Album Description

THE DOCUMENTARY, (Aftermath/G Unit/Interscope), the debut album from The Game (a/k/a Jayceon Taylor), announces the arrival of the most significant West Coast gangsta rapper since Snoop Dogg more than a decade earlier.With guest spots from 50 CENT, NATE DOGG and several others, as well as producers from DR. DRE to KANYE WEST to JUST BLAZE and tracks such as "How We Do" feat. 50 Cent, "Like Father Like Son," "Church For Thugs," "Dreams," "Where I’m From" and "Westside Story," THE DOCUMENTARY resurrects the truth, spirit and hope of hardcore rap. ... Read more

Album Description

There's one name ringing louder in the rap underground than any other right now-Mike Jones. Who? While an indie Swishahouse, the freestyler garnered sales of more than 250,000 CDs, sold-out shows from Cleveland to Indianapolis to hometown Houston, shouts from Jay-Z and DJ Clue during an "MTV Direct Effect" episode, a deal with Reebok, and a clothing line. Now he lands a major label. Soon everyone will know: Who Is Mike Jones? ... Read more

Reviews (83)

Who? I don't wanna know
Everyone knows hip hop is firstly about the lyrics and on that side Mike Jones is straight rubbish: He constantly repeats the same few lines over and over again, there is nothing lyrically new or innovative on this cd and Mike is constantly outshone by his guests especially Paul Wall and Slim Thug. Some of the beats are real tight especially "Still Tippin". For true hip hop heads this is definitely one to avoid simply because there are so many more talented rappers in the south right now.

mike jones thinks hes WILL SMITH!!!!!
mike jones thinks hes will asmith becuz mike jones talks about the gangsta lifestyle that the infamous big willy created!!!!! if there was no will smith there woulda been no swisha house, no nwa, no c-murder, mobb deep, or the bloods and crips cd!!! mike jones thinks hes hardcore like my main man willy!! man switch is my cut!!!!! mess round wit will smith ull wind up in da LOST AND FOUND!!!!!! holla back will!!!!

Perfect
It is True Stuff said By aGreat Rapper. This songs have tight Beats. Enjoy

Pretty good
I liked it.I have to admit that he does repeat himself a lot and I like it on some songs but as others have said it can also be annoying on some songs (or overall, if you listen to the entire cd from beginning to end).It is funny too if you hit next on the cd player on the latter half of the disc just about every song begins with him yelling "MIKE JONES".The big songs are "Still Tippin" and "Back Then" which most have heard by now.Those are also prob two of the best on the disc.Although, I do prefer "Cuttin" over "Back Then" personally.The original version of "Cuttin" is on a Mike Jones teamup album with Magno called "1st Round Draft Picks" (back in '03, Still Tippin is also a recut).Which by the way, is a 5 star album in my opinion.Mike and Magno play off each other so great and Mike says his name A LOT less.He says it, but not anywhere near as much.Anyway, overall Who is Mike Jones? is a good album with 3 standout songs, "Back Then", "Still Tippin" (the best), and "Cuttin".I give those 3 songs 5 stars, but give the overall album 3 stars.

terrible just terrible
wow.... i like how he says his name a milloin times and his cell phone number like another 1000 times....... no thanks id rather pick up chamillionaire mix tape mesiah. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Eminem's fourth album offers few surprises, but still enough pleasures to carry the day. As evinced by Em's pre-election, pro-voting "Mosh," this is not exactly the same Eminem who seemingly crapped on anything and everything. Encore finds a surprisingly mature Eminem waxing reflective about his battle with Benzino ("Like Toy Soldiers") rather than unloading both barrels. However, it's not all elder statesmanship: "Puke" goes after his ex-wife Kim with incredible scorn, and "Big Weenie" brings the familiar juvenile humor that made him famous. If Encore has a clear weakness, it's the bland production--the same plodding sound that he and Dr. Dre cooked up on the previous three albums. The exotic flavor of "Ass Like That" catches the ear, but many others run off the same monotonous minor-key melodies and tempos. Of course, people buy Eminem albums to hear him spit first and foremost, and, in that regard, few fans will be disappointed by Encore; it'd just be nice to see him switch up his sound at some point. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Amazon.com

