Reviews (56)

This is what's next
This is the most original CD to be put out in the new millennium. With it's syncopated beats and synthesizer base, Kenna has a strong and amazingly talented backing. At times, Kenna's voice is almost entrancing as he goes from fast paced songs like "Free time" "manfading" and "Redman," to the slower, more melodic "hell bent." In "Rose," Kenna shows his vocal range and natural gifts. He has a natural talent for lyrics and music. In this song he is backed by everything from mainly the piano, to the trumpet to a set of violins. This CD has an amazing range of musical instruments, styles, and genres. Kenna is mixing genres and blurring lines. My love for any type of music has never been as great as when I heard the music of Kenna for the first time. I am as critical about my music as any fan of good music and I can find no flaw in this CD. I got this CD in early summer of '03 and now, 6 months later I still can't get it out of my player, as much as I want to listen to my new "Flaming Lips" CD, I just can't take it out long enough to listen to the whole CD. This CD is what is in the future of music, but Kenna got there first. This CD will become a treasured part of your CD collection as it is in mine.

Best thing next to Depeche Mode
I got a chance to hear kenna's song "Freetime" in the Area 1 Soundtrack. I instantly fell in love with the synth beats that are so 80's.
I could not wait till this album "New Sacred Cow" came out. I was telling all my friends how good Kenna sounds. In his website, he listed Depeche Mode as one of his inspirations for his music.
Kenna has a great, smooth voice; which is a great contrast to his uptempo dance beats.
So many great songs in this album, "Freetime", "Vexed and Glorious," "Red Man," "Hell Bent," "War in Me," pretty much all the songs in the album are great.
This is the best Cd I have bought in a long time. A low price for high quality music that unfortunately doesn't get enough radio play. MTV 2 does show videos for "Hell Bent" and "Freetime." These are some cool videos everyone must see.

Kenna get a heck yea?! ha that was dumb
Kenna is definitely the best one-man band alongside Trent Reznor of NIN. He has perfect vocals and amazing beats... and the thing is that he does everything better than most people who sing alone or make beats alone. This CD is a new genre in its own. It's a kind of music that everyone can enjoy no matter what you are doing, whether it's driving around, sitting alone, making love.. anything. The only CD i can think that is close to this genre is the Postal Service. I recommend this CD to everyone, so buy it.. all the cool kids are.

Kenna is the man!!
Kenna needs to pat himself on the back for this one!...Chad Hugo should too!...This CD is lush, its literally a Masterpiece of work. The production just takes you away...kenna's lyrics has hidden meanings for you to do what you want with the them. Only thing is...its only 12 songs...dam!

Great singer
Kenna is a man who needs no introduction. He is a one-man force. He is a chameleon. He started his first record, New Sacred Cow, with Chad Post (of The Neptunes) three years ago. Fred Durst signed him right away. For years he had to wait for the record to be released. Now he is the person everyone talking about and wondering where he came from. Kenna was born in Ethiopia and grew up in the United States. He happened to go to the same high school as Chad Post who was a trenchcoat wearing new waver back then.

The album is stark new wave electronic music with innovative vocals. This year Kenna has supported Dave Gahan and Fischerspooner on their sold out tours. He was nominated for two MTV Video Music Awards recently and got to sit next to Eminem. Now he has been hanging out with supermodels and everyone claims to know him. I got to hang out with him at the weird setting of Disneyland. We spoke during Fischerspooner's soundcheck. Casey Spooner said later "I f***** Mickey Mouse and all I got was this hat." Go out an get the new album by Kenna and be surprised. This is the new cool. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Is Run-DMC the most important group of the past 25 years? Well, if you believe that the rise of hip-hop is the most significant musical development in a quarter century, what other conclusion can you draw? Though they may not have been responsible for the birth of rap, the Hollis, Queens, trio represents the genre's coming of age. They were the ones who brought what was largely a regional street phenomenon to the masses. The rhymes, the beats, the style, the attitude--Run-DMC introduced it all to the world. Focusing mostly on the group's first three albums--each of them a cornerstone of rap music--this 18-track collection is a reminder of a time when rap enjoyed a kind of childlike innocence: their boasts are forceful but not angry; the beats are simple but exciting; the overall effect (fueled by heavy-metal riffs) is edgy and aggressive, but not violent or destructive. But most of all, it's fun. In the 1990s, rap artists would take Run-DMC's ideas to wide extremes, but the roots of this next generation--gangsta rap's street realism, political rap's social agendas, rock-rap's antagonism--are found right here. Run-DMC--like almost all pioneers from Elvis to Louis Armstrong--suffered a period of irrelevancy when they were looked upon as quaint or outdated, but, their time will come. Rest assured, this is not '80s retro kitsch. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Old school at it's greatest.
I am a huge run DMC lover. This cd epitomizes their career. I think that old school really is the only good rap. I am a fan of metal, mostly, but, old school has always had a place in my heart. I hate new rap, because it's mostly drugs, and violence against women. And most of all, it doesnt sound that good. But old school always is good sounding. That's just me. RIP Jam master Jay

Classic Rap Music
I just read that one of the member Jam Master Jay was killed and am deeply shocked and sad. Run DMC was one of the great artists of rap that were deddicated to their music without promoting violence and lewd behavior. They put fun in rap music. I can listen to this CD all day because the hits are all of the songs that I love. Jam Master Jay is greatly missed by me and his fans.

This it it...
Run DMC emodied everything about rap previous to the debut of gangsta rap. Though I have nothing against gangsta rap it lacked something that Run DMC was teaming with. Perhaps it was their fun-loving attitude, perhaps it was their overall non-offensiveness, or perhaps it was something different all together. Whatever 'this' may have been, it is certain that rappers no longer have it. No rapper or rap group will ever compare to these guys.
Almost every single song on this compilation has either a memorable beat or a memorable chorus. I mean how many rap groups could possibly put an instrumental track on a greatest hits compilation. Jam Master Jay's talent truly shines through on the instrumental track. Although many of the songs sound a little bit similar they are all unique whether it is the content, girls, sneaker, x-mas; or the beats or the attitude of each song. Some songs are boastful like Who's House, and Kings of Rock and some are meek like the famous collaboration Walk This Way. However the point still stands that Run DMC always mamaged to do something different with each of their songs, thus engraving their name into hip hop history and emboding some long lost thing that was never recaptured in hip hop.

Excellent Old Skool Listen
Supplanting the 1991 collection Together Forever, BMG Heritage's 2002 Greatest Hits also runs 18 tracks and shares ten of the same songs -- namely, all the big hits and usual suspects. Of the eight tracks left behind, there are some big ones -- no "Peter Piper" or "My Adidas" -- and the sequencing, while flowing much better than its predecessor, is still non-chronological, which robs the narrative of some power even if the music retains all of it. So, that means we're still waiting for the perfect Run-D.M.C. collection, but until that arrives, this is still an excellent listen and works well as both a summary and introduction to one of the greatest bands of the '80s.

The Best Greatest Hits Ever
How could you not give this 5 stars? This isn't the group that gave birth to rap, but helped take it to the top. This is an album that's fun to listen to, and you don't have to skip through a single song! They sing about why they're the best, (King of Rock, Down With The King), they can get serious,(Can You Rock It Like This, Hard Times, It's Like That), They can rap for fun, (Mary Mary, You Be Illin, You Talk Too Much, Peter Piper, It's Tricky, Christmas in Hollis, Beats to The Rhyme) The thing that impresses me the most is they compliment each other in their raps, like Run will say DMC's the greatest, or vice versa, and they both say Jam-Master Jay is the best DJ, and they ain't tellin no lie, neither! Too bad he passed away, cuz he'll be sorely missed. They don't cuus, talk about sex, money, or drugs, they talk about shoes, Jam-Master Jay, each other, and their own rhymes. Now we can remember the fun dayz of hip-hop! I recommend for any rap fan! Even if you don't like rap you should chech this out. R.I.P. Jam Master Jay! ... Read more

Album Description

10 track B-side collection includes tracks from all 4 oftheir European singles. The import version replaces 4tracks on the US version, 'Dracula', 'The Sounder' (Edit)', 'Rock The House (Radio Edit)' & 'Clint Eastwood (EnhancedVideo)'. Other tracks include, 'Clint Eastwood (Phil LifeCyber Version)', 'Hip Albatross', 'Left Hand SuzukiMethod', '19-2000 (Soul Child Remix)', '12D3', 'Faust','Ghost Train' & 'Rock The House (Enhanced Video)'.Pleasenote the International version features the sametracklisting as the Japanese edition which was released in2001. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Great addition to a Gorillaz collection
G-Sides is a cd with mostly songs that had been released with hard to find singles of the hit songs. It has two remixes of 19-2000, the first one (the Soulchild remix) being extremely good with a up beat groove, the second one being the worst song on the cd. Latin Simone in english is a treat to hear. The Sounder and Clint Eastwood Remix are two songs by Phi Life, and are both very good, even for someone who doesn't like most traditional rap. One of the best songs is Ghost Train, which actually has the feel of moving on a very fast, and haunting, train. Don't overlook Faust though, because about 2:30 into the song, Noodle starts singing in Japanese, which I was thrilled to hear, being a very big J-Pop fan. The cd ends nicely with 12D3, a very mellow song, much like Brother from the first cd. This is a great 2nd album for the Gorillaz, and I can't wait for more.

My G-Sides Review
The second Gorillaz album, called G-Sides, is one rockin' album. It contains 3 remixes, as well as six songs from various Gorillaz singles. Two of the remixes are from 19/2000, and the other is a new Clint Eastwood version. It may have only nine tracks, and last less than 40 minutes, but that's not important. The best part about this album is its sound. Its beats rock, and I think that no one can argue with it. I love every song on G-Sides, even "Hip Albatross" and "12D3". I think Faust has the best sound and vocals by Noodle(Miho Hatori), and 2-D(Damon Albarn). My favorite tracks on the CD are "19/2000(Soulchild Remix)", "The Sounder", "Faust", "Clint Eastwood(Phi Life Cypher Version)", and "19/2000(The Wiseguys House of Wisdom Re-Mix)". But before any kid can owm this awesome album, their parent(s) or guardian(s) should listen to each song, and see if it's safe to listen to. Aside from that, everything else about it is great.

G-Sides
I've been a Gorillaz fan since 'Clint Eastwood' came out and I still like them a lot. All the tracks are quite various and I really like their sound. I normally put this cd in my player when I'm in a good mood. It's fun and original, ideal if you wanna just chill out and don't care much about the meaning of the songs. A big thumb up to Gorillaz!

gorillaz goes remix
this cd contains 3 remixes but thats okay because the remixes
are so good.like 19/2000 (the wiseguys house of wisdom) and
clint eastwood (phi life cyber version).but hip albatross
is good to because the radio sounds of that song is good.
this cd is a b-sides collection.but this cd is
parental advisory so you should be 12 or older to buy
this cd

It makes me mad...
Why did they release this...and then the Space Monkeys album? They could have combined the two and gave us a much longer remix album.

