Amazon.com

Sure, Gorillaz sounded original, but it was a pop project with all the constraints that went with it--can you imagine the six-minute remixed version of "Clint Eastwood" making it onto MTV? But that's exactly what makes Laika Come Home so good. It's a reimagined collection filled with bone-shaking dubscapes and enough reverb to transmit a message to the farthest edges of the universe. Listen to the "De-Punked" version of "Punk" with its meandering, decayed trumpet and computerized tweaks--hardly recognizable as the original--or the swinging old-school ska that crops ups on "5/4." The two-tone skank of "M1/A1" (with Terry Hall) sounds as if it should have been the original version, but the real killer tracks are those injected with dancehall vibes by DJ U Brown and Earl 16. Who says "you don't get paid for doing what you love?"--not Damon Albarn. --Caroline Butler ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Laika Come Home
Let's face it, you can't really improve Gorillaz music... and why would you WANT to de-punk "Punk"? I wouldn't reccomend this if you're a fan of Gorillaz music.

only if you a dub fan
i cant recomend this album to any gorillaz fan, god you all so dam pickey you love your blur and your gorillaz but no love for the spacemonkeys. if you are a old school new school dub fans this one is the freedom fighter. Featuring some of the sickest delays and reverb and cronicelly charged dope atmosphers. some songs are more old school dub then some more hypnotic never borring always changing. it only really features [d2] none of the other band is featured i think, it just says produced by gorillaz. the future sound of dub is features hear, stepp up the future is now dont be scared let it soak in, to breath in new life, sounds.

A dissapointment to all Gorillaz fans
I don;t like this cd at all. It is nothing compared to their other albums. So, never buy it! The only good songs are LIL DUB CHEFIN and FISTFUL OF PEANUTS. HORRIBLE!

Gorillaz' warfare on music
As you'd expect with a cd that doesn't even list the name of the big band first, "Space Monkeys vs. Gorillaz: Laika Come Home" is like eating just the complementary rolls at a steakhouse. Sure, they're delicious, and there's nothing wrong with it, but the experience could be so much better with some of the restaurant's trademark meals. Such is the case in the Gorillaz eatery.

Some of the tracks fall flat, such as the lack of the spooky background voices in "New Genious". The real problems are mostly due to monotony and similarity within the tracks, most noticeably the first two, both of which go the reggae angle, almost identically. The only reggae track which doesn't overstay its welcome is the mix of the top single, "Clint Eastwood". Rasta's an everpresent theme throughout the album, but luckily, other tracks make up for the sins of the others.

"Banana Baby", a remix of "Tomorrow Comes Today", is the first great track of the album, beginning with a haunting and everlasting techno beat which can never seem to get enough steam, thankfully. "P45" offers the most energetic and perky Gorillaz track since the "19/2000" remix from the Ice Breakers commercial. "Dub 09" somehow manages to be even creepier than "starshine" the track from the self-titled cd from which it was mixed.

In case you haven't figured it out yet, the metaphorical steak dinner is the first cd, the self-titled, best selling tribute to 2-D, Noodle, Russel, and Murdoc. "Laika Comes Home" is a good cd, and while it isn't nearly as good as "Gorillaz", and probably not quite as good as "G-Sides", Gorillaz still prove their abilities. Listen to these two back to back, and when Gorillaz begins to add more menu items, you'll be sure to return for seconds.

What do People Expect From a Dub Album???
I have read a handful of reviews now that have been not so fond of this CD. Well, I have to respond by asking, "what is it exactly that you are expecting from a Dub CD?" I mean, this think has all the bases covered in an effort reminiscent of the Mad Professor/Massive Attack 'No Protection' CD from a couple years back. I really liked this album, but I am very picky about going with 5 stars unless I am completely blown away... But nonetheless, if you are not expecting some dance remixes (check out the G-Sides album for that) or to completely recognize all the songs then check this out. It's dubalicious! ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Unwrapped and mixed in a new sound....Just for you!
This complation cd is a mix of famous hip hop hits ...but done in jazz. I first heard about this on amazon from a reviewer telling me I should check it out. Well after reading the reviews I had to check this out for myself and see what the hype was about. After listening all I can wonder is........why did it take me so long for me to hear about it??? The cd puts these songs in a whole new light.....sounds crazy that they are in jazz but it works. Tight tracks here are:

Crush on you, Lougin(Who do you love), Teh Light, I get around, Forget abotu dre(tightest track on the album....features this girl that plays hip hop on the violin..be on the look out for her), Bonita Applebum(It was already jazzy so imagine it now), and Danger.

What they did here with this was something only creativity could come up with.....the creativity of the minds at hideen beach records. Overall I would say if your a jazz or hip-hop fan you should pay attention to this and not let it slip through your fingers. Here is where classic sounds and new ideas come into mix making the best of both worlds.

Dont Hesitate......Get it!

Wonderful!!!
I first heard this album this morning when a local dj reviewed it. I immediately went out to purchase it. In fact, I waited almost an hour (along with about 20 other people) in a record store for a sales rep to return with more copies.

