mid tempo. It's a nice track, but not my favourite, despite impeccable playing as always (it's ok to like some songs more than others, even if it's Sharon, right?).

At 1.40 min there's a great bit of piano. and the tune gets into a nice groove. There's even a little whistling (a la Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay) right at the end!

All Over Again
Is a massively good tune, made unbelievable by Earl Maxton's soaring Hammond. One of the best things Sharon and the band have done so far. This is another ballad, with a nice guitar lead too. This is nicely produced and may not satisfy the 'funk heads' but the 'soul' crowd will dig it.

You'll notice that there's a few new names in the band, but the core- bass and drums (and bugaloo velez) are intact. These two are, to me, what makes the Dap Kings so impressive.

Negatives?

It's too short.

I wanted Paying Taxes, Genuine, and What Condition on there, so that was disappointing. Perhaps they'll go on a Daptone CD comp of their singles later in the year?

What Condition (a cover of a Betty Lavette song) will be released in April on Hot, Funky and Sweaty a compilation CD, with, get this; A NEW POETS OF RHYTHM SONG!.
... Read more

Amazon.com

Ice Cube's "Down for Whatever" is the highlight on Office Space's soundtrack, a classy West Coast production with just the right proportions of laid-back groove and simmering tension. Scarface turns in a credible enough track ("No Tears"), and the Geto Boys' impersonation of Bill Clinton at the end of "Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta" is funny, though not terribly accurate. But Canibus and Biz Markie's attempt to rework David Allan Coe's "Take This Job and Shove It" into a hip-hop novelty hit falls flat, as does a similar effort by Lisa Stone at revitalizing "9 to 5." Two ancient Perez Prado mambos tacked on at the end of the album throw its already shaky continuity even further off course, but they're such great tunes that only a fool would bemoan their presence. --Charley Gothic ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Take this Job and SHOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!
i dont really buy soundtracks that much, but since Office Space is my all time favorite movie I couldn't resist.. This is without question the best soundtrack ever- yes, it is rap,, but it's all GOOD rap- it's all early 90s stuff like The Ghetto Boys and NWA, REAL rap, none of this Jay Z/Ja Rule crap.

Now i can play the fun songs of the movie whenever I want- when I'm stuck in traffic, "I Got this Killer Up Inside of Me", when I get angry at my printer, "Die Motherf--kers Die!", when I feel like not caring, "Damn It Feels Good to Be A Gangster", and of course, nothing beats the classic "Take This Job and Shove It! (I ain't workin here no more)"

BEST soundtrack ever to the BEST movie ever- If you could just go ahead,, and buy this soundtrack along with the movie,, that would be greeeeaaat, mmm kay?

Just as good as the movie - and that's saying a lot!!
I'm not really a hip-hop fan, but when I listen to Ice Cube's "Down for Whatever", I get a case of the giggles thinking of the characters in the movie smashing a laser printer to bits. The R&B remake of "9 to 5" is terrific, and "Shove This J-O-B" is a great song to listen to after a grueling day in the cubicle. Oh, and the two mambo numbers at the end are really cool. Practically every song on this album brings back a memory of a funny scene from the movie - and there were plenty of 'em!

Spiced up the movie!
When I was about to watch Office Space, I was estimating that the movies music would just be a score. Man, was I wrong. The music first enters at the beginning of the movie, which as the movie went on, became more and more like the movie. What was the genre? Rap. Hip Hop. Yep. A movie about office nerds, you would expect something different. Well well, aint it a surprize? The music is great, especialy "Damn it feels good to be a Gangsta" which is a song that me and my friend Garret listen to, and love it.

My Advice to you: SEE THE MOVIE FIRST. The soundtrack means nothing to you if you didnt see the film. Office Space is a laugh out loud comedy that popular person and nerd can enjoy. Any type of person will accept the movie and music which are both outstanding.

Office Space Soundtrack
Normally I hate hip-hop but this Cd is the Shizz. The movie is the second funniest I've ever seen and the soundtrack is the best. If u liked the movie you'll definatly like the sondtrack. If yu hated the movie buy the soundtrack anyway.