Either way, this is a pretty good [small] collection of remixes and a few new tracks that were previously only on singles. The new tracks are kind of depressing in that they're very slow/sad in the music and the lyrics are a little slow as well. That doesn't mean they're bad, not at all, but they don't really fit in with the faster paced tracks...notably the new Clint Eastwood. That thing kicks. The new raps thrown in just flat out rule. It's just as good as the original.

The music on all the tracks is what this album is about. Not just lyrics. And on another note- the booklet has some pretty cool pictures. One or two are found in the Gorillaz (self titled) LP that came out a while ago. So go for this if you're really into the band. Just don't expect something that'll get heavy rotation in your CD player. I still say they stop doing remixes and just focus on doing a new "real" album. ... Read more

Album Description

2PAC "LOYAL TO THE GAME" Includes the lead single "Thugs Get Lonely Too" in addition to 11 other PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED songs and 4 bonus tracks.

FEATURED ARTISTS INCLUDE:50 Cent, Jadakiss, Lloyd Banks, Nate Dogg, Obie Trice, Outlawz, Ron Isley, Sleepy Brown, and Young Buck.

Executive Producers:Afeni Shakure and EMINEM

Album Produced by EMINEM

Additional Production By:Scott Storch, Red Spyda, and Raphael Saadiq ... Read more

Album Description

Taken from their 2005 album 'Demon Days', this is the first single from Damon Albarn's animated friends since 2003. The title track is backed with the non-album track 'Spitting Out The Demons'. Also available on 7-inch and a DVD (PAL) single. EMI. 2005. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

lowest review ever i did
god the song is good but hell overpriced and only two tracks in the u.k. this would be considerd cheap but here just buy the song on ipod and a free album clip from there two cause this is a rip off and the singledvd is the only real thing you should buy plus you can find this second track in the u.s. realese of demon days so don't waste money on this wait for the full album ... Read more

Amazon.com

On his third studio effort (and fourth overall), 22-year-oldR&B/pop star Usher Raymond makes the not-so-simple transition frompost-teen heartthrob to love man. He does it with solid songs and agenerous helping of charisma and vocal acumen, making this much-delayedcollection a hot summer treat. Usher is aided in his musical efforts byrenowned hit-makers like the Neptunes, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (whodeliver soaring ballads like "Can U Help Me"), Jermaine Dupri, and new jack Edmund Clement who penned the irresistible single "URemind Me." With catchy tracks and emotive vocals, Usher revs up hissex quotient and unleashes a winning blend of street-honed jams andpassionate love songs. --Amy Linden ... Read more

Reviews (157)

Mixed Review
I have been a fan of Usher since I heard the hit "You Make Me Wanna" back in '99. He has a nice voice and the music is fun to dance to. His hits from "8701" are good, but this album is unfortunatly packed with "filler." Usher Raymond seems to be obsessed with internet talk, explaining the amount of U's and R's. While the hits "U Got It Bad", "U Remind Me" and "U Don't Have A Call" (see a pattern here?) are good, the others are just mediocore. I like his song "U Turn" which kind of reminds me of Monica's "Cross the Room" from her album "The Boy is Mine." I don't like the collaborations with Jermaine Dupri. I mean, while he is an OK producer (too many songs ont his album sound the same however) he cannot rap (same with P Diddy). "Can U Help me" is a great slower song, along with "If I Want To." I really cannot believe "I Don't Know" feauturing P Diddy was issued as a single. It sounded like it was thrown together in 5 minutes and thankfully wasn't remixed for P Diddy's newest album. I think this album is good for the hits and one or two good songs not released, so I would give it 3 1/2 stars if they had that option. Otherwise I'd reccomend just getting the CD-singles. My grade for "8701" is a B-

Usher is Back (with some experimentation)
This CD takes a little getting used to. The single "U Remind Me" and the fast tracks "If I want To", "I Can't Let U Go" and "Good Ol' Ghetto" are really tight - they grab you on the first listen because they are so catchy and unique. However, there were some songs I was not too impressed with on my first listen, but with time they grew on me, such as "U R The One." I don't really like "U Got It Bad" or "You Don't Have to Call" - I find them too slow. There is a good mix of slow songs and fast ones - personally I prefer the fast ones. Give this CD a chance - it's worth the money. The slow jam "Can you Help Me" is really sweet. By the way, Usher has also grown vocally - he sounds more soulful. And you probably don't care, but I also recommend Craig David's Born to Do It and (unrelated) the Backstreet Boys'Millenium and Black and Blue as albums that you can listen to from start to finish like Usher.

USHER'S BEST ALBUM
This is Usher's best album. It's better than "My Way", and "Confessions." Nuff said.

Smooth and Seductive R&B...
It is very rare for me to come across a true R&B CD I can listen to all the way through and not change a song on the first listen or on any listen afterwards. Usher's first hit CD, My Way, just displayed Usher's singing ability and also some of his writing skills while his latest effort, Confessions, is definately more adult oriented. However, Usher's 8701 ranks up there with Boyz II Men's II for the quality and smooth R&B it has from the beginning of the CD until the end.

The interludes and intro are well placed but not overdone like they are on other albums. I never was a huge fan of "U Remind Me" when it first came out but it does set the stage for "I Don't Know" and I actually appreciate it much more now. If anything, those two tracks are the weakest tracks on the whole album. "Twork It Out" is absolutely seductive and amazing along with the ballad "U Got It Bad" following in a wonderful R&B fashion that's so amazing and smooth. "If I Want To" and "I Can't Let U Go" are great songs with different beats but they stand out even more so because of their lyrics. "U Don't Have to Call" slows down the beats and the mood before the interlude "Without U". Combining "Without U" and "Can U Help Me" makes up the best set in the whole CD. "Can U Help Me" is one of the most tender and outstanding R&B ballads in a long time (think Boyz II Men in the mid-90s) lyrically, musically, and in every way. "How Do I Say" and "Hottest Thing" run on the same type of theme about praising and admiring a woman while "Good Ol' Ghetto" and "U-Turn" go back to a more party vibe and feel. "U R the One" ends of the CD in a club feel and paves the way to realizing that Usher will have club tracks on his next album too. However, this song has a good vibe and ends off the album strong. 8701 isn't one of those run of the mill R&B albums with a couple of songs that stand out. Rather, it's an album that flows like a story from beginning to end and the various forms R&B takes on the album makes 8701 one of the best R&B records penned in the new millenium so far.

who would have thought..
that this cute little guy by the name of Usher who came out with the awesome "My Way" would grow up to be an arrogant womanizer with about as much originality as Britney Spears. Grow up Usher. Be a man. You either have the talent/personality/ and originality or you don't. Leave r & b and go be one of Brit's back up dancers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

On their sixth album, the Roots backslide a bit on the creative promise they showed with 2002's Phrenology. Instead of expanding into more ambitious and experimental areas--the way Outkast has, for example--the Roots tend to fall back to basics with vigorous, but ultimately conventional, lyricism. There are definitely some truly great moments here: the album opens with near-magic on "Star," a mesmerizing song that is one of the finest of the group's career, and Black Thought is a one-man tour de force on "Boom!" where he mimics Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap down to their velour sweats. But The Tipping Point also has some of their blandest production ever, and, at 10 tracks (plus two hidden cuts), the compactness of the album makes the problem spots stand out more than usual. "I Don't Care" and "Duck Down!" in particular seem derivative and commercially tailored. The main thing missing here is an overall guiding concept, something the Roots have never lacked before. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Cut the Check! Refreshing and Solid. Not worth 5 stars.
I've been bumping this for the past 2 days, in digest mode so that I could write an honest opinion about my homeboys from South Philly, Snyder/Patterson Ave.... The Roots.

This is their 6th studio album and it looks like this time the boys decided to go back to the drawing board to create something that they're core fan base would appreciate. The album overall has that Illadelph Halflife studio production with that organic "Things Fall Apart" twist to it... and they abandon much of the live instrument sound that was prevalent on their last album Phrenology,,,which disappointed a multitude of long time fans including myself. This time Black Thought goes for the jugular with the pure lyricism that hip hop has been dying for. Honestly, Black Thought has always been sharp on the mic by far, but now he sounds more polished than ever, with an astonishing delivery. This is proven on the cuts "Web", "Duck Down", "Guns are Drawn" and "Star/Pointro" which intelligently samples Sly and The Family Stones' "Everybody is a Star". "Stay Cool" is another smooth jazz influenced track reminiscent of the early 90's hip hop...that uses the Maceo Parker horn's and Al Hirt samples that De La Soul used on "Ego Trippin pt 2". But the highlight of the entire album for me at this point is "Boom" where Thought brings the B-Boy back to the game.My jaw is still on the floor. Thought delivers the first verse for Boom as himself and then he transforms into Big Daddy Kane & Kool G. Rap for verses 2 and 3....Amazing! And he sounds exactly like them. One of the best aspects about the Tipping Point is that the album actually sounds like a full length project with continuity with an overall flow that's easy to digest. It will appeal to most of the underground cats...but leaves room for those floating in the mainstream....The Tipping Point offers balance but tips a little bit to the left which is good for hip hop today.

This album honestly sounds more like a Black Thought solo joint rather than a group album. It would have been great to have at least heard a track or 2 with the underrated Logan young bull Dice Raw. But for the most part it's the Black Thought show. The album could have used few more original concepts as well too. And sadly Malik B. seems to be officially out of the group. It would have been dope to see Malik reunited with the fam. If Malik B. would have offered his counter-punches this would have been pretty close to a classic. Songs like "Why" and "I don't care" take points away, because they sound too watered down.

This is definitely one of 04's best albums, arguably the best album of the summer to this point. Definitely worth the cheese. Real heads won't be disappointed. To sum it all up, If you've been supporting these cats since 93(Organix), you'll trully dig the album, and see that it's way more structured than the overated "Phrenology". If you just started listening to the Roots 5 years ago when "Things Fall Apart" came out or when "Phrenology" was released 2 years ago, you'll probably be dissapointed,,,because you see the roots as a band and thats it. The Roots are a multi-dimensional hip-hop group yall. They proved that they can produce through samples on Illadelph Halflife, which is arguably their best album. Those people that just want to hear a live band, go somewhere else, or go purchase Illadelph Halflife. A lot of these mainstream Roots fans seem to be only interested in them for the fact that they play live instruments...its funny to me because it seems as if these folks never digest one word that Black Thought spits out. The Roots are not tree-huggers or neo-soul yall...they are a well balanced hip-hop group and Black Thought is a dope MC and thats that. They can bring it live or through sampling and digging in the crates.
Tipping Point is more so for the real b-boys and b-girls and not the bandwagon cats.

P.S. Rahzel and Scratch are also absent.

Think Illadelph Halflife..a little
This CD reminds a little of Illadelph halflife, following up after "Do you Want More?!?!?" we expected more Jazz/Layed back Roots but got hardcore Roots (if there is such a thing). Do not expect Phrenology Part II, there are no guest appearances (except for "The Mic" which sounds like Dice Raw), still no Malik B, no Erykah Badu, no Scratch or Rahzel, no Jill Scott. It's Black Thought all day, all the time. Maybe it's the solo album Black Thought was supposed to release which is good and bad as I do miss Malik B's complimentary verses on past Roots CD's and Scratch/Rahzel immitating musical instruments. There's also no "Radio Promotion" song like we had with "You Got Me" or "Break You Off".