Think what you want about Ludacris, but no one can deny that he is hip-hop's king of choruses. Luda's hooks are big, brassy, and loud; they're tailor-made for club crowds and radio programmers. Some songs, like "Get Back," practically sound like one long hook, every line a potential anthem. At times, it's easy to forget that Ludacris knows how to rhyme too. His taffy-pull verbal style isn't as lyrically intricate as Nas's (who appears on "Virgo") and can't match Trick Daddy's thuggish bravado ("Hopeless"), but few other rappers exude his level of charisma. On "Number One Spot," Luda acts like he's strong-arming his way to the top, but it's really charm that propels the charge. Even on a song like "Two Miles an Hour," dedicated to "those who spend more on their car than their relationship," he's more clever than clownish in selling the concept. Red Light District has its share of filler, but, track for track, Ludacris still delivers satisfaction. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (722)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (496)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (886)

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

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

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

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

I rate this CD a very respectable FOUR stars:

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

Patiently Waiting and 21 Questions are near stars.

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (844)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

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

Recommended Jay-Z and Linkin Park

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

... Read more

Reviews (99)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Album Description

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (567)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com essential recording

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

Reviews (212)

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

My Top 5 for both discs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (36)

CJ Great Album From A great Artist!!
I was very impressed with this album.Normally before I buy a cd, I try to find a person who has it so I can listen to it to see if I like it.This cd I didn't really do that.I kinda just took a stab in the dark and I think I hit something.I bought this cd the first week it came out, because it was pretty hyped.From start to finish, this cd is excellent and I don't normally skip any tracks, unless it is to get to Lord Have Mercy or Gotta Have It.Both of those songs are off the chain.Every song has great production and Beans raps with passion and heart on everyone.In Lord Have Mercy, the first line is awesome.He says,

"I'm trying to climb the stairways to heaven like Led Zepplin"
and then a little later he says
"I do my dirt so my kids see heaven on earth"

I love this song just because it is so heartfelt, and also because it is one of the few solos Beans has on the cd.He really brought in a lot of geust stars, but it turns out to be for the better because Beans works well with them.The best Collaboration would probably be Don't Stop feat. Snoop Dogg.Snoop plays a very small roll by doing the hook and another small part of the song where he says:

"Let's toast to the man, that when he get out, that he gonna do the things he rapping about, a true player for real"
and then Beans comes in with
"Haters stay out my face and know that thing still by my waist"

I love every song on this cd and it is a must own for this year.

Other Great Albums this year
Common-Be (Deluxe Edition)
Game- Documentary
Kanye West- Late Registration
Weezer- Make Believe
Fall Out Boy- From Under the Cork Tree

More Rawness from Beans
I can admit that I didn't think this album was going to be great as I put into the cd player, but I can honestly say that I was impressed.With Beans having legal problems, you would think this cd was going to be a rush job, but it wasn't.Feel it in the Air was a very good way to start this cd off and it's followed by I Can't Go On This Way w/ Freeway.Beans featured enough people on the album to reach all geographical areas.

West Coast - Don't Stop featuring Snoop
South - Purple Rain featuring Bun B
Midwest/North - Wanted (On The Run) featuring Cam'ron
Eastcoast - It's On featuring Jay-Z

Favorites -
-Change - very nice track
-It's On
-Feel It in the Air
-Purple Rain
-Lord Have Mercy
-Look At Me Now