UMMMMM YEAAAH
When one gets up to go to work what do you say to your self, I HATE MY JOB. That is why this film is perfect for you, but the soundtrack falls a little short. As I was saying about hateing your job my man CANIBUS does a great job of conferting the film into a song, with "Shove this J.O.B.". He comes across perfectlly with lines like
"if your boss is an s.o.b.
tell him to s.h.o.v.e. the j.o.b."
Another song taking a page from the past and also from the film is Lisa Stone's "9-5". All thow this is a remake it fits perfect with the film. Then one will come across maybe the best track on here in The Geto Boys "Dawm it Feels Good to be a Gangsta". I can never imagine some one saying they did not like this song. The beat alone can make all the trouble in your life seem to flout away. The lyrics keep it gangsta while the beat lets you chill. The Geto Boys show up again witha song that is good but is easily out shined by the preavious, "Still". This is a vicious song not ment for the weak, and Scarface of The Geto Boys shows up solo with "No Tears". This song could make even a child think, you hear this song on the film right at the begining in a car. Still with all the rest of the songs being decent, only one more is note worthy, "Down for Whatever" by Ice Cube". This one of Cube's early hardcore tracks. If he could deliver like this all the time, man. All together "OFFICE SPACE" is a worthy album for purchase. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The gruesome details surrounding Tupac's third solo offering are enough to give any music fan the willies. Released when Tupac was in jail serving time for a rape conviction and just after his recovery from being shot-up gangland-style at a recording studio, this was his most introspective piece of work to date. The heavy-hearted album opens up with a radio commentary describing the circumstances surrounding his shooting, and then plunges headfirst into Pac's infatuation with death. "So Many Tears," "Death Around the Corner," and "If I Die 2Nite" are all dark, eerily prophetic tunes that lend credence to widespread theories which suggest that Pac anticipated his impending death. The perpetually thugged-out wonder reveals a more benevolent side when it comes to gender and family issues. On "Dear Mama"--a fitting tribute to his mother recorded in the "Keep Ya Head Up" vein--Pac takes listeners into the loving recesses of his heart, while on "Can U Get Away," he echoes similar respectful sentiments to black womynkind. This is probably Pac's most progressive issues-oriented release before he signed to Death Row and became a full-blown thug. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (135)

2Pac at his best
There's nothing you can't say about this album. It's simply 2Pac at his best. He hits you with 15 deep, lyrically amazing tracks and in the end you just feel his pain. The world was against him when he made this album, and this album is the first to really be themed on Pac anticipating his own death. He says himself "If I did die young, who'd care?"The Intro is scary, then Pac's sad voice on "if I Die 2Nite" is even scarier. He turns positive with "Me Against the World", which is one of the greatest rap songs of all time. If you listen tight, Pac lets you know the message he stresses is "Don't settle for less/Even a genius asks questions/Be grateful for blessings/Don't ever change keep your essence." On "Young Niggaz" he preaches to young black males, telling them they could be lawyers or accountants instead of being out in the streets selling drugs. He praises Black queens with "Dear Mama", which tells his story behind a snappy but sad beat. A great album all the way through. After a while you just realize that 2Pac really didn't care. He knew his days were limited. Just listen to "so Many Tears". It's just sad as Pac repeats over and over that he's going to hell, that he's going to die. "Me Against the World" is 2Pac's lyrical confession, the classic, and simply his best album.