Track Review:
1)Star- (Old R&B beat, maybe the hottest track)10/10
2)Duck Down- Ok, old school track 7/10
3)Don't Say Nothin- Current Video, beat is kinda weak, lyrics are tight 6/10
4)Boom- Featuring Black as Big Daddy Kane AND Kool G Rap 10/10
5) Somebody's Gotta Do It- Black Thought did it and I didn't like it 6/10
6) The Mic- Posse track about Girls (I thought Ol Dirty was singin the hook lol) 8/10
7) Guns are Drawn- Didn't Like the beat, lyrics are good. 7/10
8) I Don't Care- Sounds like a R&B/rock track, ewwwww 6/10
9) The Web- Sounds like an old Kane-like track 7/10
10) Stay Cool- Probably the second tightest track 10/10
11) Why- Is that "Slow Down" by Brand Nubian?? it's ok 6/10

Prepare yourself for different Roots (for the umpteenth time). Some will like it, some will wonder what the hell happened (again). I'm petitioning to bring back the M-illitant (Malik B).

one of the best rap records of 2004
This may be the best hip hop record of 2004. Although it may not be the best ROOTS album (all of their albums are great), it is a great album nontheless. Whereas PHRENOLOGY was more experimental, the TIPPING POINT is more of a return to straight beats and Rhymes. Worth picking up

WOW!
I've never delved into the Roots too deeply, despite being a hip-hop fanatic. This is album had me on the first listen. The album has a 70s soul throwback flavor which drips off each track. The lyrics are catchy and infectious. When I listen to "I dont' Care" I simply just don't care, as long as the bass starts rockin, drumline fadin' away...

Awesome`
Best CD I've heard in a long time... Rivals Phrenology ... Read more

Amazon.com

Only an artist of Jay-Z's stature could have survived the indignity of In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, his stunningly poor second LP, and remain standing as one of the premier lyricists of his generation. Like Biggie did on Life After Death, Jay-Z diversifies his style here--with the Timbaland-laced "Nigga What, Nigga Who" and the dialogue "Coming of Age" (which revisits the young hustler from Jay-Z's first LP, Reasonable Doubt)--demonstrating that even when experimenting with flow, he can still crush his peers. Though the album falters notably at the end (the lazy funk of "Paper Chase," "Reservoir Dogs," and "It's Like That" could be safely cut without incident), Shawn Carter has nonetheless reclaimed his mantle as rap's leading don. --Jon Caramanica ... Read more

Reviews (353)

Jay-z's best album
This to me is Jay'z best album, the last album I WAS a Jay-Z fan. I can honestly say there are no bad songs on the album(one borderline, I'll get to later). After this, Jay really fell off into the "MTV" pop section of rappers.Let me break down the album:
Hand It Down 9/10: I have NEVER been a Memphis Bleek fan, but he does great on the intro.
Hard knock Life 8/10: This was creative for its time.
If I should Die 8/10: He and Da Ranjahs do a good job
Ride or Die 7/10: DJ Premier produced this and it was Ok
Niggga What, Nigga who 9/10: timbaland's a genius
Money, Cash, Hoes 9/10: Suprisingly good beat from way overrated Swizz Beats
A Week Ago 8/10 :He and Too short do a good Job
Can I get A.... 8/10
Coming of Age 8/10
Paper Chase 6/10(borderline song from usually good tandem of Jay and Foxy Brown
Resivior Dogs 10/10: The gem of the album; six great verses from Jay, Beanie Sigel,The Lox and especially Sauce Money
It's Like That:7/10
It's Allright 8/10
Money Aint a Thing 6/10

So if you want good hip hop, get Reasonable Doubt,but if you want hip hop and pop get this.

Really 4 1/2 stars but there's no rating for that
In times like these where Ja Rule and Nelly are considered hip-hop icons and Lil' Mo is considered a diva, it makes you wanna turn your pages back to 1998 where hip-hop was GOOD. Thus, here's Vol. 2, Hard Knock Life.

Like I said before, every OTHER album Jay-Z releases is a classic, starting with the unf**kwitable Reasonable Doubt. His lackluster second album In My Lifetime, Vol. 1, with the exception of bangers like "Friend or Foe II" and "Where I'm From", doesn't even need to be mentioned. Thankfully, Jay-Z redeems himself on this album.

Haters may complain that Jay-Z watered down his flow and production to get some much-needed airplay and platinum plaques, but hey, rappers gotta eat too. Furthermore, unlike Vol. 1, Jay is more successful with making crossover jams without losing his gangsta. Take "Money, Cash, Hoes" where he explains that though people may criticize the hook of the song, he's a crook on this song. And "Hard Knock Life" has gutter lyrics but it's still being played on the radio.

If there's any flaw it's that Foxy Brown comes off like a Lil' Kim biter with her new nasal flow on "Paper Chase". That and the fact that there's so many guest stars on this album that you may forget whose album this is, but at the same time they make every song the more memorable. This album falls within the classics of Jay's Reasonable Doubt and his The Dynasty album (The Blueprint is aiight too, I guess...).

Jigga Did IT AGAIN!!!
This Iz one of Jiggas hall of famers. Da best songs on there are.... ALL OF DEM!!!!!!!! COP That DISC. IF u a true Jay-Z Fan you'll get it and don't listen to everybody else who says that it's lame or some other junk like that. Make sure u get the album. Peace

What happened Jay?
The first couple times I listened to this, Ithought it was pretty solid. But after a few weeks, the album just starts to blend together as one song. It all starts to sound the same, and since none of the tracks are that good to begin with, that's real bad. The guest don't really add much either, but Jay hardly outshines them. This cd is not, I say again is not, worth the purchase. Buy another Jay-Z album, this one is garbage.

Jigga just DOESN'T represent here
So much has been said about this album, that Jay-Z was "completely in a zone, focused and creative" during the making of this album. After getting a few years of perspective on this album, how can ANYONE say that this album is EXCELLENT or BORDERLINE CLASSIC? How? This album might have sold many units, but top notch records sales DO NOT equal a classic album. Vol.2 Hard Knock Life was hailed by critics and fans alike as some of Jay-Z's best material. I "respectfully" disagree. Here's the COMPLETE review:

Album Highlights: Hard Knock Life, A Week Ago, Money,Cash,Hoes(w/DMX), and N**** What N**** Who. Every other song on this album is ABSOLUTE filler and it's not worth your time in listening to it.

Production: Thumbs in the middle, leaning towards down. Not the best production in the world. Timbaland and Swizz made the best tracks, Everything else is either poorly composed or mediocre at best(check Kid Capri's track).

Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs in the middle, leaning towards down. Jigga represents on the tracks mentioned in the album highlights section. On everything else, lyrically, is not material to gloat about.

Originality: Thumbs WAY down. If Jay-Z would have done this album in a way like The Blueprint, it would have been better, but since NEARLY every song features another artist, this album loses SERIOUS points with me.

The Last Word: Not too much to say here that I haven't said already. Is this album worth buying for the four best songs? Certainly not. Jay-Z didn't slip up with In My Lifetime Vol.1. He slipped up here, and it shows. Overall, I can't seriously recommend this album. But if you consider this a must have of any type, be prepared to be disappointed. Otherwise, don't even bother. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1990, it was still fairly novel to mix R&B songcraft with overpowering hip-hop beats, so this spinoff by New Edition members Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe seemed innovative and exciting. Sadly it hasn't aged well. None of the three are compelling singers, and they lack the ability to plead for love effectively (anyone can demand love, but a true soulman has to convince a reluctant participant). Nor are they imaginative rappers--neither their words nor their delivery stand out. But this disc came before the likes of Missy Elliott, Puff Daddy, Jermaine Dupri, or Dallas Austin made a big impact on the scene. As such it's a fine document of black teenage lust during the Gulf War months. --Martin Johnson ... Read more

Reviews (18)

new jack at its best
i cant say enuff about bbd. from their spinoff debut in 1990 to their most recent release in 2000, they will truly be remembered as one of the most innovative acts in new jack swing. with that said, "poison" established that feat. not only was it a commercial success, but it triggered a domino-effect as everyone was beginning to tolerate new jack swing as the heart of urban music. in relation to the album, every single track feeds off the next. "dope" lets u know right off the bat that they are not new edition. the lyrics are harder-edge, the rapping is pleasant, and the beat is refreshing. it also sets the tone for the rest of the album with their harder-edge, sexually explicit lyrics on tracks like "do me!", "let me know sometihing", and "poison", among others. Towards the end, hints of new edition begin to surface with the surprisingly well-produced ballad "when will i see you smile again" and follows it up with a just as beautiful ballad "i do need you". the only sore thumb is the last track, poison (club version). I still think they could have crafted just one more ballad or two to make the album more complete. nevertheless, "poison" is the essential new jack album. If you enjoyed the new jack era and want to reminisce, "poison" is a must-have.

Ain't Nut'in' Changed
After so many faceless, Guy soundalike albums came out in the late '80s to early-to mid-'90s (II D Extreme, Basic Black, Intro, Today, Arb, Le Gent, Force One Network, Lo-Key, Mind, Lorenzo, ect.), its important to give credit to the "new jack swing" era's most creative and imaginative figures, Bell Biv DeVoe. Formely of New Edition, the trio is comprised of Ricky Bell, Michael Bivens, and Ronnie DeVoe. Bell Biv DeVoe got a range of producers for its debut album, containing the popular, established hitmakers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Public Enemy producers Hank and Keith Shocklee. The results would be the most tough-minded, hard-edged blend of R&B/funk and hip-hop the era had ever seen. Poison was unlike anything New Edition had ever recorded, departing from the usual and customary Jackson 5-influenced "bubblegum soul" New Edition was originally known for. The sounds were funkier, and the hooks, lyrics, and vocals were sexier.

The overall arrangement would payoff. Poison hit No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 5 on the Billboard 200, unleashing five hits, two top five hits on the Billboard Hot 100 ("Poison" No. 3 and "Do Me" No. 3), and three top ten on the R&B charts ("B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)?" No. 1, "She's Dope!" No. 9, "When Will I See You Smile Again?" No. 3). "Poison" was slingshoted by a driving skipping hip-hop beat. The song mixed their sweet, well-honed harmony singing with tough, aggressive R&B funk with even a blend of Rap. "Do Me!" "B.B.D. (Thought It Was Me)?" and "She's Dope!" followed the same route. B.B.D. returns close to the New Edition sound, with the excellent new jack ballads (two of the finest the genre has to offer) "When Will I See You Smile Again?" and "I Do Need You."

Along with Guy, Bobby Brown, and Keith Sweat, Bell Biv DeVoe delivered some of new jack swing's greatest material. While most "New Jacks" waisted their time trying to be Guy clones, Bell Biv DeVoe took a daring risk to distinguish their own sound and style and the results were un-describable. Unfortunately, the sounds of new jack swing wouldn't survive the '90s, but for the brief run new jack swing had (late-'80s-early-'90s) it was the finest music we had seen in the last twenty years, timeless. Poison is arguably the greatest new jack swing release, only to be rivaled by Bobby Brown's Don't Be Cruel, Guy's self-titled debut, Keith Sweat's Make it Last Forever, and to a lesser-degree Boyz II Men's Cooleyhighharmony, Troop's Attitude, and Tony Toni Tone's The Revival.

old days
Aww I remember poison. That was the JAM! They were all good while it lasted.