This is a great fusion of jazz and hip hop. My favorites on the CD are "Crush on You" and "Forgot About Dre". Karen Briggs plays a mean violin.

I can't wait for Volume II to come out!

Hidden Beach Recordings Presents: Unwrapped Vol. 1
This is one of the best gifts that I received in a LONG time!! I was really wary of what it had to offer because I was judging this 'book' by its cover. After I listened to it I was pleasantly surprised at its selections. I love how they have taken rap music and created a sound that is harmonious to all!! I am a middle school teacher and I play it during class and the students actually like it! On days when they know that they are going to do seatwork, they will almost beg me to play it while they work. This is a good tool for good behavior and it was a good buy.

Anytime tunes...
I can listen to this anywhere at anytime. I play it to calm down my students at the beginning of the period. Even though the songs are popular ones, they can hear and enjoy the melodies. They actually liked them. I also listen to this on long drives. I have volume two as well. They must be in your collection!

This [isn't good]
Could anything out there be any worst than this! IT sounds like smooth jazz pasted on hip-hop instrumentals. Not just any smooth jazz, but generic smooth jazz! I was expecting these dope neosoul beats, that varied on each track. Don't buy this unless you plan to put people on hold with this when they call you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There aren't many hip-hop artists out there today who give adamn about putting positive messages in their music, but Michael Frantiis one of them. Ever since his days with seminal group Disposable Heroes ofHiphoprisy, Franti has infused his sounds with insightful andthought-provoking lyricism, and this latest Spearhead joint is noexception. Stay Human tackles, among other things, the subjectof capital punishment. Through a make-believe community radio station,Franti tells the tale of Sister Fatima, a healer and activist who isbeing put to death for a crime that her community believes she didn'tcommit. The "live" broadcasts act as elaborate skits between Franti'sinsouciant, soul-rap hybrids and help to expose the arrogant nature ofAmerica's judicial system and the brutal finality of the deathsentence. Musically, Franti has created a richer, more string-ladenbackdrop for his tracks, creating some of his best idiosyncratic,feel-good vibes to date. But while the funkadelic edge of "Rock the Nation"and laid-back ballad style of "Do Ya Love" are worthy in their ownright, Franti's real genius lies in his ability to weave opinions intocompelling narratives so that we don't feel we're being battered overthe head with someone else's ideas. Emotive, soulful, and opinionated,Spearhead are almost single-handedly keeping alive a traditionepitomized by Curtis Mayfield,Marvin Gaye, andBill Withers.Don't sleep. --Paul Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Mixes Glory of the R&B Past with Political Present
I heard Spearhead play live on a local radio station and immediately bought the cd on Amazon. I don't buy hip-hop per se but this album transcends categories. There are wonderful influences here, Al Green, Commodores, Marvin Gaye, gospel. And there are hip-hop influences as well. I recommend that you listen to "Every Single Soul" and "Love'll Set Me Free." These are melodic, refreshing, soulful songs that deal with the themes of redemption and the transcending power of love using lyrics that are never trite or sappy. For example, in "Every Single Soul," Franti sings, "No matter where I roam, every single soul's a poem written on the back of God's hand." The song highlights Franti's talents as a story-teller and a gifted singer who deals with the themes that matter most. Most importantly, the song will melt your heart. All in all, there are six tracks I play all the time. In addition to the previously mentioned, I play "Skin on the Drum," "Speaking of Tongues," "Do Ya Love," and "Oh My God." I've been playing the disc for ten months and still find nourishment from it. Even discs I often recommend usually don't have this long-lasting appeal.

Franti finally fulfils his potential
Stay Human is the bravest, nost diverse and most challenging album of 2001.

With a few notable exceptions, contemporary US black music is floundering between lightweight unengaged pop and directionless meaningless anger. At the same time, concept albums are thin on the ground, and in general that's a reason for celebration! However with this album Michael Franti manages to make the concept album seem worthwhile and inject some much needed intelligent politics into hip-hop, as well as reminding contemporary black artists of their musical roots. Because let's get one thing straight: everyone compares Franti to Gil Scott Heron, often unfavourably, but Stay Human demonstrates what an incredibly broad understanding Franti has of the diverse histories of black music. The tracks on the album, cuts as they are from an imaginary MOVE-inspired community radio station, represent a range of times and places in the last 30 years: as well as GSH there are echoes of Marvin Gaye, of Funkadelic, of electro, even a Jackson 5 style 70's dance track. But none of these are pastiche or imitation: Franti and his band breathe a very contemporary, soulful and positive life into all of them, enhancing and enveloping the politics of the story of Sister Fatimah, the healer and community leader on Death Row for a murder she didn't commit, a story which is woven inbetween and through the tracks.

Stay Human is at once life-affirming, energising but also angry and inspiring. Combining positive politics, a story with comtemporary urban bite, and fine music and lyrics, Franti has finally laid to rest the ghost of Disposable Heroes, and affirmed the potential he showed with that band and in brief glimpses on 'Home'. Standout tracks: a fierce old-skool 'Rock the Nation', the sun-kissed, uplifting 'Soulshine', and the subtle downbeat closer, 'Skin on the Drum' - but this is an album with no bad songs.