Pac's Best Album?
Tupac Shakur had a lot to say. Fiery political statements in his early records (2pacalypse Now) turned to Thug Life anthems (All Eyez on Me) before his untimely demise. The truth is that all 2Pac albums were composed of messages. Messages of anger to society, messages of hope for youth, messages of hatred to enemies. ME AGAINST THE WORLD is often seen as 2Pac's most critically acclaimed album. The album is composed of superb production and introspective content that is unparalleled by most albums released nowadays. The truth is however, that the album is basically an extended message that reads as a letter. This message is to the world that Tupac felt abandoned him during a time when he was serving time in jail. A message of forgiveness to his mother. A message of a lost soul. Take the track "So Many Tears". Few tracks have ever captured the raw emotion of a track that resembles a suicide note. "F*ck the world cause I'm cursed, I'm having visions of leaving here in a hearse." Overall, raw emotion is displayed in every verse of this album. Dear Mama, IF I Die Tonight, Can You Get away. The topics are diverse and every track deals with the different nightmares that seemed to haunt Shakur. In the title track Tupac claims that he has "Nothing to Lose" . What he never knew is that the hip-hop world had everything to lose when we lost him.

The people below are stupid idiots
There are two reviews below this one that contain mindless, idiotic insults directed at 2Pac. This is directed at them. It never ceases to amaze me how stupid some kids (yes, I said KIDS) really are. Unfortunately, youth tend to throw up boundaries among themselves based upon personal tastes (music, clothes, etc.) and then call each other inferior based upon them, and the people below are examples of such stupid kids. Clearly, said kids have serious personal problems and need a way to vent their anger, because it is the only explanation for their behavior. Making fun of people doesn't do anything except make you look stupid. And neither does whining about what's really "music" and what's not.

Using exaggerated, foolish stereotypes of "ebonics" usage, they claim all rap fans are stupid posers trying to be cool, and that they're happy 2Pac has died. And yet they expect us to believe they're the ones who are smart and mature, and that all rap fans are dumb. Does anybody who really is mature (and by that, I do NOT mean some zit-faced high school kid) see the contradiction in that logic? Then, they proclaim that rock and metal are the only types of music that involve talent, and that rap is just "talking fast". Anybody who has listened to hip-hop seriously knows just how much talent it really takes to rap, and 2Pac is one of the finest rappers that ever lived. What's even more idiotic is that one of the stupid kids below (the dumber of the two) tried to claim he's read 2Pac's lyrics, when he obviously hasn't. If somebody ever played "So Many Tears" or "Dear Mama" and asked him to call that "talking fast", he would have nothing to say. He'd just stand there looking like the foolish, naive child he is. Do I even need to remind anyone that metal was accused of being mindless noise when it was popular in the mainstream? I remember people who said, "Anybody can pound on a guitar and drums and scream about how much life sucks. Metal is not music. It has no melody; it's just endless screaming" and stuff like that. I have no problem with metal, but damn, some of the people that like it are punks who deserve to be kicked in the balls.

2Pac was a street poet, a man who put years of personal turmoil into his music. Even as flawed as he may have been in real life (with his legal troubles), and even though he had a bad record deal with Death Row (which began his "gangsta rap" career), his lyrics still reflect various emotions - confusion, pain, misdirected anger, and love - that few artists of ANY genre (including rock and metal) have ever managed to capture so perfectly. THIS is the reason why so many people of so many backgrounds (black, white, poor, rich) can relate to what he says in his music, even when he does bring the ghetto into it. There's a good reason he's so well-remembered, and why he'll be remembered for a long time as one of the greatest American musical ARTISTS (yes, I said artist) that ever lived, regardless of what stupid kids think. "Me Against The World" is by far his best album, as it predates his Death Row days and contains some of the most raw and intellectual lyrics he ever recorded.

Fortunately, the good news for those of us who are NOT zit-faced teenagers and really do like 2Pac for his music (not because of this kiddie concept called "posing") will always remember him as a great musical artist and poet. To that end, the people below can go screw themselves. Sooner or later, they'll reach puberty and come to terms with their naivety and anger. Until then, I guess it's more prozac for them.

bestalbum by best rapper ever
This is by far the best 2pac album. Every track is well produced with heavy meaningful lyrics. 2Pac expresses pain and depression so well that it grabs the listener- "I smoke a blunt to take the pain out and if I wasn't high I'd probably try to blow my brains out." Damn... that's some intense stuff. Just to give props where they're due, my favorite song is "It Ain't Easy." I love the beat with the high keyboard melody and the lyrics are great.