another nice 3rd album from another nice aritst-3.5
What surprised me most about this album is that Kanye West didnt produce any tracks on this album because he produced 2 of (in my opinion) the best Beanie Sigel tracks: The Truth and Nuthin' Like It. The album starts on a high with Feel It In the Air, major props to Heavy D for producing this track. I say that because it might as well of been a Kanye West production. It comes in with a sexy, soulful vocals from a new artist Melissa. Feel It In the Air is deep with strong rhymes about jail and collectin props. The album continues with another great song I Can't Go On This Way featuring Freeway & Young Chris (that also could of been a Kanye West production). The low point of this song is how Beans talks bout dentil plans his teeth look alright to me!!! The next to songs hit a low point for the album with One Shot Deal which sounds like it riped abit of Young Gunz Future of the R.O.C. Then in my opinion the albums worst song Gotta Have It featuring Twista (who i love) and Peddi Peddi (who i hate). Major dissin to Chad Hamilton who i loved on Young Gunz's album. The Rest of the songs are alright (Except Purple Rain). So then we skip to track 8: Change a magnificent song with Rell (who i love) and Melissa Jay (who ive never heard of???). Major props to Ty Fyffe. Then Bread and Butter which i dont care for but then Lord Have Mercy!!! GREAT SONG!!! Major props to Ruggedness! Then we come to Flatline, i really dont know what Beans sees in Peddi Peddi, hes just rubbish! After which we come to Tales of a Hustler Pt2. Great song!!! Nice Saxaphone in the back. Next song Look At Me Now i dont care for one bit! The next 2 tracks It's On and Wanted on the Run are both great tracks!
In conclusion this album has its ups and downs but if your a Beanie Sigel fan i would recomend it.

"Fire proof booth"
So far one of the best lp's dis year.No, im not down with the ROC but, they doin there dam thang' this summer.They must have somebody new in office or sumn'!No doubt the Roc holted all the rumors...Who says a ROC w/o Jay won't work?Guess who's pulling the strings at Def Jam?!!All his tracks are hot, plus he had good influences on writing when he was a freshman rapper so it all damn near brough tears to my eyes.Shouts out to tha boy Shawn!!!

best hip hop album 2005
really inpressed with beanie's work. loved the tracks bread and butter, and both tracks with peedi. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Any lingering doubts as to the depth of Eminem's skills or his potentialfor raw yet compelling honesty are dispelled on The Eminem Show's firsttrack. Armed with a quicksilver flow and a thundering rhythm track (the recordwas exec produced by longtime mentor and partnerDr. Dre), "WhiteAmerica" finds Eminem ferociously mauling the hand that feeds him, lambastinghis critics, the industry, and the racism that, in many ways, helped makeMarshall Mathers more than just another rapper. "Let's do the math," Em sneers,"If I was black I would have sold half/ I could be one of your kids/ Little Ericlooks just like this." After the bombast ofThe Marshall Mathers LPand Eminem's well-noted use of sexual epithets, this kind of material is mademore controversial because it actually rings true. From a brutal retort to hislong-estranged and equally troubled mother ("Cleaning Out My Closets") to asurprisingly tender ode to his child ("Hailie's Song"), Eminem examines hislife, loves, arrests, addictions, failures, and successes with surprisinginsight, making this a funk-drenched hip-hop confessional well worth the hype.--Amy Linden ... Read more

Reviews (674)

VERY SOLID CD
curtins up-pretty [bad] song he you just hear footsteps

White America-Rap/Hard Rock pretty good song i like the mix in the music...

cleaning out my closet-very cool the beat is sweet and rapping is awsome he talks about how he made some [cruddy] mistakes very emotianol

square dance-dont get fooled by the title its a fair RAP song

The Kiss-VERY GAY SKIT

soldiar-very cool song hardcore rapping nice chores i like this song a lot!!!!

say goodbye hollywood-this is a cool song i like the CHORES

without me-amazing raps lots of disses reminds of his other cds

skit-the skit where eminems maneger tels him 2 leave his gun at home lol

sing 4 the moment-I LOVE THIS SONG IT HAS VERY GOOD BEAT AND TYTE RAPPING

superman-gay

hallies song-this is a very solid song about his dauguter

when the music stops-this is a solid song amazing raps by d12 about what it will be when music is not a big thing

say what u say-one thing EMINEM AND DR.DRE DISSING JD

til i collaspe-my favorite song on the cd feat nate dogg he does a sweet part in the song

my dads gone crazy feat hallie eminems daugter-weird song about how eminem has gonr crazy hallie says that

curtins close-a hobo sings part of without me

I usally hate eminem but this cd is very tyte so if ur not gonna by it cause u hate eminems other CDS then by it