Infectious & Provocative
At a festival I got a jolt when I saw the cover laid out with other CDs on a table. Something in the back of my mind told me that I was supposed to buy it, but couldn't remember why -- something I read or heard? I'm always happy when I follow my instincts, so I obeyed.

After the 3rd or 4th time I listened to the CD all the way through, I really started to appreciate the interwoven images and messages served with irresistable music, and I became obsessed with it. My roommates were informed that the play button would continue to get pushed until someone told me to stop.

I still, a year later, listen to it on a regular basis to recharge musically and spiritually. It renews my sense of urgency and the need for activism.

It's intelligent, sexy, uplifting, provocative, hip-shaking, sing-along-while-driving, political, hip. Even if you never listen to hip-hop otherwise, BUY THIS ALBUM. Trust me.

depends on you...
I suppose many people like this CD as a whole. Political Ideas, and Music. I think its important to realize the dual nature of this music.

You may;
1)like the politics, and the music.
2)like the politcs, but not the music.
3)not like the politics, or the music.
4)not like the politics, but like the music.

Politically, this man is obviously passionate. Although I disagree with many aspects of his ideologies (if he truly has any), I can agree with some of his ideas. I think this guy is a little understudied, but hightly attentive. Better than most people though!

Musically. Not surprising to me. I didnt get alot out of this bands sound, instrumentation, or arrangments. Very- Verse Chorus- stuff. Nice in areas, but not the meat of their appeal.

I dont know. Maybe youll love it. Alot of people do.

Stay Human and get this...
After hearing Stay Human on a 6 degrees comp I sought out the full album to hear... It is undeniably a 5 star album... + if one knows the truth about Mumia Abu Jamal @ http://www.mumia.org/ - you would know that he was framed and that there was a signed confession stating that he did not do it... and yes the death sentence should be abolished if not merely on the basis that it like other laws are used only against those who "they" want it to be used against...
the death penalty is a classist/racist sentence... I guess since I support Mumia I am a proud Mumiac... and since Franti supports him throughout this cd, it's one more reason for me to pick it up... So if you're a conscious hip-hop head or dj - you need this album... - in consciousness - DJ Dakini-NYC ... Read more

Amazon.com

Watching DMX--baldheaded and shirtless, tattooed and musclebound--as he simultaneously goes platinum and gets arrested on rape charges (both of which occurred within weeks of this album's release), one can easily see the Yonkers, New York, rapper as a Tupac in training. And he's certainly no stranger to dumb thuggery on his much-anticipated debut. But unlike Tupac, who tempered hard-core beatdowns with party pick-me-ups, DMX is strictly business, part of a street reaction against the Puff Daddy-fueled, late-1990s slew of lightweight pop-rap crossovers. With a name too true for its own good, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot could occasionally use a cool breeze of levity. That said, the record is not without merit; despite the album's largely standard-issue beats and rhymes, both DMX's forceful voice and solid production have moments of greatness. At times DMX even manages to squeeze memorable hooks out of this otherwise claustrophobic release. --Roni Sarig ... Read more

Reviews (307)

DMX - An Instant Classic
The first time I picked this CD up was at my friends house over 2 years' ago. I'd never even heard of DMX, but I wanted to give it a chance, like I give all music. That night I walked out a changed guy. Later that week I made a stop at the store and picked up the best CD I ever bought. Every track is a masterpiece, from the intro, to the finely tuned skits. One by one, Earl Simmons created a conditioned work of art that cannot be topped. The "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" is an urban classic, with a raw sound and beat that still bangs in parties and clubs today. Another hit, "Get At Me Dog" is another rough, and urban sound, which can get anyone's adrenaline soaring. Important messages are detailed throughout songs such as "Damien", which has some of the most well constructed lyrics I've ever come accross. Other tracks such as "Stop Being Greedy" and "ATF" relect on DMX's past street life, which can grab your attention and never let go. Softer cuts such as "How's It Goin' Down", "The Convo", and the infamous "Prayer" show DMX's softer side, and take away some of the anger and angst that is heard throughout all of the other tracks. This will forever remain a classic in the hip hop industry. It re-opened numerous doors for the east coast rap business, and hip-hop in general. This is one disc you cannot be without - satisfaction guaranteed.

My Favorite X Album Overall
DMX is definitely one of my favorite rappers. Not quite 2Pac, Nas, KRS-One and a few others of my favorites, but probarly in the top 10.
I bougth this in early '01, a few years after it's realese, and it was worth the money, no doubt. I got a classic album, but it also introduced me to a rapper who has now becomen one of my favorites. This album bangs from start to finish.
The intro to "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" is one of the best intros ever, listen for yourself. It's more like a song, with a hard-banging beat and with X's rough and loud voice (which is one of the reason I love this cat). Another thing I love about this album besides X's voice and the dark production, is the few guest apperances, he mostly does the job himself. Even though he got a few, which is also a good thing. They all do a great job. My favorite cuts has to be : Intro, Ruff Ryders' Anthem, Damien, Stop Being Greedy, F----- Wit' D, Look Thru My Eyes and Let Me Fly... but their basically all hot, I mean you can actually even listening to the skits. I'll stop now, but I'll end by saying get this if you're into rap/hip-hop 'cause this is in my opinion a street classic. After this, I promise you will get hyped up to get another X album, it's that good. Classic.