Great Album
1 - Intro: This is just a drum beat over several newscasters talking about what happened to Tupac so I usually skip over it.

2 - If I Die 2nite: My favorite song on the album, the rhymes really flow, the beat doesn't seem forced, and the even though the chorus is sort of minimalistic, it sounds really good. My only complaint is when 2pac says at the end kill kill kill, murda murda murda. This "growl" at the end doesn't keep the rest of the tone of the song. - 9/10

3 - Me Against the World: A very competent song, the beat is ok but its nothing special. The rhymes flow like always, and the chorus is ok. It's basically talking about how Tupac is against the world. It's not bad, but it's not great. - 7/10

4 - So Many Tears: Excellent song almost on the level of If I Die Tonight. Talking about whether Tupac would get into heaven and how he's so tired of "the game". I love the beat and the harmonica in the chorus. Because Ja Rule can't make any good beats on his own, the beat from this song was jacked by him, Nas, and Ashanti in the Pledge Remix. I don't know if it's in the original but it really makes me mad that they took an anti - gangsta beat and made it into a gangsta song. Pac was real, you are not Mr. Rule! - 8.5/10

5 - Temptations - This is a good song talking about how Pac is a player and he can't really settle down ever. Excellent chorus saying, "I know you've been searching for someone...". For some reason though, I find my self skipping over this song. I don't know why. - 7/10

6 - Young N***AZ - This a cool track with an instresting beat about a topic I haven't really heard any other rapper talk about before. I like the guys voice in the chorus. - 8/10

7 - Heavy in the Game - Ugh... one of the few bad songs. I hate the womans voice in the beginning. Sort of monotonus. - 4/10

8 - Lord Knows - Ehh... ok. The chorus gets old fast but its decent. - 6/10

9 - Dear Mama - Believe it or not, I actually didn't find this track too special. It was a little too sappy for me. But I guess I have to admit it's good, just not the best. - 8/10

10 - It Ain't Easy: Im sorry, noooo - 5/10

11 - Can U Get Away - Ok. - 8.5/10

12 - Old School - See #8

13 - F*** The World - Now this is nice. About his jail time and the courts whatever. Suprisingly upbeat beat but somehow it works. I like the rhymes and chorus. - 8.5/10

14 - Death Around the Corner - GAHH The weird Mexican guy in the chorus annoys the living heck out of me cause I can't figure out what he is saying. The beat is ok, I like the woman in the beginning and the rhymes is about Pac going slowly insane about his impending death. - 6/10 (Just for that guy in the Chorus.)

15 - Outlaw - The beginning is actually pretty sad to hear but the rest of the song is just a little better than average. - 7/10

Overall a classic album don't let me dissuade you from buying it just because of a couple bad songs.

If I Die 2Night, So Many Tears, F*** The World, and Young N***az are worth buying this album for. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

Imagine if the ghetto got electrified. That's Stankonia, an album ofstreet smarts doused with gasoline and ready to burn. When a thundering electric guitarcollides with a relentless drumbeat on the molten "Gasoline Dreams," it dominates mindand body, setting the tone for the album. Dre and Big Boi spin a world of freaks, poets,preachers, and pimps, but most importantly, possibilities. This music messes with yourhead. --Lizz Mendez Berry ... Read more

Reviews (287)

Stankonia-A Great Album Despite The Haters
After pushing the musical envelope of hip-hop while still being accessible to current hip-hop fans for three albums, OutKast has gone and done it. They've made an album that pushes that envelope to the point that some current hip-hop fans start hatin. They make ridiculous claims that the album is garbage--don't believe them.

"Stankonia" is an album where OutKast mixes other music genres into their hip-hop stew. "Gasoline Dreams" sounds a little like what a Jimi Hendrix hip-hop song would sound like. "Bombs Over Baghdad" has a faster beat than usual for OutKast with influences from Drum-and-Bass. "Stanklove" has a old-school, Prince-like slow funk to it.