A PERSONAL AND THEMATICALLY SOUND ALBUM
Welcome to his show. His personal show. Like nicely-crafted concept albums in hip-hop (Ice Cube's earlier recordings come to mind), none of the songs in THE EMINEM SHOW particularly stand out. The production, most of which Eminem does himself, has a pervasive rock and organic sound to it, thus setting it apart musically from THE SLIM SHADY LP and THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP. Eminem's main focus, lyric-wise, is his personal life, hurling more vicious barbs at his mother ("Cleaning Out My Closet", "My Dad's Gone Crazy") and showing the usual affection to his beloved daughter Hailie, attempting to sing--with hilarious results--in "Hailie's Song". The lyrical delivery is simply incredible: there is no doubt that few MCs today could do multi-syllable rhyming the way this guy does. But there is more to this album than just a rock-rap edge, family matters, and dazzling rhyming. He gets socio-political, ostracizing a segment of American society that acts hypocritical towards hip-hop ("White America"); verbally (and subliminally) smacks Canibus around (e.g. "Square Dance"); and still has time to bring in a few guest appearances, with memorable results (most notably Nate Dogg on "Till I Collapse").
If there are any flaws with this record, it is that the music and the subject matter can get tiring and repetitive; indeed, if you listen close to the last couplets of the second verse of "My Dad's Gone Crazy", Eminem might have just revealed his lyrical Achilles' Heel. Also, he could have done without the song "Drips". And clocking in at about 77 minutes, the album only exacerbates its relative redundancy. But it is altogether a strong concept album, considering the dearth of quality material released by MCs today.

how about niggaz and wiggers learn how to act like people?
rap is not music and there is no talent involved. you know why cops pull blacks and wiggers over? it's because they're blasting this gay crap and it's annoying. if i were a cop, i would pull "yall" over and shoot you in the back of the head. all rappers and followers are insecure and the only way they can get attention is to blast this garbage in their cars. the bigger the s.u.v. you drive, the smaller (...)you have. stop trying to prove yourself, the aryan nation hates you.

"I'D RATHER LISTEN TO WEIRD AL'S COUCH POTATO"
EMINEM CAN'T RAP PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH. DON'T BUY THIS CD WILL SMITH GREATESTHITS IS JAMMING SO IS THE WEIRD AL SONG COUCH POTATO. WEIRD AL WON A GRAMMY DID EMINEM NO I WONDER WHY?

Guess Whose Back, Back to Suck
"Look at me. I'm a whiny little baby whose getting sued by his mom and ex-girlfriend, and probably by my daughter when she's old enough. Wah! Wah! Hurry up give me my bags of money and my big ass expensive car so I can cruise by all the big mansions on my many streets on my closed off home complex on my personal island. Look, I think I can rap but I suck penis more than I rap. And I must be gay because I named myself after a tough ass candy product, but I spelled it all aweird like a loser f**kface. Damn I suck. I can't wait to kill myself when my daghter says she hates me and starts listening to METAL. Because her father sucks (literally once again)at life." ... Read more

Reviews (871)

White rap exists after all, and this is nearly flawless
This is simply the best album on my shelf. That is comparing Eminem to the likes of Korn, 2Pac, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Limp Bizkit, Ice Cube, The Notorius B.I.G. and others. Here we do see maybe a lack of effort by Dre, producing around 0-2 songs beyond the single releases. But Eminem is a lyrical master, telling lots of stories or otherwise just rhyming funny lyrics. In "Brain Damage" he has a conflict with a school bully, and "As the World Turns" features a disturbed young kid who "Murders his Guenea pig and stuck him in the microwave" who eventually has a brush with a divorced whore. "Rock Bottom", "Still Don't Give A F*ck", and "If I Had" are turnarounds with Slim Shady talking serious about his screwed up life. Outstanding, and well worth your $$$...