RAW-A$$ ALBUM!!!!!!!
MAN, TUPAC IS MY FAVORITE RAPPER PERIOD. MY SECOND FAVORITE RAPPER OF ALL TIME AFTER HIM IS NONE OTHER THEN DMX. NOW ADAYS IN THE RAP GAME, MCS ARE RAPPIN ABOUT NOTHIN...BUT NOT PAC AND DMX. THEY KEEP IT REAL AND ACTUALLY HAVE PRETTY DEEP MESSAGES. IN BEING DMX'S FIRST CD, HE COULDN'T HAVE CAME OUT ANY RAWER THAN HE DID!!! MAN, THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST CD'S I'VE EVER HEARD, PERIOD!!! I WOULD RATE IT AMONG THE TOP 3 RAP ALBUMS ALL-TIME!!! NOT ONLY ARE HIS LYRICS RAW AND DEEP, HE HAS A TIGHT FLOW, AND THE BEATS TO ALL, THATZ RIGHT, ALL THE SONGS ARE RAW. THAT BEING SAID, IT'S A SHAME THAT DMX IS UNDERRATED AND THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED ALBUMS, AS PEOPLE DON'T SEE THIS AS A CLASSIC. IN MY OPINION, IT'S RIGHT UP THERE WITH JAY-Z'S REASONABLE DOUBT, TUPAC'S 2PACALYPSE NOW, AND BIGGIE'S READY TO DIE. IF YOUR A TRUE RAP FAN, YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THIS CD. FROM THE INTRO TO THE END, THIS CD IS RAW. EVEN THE SKITS ARE EXCEPTIONAL AND ACTUALLY HAVE MEANING TO THE ALBUM. IN MY OPINION, THIS IS DMX'S BEST CD, ALTHOUGH SOME COULD ARGUE THAT. HERE ARE MY RATINGS, 1 BEING HIGHEST, TO 5, PLACING HIS FIVE ALBUMS(ALTHOUGH I THINK ALL OF THEM WERE RAW!!)1.IT'S DARK AND HELL IS HOT; 2.AND THEN THERE WAS X; 3.FLESH OF MY FLESH BLOOD OF MY BLOOD; 4.GRAND CHAMP; 5.GREAT DEPRESSION. THIS RATING IS FOR DMX ALBUMS. ALL OF HIS ALBUMS ARE GREAT, BUT I LOVE HIS FIRST THE MOST!!! GO COP THIS IF YOU ALREADY HAVEN'T!!!

D-M-X!! RYDE OR DIE!
DMX! To me gotz to b considered one of the best. I know many people will disagree but i will put up a fight. This guy came out of nowhere from being featured on LL Cool J's 4-3-2-1. To the Lox's Money,Power,Respect and Mase's 24 hours to live. Everybody knew he was just gettin started. Get At Me Dog had all tha streetz goin crazy. He just kept coming with tha hitz, Ruff Ryders Anthem, Stop Being Greedy, and How's it goin down. X is not Tupac, Nas, or Biggie,but in my book he's #1 tha Grand Champ. Its Dark and Hell Is Hot is a classic in my book its up there with Illmatic, Ready To Die, 2Paclypse, The Chronic has to b mentioned with them. If u dont have any of his albums just buy its dark and hell is hot n then u will know y i feel tha way i do. after u listen to tha first 1 i gurantee u, your gonna b beggin for more.

GREAT
This album hit the mark of DMX... But its not good as flesh of my flesh i dont know its my opinion though. over all awesome cd. the last track is just to nice ... Read more

Amazon.com

Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo practically sweat platinum. As the production duo behind the Neptunes, they have crafted monster hits for everyone from Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears to Jay-Z and Ol' Dirty Bastard. In their spare time they make the music they really like under the banner N.E.R.D. Equally inspired by Duran Duran's silk-spun new wave classics and the Beatles' strapping psychedelic epics, Fly or Die, the follow-up to 2002's In Search Of, is a bustling, bumping disc highlighted by rowdy tracks like "She Wants to Move" and "Jump," a collaboration with members of Good Charlotte. The nu-metal crunch of the last album gives way to a more suitable '70s vibe, making the band sound like an unholy cross between Sly & The Family Stone and E.L.O.--as filtered through A Tribe Called Quest. That's a good thing. --Aidin Vaziri ... Read more

Reviews (196)

Well worth your time.
I bought Fly or Die without really knowing much N.E.R.D. I rationalized that at least I was buying the disc of some creative guys who make interesting music. This was a gamble that paid off huge.
Fly or Die is genre spanning disc that taps a whole manner of styles. The component that sets it apart from other bands, who do similar things, is that N.E.R.D. are able to combine the cocky attitude of the hip hop mainstream acts they produce (as the Neptunes) with a genuine understanding of music. It's not rap or rap rock. It's funky pop-rock (if i can reduce it to a label like that). They mix guitar riffs equally with synths, and coat the tracks with Pharrell's double tracked vocals. Pharrell is a fantastic front man with his excellent falsetto.
Listening to this album it's easy to hear the influences that the reviewers point out- Steely Dan, Burt Bacharach, etc. It's the unlikely combination of these influences with the hip hop and rock n roll attitudes that make this disc worth your time.
Strongly recommended, even if you don't become a big fan of the album, it's still more energetic and creative than any number of 2004's releases.