New Jack's Most Creative Outfit!
Bell Biv Devoe stormed onto the urban contemporary scene at the height of new jack swing. Coming off an impressive run with New Edition with "Heart Break" and Bobby Brown's breakthrough success with "Don't Be Cruel", their was so much anticipation for their debut release. It's safe to say the spin-off group answered the expectations more than they initially hoped for.

Debuting as the No. 1 r&b Album, "Poison" spun off FOUR hit singles, with two topping the charts, and was basically all the rage throughout 1990 and an early part of 1991. From the urgency of "Do Me!" to the pleading of "When Will I See You Smile Again" to the rawness of "She's Dope!" to the lighter convey of "I Do Need You", B.B.D. successfully departed from the bubblegum sound of New Edition that claimed there name to fame and was the one of the first new jack outfits to acquire a harder-edge. Many other urban and pop acts were to follow in their footsteps, but harder-edged "new jack swing" began on this monumental release. They single-handedly transformed new jack, and would domino-effect the genre's dominance of the urban audience for a couple of more years.

To add more prudence to their signficance, there is not a dud track. From the booty-shaking, be-boping, get-on-the-floor-and-dance new jack cuts to the slow-burning, convincing ballads, B.B.D. put together a hell of an album! Even the club version of "Poison" is distinguished from the original! Unfortunately, this would be the pinnacle of B.B.D.'s career, save for the babyface smash "Something In Your Eyes" on their sophomore release, and is essential for casual or die-hard new jack fans.

Posterity, Please!
All those new jacks out there somewhere... you know there's either a tape of this album under your beds, or else there should have been. With tracks like "Poison" and "BBD... I Thought It Was Me", Bel Biv Devoe hit the big time even if only for a short while.

Thing is, the time, the production, the place, it was all perfect. Over 13 years later, it's not as hard-hitting or as listenable as it was then, but respect must be paid. Some essential new jack tunes for a new jack era. ... Read more

Amazon.com

How Eminem was able to assemble so many credible emcees of today and yesteryear (Jay-Z, Rakim) to endorse his Holly'hood coming out party is anyone's guess. What is clear, however, is that (dare we say it) the Shady One might be growing up. On "Lose Yourself" Em abandons his callous, hardcore posturing to write thoughtful hood-centric coming-of-age lyrics that would make Melle Mel proud. On "Battle," Gang Starr's Guru tears through a sick beat from rap's most prolific producer, DJ Premier. Sadly, Nas wastes more valuable studio time dissing Jay-Z (ho hum) on "You Wanna Be Me." Interestingly, once you get past the living-legend love-in and peep the skills from Em's lesser-known Shady Records roster of underground wordsmiths, such as 50 Cent ("Wanksta") or Obie Trice ("Adrenaline Rush"), you might urge Em to consider giving up his thespian pursuits to become a full-time record executive. Not even the baffling inclusion of Macy Gray's humdrum "Time of Your Life" can sink this project. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (61)

rapper to movie star to exec does not a soundtrack make
Eminem stars in the new movie 8 Mile under the direction of critically acclaimed director Curtis Hanson. Now only if the soundtrack was under the direction of a professional music executive. Instead we are given shameless filler promotion of Shady Records [with or without the promotion, the artists on it are likely to "Sell half" anyway, so why bother? Why not put some good rap music in? Old school songs that may have inspired Em? For rap and hip hop fans, Obie Trice has to be one of the worst debut rappers since, well...Bizarre. The production value is fair, and that's saying alot. The album doesn't much follow the movie [as Eminem had promised], and besides the lead single, there isn't much to look forward to. Hell, there's even a Macy Gray song [what was Em thinking?!] and a Boomkat [who???] song to fill up the rest of this lackluster. Burn it from the internet. Then tell me if it's "hot".

2nd Best Soundtrack of The Year! :)
This is a sick soundtrack.One of the best of the year.Most of the songs are bumpin.I would strongly recommend buyin this.
1.Lose Yourself-a kik azz single. 5/5
2.Love Me-good song with eminem,50 cent,& obie trice.sick. 5/5
3.8 Mile-a long eminem song.g unit has a remix of this. 5/5
4.Adrenaline Rush-good song by obie trice. 5/5
5.Places To Go-One of my fav. on this cd.awsome.5/5
6.Rap Game-another fav. song of mine. 5/5
7.8 Miles And Runnin-every soundtrack could use a jay-z song.freeway drops on here too. 5/5
8.Spit Shine-one of my fav. xzibit song.great beat. 5/5
9.Time OF My Life-a macy gray song.i hate it. 1/5
10.U Wanna Be Me-nas attackin jay-z.good song. 4/5
11.Wanksta-second single by 50 cent.nice. 5/5
12.Wasting My Time-i hate this song. 0/5
13.R.A.K.I.M.-i havnt listened to much rakim,and this song makes me love him. 5/5
14.Thats My Ni!!a Fo Real-this songs ok. 3/5
15.Battle-ive always love gangstarr and this track jus adds to their talent. 5/5
16.Rabbit Run-good song with no hook by eminem. 5/5
TOP 5=Rap Game,R.A.K.I.M.,Lose Yourself,8 Miles And Runnin,Spit Shine

CRAAAAP
feminem decided he needed a bit more side-money, so he fooled all y'all "fans" into buying another one of his bull$h!t cds. except this time he's added all these other pop rappers into it to make u think its even better. STAY OFF HIS D!CK MUTHAF%CKAZ AND LEAVE HIS ALBUMS ALONE.

This cd kicks bootie u should buy it ! !
This cd is a must for big Eminem fans, it has some of his big hits like 8 mile, rabbit run, and lose yourself. Plus other great songs from D12, (eminem is a member of D12) 50 cent and, Jay-z. The only thing i don't like is Macy Gray her 2 tracks their ok, but don't really go with the cd. Over all this cd is great and I'm go glad i got it. If u wanna im me my screen name is POPCORNPIG10593 we could talk about music. My E-mail POPCORNPIG10593@aol.com c ya lata!!!!!

GREAT RAP MIX
1st of all great cd. great mc variety. here r da pros n cons.

pros: how did em get such great mc's(rakim, nas, jay-z,obie trice, xzibit)? most of the songs kick ass, great beats, great lyrics, tight rhymes, every song has this xcept 4 the two wack songs (find out below)

cons: the macy gray and boomkat song suck! well, they might not suck, but the songs really shouldn't be on the 8 mile cd, since they are not rap. and y are nas and jay-z on the same cd? they h8 eachother, and the nas song is a jay-z diss (...)

GREAT CD! BUY THE MOVIE, N BUY THIS CD ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

De La Soul are remembered as the premier Native Tongues posse, those rappers who got low-key, self-consciously thoughtful, and jazzy in the face of gangsta's hardcore threats. But A Tribe Called Quest may have been even stronger, especially on their excellent second album, the bass-thumping, heavily jazz-sampled The Low End Theory. According to the opening "Excursions," rapper Q-Tip's old man says the disc's jazz-rap "reminded him of bebop," and Q calls himself "prominent like Shakespeare." But if Charlie Parker had ever written poetic couplets and backed them with funky-drummer and Ron Carter-on-bass grooves this irresistible, he might have been as big as the Bard and Brother James combined. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (113)

Hip Hop Tour de Force
In one defining moment, A Tribe Called Quest made a classic CD as well as opened possiblities to what Hip Hop (and music) could become. This makes the Low End Theory one of the most important Hip Hop CDs ever made. If the Native Tongues (De La Soul and Jungle Brothers) added fresh new colors to Hip-Hop, then A Tribe Called Quest were the Michaelangelo of their time and the Low End Theory was their Sistine Chapel. Check the Rhime, Vibes & Stuff, and Verses From the Abstract were all sounds that hip-hop fans had never heard before. The Tribe took obscure, yet masterful jazz abstractions and anchored them with heavy, low end beats. Add in Q-Tip's enigmatic flow and a game Phife (check him on Butter and Scenario) and the resulting music was more fun than Be-Bop and is still light years ahead of most of the hip-hop in your CD player right now. Never before had rap artists put in such work to fuse beats, melodies, lyrics, timing, and thought into a relevant musical effort as ecletic and stomping as this CD. As a group, a Tribe Called Quest raised the bar in Hop-Hop at a time when it needed raising (Hammertime, Young MC, anyone?) and for that, the heads are eternally grateful. The Low End Theory crystalized the the Tribe as legends in the rap genre and still makes a definitive statement about creativity, innovation, and artistry in modern music.

Quite possibly the best rap album ever made.
You should not be reading this. If you don't own this album, read no further, just buy it now! You cannot go wrong with this disc even if you're only a casual rap fan. This is Tribe at its best. If you know anything about rap, you know that Tribe is as good as it gets and therefore their best is better than any other hip-hop CD available.

This album has everything you could want from A Tribe Called Quest. Q-Tip is almost perfect. Phife is not far behind, and Ali has never been better at laying tracks down. 'Nuff said about the group.

The two tracks that include guest apperances are better than almost all other rap collaborations out there. "Show Business" features Brand Nubian and makes it seem like they are part of the group.

"Scenario", on the other hand, is perhaps the best rap song of all time. The highly underappreciated Leaders of the New School are the guests on this joint. If it weren't for this song, Bustah Rhymes would not have the career he has now as a solo artist. Verse to verse, this song nearly reaches perfection. Phife's intro is spectacular (although out-dated with a reference to Bo Jackson). Charlie Brown (where are you?) follows with, in my opinion, a fantastic verse from the best voice around. Next is Dinco D with his super-fast delivery that was later rivaled by Das EFX. Q-Tip follows with the shortest verse, though not even close to the weakest. Then comes Bustah. If you don't know by now, don't waste any more time. Stop reading and buy it now. You won't be disappointed.

To wrap up, just get it if you don't have it. If you already have it, thank you for your time.

A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory
If People's Instictive... was a classic, then this album was even better. It gave Phife Dawg a chance to shine in his own right (see "Butter") and Q-Tip was sounding better than ever, especially on "What" and "Verses from the Abstract". Everyone knows about the posse cut "Scenario" with Leaders of the New School (Busta and Brown rip it), but don't forget about another posse cut, "Show Business" with Lord Jamar, Sadat X and Diamond D. This posse cut is just as good as, if not better than, "Scenario".

Flawless Perfection
These are some of the words to describe the Tribes second album I bought it and it is now one of my most listen to albums this thing is butter and the whole thing just blends and is smooth as a babies bottom are JJ Reddicks jumper you pick.As I said this is a perfect album and it even has jazz musisian Ron Carter live on some songs just flawless masterpiece.
1.Excurtions-This one is a classic song 10/10
2.Buggin Out-what a verse by Phife Dawg on this 10/10
3.Rap promoter-a smooth song Q-Tip does good nice 10/10
4.Butter-Phife got like 5 verses on the album this is great 10
5.Verses from the abstract-Just another classic on here 10/10
6.Show bussiness-This one is a posse cut 10/10
7.Vibes and stuff-no doubt this is no filler on here 10/10
8.Classic example of a date raper-also great song 10/10
9.Check the Rhime-Great by both of them a classic single 10/10
10.Everything is Fair-Great chorus on this album 10/10
11.We've got the jazz-what a beat for them 10/10

12.Skypager-Even this is not really even filler still smooth 10
13.What-Busta Rhymes should have been on here to his beat 10/10
14.Senario-The Banger of Bangers features L.O.N.S. 10/10
This is like illmatic in that it sounds like one big song 48 minute song this thing is great by Q-Tip and Phife Dawg
Lyrics 10/10 Production 10/10 X Factor 10/10 Style 10/10 Voice10
Music 10/10 Innovative 10/10 Classic 10/10 guest 10/10 Blends 10
Overall=100 wich means 5 Mic classic *****Classic.