Ratings: (tracks 1, 5, 8, 10, 12, and 16 are interludes) My Name Is: 100; Guilty Conscience: 99; Brain Damage: 97; If I Had: 87; '97 Bonnie and Clyde: 93; Role Model: 95; My Fault: 95; Cum on Everybody: 94; Rock Bottom: 98; Just Don't Give a F*ck: 96; As the World Turns: 99; I'm Shady: 96; Bad Meets Evil: 93; Still Don't Give a F*ck: 96

The Best
This is prolly the best lyrical album since Nas' "Illmatic". Eminem will always be one of the greatest rappers, and his debut showcases his unbelievable rhymes. Songs like "Rock Bottom", "Bad Meets Evil", "Still Don't Give A F***", and "If I Had" are unreleased classics. Em's lyricism rivals Canibus' flow, but Em's is much better. This album isn't better than "The Marshall Mathers LP", but it is better than "The Eminem Show"(that cd was also really good).

"Rock Bottom"- A solid three verses about depression. Very impressive.

"Role Model"- Sounds like he freestyled these two verses. Really cool("I'm cancerous so when I rap you wouldn't wanna answer this, if you responded back with a battle rap you wrote for Canibus").

"Bad Meets Evil"- Nice verses and beat. Em's then friend Royce Da 5'9' guest raps and together the two rappers take on the world.

"If I Had"- Probably the truest song on the album. Em lets out his anger on this over a depressing beat.

"97 Bonnie & Clyde"- A darkly humorous parody of Will Smith's "Just The Two Of Us". It basically tells the story of Em taking his daughter to drown her mother.

"Still Don't Give A F***"- This song resembles "Criminal" from Eminem's sophmore album. Very cool.

Overall, like I said, the lyrics on this album are some of the best. And for all the present day Eminem haters, Em's got this locked and he's gonna end Zno's wannabe career.

Sick!
I liked my name is that's funny! Gooooood lyrics and great beats.

Nice for a first album.
Slim Shady is one of my favorite psychopathic rappers. He's also white, like me. "The Slim Shady LP" is no doubt a tribute to the s**t he's put up with and his sl*t wife, Kim Mathers. Some of my favorite songs on this album are "Guilty Conscience", "My Name Is", and "Just/Still Don't Give a F**k". Although this album is good, the Marshall Mathers LP surpasses it in many ways, in my opinion. If you haven't picked this one up yet, do it now, or if you're a parent who doesn't want their kids listening to disgusting words, then pick up the clean version. Great job, Em! You rock!!

One Of Em's Finest
Simply a classic Marshall Mathers masterpiece. Slim gets help on the mix boards with one of rap's most admired producers of all time, Dr. Dre. Dre makes songs like "Guilty Conscience" stand out with a unique feeling that you won't get from listening to anything else. My favorite tracks (in no particular order) are: My fault, As the World turns, Role Model, Guilty Conscience, My name is,'97 Bonnie and Clyde, Just don't give a F--- and Brain Damage. This album often gets hard knocks due to hits harsh lyrical content. Since buying this album two weeks ago, I have listened to it quite a few times and the lyrics do not bother me at all. However, if you are under 16, I do not reccomend playing this album in front of your parents. Eminem is one of the most talented emcyees to pick up a microphone in years. He makes words rhyme brilliantly in ways you could never immagine. If you are thinking of buying em's third release-The "Eminem Show", or his sophomore effort-"The Marshall Mathers LP" I deeply reccomend picking up this album first. It will help you relate to what he is saying in his newer releases, and will let you travel deep inside the mind of Em's dark alter-ego-Slim Shady. If you love classic rap like Tupac, Biggs, Nas, Jay-Z, Dre, and Snoop-then I promise you will fall in love with this album immediately. 10/10-lyrics 8/10-beats (if you want some very tight beats buy "The Marshall Mathers LP") 9/10-production, 10/10-Flow. Pick up this album soon! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Despite the number of guests on hand, Dr. Dre's decade-/century-/millennium-ending sequel to The Chronic is, like its predecessor, less a stack of posse cuts and more an elegantly seamless work from West Coast hip-hop's premier auteur. Deliberately cinematic in everything from its mix of moods to dramatic musical surges, 2001 is Dre's assessment of the gangsta life in medium shots. No longer fully immersed in violence and random sex, yet aware of their attraction, he often lets his guests blow steam about whatever's on their minds. When he takes stock of gangbanging circa late '99, though, he drops his neutral tone; he even provides another half-joking but stern warning to protégé Eminem on "What's the Difference." Between his discovery of Slim Shady, visits from old pal Snoop Dogg, and, most of all, the masterful sound and flow of this CD, Dre should shut down all talk of his supposed irrelevance. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (521)