The album's lyrics are extraordinary. The chorus of "Humble Mumble" describes the hopelessness of poor African-Americans like poetry. The popular "Ms. Jackson" is much more than its sing along chorus with lyrics that will hit home for a lot of people. "?" asks some deep questions like: ..."

All in all this is a great CD with innovative beats and lyrics, great guest appearances (Erykah Badu, B-Real, Goodie Mob), and nods to genres that predated hip-hop and are heavily influenced by it. It's a sad state of affairs when you have closed-minded hip-hop fans ready to pounce on this album because it's different. Only through innovation does music get better. If groups like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest had made the same music as everybody else at the time, would hip-hop be where it is today?

Don't everybody like the smell of Stankonia?
Anyone who listens to hip-hop, not just the videos or radios, but real hip-hop, knows that OutKast makes better music than anyone working in the genre today, solos or groups. All Stankonia does is further that argument, and prove that these cats are just getting warmed up. Every track here is excellent, though the album does slow down considerably in the last few songs, but slower doesn't mean it's any worse. Let's start from the top: "Gasoline Dreams" cuts right to the heart of what's going on with kids today, and it's guitar line picks up where "Chonkyfire" on Aquemini left off. "Ms. Jackson" is a font of natural wisdom, whose message extends farther than the song's babymama story. "Spaghetti Junction" is one of OutKast's best songs ever, in terms of tight flows and head-spinning rhymes. "BOB" is a beats "at a thousand miles per hour" marathon. "Humble Mumble" sounds like the sophisticated future of hip-hop. and "Gangsta Sh*t" reaffirms that when it comes to walking the line between artistry and representing the streets, no one beats OutKast. in fact, no one beats OutKast at anything they do. Stankonia is Stanktastic, and everyone should own a copy.

outkast!!!
this cd is pretty good. very old school and funky. the stand outs are:

B.O.B.- very nice beat and lyrics by andre 10/10
So fresh, so clean- nice lyrics 10/10
Ms. Jackson- killer beat 10/10
Snappin' and Trappin'- awesome verses by killer mike
" box ya in ya mother f@#%&$
mouth" 10/10
We luv dez Hoez- hilarious song by big boi 8/10

~OUTKAST~ WILL NEVER DIE!~
it's been 11 years and outkast are still ripping it up..in my opinon they are the best group ever!so this is my review below.

Gasoline dreams-4/5-great song!big boi has some great rhymes in this song..

So fresh,So clean-5/5-great song..one of my fav's

Ms.Jackson-5/5-get's old to some ppl,but not to me!

Snappin&Trappin'2/5-I dont care much for this song,get boring quick

SPAGHETTI JUNCTION-6/5-my fav on the whole cd..this is the defination of rap,one of the best outkast songs.kinda reminds me of the oldschool outkast!

I'll call before i come-2/5-this song is plain horrable

B.O.B-5/5-ANDRE SPITS FIRE..GREAT SONG!!!

XPLOSION-4/5-GETS BORING TOWARDS THE END,BUT IT'S OK,GOOD TRACK

WE LUV DEEZ HOEZ-5/5-FUNNY AS HELL,I LAUGHED THE WHOLE SONG

HUMBLE MUMBLE-5/5-REMINDS ME OF SPAGETTI JUNCTION..BUT ERYKAH BADU IS IN THIS ONE.

?-THE RHYMES ARE CRAZY IN THIS SONG..EVEN THO IT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL

RED VELVET-3/5-NUTTIN SPECIAL..AVERAGE SONG

TOLIET TISHA-OK TRACK,THE END IS EMOTIONAL BUT IT'S ALL GOOOD

SLUM BEAUTIFUL-5/5-AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO LIKES THIS SONG?