Check the TRIBE!!!!
1991 was a GREAT year in hip hop. I was glad to see Organized Konfusion, Public Enemy, Ice Cube, Main Source, and others drop GEMS. Also, A Tribe Called Quest with their second album. This album is one of the greatest EVER, and it's production(and lyrics as well) is what pushed it over the top. If you didn't feel the impact on their first album, you DEFINITELY felt it on this album. Here's the review:

Album Highlights: NO filler, but the HIGHLIGHTS are Check the rhyme, Buggin out, Butter, Show Business(w/Brand Nubian & Diamond D), Jazz, and Scenario(w/Leaders Of The New School).

Production: Thumbs up, Ali Shaheed's BEST production ever.

Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up.

Originality: Thumbs up.

The Last Word: The GREATEST album from the ATCQ catalog. Most artists' second album usually cannot touch their first, but the Tribe did it, and they did it in style and grace. A STRONG RECOMMENDATION for this album if you don't own it. Don't be left out on owning one AWESOME album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jay-Z's classic debut is a compelling reflection on his life as a hustler. It's invested with an uncommon complexity and candor that has noticeably faded in his later material. Armed with clever phrasing and sly deadpan wit, Jay-Z navigates indulgent romps ("Can't Knock the Hustle"), thought-provoking introspection ("Regrets"), and devastating street-corner soliloquies ("Friend or Foe") with savvy composure. The beats on Reasonable Doubt, provided by the likes of DJ Premier & Ski, are as irresistibly slick as his persona. "Brooklyn's Finest," his mic-passing session with his friend Notorious B.I.G., takes on a torch-passing significance in the wake of Biggie's death. That song, and the entire album, foreshadows Jay-Z's subsequent ascension to kingpin status. --Del. F. Cowie ... Read more

Reviews (155)

2nd Best CD Of All-Time
Jay-Z's debut album was a great one. I believe that this is the second best CD, behind 2Pac's All Eyez On Me and just barely beats Nas' Illmatic. There are many classic tracks on this CD such as Brooklyn's Finest (featuring Biggie), Can't Knock The Hustle (featuring Mary J. Blige) & Dead Presidents II. Coming Of Age, Feelin It, D'Evils & 22 Two's are also bangers on this album. Can I Live & Bring It On have some really hot metaphors in them. ("It gets tedious/ So I keep one eye open like CBS" from Can I Live)
If you are just starting a rap collection, or you want to hear some older Jay-Z, this is the album for you. I honestly haven't met anyone that ouldn't give this album 5 stars. My review is the 60th for this CD and everyone has rated it a 5. Must be some truth behind it.

Below is my track rating (1-5):
1. Can't Knock The Hustle - 5
2. Politics As Usual - 4
3. Brooklyn's Finest - 5 (One of my all-time favorites)
4. Dead Presidents II - 5
5. Feelin' It - 5
6. D'evils - 5
7. 22 Two's - 5
8. Can I Live - 5
9. Ain't No Nigga - 3.5
10. Friend or Foe - 4.5
11. Coming of Age - 5
12. Cashmere Thoughts - 4.5
13. Bring It On - 5
14. Regrets - 5
15. Can I Live II - 4 (The original is better)

One of the Best Debuts in Hip Hop History
1996s Reasonable Doubt was the stunning Debut by Jay Z.This
album has the best of his rapping on it besides the guest appearances Jay Z at this time was a veteran Battle and Freestyle from Brooklyn he even beat Big Daddy Kane in a battle
wich is something he also Beat DMX in a battle it was the song
with Foxy Brown that made him a star but it is Dead President's
that is the Classic on here.Here are my reviews

1.Can't knock the Hustle f Mary J. Blige this one greeaatt 10/10
2.Politics as Usual-Good 8/10
3.Brooklyn's Finest f Notorious B.I.G.-Good but does not have
much rapping on it I have heard both do better 8/10
4.Dead Presidents !! he took a Nas sample and made it into a hot
song this one could be a Top 10 song ever.10/10
5.Feelin It-yes he was great Lyrics 10/10
6.D'Evils-DJ Premier Beat enough said 10/10
7.22 Two's-A Freestyle feel to it 10/10
8.Can I Live-Produced by Irv Gotti Later Bitched in 03
in the dreadfully horrible Rain on me Ashanti. 10/10
9. Ain't no _-f Foxy Brown only good thing about it is off
keyed Production other then that it sucks 2/10
10.Friend or Foe-I believe it was produced by Primo
11.Coming Of Age f Memphis Bleek awesome rapping on this song
the rapping is great 10/10
12.Cashmere Thoughts-I Liked 9/10
13.Bring it on f Big Jaz his partner in 88 10/10
14.Regrets-I likeed this one he talks about getting out of the
Hustling game 10/10
15.Can I Live !!-Not Great 4/10 only Bonus Track
I gave this album a perfect scor but remember to Also buy this with Illmatic at the store.

My Favorite Jay-Z Album
This is a great, must have album! Every song on it is great but here is my top 5 songs:
1. Ain't No N*gga
2. Dead Presidents II
3. Brookly'n Finest
4. 22 Twos
5. Can I Live

His greatest cd, but he bit a lot from other rappers
This was the definitive work to Jay-Z's career, but didn't even really get the credit he deserved. The lyrics were on point the album was a classic. But he did bit an anwful lotta stuff from other artists. He bit stuff from Nas, Az, Wu-Tang, Pac and Big and didn't give any credit to them. But then again this is the man who made biting acceptable to the general public. (the morons most of them are) He even bought the best outta Memphis Bleek, which sounds impossible. Too bad his best verse came on somebody elses cd.

The Only Good East Coast MC Out There
No offense to people in the eastcoast, but in my opinion, I don't really like Eastcoast rap. But for Jay-Z, it's different. He has great lyrics, great beats & great flows. The best songs on this album are "Ain't No N****", "Dead Presidents II" and "22 Twos" Ain't N N*gga includes great Jay-Z vocals, and some awesome beats. With this album, Nas doesn't stand a chance against Jigga. ... Read more

Amazon.com

On their second album, the multiplatinum trio TLC have given up most of their debut's tomfoolery and have matured into a very modern deep Southern soul, watered and nurtured in hip-hop culture. The album's centerpiece is the magnificent "Waterfalls," a revival meeting of new jack swing, gospel, and Prince (whose "If I Was Your Girlfriend" they turn inside out). Their spare, surprising arrangements rely on the kind of live instrumentation they single-handedly brought back in style. Lyrically, CrazySexyCool concentrates on love at the point when it's grown deeper but also more frustrating--for every great love song there's a great cheating song--and the group's singing and rapping balances sassiness with depth and nuance.--Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (115)

This is TLC's best album to date.
No wonder this album took over the charts. Nearly every song is a hit. CrazySexyCool show-cases the group's unique talents and skills. "Creep, Diggin on You, Red Light Special, and Waterfalls, and Let's Do It Again" take advantage of T-Boz's unique, husky voice. "Take Our Time" makes good use of Chilli's pristine R&B sound. I also like "Kick Your Game." I don't like "Case of the Fake People" so much. "If I was Your Girlfriend" sounds just a little too much like Pebbles (remember Girlfriend?)and I usually skip over this track. Overall, there is an excellent blending of T-Boz and Chilli's vocals, combined with Left-Eye's rapping, hip-hop feel (especially on Waterfalls) to make the party songs and ballads urban and street-like. The songs transmit positive messages (Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes) which is an added bonus. T-Boz has excellent song-writing skills. It's hard to name a favorite because there are so many great tracks to choose from, but the vocals and production on "Diggin on You" are outstanding. Excellent work, TLC!

DIDN'T CREEP TO THIS....
CrazySexyCool was TLC's masterpiece. All that could be united in an album from pop to hip hop, from R&B to rap, this album has it all. TLC got rid of the funky funny image that they have portrait with their debut album. Now they approach to a much mature audience, being sexy and social aware. "Waterfalls" the undeniable highlight of the album, perfectly describe the newer issues that affect today society in a perfect slow hip hop, "Creep" the first single release was a urban attempt, that fitted so well in TLC style, and focused on the cheating guys!, the love songs were well represented by the ballads of "Diggin' On You", and the sexyness was fullfil by so many sensual R&B tracks, "Kick Your Game, Red Light Special(wow!), If I Was Your Girlfriend, Take Our Time", and the funkyness wasn't left out here "Case Of The Fake People, Switch", overall, TLC's CrazySexyCool could be labeled as a perfect soundtrack of the middle 90's, and represented more than 10 million copies sold!, incredible this has to be the ultimate TLC album, and the best they ever crafted, and makes us realize how much they're gonna be missed.

Ooowwwwwwww! What a HOT CD of TLC!!!
Holy smoke!!! This CD is the BEST and HOTTEST CD of TLC of Creep, Driggin' On You, Red Light Special, Waterfalls and Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes is the HOTTEST music!!! I love I mean LOVE the Intro-lude and Intermission-lude is the HOTTEST beats!!! If you all haven't gotten this CD then grab it and play it and you will get your goose bumps UP!!! What a HOT CD I promise you all that! Dang! TLC, if you all 3 gurls ever read this: guess what? I would say I would pick CrazySexyCool is my FIRST favorite CD of y'all than Fanmail (second favorite) and than Ooooohhh On The TLC Tip (third favorite)! Love ya all! Tyson Love from Robesonia, PA

Crazy Sexy and Cool
This Is A Great Album:

Intro-Lude:Its Good 4 An intro 7/10
Creep:I Love the song and the video 10/10
Kick Your Game:Not bad But not good 6/10
Diggin' On You:The beat's really nice 10/10
Case Of The Fake People:I Love it!!!!!! 11/10
CrazySexyCool:6/10
Red Light Special:Great beat Great Song 2 dance 2 10/10
WaterFalls:Great song Great video best on the album!! 11/10
Intermisson What&Why?:3/10
Let's Do It Again:Same as Kick Your Game 6/10
If I Was Your Girlfriend:I Love It!!!!!! 11/10

Sexy:5/10
Take Our Time: Same as Track 3 and 10 6/10
Can I Get A Witness?:5/10
Switch:Good Song 10/10
Sumthin' Wicked this Way Comes:Great song 2 end a great album 10/10
2 thumbs up CrazySexyCool ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still not chasing waterfalls...
It has been almost ten years since this came out. I was six years old, so I didn't really know what these songs meant. My sister had the CD and she played it tons of times. A few years later it was scratched, so she threw it out, but I bought it this year. I must say, they don't make music like this anymore!