Simply Awesome
The greatest thing about this CD are the many different rappers featured, nearly every song features somebody, that's amazing. I won't even name everyone, but you must know that's a great thing about the CD.
"The Watcher" tells us about how time flows in rap business, "F*** You" is a sexual song featuring Snoop Dogg and Devin The Dude, "Still D.R.E." tells us he hasn't changed since The Chronic CD, "What's The Difference" features Eminem and XZibit, the lyrics don't tell much, but it's a great song. "Forgot About Dre", featuring Eminem, has one of the best lyrics of this CD, "The Next Episode" features old friend Snoop Dogg, no need to say they both kick ass, "Let's Get High" is hot, "B**** N****" tells us a little about people in the streets, wrong people. Every track in here is highly enjoyable, but the best ones are above.
This CD has the Clean and the Instrumental version too, but the explicit one is obviously the best. Clean rap CDs aren't rap, you loose so many things during the Clean process...
Overall, this is one of the 10 best rap CDs ever, a must for any music fan, absolutely worth your money. Great beats, great lyrics. That makes a great CD.

WESSSSSSIDEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yo whut a way 4 the good doctor 2 come back 2 the game. he rilly didnt do much stuff after the chronic xcept w/ pac, scarface, rbx, the firm & king t. the guests on this album frum original chronic is snoop, kurupt, nate & kokane. he got big name guys 2 like eminem, xzibit, king t, devin, defari, mc ren, tray d & mary j. blige. He does 1 w/ her on the last song thats dedicated to his decesed bro. lord finesse co-produced it. the beats all bump like a '64 blue chevy impala on d's. the only bad thing is he has maybe 2 many new cats on there. hittman, knoc-turnal', 6-2 & time bomb are the best are the best 1's and so is the girl 2. i think they all rep cuz 2. the best skit wuz pause 4 porno w/ that guy jake steed. best songs r # 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19 & 21. theyre all good though xcept 4 maybe the watcher. eddie griffth is on some skits and hes funny and eminem's homeboy royce da 5' 9" along wit em, x, kurupt & jay-z all ghost write 2. mel-man co-produces the whole album...and its the best of the millenium. just wish daz & rbx were there.

Dr.Dre 2001
I think that this album is ok, but for sure, Dr.Dre can't touch Eazy E. I like the songs F*** You, Still Dre, and the next episode, but if you want some real gangsta rap, than just pick up an Eazy E album.

BEST DR. DRE !!!!!!!
this cd is wayyy better than chronic. a must-buy! songs 5-11 are my favorites.

it sucks
being a rapper myself, this cd is a piece of crap. if u listen close the lyrics and some of the old westside style beats are not even average. dr dre shouldnt of had so many guests (half of them cant rap). it shoulda just been him, snoop, nate, eminem, knockturnal and hittman. this is one of the worst albums i have ever heard. the lyrics are the weakest parts of the album. its a 1 outta 5. dont buy it. download the 6 good songs out of 23 off of kazaa or somethin. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Simultaneously serving as both endless fodder for intellectual debates and the album most likely to be blaring out of the adjacent car's window, All Eyez on Me is a phenomenon that packs a wallop with every listen. Unquestionably the most nihilistic album to top the Billboard charts--and it's doubtful that any will match it--Eyez also manages to dish out the good-times dance tunes and still flow seamlessly. Recording commenced within hours of Tupac Shakur's release from prison, and a year's worth of pent-up ideas are unleashed with a fury akin to lifting the lid on a box of plutonium. The line between high art and insufferable reality, possibilities and self-destruction, has never been so blurred. Eyez is a landmark achievement that is unlikely to be topped by any heir apparent to the hip-hop crown. --Gregg Turkington ... Read more

Reviews (188)