STANKONIA(STANK LUV)-2/5-I HATE THIS SONG,DEFINATLY THE WORST ON THE ALBUM

overall the cd is definatly a must,worth every penny

Ok Stankonia 4 1/2
This album may take you some time getting used to because its really not in the same unison as their other three classics Atliens, Southernplayastic, and Aquemini (Get this these first so you can hear the real Outkast sound). If you have the first three then you?ll get the feeling that this is a turn left from other three classics as far as song structure and content. Then you may want to throw it away, but give it another listen and trust me the songs will start growing on you. My advice is if you do not like their previous releases then do not get it! But if you do, and like Andre?s singing, like me, then give it a listen.

P.S. On this album you can see where Andre started his singing career. ... Read more

Amazon.com

50 Cent is now a full two dollars, according to pop culture exchange rates. His sheer influence on music charts, and thugs hearts, changed things. So why then on Massacre is the 'hood drama that one would think he'd want to leave behind even more front-and-center than on Get Rich or Die Tryin'? It's hard to say, but 50's developed a questionable gun fetish here. With firearms plastered all over the liner notes, and throughout most of his lyrics--on "In My Hood" he retorts "…I don't go nowhere without my strap"--apparently his nouveau rich status has only accelerated the number of enemies he's accumulated. On "I'm Supposed to Die Tonight" he even awkwardly forecasts Notorious B.I.G.-like, Tupac-ian rap game death scenarios. "Piggy Bank," a virtual diss fest further cements his "How to Rob" persona as Nas and Fat Joe get the lyrical smack down; so does A-list actor Vivica Fox ("Get In My Car") for even daring to consider their rendezvous to be anything more than a fling. Despite beat contributions from Aftermath hombres (Eminem, Dr. Dre), some of the better beats come courtesy of lesser-known beatsmiths like Disco D ("Ski Mask Way") and the always consistent Hi-Tek, whose "Ryder Music" is a sick concoction of keys and haunting vocals. At 22 tracks (with no inane interludes), it's worth the loot, but it doesn't cover up 50's artistic regression since Get Rich. --Dalton Higgins

Co-Conspirators' Greatest Hits

The Eminem Show, Eminem	The Chronic, Dr. Dre	Olivia, Olivia
The Slim Shady LP, Eminem	Hi-Teknology, Hi-Tek	Straight out tha Trunk, Disco D

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Reviews (490)

My god...
It has come to my attention that this "album" has sold over six million copies. That's $72,000,000 that COULD have been spent on helping a third world country or medical research or something, but no, we had to spend it all on a recording of a dull, talentless rapper saying the same thing over and over and over and over again.

What really makes 50 transcend from crap to the legendary Uber-Crap is the songwriting. I swear, 50 cannot write a good lyric. He like, spontanously combust if he tries. Take a look at Candy Shop, a song that was plastered across the country for several agonizing months. Lines like, "I'll let you lick the lollipop" reach new levels of subtlety that man could only dream of before 50 came along. But let's not forget my favorite lyric ever, "Isn't it ironic how erotic it is to watch her in thongs?" Wow...that's...that's just really great, 50. So, was your father killed by a thong or something, or do you just not understand the words your muttering? Ponder that one for a moment.

Oh, but that's just the start of this abomination onto the hip-hop world. I can often picture 50 sitting with a pen and a paper, wondering what can rhyme with the word Man. Hmmm...how about...Man? Ta-dah, 50's just wrote a whole song! But ryhming a word with itself isn't all 50 can do, as he can always find time to jabber on and on about his stupid gangsta life. 50, have you ever tried writing about something OTHER than the streets, or blastin' foolz, or any of that boring crapola? Then I might have a bit more respect for your currently one-dimensional image.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to get across is that 50 Cent is a cancer on hip-hop and the whole music industry in general, so stop listening to him, and start listening to REAL hip-hop, like De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and Mos Def to name a few.

Don't buy this garbage.

I'M SICK OF THIS NIGGA
SOMEBODY GON' PULL A 187 ON THIS MUTHAPHUCKKA 4 STARTIN BEEF.
AY NIGGA I LIKED THIS FOO ON GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN BUT HE FELL OFF.
50 CENT IZ EASTCOAST.
THA 1ST WARD IZ GON' PUT A HIT OUT ON HIS AZZ 4 FUCCIN' WIT COMPTON.
PEACE.