Intro-lude: It's a good introduction to a great CD, featuring Jermaine Durpi and Phife. 8/10

Creep: A great song with horns. It also has a great music video. 9/10

Kick Your Game: The song has a great beat and when Lisa comes in, she shines. 9/10

Diggin' on You: I don't really like the "sexy" songs on the album. This is is smooth and quiet; You can fall asleep to this song (but that's a compliment!) 6/10

Case of the Fake People: Kind of a remake of "Backstabbers" by The O'Jays, this song has a great beat and a great message. 9/10

CrazySexyCool - Interlude: T-Boz just goes on about what CrazySexyCool girls act like. 5/10

Red Light Special: Kind of like Diggin' on You. 6/10

Waterfalls: THE GEM OF THE CD! I've played this song so many times and it never gets old. The two storylines in the song (a drug-dealing kid and a man who got HIV) and the chorus teach many lessons, such as "think before you act." Some people accused TLC and the writers of stealing from Paul McCartney's 1980 song, also titled "Waterfalls," but in my opinion, TLC's version is better. (Paul's version was something like "Don't go jumping waterfalls, please keep to the lake" and "Don't go chasing polar bears"). Lisa's rap is also one of the most inspiring things I ever heard! The music video is also great. 11/10

Intermission-Lude: Lalala. Same thing as the Intro-lude without lyrics. Good transition if you listen to the CD straight through. N/A

Let's Do It Again: A nice and sexy song. 7/10

If I Was Your Girlfriend: A remake of Prince's song. A very good one at that. 9/10

Sexy - Interlude: Chilli calls Sean Combs in a prank call. Very funny. 8/10

Take Our Time: I don't like this one for some reason. In the beginning, it sounds weird. Nevertheless, I find it stuck in my head sometimes.

Can I Get a Witness - Interlude: I hate this! I don't like Busta Rhymes' voice in this and I hate the way Lisa says "crazy," "sexy," and "cool." 1/10

Switch: A fun song, though it doesn't really fit the sexy theme of the CD. The beginning sound is taken from the oldie "Mr. Bigstuff," but I'm not complaining.

Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes: It starts off with Andre from OutKast rapping (A very good rap, by the way) about crime. Then the girls come in and Lisa raps about how she feels. Another gem. Great song and voices. 10/10

Overall, this CD makes me think back about the early and mid 90s when music was good. Most of the songs on here are great and meaningful. Some say that it didn't have enough Lisa, but I think thats good, because her voice is not as sexy as Chilli or T-Boz's. I hope she rests in peace. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hip-hop continues to grow up, expanding beyond the 'hood and outside of its American birthplace. Like France's IAM or Britain's Dizzee Rascal, this Canadian rapper puts a unique internationalist spin on contemporary rap. K-os is a skilled rhyme-slinger who openly loathes "bling rap" ("Emcee Murdah") and who harks back to rap's golden era on cuts like "B-Boy Stance," a James Brown breakbeat-fuelled number. However, like Andre 3000 and his "Hey Ya" pop affectations, K-os's strongest material might be the tunes that are the least hip-hop-inspired. Between the foot-tappin', finger-snappin' "Crabbuckit" (with a rhythmic backdrop that mimics Ray Charles's "Hit the Road Jack"), the reggae-pop mix of "Crucial," and the wily Michael Jackson impersonation of "Man I Used to Be," the wide array of musical reference points show rap's sonic possibilities. The ultramodern blend of frenzied turntable scratches and classical strings on "The Love Song" is reason enough to cop this. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Ill Mcing + Outstanding Production = Future Classic
First of all, I would like to say that I am a huge KMD fan. I consider them to be one of the best crews of the 90's, their work is simply amazing and they have contributed to elevate the Hip Hop art form. Rest In Peace Subroc.
Now, as a solo artist, MF Doom is an incredible MC, he is definitely up there with Rakim, Krs 1, Kool Keith, Del and Guru; he is an inspired wordsmith with a flow that manages at the time to be raw and sophisticated and has a unique voice.
However, personally, I have more doubts about his production skills. Everybody is saying that operation doomsday is a masterpiece but aside from a few tracks, I wasn't really feeling the beats. I felt that the beats that he crafted did not really maximize the potential of his rap delivery.
On Vaudeville Villain, the team on the boards (composed of King Honey, Heat Sensor and Max Bill) managed to make some incredibly innovative and consistent music. The production has a very good sound and innovation does not affect the melody and the funk of each track.
The collaboration therefore is flawless. Even more than on Operation Doomsday, MF Doom has proven with Vaudeville Villain that he is still one step ahead.
This album really blew me away, it really deserves a five stars rating (unlike most of Amazon's reviews) and even if time will tell, I believe that it is a true classic, a masterpiece that elevates the Hip Hop art form.
Buy it.

4,5 stars. Excellence...
I'll spare you the normal anti-commercial hiphop crap, it's been done and said too many times. And if you are checking this you already know about MF Doom, or at least that he exists.
This is easily one of the best albums this year, which has seen many excellent releases. Doom takes on another persona, that of viktor vaughn but it's still the same old Doom. The cartoon vocal samples are still present and give the album a bit of an old-wu-tang feel (which I love). Same goes for many of the productions, done by a host of producers that I have never heard of, except RJD2 on saliva. This gives a varied sound that is kept together by the aforementioned samples in in- and outros and it's gritty sound. Some of the cuts (modern day mugging for instance) remind me of prefuse 73. The beats will definitely appeal to anybody looking for fresh sounds, fans of older wu-tang or stuff like defjux.
MF Doom has a very typical voice that stands out on any track. It sounds a bit like Nas, only more raw and more bugged out. Lyricwise it sometimes reminds of ghostface killah or kool keith. The lyrics are excellent and filled with originality. The flow is tight and fits well over the beats. That brings me to the only weak point of this album. Chorusses are almost non existant here, which makes it less accesible for more mainstream oriented audiences. And since underground hiphop is becoming more and more popular it would've been a nice touch to this almost perfect album. Nevertheless, if you can dig pure lyrics over very tight and original beats you don't miss it, I don't.
Just buy it already.

V. Vaughn the travelin Vaudeville Villain...
For a long time MF Doom in all his forms has been my favorite emcee. His layed back flow, his raspy lisps and genius wordplay make him undergrounds finest. Now if only i could get that Operation Doomsday album...

What Can I Say It's Doom's world
MF Doom's best solo album yet, even though Operation Doomsday was a masterpiece.

He has already surpassed Kool Keith as the king of the concept album and alter ego.

His rhymes and his beats are spectacular. The Metal Face villain has struck again.

And the last track with the 3:00 rain storm before the song is really eerie, I just wished that song would have kept the same beats throughout the song.

My favorite tracks on this album are:
"Vaudeville Villain"
"Drop"
and "Saliva"

My favorite verses from the album:
"V Vaughn the traveling Vaudeville villain, who doesn't give a give a flyin' f#*k who ain't not feeling him."

"Viktor the director flip a script like Rob Reiner, the way a lot of dudes rhyme their name should be knob-shiner. For a buck they likely dance the jig or the huckle buck to Vik it's no big deal they're just a bunch of knuckle f#*ks."

"Write a rhyme like a book report. Sell it to a rookie -- you can tell by the hook he bought. You ain't know he sells hooks and choruses. They couldn't bang the slang if they looked in thesauruses."

Lyrics to go....
Doom straight taxes fools on the lyrical tip, this album defines how hard Viktor Vaughn is on the mic. GET THIS ISH!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Having re-invented himself as psychedelic masked rapper MF Doom (not to mention alter egos King Geedorah and Viktor Vaughn), Daniel Dumile--formerly KMD's Zev Love X--has fittingly teamed up with producer Madlib, who's no stranger to aliases himself (see Quasimodo, Yesterdays New Quintet). Rap formulas of the day are given the boot on Madvillainy; most of the 22 tracks clock in at around two minutes and many cuts consist of Doom spitting one long verse. Nobody chops up jazz standards and reworks them into SP 1200-induced soundscapes better than Madlib, so the warbled strings and unpredictable tempo shifts on "Strange Ways" and the flipped accordion sounds on "Accordion" carry the texture of a jazz record. While Madlib's predilection for piecing together cryptic found sounds can get a bit tiresome, Doom's self-deprecating narrative of a man "on a fast track to half-sane" is genius and madness all rolled into one big blunt. Yep, on "America's Most Blunted" he gloats about being "nominated for the best rolled L's." While "Rainbows" proves that Doom shouldn't ever sing--and yeah, his scratchy, drawling flow is an acquired taste--he's still "got more lyrics than the church's got 'Oooh Lords.'" This is rap for frying your brain cells, and we all know they need a good cooking every now and then. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (48)

WRITTEN IN COLD BLOOD W/ A TOOTHPICK
Without a doubt, this is my favorite album of the year so far. Madlib, and DOOM don't release wack material, Madvilliany is no exception. From beginning to end we are blessed w/ Madlib's incredibly memorable beats topped w/ DOOM's unique style on the mic. There arent any songs to skip @ all, but my personal favorites include, Curls, Strange Ways, Fancy Clown, Eye, All Caps, Great Day Today, and Rhinestone Cowboy. Pick this up ASAP regardless if you've heard of these cats or not. You'd have to be deaf not to be feeling this album.

the best of both doom and madlib
This album is an mind altering trip through the half-linear minds of the two supervillains behind the moniker Madvillain. MF DOOM drops a several tracks of continuously adept and surprisingly coherent lyrics, and Madlib provides some of his most concentrated and tasteful work. I will buy anything with Madlib's name on it, and I haven't regretted it yet after hearing Jaylib, both of the YNQ lps, his blue note release, and some of the Quasimoto CD. What is different about his work on here is that things finally seem to have a context. His stevie wonder covers are meandering and noodling, and some of his blue note remixes can be a little aimless, but this album has a strong concept (thanks, probably, to DOOM) and Madlib does some of the most thickly evocative things I've ever heard him do.
The intro is an expository collage of vocal samples, and it is followed by the simple one-trick Accordion, which features some very fine vocal work. Meat Grinder has an excellent laid back beat, then Bistro feels like another intro by DOOM with a nice retro R&B backing track. Raid picks up the energy of the album right after a deceptive jazz reference, and America's Most Blunted is a very thickly weeded tribute to marijuana. It is probably the most well done track on the CD. After this point there are a few filler tracks (Sickfit, the nonsensical Shadows of Tommorow, Eye) and too short one verse DOOM pieces (Curls, Mint Test). There are also some better single-length tracks like All Caps, and Great Day, which finds Madlib in Yesterdays New Quintet mode, shifting between beautiful II-V progressions in the background.
I am consistently amazed with Madlib's work on this CD. He goes from oblique soul samples (Fancy Clown) to obscure kitsch bits about mary jane, to unusually literate jazz references in between songs. His patchwork is an incredible balancing act, as the production drifts in and out of the foreground, never overshadowing DOOM's interestingly playful and haphazard rhyme schemes.
I would really like to hear the demos and unofficial stuff that leaked on the internet, because a lot of this material feels like it could have been less cut up; it seems like a preview or a commercial for something that's a lot more dense and substantial and raw. That's not to say that Madvillain is disappointing; it's just too short.