Fly baby Fly!
They started of as hip hop producers then they made r&b-pop albums for Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake and now they make their second Rock infuented album as N.E.R.D ( No one ever really dies) yeah i'm talking about the great Neptunes. This album is a little diffrrent then "In Search of" though, ibut it's actually a improvement. It's not sure that you will enjoy this one if you liked their first cause there's a big variety of songs. Many of them can sound quite diffrent from each other. "She wants to move" their first single is one typical Neptune song, unique beats, not as good hook but a good song overall. "Fly or die" got some funky guitar riffs and it reminds me of "Provider" a bit. Both "Breakout" and "Wonderful" are slow and meliodic. Then we have the faster "Drill sergeant" which is fun. "Thrasher" cool, beats, great song. "Maybe" with one of the greatest melodies of the album. The album finnish with "Chariots of fire" Not to be mistaken for Vangelis. It's a farewll song( hopefully not for long) and a great ending of a great album. It's more complete then the first album and it mixes more genre's. If i should say something negative, then it is that some songs are too beat related. Neptunes are famous for their cool beats/ samplings etc. and not their hooks, some songs could have been better if they had spend more time on the lyrics and hooks, but the beats are simply unique so it's a great and fun album anyway. This should became a hit record. Give it a try, even if you're not a fan of the Neptunes you will enjoy.

this cd is da bomb!!!!!
this cd is one of the best cds i have besides outkast latest cd. they doing they thang and if you dont like it then thats on you. they makin they money and doin what they wanna do. i love this group because they sweet and they always gonna stay sweet.

The Greatest album of 2004!!..so far.
yes people! N.E.R.D aka the neptunes have returned to grace us with their exploration of sound! if u havent heard their multi-platinum first album "in search of" i suggest you buy it as soon as possible!But now on to the current masterpiece "fly or die" which i might add has been certified gold which mean this album has sold over 500,000 copies in the U.S and has sold over 1,000,000 copies worldwide! yes N.E.R.D delivers again with their masterpiece music!let us go through each song.

1-"dont worry about it"-a song about a man and girl and they have such a sexual tension for each other but dont want to rush things/its a great fusion of rock and a great breakdown at the end.
2-"fly or die"a track about children who have neglectful parents and N.E.R.D gives the kids a choice, Do you want to fly or die?/very punk and very powerful
3-"jump" featuring Benji and joel madden from good charlotte
a song about kids wanting to escape their family problems/great hook sung by the madden bros
4-"backseat love" a song about a guy chasing and getting a hot girl in the backseat of his car and telling her to relax/great guitar play and breakdown
5-"she wants to move" a song about a guy who keeps too much grip on his girl and doesnt let her be free/great beat, great lyrics, a great song to dance to!
6-"breakout"a deep emotional song about kids trying to change their apperance to be cool and N.E.R.D is telling them to be who u are/great chorus and great guitar play
7-"wonderful place" a wonderfully crafted song about how a man still finds this earth a wonderful place amist the wars,fears, terror/great beat, just a great song
8-"drill sergeant"a anti-war song about a man standing up to a drill sergeant telling him that he is not going to a war that is not justified(the war in iraq)/great lyrics and breakdown
9-"thrasher"N.E.R.D goes crazy in this song, this one just means N.E.R.D are nice guys but dont take advantage of them and push their buttons cuz they will F**k you up/great piano in the backround
10"maybe" a great breakup song about a man who broke up with his girl, but he still loves her but she lied to him and it wouldnt just work out/the main guitar is played by Lenny Kravitz and on drums ?uestlove from the band "The Roots"
11-"the way she dances"a song about a man who is just in love with how a sexy girl dances/great drums and breakdown at the end
12-"chariot of fire"A song dedicated to one of their biggest fans who has cancer and her name is mildred/great dedication!
-----------------
May i add that this album also has 3 hidden songs that are great and they take you by surprise so i wont spoil it for you but they are great! Also when you pop this cd into your computer you can listen to the cd and watch a slideshow of images chosen by N.E.R.D!!!!
So please do yourself a favor and buy this for yourself, you will enjoy it! and for parents this cd has a parental advisory sticker which means that their are curses but please still let them hear this album it is powerful and it will teach your kids and they will love it!so please everyone dont miss out on a great cd, over 1,000,000 people in this world havent.