2pac is the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time).
Without question 2pac is the greatest rapper who has ever lived, if you weren't convinced by "Me Against The World" this album pretty much proves it. This is 2pac's most commercial album without question it produced 6 hit singles and sold millions of copies. There are also many underrated tracks on this album; Ambitionz Az A Ridah, Got My Mind Made Up, No More Pain, Only God Can Judge Me, Can't C Me, Holla At Me, Ratha Be Ya N..., All Eyez On Me, and Ain't Hard To Find. This would still be a great album even without the hit songs; All Bout U, How Do You Want It, 2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted, Heartz Of Men, Life Goes On, California Love, I Ain't Mad At Cha, and Picture Me Rollin' all of which are featured on 2pac's "Greatest Hits". If you weren't keeping track that's 17 excellent songs, even the ones I didn't mention are still good. The production is great throughout the entire double disk set thanks mostly to Daz, Dr. Dre, and Johnny "J". There are also plenty of great guest artists; The Outlaws, Nate Dogg, Daz, Kurupt, Method Man, Redman, KC & Jo Jo, Snoop Dogg, Rappin' 4-Tay, Dr. Dre, Danny Boy, Big Syke, CPO, Richie Rich, E-40, B-Legit, and C-Bo. It's hard to say if this is indeed 2pac's best album, personally I like "Me Against The World" a tad bit more, but anyone who considers themselves a fan of Rap music should have this classic album.

All Eyes On Pac - Best Pac Album Ever
I Have Heard The Majority Of Pac albums and i would truly have to say that all eyes on me is the best one, this album feels so complete with only 2 or 3 fillers, but its 28 tracks were talking about. Disc 1 starts with Ambitionz as a ridha which is classical, with raw lyrics and beats. Then You Got some pretty west Side Material on this cd especially the great duo of pac and snoop in 2 of amerikaz most wanted and some very strong tracks, my favorite ones on disc 1 was Life goes on, Only God Can Judge Me, And my favorite is Trade war Stories. Great disc for Pac. Disc 2 is a continuation to this great album, Can't C Me, great opener, and Shorty Wanna be Thug probably my favorite and plus with songs like wonda why they call you B**** and Picyure me rollin makes it better, Also with tracks like Ratha be a Ni*** with a tight beat and All Eyes On Me is just Classical, It finishes off with a good track bout Heaven Aint Hard to Find. This Was the best Pac CD ever for me so get it right now.

One of the best rap albums.
I love this album, i think cd 2 is better than 1, but its all good. 2pac is one of my favorite rappers and i got to say this is his masterpiece. If you are going to buy any 2pac album i suggest you buy this or any of his other alive ones, his dead ones are good but his alive ones are the way he wanted them to be so they are the best, buy this or thug life volume 1. All the songs are good.

Very Good
All Eyez On Me is a really good cd. I found the cd inspiring and it influenced me to write lyrics of my own, because of its great tracks. On this one theres alot of songs that made it on the Greatest Hits cd, like "Life Goes on", "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" featuring Snoop Dogg, and "How Do U Want It" featuring Jojo of Kci and Jojo, and theres also alot more. And to me this is his best cd. It has good beats mixed by producers like Johnny J,Dr.Dre even produced one song called "Cant C Me", and great lyrics by the legendary Tupac Amaru Shakur.

All Eyez On 2Pac
This is an awesome album! "All About U" is one of the most awesome songs I have heard in my entire life. Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, KC & Jo-Jo, and many more artist's voices can be heard on this album. 2Pac was, and is always going to be one of the greatest. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This debut revolutionized hip-hop (and launched half a dozen solo careers), as much for The RZA's raw barrage of off-kilter, off-key loops and sound effects as for its elliptically violent lyrics. Martial arts--at least as they appear in kung fu movies--are the Wu-Tang Clan's favorite metaphor, but they're also the organizing principle of the group, a crowd of eight rappers, each with his own way-out-there "fighting style." They created their own little self-contained culture, with its own symbols and shifting identities, and let listeners figure it out for themselves. Unless you're willing to immerse yourself in its world, it can be baffling and a little dry, but its aggression and originality are undeniable. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (218)