MADeliciousvillain
Incredible original muscial composition mix full of beats, lyrics and authenic flow. Lovin Accordian, Cowboy, Meat Grinder, just to throw out titles, but realistically speaking the joints beats & blends complement and vibe so well it is often times difficult to separate the tracks, on the strength. If you love underground with substanitive lyrical content then you need to add this classic to your collection.

Subpar
When it comes to underground hip-hop it is difficult to apply judgment in a manner that can be deemed fair. It seems that fans of the underground are too willing to look past shoddy production, underwhelming quality, and just plain bad product simply because they want the underground to succeed. But if we want this type of music to thrive, we have to hold it to high standards. This is why Madvillainy ends up being a disappointment.

Madlib is an extremely unreliable DJ. He simply puts out too much for his quality to be consistent. It doesn't seem possible that the man behind the crazy genius that was Quasimoto could have made these tracks. But this inconsistency has shown over a lot of Madlib's work, from the intolerably boring Jaylib productions to the heads-only Yesterday's New Quintet.

Madlib just focuses on jazz too much and not enough on making a dope production. Sometimes he uses samples just because they're weird, even when they disrupt the flow of a song. The feeling that pervades Madvillainy is one of disarray, as if Madlib and DOOM got together one rainy evening and just cut an album.

DOOM is also inconsistent, which make these two almost the perfect pair. I couldn't stop spinning "Vaudeville Villain", but some of DOOM's other stuff is pretty bad. I have to give him respect because DOOM can really drop a rhyme. He can make you think and make you laugh, and he does it all with a very unique presentation. On this album he just doesn't feel on point.

With the exception of a few tracks the album is mostly a miserable, disjointed, unsatisfying affair. The problem starts with the first track which is a two-minute long chopped together spoken piece introducing Madvillain. It sounds like a teeanger put it together from television audio snippets. Then DOOM drops in on Accordion and MeatGrinder and you think things are picking up ... until you realize each track was about two minutes long. After that there are some obscure instrumental tracks, DOOM talking about some Bistro, some guest MCs that are pretty whack, and so on.

A few tracks stand out. MeatGrinder has a good flow, but is too short. Accordion has some good jokes but no overall cohesion. RAID is cool, but also suffers from being too short. But the most criminal track has to be "Strange Ways". This track could have been one of the dopest in either Madlib or DOOM's stable. But just when DOOM gets going, dropping a choice verse about suicide bombers, Madlib cuts him off and plays about a minute of this idiotic cartoon audio. The dumbest part? It's the audio track to a cartoon about sight gags. If I knew Madlib I would have punched him for that one. We get it, Madlib. You're alternative. Now can you let the guy rap?

The album also forces you to suffer through some Madlib MC-mumbling, complemented by Madlib as Quasimoto repeating the same annoying rhymes he's been repeating since he dropped the Quasimoto album (we keep it clean / like a washing machine ... we smoke a lot of weed ... weed is cool ... etc). It's a mess, and not something I would recommend spending your money for.

decent
Let me just say, that as far as beats go, or melodies as some prefer to call them. This album is pretty damn good. I applaud Jaylib for his production. Now MF as far as his lyrics isnt that great. His songs sound and resemble freestyles more than actually written verses, and that feel can make songs disjointed and irritating to try to follow. Also, the songs tend to range no longer than 3 minutes which is fine as well. But there are definitely some treasures to behold on this album as well. I think it's a good listen for any underground fan, especially with a sense of humour and tolerance for MF's antics. I.E. "Fancy Clown" where he reprimands his girl for cheating on her with himself. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The very epitome of "been there, done that," LL Cool J also has the distinction of having originated (or, at least, being the most proficient at) half a dozen rap styles. On the hits collection All World, all the phases are represented: he was "hard as hell" on 1986's "Rock the Bells" and again on 1991's "Mama Said Knock You Out"; on 1987's "I Need Love," he was the painfully sappy precursor to Boyz II Men, but he had the formula down pat for 1990's "Around the Way Girl" (and then he went sappy again on 1995's "Hey Lover," a collaboration with the Boyz); and 1988's "Going Back to Cali" found him stylin'. He's had his ups and downs and managed to produce only a couple of truly killer albums, but LL's first dozen years show that he's left his stamp on nearly every facet of the hip-hop world. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (37)

This album will "crush you like a jelly bean".
In receiving this album you'll be blessed with 16 classic rap tracks from probably the greatest of all time. It starts off with "I Can't Live Without My Radio", the first track off LL's debut "Radio". THEN you get the most famous line of old school rap:"LL Cool J is hard as HELL!" It really takes you back. LL goes hard on tracks like "I'm Bad", and on 1990's "Mama Said Knock You Out". He takes on Kool Moe Dee with the diss-fest "Jack the Ripper" and "Jinglin', Baby", where he tells Dee to "pass the wine cooler you big black....". Of course, no LL album is complete without the slow, affectionate songs dedicated to the ladies. The first is "I Need Love", his first hit to top the charts, then comes "Around the Way Girl", which is possibly the best hip-hop ballad of all time. Then, big L chills with the classic "Going Back to Cali" and then on the upbeat "Boomin' System", all jams full of life today. This album will be played over and over again, mainly for the variety you get. The only downside is that 1989's "I'm That Type of Guy" is missing, and it is sorely missed. But songs like "Big Ole' Butt" and "Back Seat" make up for the egotism displayed on that track. Don't miss it. Crank "Mama Said Knock You Out" and then decide who's the G.O.A.T. LL's been through more bull than any other rapper, and "All World" is just a start of what is to come.

GOAT? Maybe.
In 1987, I was nine years old and this older kid that I knew gave me a bunch of 45s that he had. One of them changed my life forever. The record was by this guy named LL Cool J and the song was "I'm Bad." It was the first time I'd ever heard a hip hop record and I've been hooked (obsessed?) for the past 15 years.

Uncle L has gone through several incarnations and I really don't like anything that he's done since MAMA SAID KNOCK YOU OUT (except for the brief period when the lion was re-awakened by Canibus) but fortunately all the classics are here: "Radio," "Rock the Bells," "Mama Said Knock You Out," and of course "I'm Bad" showcase the self-proclaimed baddest rapper in the history of rap itself, while he still speaks to the ladies with "I Need Love," "Jingling Baby," "Around the Way Girl" and depending on how you look at it, "Big Ole..."

Yeah, LL Cool J in 2002 isn't the same that was LL Cool J in 1991, but nothing great lasts forever. But his work changed my life and I can always relive that with this.

Pretty Good......But
One of LL's strongest suits is that he could take on all comers in the rap game, step his game up whenever and crush 'em (see Canibus). However, one diss record in particular got left of this compilation which was more deserving than "Jack The Ripper", and that was "Till The Break of Dawn" originally on the House Party 2 soundtrack. That record pretty muched sealed Kool Moe Dee's fate and put Ice-T in his place for even thinking he had enough lyrical skill to battle LL. Of course, since this LP came out in '97, I guess we'll have to wait for the song 4,3,2,1 as well as the ultimate diss that ruined Canibus's brief career on his G.O.A.T. LP. However, the remix for "Rock the Bells" is one of the most vicious singles ever released in hip hop and should have been put on this cd as well as the remix for "Doin it". I guess you can't have everything I suppose. But it's an okay compilation.

DYNAMITE ALBUM OF LL's HITS!!!!!
I went and got this album when it came out in '96! Very dynamic album of his hits! He was RUN-D.M.C's stiff competition from 1985-1988, but he had his own agenda in rap. The '85 songs are still raw, the '87 music is still mesmerizing, the one '88 offering is still blistering, the '90s songs were all unique. He proved that rappers could do ballads and still keep their uptempo hardness with I Need Love. I saw him in concert last year and he really tore it up. Excellent revolving lights swirling behind him and his DJ was hot. He had the crowd on its feet too! He is a testament to longevity in rap and most of today's competition needs to use him as a model for their ongoing success. His songs are diverse and he's always challenging himself too with his songs. This is a dynamite album for its 73 minutes--he selected the right and best songs for this collection!!!!!

THE WORLD OF LL.COOL J.
I LOVE THIS CD I LOVE LL COOL J. I LIKED HIM DURING THE 1980'S AND EARLY 1990'S HE DEFINITELY HAS MAD SKILLS I LOVE JUST ABOUT EVERY SONG ON THIS ALBUM . BACK IN THE 1980'S HE WAS ALL OF THAT . I LIKED HIS MUSIC AND I ESPECIALLY LOVE HIS LIPS HE OWNS A SET OF SEXY LIPS ; NOT TO MENTION A HOT BODY AND HE HAS SKILLS TO GO ALONG WITH IT. I USED TO LIKE TO SEE HIM WITH HIS KANGOL, HIS THICK ROPE CHAIN, HIS GOLD RING THAT WENT ON ALL FIVE FINGERS, HIS ADIDAS SWEAT SUITS, AND HIS ADIDAS TENNIS SHOES W/ FAT LACES."OH MY GOODNESS!!!! MY FAVORITE IS GOING BACK TO CALI I LOVE ALL OF THIS MUSIC LL.IS ALL OF THAT MY GOODNESS HE STILL LOOKS GOOD AND STILL CAN SING WELL !!!

MY FAVORITES ARE : GOING BACK TO CALI, RADIO, I NEED LOVE , AND ,MANY OTHERS. THEREFORE IF YOU ARE A LL.COOL J FAN OR IF YOU WERE ONE BACK IN THE 1980'S THEN THEREFORE I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU BUY THIS CD!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The splicing together of nu metal, rap, funk, and sterile electronica laced with dark melodies as infectious as anything Britney has to offer inspired 6 million people to purchase copies of Limp Bizkit's Significant Other. With Chocolate Starfish, they perfect their formula. From the electro-infused "Intro" through the contagiously chugging "My Generation" to the straight-up rap of "Getcha Groove On," Chocolate Starfish is a slick, clinical, and flawless platform for Fred Durst's effortlessly savage--and occasionally unintentionally comic--sociological rants geared toward disaffected youth. Ultimately, though, it's that undeniably intelligent musical backdrop--the brooding guitar sound that gave the Mission Impossible 2 theme haunting new life and menace, and that defines "Hot Dog," "Full Nelson," "My Way," "Rollin'," "Boiler," and "It'll Be Okay"--that makes this a seething work of genius. The fact is, with rap and rock saying pretty much the same thing, Limp Bizkit have plenty of competition. They just do what they do better than everyone else. --Dan Gennoe ... Read more

Reviews (1018)

Limp Bizket has lost their touch
The best Limp Bizket album of all time is by far 3 dolla bill. All following albums have been mediocre and satisfy nothing more then the pure MTV neo hardcore audience that want to be with the "in crowd" at junior high school. Just attend a Limp Bizket concert and you will see amazingly young people running scared from the mosh pits with wild eyed fear. Lord knows they then go home to tell their friends that they had "a BLAST" at the show, "moshed the entire show" and "almost got into a fight with a two ton gorilla." The CD does show some effort however with catchy guitar work and reasonably decent mixed backbeats, but thats about the extent of it. Fred Durst is in with the whole Carson Daily, Kid Rock, Eminem TRL crowd that everyone seems to love today. In other words Durst is the Christina Aguilera of hard rock/rap core and it was quite fitting to see them together on stage at this years MTV Video Music Awards. If you want a truly innovative CD I recommend Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory, any Deftones CD, Taproot - Gift (Fred Durst doesnt much like Taproot for some reason *shrug*), or any Pitchshifter cd. Hope this helps.