Music that won't get old
This album is amazing. Alot of today's music lacks a core. N*E*R*D is the exception. Generations from now will listen to N*E*R*D like today's kids listen to Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin. This is definately an album that belongs in everyone's collection. Every song is simply beautiful. It makes you feel as if you're in the prescence of God sometimes. Other times it makes you think, and the majority of the album has tracks that you can just feel. There's just so much meaning. They cover things that today's youth can relate to - sex, drugs, parents, and war. You'll be very satisfied with this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Arriving six years after he made a splash with the film Slam and three years after his debut disc Amethyst Rock Star, the second album from spoken-word standout Saul Williams is a knot of contradictions. It challenges hip-hop orthodoxy through the liberal use of heavy rock samples and beats (see especially "Grippo")--not to mention incendiary cameos from rockers Serj Tankian (System of a Down) and Zack De La Rocha (Rage Against the Machine)--but it also gets bogged down at times by repetitive riffs ("List of Demands"). At his best, as on the opener "Talk to Strangers," Williams's measured delivery packs an entrancing power. Elsewhere, however, he sounds like he's just reading, not flowing, and his words fall flat. It doesn't help that Williams occasionally lapses into lecture mode, broadly dissing commercial hip-hop in the spoken-word piece "Telegram." He fares far better when he turns his lyrical lasers on legitimate foes, like the oil-thirsty warmongers in "Act III Scene 2." --Anders Smith Lindall ... Read more

Amazon.com

Less experimentally brash than his more recent release, Tricky's debut CD Maxinquaye is actually a better introduction to the British hip-hopper turned international trip-hopper than his later work. The dozen smoldering, moonlit tracks are less concerned with loopy aural exaggeration than they are with showcasing Tricky's slow-mo rap and singer Martine's sexy soprano. With the exception of the stellar "Pumpkin," (featuring vox from Alison Goldfrapp), the duo mix a colorful palate of rhythmic vocals, throbbing backbeats and gravelly electronic textures. Toss in large doses of sexual innuendo and Maxinquaye becomes a libidinous foray into languor and lust. --Nick Heil ... Read more

Reviews (85)

Trip-hop masterpiece
Coming out of collaboration with Massive Attack, Tricky was clearly bursting with ideas of his own. On Maxinquaye he sticks to a trip-hop bluieprint, ironically nicking Karma Coma's lyrics for the brooding 'Overcomes' and even sampling Portishead's 'Glory Box' - one of the classic triphop songs - on 'Hell Is Round The Corner'. Yet he infuses the sound with a dark, understated urban menace and with singer Martina Topley-Bird he creates sweltering, sexy grooves that sometimes, as on 'Abbaon Fat Tracks', descend into pure erotica. She has a sultry, alternative voice which complements his laidback rapping style very well, both of them sounding very British. Its an intriguing combination though its a shame that he doesnt take the mic and go solo more often. His only real freestyle rap comes on the almost old-skool hip-hop of 'Brand New You're Retro'.

Occasionally as on 'Strugglin' they wander astray without a tune and it makes for a somewhat routine track, acceptable as a 2-minute filler but unbearable stretched into 6 and 1/2 minutes. Yet there's more than enough to make up for it: the masterpiece of paraonoia that is an inspired cover of 'Black Steel', Topley-Bird's voice awash in aggressive guitars and gritty production. Her voice is an acquired taste, especially on tracks like 'Ponderosa' where her sound is totally Estuary, but its nicely broken up by the lush 'Pumpkin' which takes the ingenious tactic of marrying a Massive Attack-style backing track to Orbital (and, after this album, Goldfrapp) vocalist Alison Goldfrapp and a brooding Smashing Pumpkins sample. Also, when the tracks are as good as 'You Don't' which is reggae-tinged and almost like the Horace Andy tracks on 'Blue Lines' its churlish to complain.

Ultimately, Maxinquaye is not only a trip-hop masterpiece but an urban classic. Highly reccomended to fans of not just triphop but those new to the genre or mainstream hip-hop fans.

Trip-hop masterpiece (4.5 stars)
Coming out of the critically acclaimed Massive Attack, Tricky (having dropped Kid from his name) released his debut in 1995. Strange thing is, he's nowhere to be seen for the first three track, dropping by on the fourth slo-mo song. He uses the services of singer Martina Topley-Bird to chilling effect over sexy and dark songs.

Overcome: highly percussive opener, sexy singing. rowr. A
Ponderosa: another slow, sexy song with a strange carnival interlude. A
Black Steel: the worst song, a metal cover of Public Enemy; pointless, I always skip over it. drags the album quality down. D
Hell is Round the Corner: a stunning turnaround, slow-mo trip-hop based on an Isaac Hayes sample. brilliant. A+
Pumpkin: shimmering production, the quality continues. A
Aftermath: the longest song, just ride the groove. A-
Abbaon Fat Tracks: blatantly sexual lyrics, but so sexy you'll sweat. A-
Brand New You're Retro: furious tirade against hip-hop haters, blazing track. B+
Suffocated Love: the best track; great melody, sexy lyrics and singing, a must-hear for any trip-hop fan. A+
You Don't: ragga flavored track, not too shabby. B+
Strugglin': dense song, Tricky sounds like he's struggling to breathe. but he's more normal than some. A-
Feed Me: hypnotic closer, leaves you stunned. A

Fans of trip-hop will no doubt appreciate this dense and sexy album from an artist who has not been able to reach the heights he climbed with this album. Play it loud and float away.