My Favorite Rap Album Of All-Time
This is without a doubt the best album found in hip-hop today. This is also the LP that inspired me to be a rapper. Some of the hardest and best metaphors can be found on this one CD. (I developed my style from this LP.) What I like about this CD is that every member of Wu has his well-deserved shine. All of these songs can be considered calssics. Wu-Tang has always been my favorite group. A group that has Method Man, GZA, RZA, Inspectah Deck & Ghostface Killah must be the greatest of all-time. A group that has these 5 lyricists AND produces hit after hit; hot album after hot album is definitly somewhat sacred. The top songs on this cut are C.R.E.A.M., Method Man, Can It All Be So Simple, Protect Ya Neck & Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthin Ta [Mess] Wit. If you don't have this LP, then your life just isnt complete. Below is my track rating (1-5):

Track 1 - 5
Track 2 - 4.5
Track 3 - 5
Track 4 - 4.5
Track 5 - 5
Track 6 - 5
Track 7 - 5
Track 8 - 5+++
Track 9 - 5+++
Track 10 - 5+++

Track 11 - 5
Track 12 - 4.5

Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
In a world where every hip-hop album is a classic, the Wu-Tang Clan's 1993 debut would still stand apart from the rest.
On the surface the drawing point is the stripped down and basement-raw production; complete with kung-fu samples, thumping drums and piano loops...a complete contrast to the gangsta-funk dominating the radio at the time.
But the real gem here is the individual appeal of eight completely different and instantly recognizable mcs each bringing their own unique sound to the table.
At the top you have Method Man's straight-blunted charisma, ODB's insane rambling and Ghostface's high pitched slang. You get a dose of Raekwon's rapid-fire pitch followed by GZA's slow and calculated wordplay. Inspectah Deck is an mc's mc, while RZA's wicked flow goes straight for the throat and U-God's gruff voice assaults the track.
All-killer, no-filler...there is something on here for every rap fan, from underground to commercial.

best wu cd
This CD is impeccable. Except for that one idiot who's claiming 50¢ is the greatest, i think we all agree that this cd is nearly flawless. I'd say that every track is the best song on the cd. I highly reccomend this is your a wu fan at all, and if youre not, you should probably buy it and give it to someone who is, therefore making their life complete.

A Classic Legendary Album
Even if you are not really into this kind of hip hop, you will still probably enjoy this album. Its just quality and original. And it is also historically signficant, and spurned the many solo projects of Wu Tang members, and even led to many TV and movie appearances (Method Man in How High and Method & Red; Raekwon in Black & White)

On the other hand, it shoudl have had more tracks. I mean, after all, with all those Wu Tang memebrs, do you mean to tell me that they could only come up with like a dozen songs?

Great album
rapstar400reviews:

Enter the Wu-Tang(36 Chambers):

I love rap. But Wut Tang is garbage. With high expectations I heard this album, and im like WTF is this. its trash, pure trash. the beats are horrible, and the lyrics are too.

W U T A N G S T I N K S B A D L Y.

Get Rich or Die Tryin:

1st off this album is NOT A 3.5. You stupid rap haters, if u dont like rap DONT WRITE A FRIGGIN REVIEW!!! Also, 50 might not be that underground garbage yall "REAL" hip hop fans listen to but admit it, he knows how to make a song.
In Da Club- A PLUS
Dont Push Me- ft. Lloyd Banks, Eminem- A+
Many Men- A+
Patiently Waiting-A+
If I Cant- A+
PIMP- B
Wanksta- A+
21 Question- ft. Nate Dogg- A+

PLEASE GIMME A BREAK!!! In my opinion, this album is the Doggystyle of this generation of rap. A rapper with alot of Charisma, and energy, BLOWING THE F UP!!!!!!!!

My review:

I don't find words to explain how ignorant this so called rap or hip-hop fan is.Please learn about hip-hop and then write reviews.Or stick listening to your crappy commercial poppy beats of Fiddy Cent.Learn about hip-hop and then come and speak.You ignorant f*ck.You say the underground its garbage.Keep listening to you Britney Spears hip-pop "artists".Ignorant f*ck.The people who give 1 star to 50 cent are not rap haters.They are true hip-hop heads.And 50 does not make his own beats.Stupid.How can you call yourself hip-hop fan and say wu its garbage.Ok it may not be your style but don't call them garbage.Ignorant stupid person.You don't know anything about hip-hop. ... Read more