Decent, but no where near as good as last one
I would like to ask a question.Why does everyone like 50 Cent so much?Is it because of his charisma?His voice? or is it just the way his music sounds?Well, all of those things come through on this album, even though it isnt that great.I like most of the songs, but if I had to pick which was the best, I'd say God Gave Me Style.I know that you are not going to believe this, but 50 actually takes time out of the cd to thank God!I was shocked.He actually talked about something that was real and good and not guns, girls, money, or drugs.But that's besides the point.The last album was good because of the beats and the same stands here.50 was never that great of a rapper, but with computers he could make his voice sound cool.So he became a good rapper, but the beats are what make him.The beats are awesome on this cd, handled mostly by newcomers.Dr. Dre only produces 2 songs, but they leave you wanting more of Dre.Overall, this cd isnt very good lyrically, because 50 doesn't talk about much, but it is still a decent cd.I would recommend that everyone takes one listen before judging it.

Other Recommendations
Common-Be (Best album of 2005) BUY IT!!!!!
Memphis Bleek- 534

*****HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT******
I am a huge 50 Cent fan but this cd is absolute garbage.I thoughthis first cd was on of the best ever...up the with the chronic 2001 and other great gangsta albums.He was one of the best..if not the best rapper until this album.He steered away from his old style and decided to go in a different direction which turned out to be the wrong move.There are probably at most 4 decent songs on this album.I mean wtf is this piggy bank crap!!!He needs to stop dissing people it and most of the time when u diss on people it ruins the song.What the hell is happening with 50 and Game.Personally i think 50 is getting a little ROID RAGE over the fact that Game is stealing some attention from 50.If you want an awesome west coast cd go pick up The Documentary from the Game!!

id call it so-so
seriously though is 50 all that good? god question....no.... yes his lyrics are pretty simple guns,girls,money etc. so its ok just not great.... and for all of you who thought get rich or die trying was classic....... your wrong........ it wasnt even that good...... got played out the first 3 weeks it came out just like this cd


PPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAACCCCCEEEEEE but its a ok cd ... Read more

Reviews (89)

this is the most vile album i've ever heard!!!
please don't think for a second that i like rap music. i HATE it, and i'm forced to listen to this album on the radio on the school bus! 50 cent gets worse and worse, first he was singing about pimps and gangsters, which is vile enough. and now he's singing about how good he is at sex. he is a complete showoff. i wish that when 50 cent was shot those nine times, he would have just DIED!!! that's how angry i am at him!!!

Complete B.S.
I've never heard such sugary beats and weak lyrics ever. i would give this album 0 stars if i could. if you want to hear true hip hop check atmosphere or murs. peace

The Massacre Sucks Ass
Don't waste your time on this crappy album. "The Massacre" is selling units simply because of the huge hype machine that is the biggest sellout in the history of rap: 50 Cent.

Get Rich or Die Tryin' was a really good album and 50 is a decent rapper. My problem with him is that he is such a shameless sellout who cares only about making money, not about making great music.

This album is very weak, but like Ludacris, Fat Joe, Nelly and all the other sellouts who are contaminating rap these days, 50 knows he does not have to make great music to have great record sales. Do yourself a favor and save your money for Ready to Die, Life After Death, or one of Pac's albums. The Massacre is trash.

Rap Destroyer
the man responsible for destroying the art of hip hop and the one who benedict arnold us with his dumb love songs...bottom line, dont buy gunit merchandise or albums

you got to be kidding me .....
50 cent again ? his last album was pure garbage and now this new release is even worse ... i mean who would call their album "the massacre" ... this record was basically a massacre from start to finish .... every song on this album shows how 50 cent and his g-unit are totally wack ! 1 star is what this dude gets ... nothing higher nothing less .. just a flat 1 star .... if he ever comes back with a 3rd album ... he ought to just end his career completely ... ... Read more