TRICKY IS TRICKY!!!!
I stayed away from this CD for the longest, scared of what I might hear--I mean Tricky does look slightly demonic. But all that aside, "Maxinquaye" turned out to be just the opposite of what my initial perception was. It is in fact a masterpiece that can only be tantamount to the works of Massive Attack, Portishead and even DJ Shadow. With sexy vocals from Martina and Tricky himself, "Maxinquaye" keeps it appeal in 2004 with material that doesn't at all sound dated or forced, but instead sounds fresh and innovative as the day it was released. Tricky is truly a "trip-hop pioneer." "Maxinquaye" is haunting, sexy, profound, intense and down right funky! Highly Recommended!

Number 1
After owning this album since 1996, I can safely say...This is the best album I own. Hands down.

Being Haunted Has Never Been This Much Fun
This debut album, like Tricky's work with Massive Attack, signified an innovation in contemporary pop production and arrangement, like Eno's best work was to the 1970s or My Bloody Valentine's was to the early 1990s, and is probably the best trip-hop album ever. Tricky's bleak and cynical vision finds form through bizarrely juxtaposed collages of samples and loops that sound like he put his memories of music through a blender, as if he were both reveling in and taking revenge on our cut-and-paste society. Who'd ever have thought to assemble together the strange samples one hears on down-tempo tracks such as "Overcome" or "Ponderosa"? But it's not without humor (starting with his spliff-ravaged speak-sing) and a thorough sense of irony, exemplified most strongly on the piece "Strugglin'" with its dislocated rhythm track of a gun being cocked. Then there's Martina's sleepy voice chiding and hiding through the mix. This is a sexy, smoky, disorienting and beautiful album by a madman. ... Read more

Album Description

With hard lyrics and dope beats, this album is the lethal combination of Slug, from Rhymesayers, and Murs of the Living Legends. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Slug and Merse rule the world!!!!
This is one cd i could never get tired of, eventhough it's short it showed alot of effort, the beats are produced by grouch he did a great job specially on the beat for the track called anurism and another knight. all the tracks on this album are phat not one single dissapointment I guarantee you that you will be bumpin this cd for weeks I can't wait till they make another album. if I had a top ten list this will be number 4. keep representin los angeles underground and minneapolis's rhymesayers crew, peace out. (much love 2 merse and the rest of the legends and also eyedea,slug,and brother ali from rhymesayers.)

Christina Ricci Should Be Proud
With Atmosphere getting as huge as they are, fans shouldn't hesitate in checking out the smaller projects of slug. Slug hooks up with Murs for this short but impressive project. Anneurysm has to be my favorite, but there are no slouches among the group. It's a little short, so the price might not be right, but it's definitely worth it.

Murs and slug, respect that.

Careful
I couldn't believe dark craz's comments on track 4, hot bars, and track 9, All I can do. I'm writing this review simply to defends S&M, and two of the best (among others) songs on this EP. To say that hot bars doesn't flow it ludicrous at best. Bump this track in the summer time with your windows down and life won't get much better. Both of their flows are unparalleled. Granted, there isn't a deep message here; it is such a feel good song though. This track reminds me that everything is all good. Not to mention, when grouch is on the beat, there is rarely--if ever a disappointment. But that is just opinion I suppose. Maybe. Track nine, all I can do, is another S&M classic, with a solid message flowed eloquently over another dope Grouch beat. S&M, especially Murs can flow to fit any mood, they can always make you reflect, and feel good about most any situation. Basically, please be careful when writing CD reviews, there are reputations on the line.

GREAT----------------------------------------------but short
OK. I've Always liked it when someone went over all of the different tracks and reviewed them individually, so here goes my shot:

1:Christina Intro: Obviously, this is an intro. That means that it's only about fifteen seconds long. For this reason Intros, Outros, and interludes do not get a rating. As far as intros o, however, this ones alright. Not breathtaking like the Swollen intro on MiC, but solid.

2:The Two: This is the closest that these two come to anything resembling mainstream, but even here it isnt. This is a good thing. This song weaves the tale of two superheroes (Murs and Slug), here to save humanity. Great story, tight rapping, and quality beats. 5/5

3:Annyeurism: Wow. Kind of dark, but it is an asset in this case. The gives an almost disjointed feeling to the whole thing which really sets the stage. One of my favorite songs in a long time. 5/5

4:Hot Bars: Somewhat of a disappointment. One of only two tracks on the disc that I sometimes skip over. I'm not really sure exactly what it is about this song that doesnt fit, but it just doesnt feel right. It doesnt flow well or something. I dont know. 2/5

5:Suzanne Vega: Another one, like Annyeurism. Sort of disjointed beat almost gives it a stoned or maybe drunk feel or something. Once again, great storytelling going on over hella sic beats. Possibly my favorite song that I have heard in a long time. "Nice lips makin' life hips/ tough so, she fvck slow and fight quick" 5/5

6:Rick James: Probably the most alive song on the album. While Annyeurism and Suzanne Vega are very mellow and The Two is just very energetic, this is the one that makes you want to get up and move. Another case of quality storytelling and solid rapping, the beat just isnt as much my style. 4/5

7:Corey's Interlude: An interlude. Calming, as its supposed to be. See Christina Intro.