Disappointing.
When the history of post-Nirvana rock is written, Chocolate Starfish will probably have a worse reputation than it deserves. I say this because it wasn't until after Limp Bizkit put out this album that I really noticed any comparisons of nu-metal to 80's hair metal. After seeing the heights Limp Bizkit was capable of in Significant Other, watching them crash with this one is all the more painful.

What is wrong with this album? In a word, filler. I don't mind filler on albums, as long as it doesn't distract the listener from the good stuff. The filler on Starfish, however, is either bad, or entertaining in its badness (like an Ed Wood film). It sounds as though Durst realizes his conflict with his ex-girlfriend has finished, but he's still angry. Probably the biggest mistake is starting out with "Hot Dog", Mr. Durst's ode to his favorite four-letter word. I might have been able to forgive this, had it not been for the track that immediately follows. I didn't expect "My Generation" to have any connection to my favorite song by The Who, but when Durst launched into the chorus with a cheap imitation of Roger Daltrey's stutter, I became so incensed that the rest of the album, was, for a intents and purposes, ruined for me.

Although there are some reasonably good singles ("Boiler," "My Way"), the bad tracks make this purchase questionable for anyone who isn't already a Limp fan.

Who'z in Tha Houze?
"Limp Bizkit Presents Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water"...Definitely one of the funkiest titles I've heard in my lifetime so far. And, I'm sure it wont be the last. Funkiest is definitely one word to describe this album. Its got a nice blend of Rock and Hop-Hip. A testament of that is "Rollin'" (both Air Raid"Rock" and Urban Assault"Hip Hop" Vehicles), "Getcha Groove On", and "My Generation". Tho LB has lost a bit of their Punk edge that they had with "Three Dollar Bill$ Y'All", there's still a hint of it in the song "Full Nelson". This years (and into 2001) angst anthem(s) are definitely "My Generation" and "My Way". The track "Getcha Groove On" feat. Mr. X to the Z (Xzibit)has got a nice beat going there made by DJ Lethal. And the collaboration with Scott Weiland on the melody ballet "Hold On" is reminisant of "Nobody Like You" of last years "Significant Other", only softer. There are also spoken cameos from actors Mark Wahlberg, Ben Stiller, Pro Skater Rob Dyrdek. This album wont compare to LB's breakthru "Three Dollar Bill$ Y'All" But it's a good album..more of a experimental album but like Wes Borland said,"I think we have a solid fan base that will buy it, no matter whether it's shunned by the mainstream or not,that's who we made it for - them (the fan base), and for ourselves." Die-hard fans of "Three Dollar Bill$ Y'all" will probably look at this album in disgust, Fans of "SO" will like this album....but if you're like me..both a fan of "3DBY" and "SO" and welcome changes in the music world then you'll enjoy this album.

the best limp bizkit album ever!!!!!!!!!!
1.intro-9/10 very good beat in the intro.fred did a good job on this intro.has the alien voices in it,there are pretty good.<br /> 2.hot dog-8/10 this song is good.good beat and guitar sounds.this song would have had 10/10 but it got 8 because the lyrics are nothing but the F word over and over again.He says it 48 times in this song.<br /> 3.my generation-10/10 AWESOME song.everything in this song is good.<br /> 4.full nelson-9/10 this song is pretty good.fred sings about how he was bullied all the time and how he would knock anybody out who picked on him.this song will pump you up to fight anyone who messes with you.good song though.<br /> 5.my way-10/10 absolute awesome song!!!lyrics,beats,guitar,everything in this song is great!<br /> 6.rollin {air raid vehicle}-100/10 The best song on this album!!!!!great for when your cruising around in your car.everything in the song iS GREAT.<br /> 7.livin' it up-9/10 a good rap and rock song.beat is alright.guitar is absolutely awesome!lyrics are awesome too.<br /> 8.the one-5/10 this song is ok.not rock or rap.not much to say about this song.<br /> 9.getcha groove on-10/10 very good rap song.fred and xzibit did a great job on this song.great beat and lyrics.<br /> 10.take a look around-9/10 the classic mission impossible song.beat and guitar is great.lyrics are alright.it's pretty good.<br /> 11.it'll be ok-7/10 this song is not bad.everything but the lyrics are good.lyrics are slow.<br /> 12.boiler-3/10 this song isn't really good.all it's about is fred's problems.<br /> 13.hold on-4/10 this song is fair.that's all i can say.<br /> 14.rollin [urban assualt vehicle]-10/10 great remix.fred,dmx,red man and method man did a good job with this song.this is the rap version.very good song.<br /> 15.outro-6/10 great outro.just like the intro.it's good until they start talking.the guy that starts the talking is annoying.<br /> <br /> <br /> WARNING:I STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU GET THE EXPLICIT VERSION OF THIS ALBUM.THE EDITED VERSION SOUNDS LIKE CRAP.HOT DOG IS ALMOST NOTHING BUT INSTRUMENTAL.TRUST ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />

The most underrated album ever
Rolling Stone was smart enough to give it 3 1/2 stars, Amazon.com was smart enough to give it a rave review, and everyone who rated this album under 4 stars is dumb enough to bash this album for reasons that they are unaware of, I'm sure. People, grow up. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's hard to imagine two more talented hipsters than Floetry singer Marsha Ambrosius and emcee Natalie Stewart, a.k.a. the Songstress and Floacist. The U.K. duo's Floetic debut has it all--smooth R&B, soulful jazz, hip-hop, spoken word, supple ballads and a warmth that cradles the listener from beginning to end. In short, it's exquisitely, decidedly feminine. The pair occasional raise the roof with sizzling rhymes and beats, but they clearly place a premium on vibe, evident in Floetic's mostly chilled, after-dark feel. Jill Scott and Michael Jackson have already benefited from Floetry's deft songwriting; Jacko covered Floetry's "Butterflies" on his Invincible disc. A demo version of that song is included here, but that's the least of the bounty. "Hello" is pure honey with the women's silky voices braided in harmony while the dreamy, gently gurgling "Sunshine" is like a soundtrack to a daydream. Comparisons abound (Lauryn Hill-meets-Dionne Warwick as scored by a blunted De La Soul maybe?) but perhaps the best description of Floetic yet unearthed is "sass and soul." And, at almost 70 minutes long, it's a steal. --Kim Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (134)

Best debut I've ever heard!
I must say I was very impressed wit this album from the very talented Floetry - quite frankly I was blown away, even after I dismissed the first single "Floetic". Every track is brilliantly prepared, and the 2 bonus tracks (Butterflies demo and Now You're Gone) are excellent. Even if you are not a fan of Natalie's spoken flows (which are very good), Marsha's voice is enough to keep anyone listening, Here is my analysis on each song:

1. Big Ben - hypnotic intro, but you'd prefer to skip it after the first few listens
2. Floetic - i was NOT feeling this song. i do not like it at all. its sound is not very catching, especially for a 1st single
3. Ms. Stress - wonderful! nat and marsha work very well 2gether on this song.
4. Fun - upbeat, nice song. it doesnt knock you off ur feet but still a nice song
5. Sunshine - this song makes you think. very relaxing
6. Headache - also very good. not too mch to say about this record, but its good
7. Possibilities - kinda like the intro, you'd prefer 2 skip it over after the first few listens. not that its a bad song, yo'd just be in a hurry 2 hear the better songs after it. emotional song, inspiring
8. Say Yes - hypnotic! this should've been the 1st single. very sexy song and its a definite "cut jam"
9. Hello - not much 2 say about this song. its wonderful tho
10. Getting Late - another cut jam... its got a innocence to it. very pure, but still sexy
11. Hey You - everyone can relate to this song. its another floetry slow jam, and its wonderful
12. If I Was A Bird - very pretty. almost predictable lyrics, but the way marsha sings makes it seem all brand new
13. Opera - ok song... u have to be in the mood for it, but if u are then its grade a quality
14. Mr. Messed Up - faster song where marsha takes the lead. nice song
15. Butterflies (bonus track, demo version) - if u heard the micheal jackson version, you heard this. they sung the hook on mj's version and aside from a lil difference in the vocals. still good tho
16. Now You're Gone (bonus track) - one of the best songs on the album. THERE IS SO MUCH EMOTION IN THIS SONG! Its my personal favorite. i cried the first tyme I heard it

GO GET THIS ALBUM! ANYONE WHO KNOWS GOOOOOD MUSIC WILL APPRECIATE IT! ITS ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES OF 2003

Positive Lyrics & Uplifting Messages Welcomed
The Philly females that make up Neo-Soul RnB/Rap group Floetry are very talented women, women who still have positive insights on political issues, love & the world. If you pop this into your cd player, you won't hear no drug dealing, no sexual encounters, and absolutely no bullets flying through the air. Just inspirational lyrics over smooth instrumentals that would be right at home in smokey underground jazz clubs that open their doors at midnight. As usual though, the true musicians in the industry today will be overlooked for artists that sell strictly on their look alone, and its a shame, for this album should not be slept on.

The ground-breaking special effects in the video for the album's first single "Floetic" was a very smart move. Without these, the video most likely would not even get noticed, because the women that make up Floetry actually keep their clothes on in the video, something rare in the world today. The album is very diverse, the topics range from many different issues, however songs are still enjoyable instead of feeling like your in school. Tracks like "Fun", "Sunshine", "Headache" & "Possibilites" are all hot as hell and will definetly keep the attention of fans of Erykah Badu or D'Angelo.

The album is also laced with gorgeous ballads such as "Say Yes", "Hey You" & "If I Was a Bird". Fans who don't understand the metaphors & poetic invisions imbedded in the Neo-Soul music will think these girls are insane and speaking some form of gibberish, but for those who can, they will find themselves agreeing with their opinions & spiritual offerings.

The debut album from these women is very impressive and I hope to hear a great deal more from them in the future. Its rare today in this industry to find artists that can keep it real, by speaking of topics that affect everyone's lives. No matter what age you are, listening to this album will benefit you. These soul sistas are doing something truly amazing and I can't wait for them to hit us hard again. Keep an eye on Floetry because they are doing their thing, while also advancing the Neo-Soul movement.

The reviewer that said the CD is ok is crazy
The CD is excellent!!!! This is grown folks music. Turn off the lights and light a candle to listen to this CD. I will buy anything they release.

You need to release stress....
I love this CD, the beats are mellow and so soothing. You won't be disappointed.

actually not that good - but the six songs that are are...
AMAZING. Many songs on this album are a drag, and are extremely boring. But the six good songs are catchy, meaninful, with a soulful beat - great hip hop. I absolutely love "Floetic" "Big Ben" "Ms Stress" "Say Yes" "Hello" and "If I Was A Bird". I especially love "Floetic" and "Say Yes". Little drops of sweet heaven. All in all, quite a bland album with some genius songs, though. I guess it is worth buying for those songs. ... Read more