8:Another Knight: This is the song that turned me onto this album. I love it. Bet adds emotion, story adds depth, spits add flavor. Top notch. 5/5

9:All I Can Do: Probably my least favorite track on the CD. Once again, I'm not sure what it is, it just doesnt work for me. I noticed that another reviewer labeled this their favorite, which leads me to believe that there isnt actually anything wrong with the song as far as quality, it just must not be my style. Same as Hot Bars. 2/5

10:Ricci Outro: Cool outro, but short- it's an outro. See Corey's Interlude and Christina Intro.

Overall:28/35 80% Solid. Probably this low for the same reason that I gave it four stars instead of five- its only ten tracks, including an intro, an outro, and an interlude, so its only about a half an hour long. Still its a half hour well spent, and well worth it to bump and support these underground cats.

not the best from these 2 mic greats.
I like all the songs except for Another Knight, Hot Bars is not that great either. Annurism is a classic, that is the song to get this cd for. (All I Can Do) is a real good track too, I reccomend buying Murs - End of the Beginning and Atmosphere - Overcast/God Loves Ugly. Check out the Sad Clown Bad Dub 4 DVD too its great with lots of live performances by Atmosphere. I would get this CD for the simple fact that Slug is the best MC there ever was and ever will be, sold over 40,000 copies of his new CD independently, who else could do that. RSE will never sell out. ... Read more

Album Details

Limited Digipack Release ... Read more

Reviews (46)

The Beginning Of An Era
Until this album dropped, hip-hop was still largely a genre of music recorded for blacks by blacks about blacks. Cypress Hill changed the dynamics of rap by firstly being Latinos and secondly appealing to white college boys.

It has been argued that the stoned sound of the group was partly responsible for Dr Dre's G-Funk. Whether you believe this or not, it is quite easy to see the similarities on this album.

"Black Sunday" is of course the album responsible for one of the most well-known tracks of early 90s hip-hop "Insane In The Brain" with the now well known "Insane in the membrane/Insane in the brain" chorus and that whining beat with Public Enemy influence - later to appear on House Of Pain's work produced by DJ Muggs.

What is often forgotten in the memory of "Insane In The Brain" is the fact that both B-Real and Sen Dog have skills of a very high order. B-Real's flow on "Insane" has some very clever changes of pace and inventive rhymes - the start of the third verse "Like Louis Armstrong/played the trumpet/I'll hit that bong and break ya off somethin'" is worth attention. In the same track, Sen Dog is able to send up his own size while in the thick of a very creative battle rhyme.

The are certainly some very good moments on this album, however the ideas remain slightly under-developed. It would appear that whenever B-Real and Sen Dog are running low on ideas they just put in something about smoking marijuana, the track "Legalize It" is entirely that - just a collection of pro-weed samples. Also the "Interlude" only serves to interrupt the flow of the album.

In short, the 4 stars are for originality - which the album still has almost a decade after it was released - and lyricism. The lack of a fifth star is simply due to the underdevelopment of some of the ideas on the album and the frequent degeneration into marijuana chanting more likely to be found in a Bob Marley concert.

Insane In The Membrane!
I listened to this Cd for countless months with my friends back in 1993. I was completely hooked the grooves were cool as was the rappin' These guys deserve more acknowledgement. Their isn't a bad tune here at all. Im not a rap fan but if u had to get just 2 rap cd's make it this and Ice Cube's The Predator. Favs include I wanna Get High,Insane in the Brain,Lick A Shot,as well as the classic Hits From The Bong.

Nice tracks
CH's album Black Sunday is my favorite CH album out of all of em'. This has some cool tracks like track number 1,2,3,4,5 and Hits from a bong.

This is a classic Hip Hop album not to miss out on.
Some songs are a little dull though. But over all
it's a good album to have.

Mixing the mind of old school rap CH manages to get it right
with this album. It's very good and some what enjoyable to have in the car.

Get it...

Best Hip Hop CD EVER
If you bought one hip hop cd, then Black Sunday is the one to get. The beats are tight and B Real and Sen are in top form. These guys are pioneers, innovators, etc. Muggs lays down the tracks and B and Sen are the 2 man wrecking crew. Forget all the flossin' and slick image hoz you see on Mtv, this is the real thing. These guys are the hardest crew out there, and this cd is off the chizzle, yo.

There's Nothing Like This in the Rap Game Anymore...
Ahh, yes. The good ol' days when rap was interesting and had some creative skills behind it instead of a bunch of over-hyped rappers bragging about how rich they are or how many cars they have. Cypress Hill's "Black Sunday" is a classic rap album with some great songs, great beats, and most of all, catchy lyrics that had a nice flow to them. They sure don't make anymore gems like these anymore... or it's very hard to come by one in the game of rap these days.

While following the "gangster rap" format, this album isn't as vulgar or as offensive as most rap albums. Don't get the wrong idea and think that these guys are "squeaky-clean" or anything like that. They have their fair share of profanities and violent/drug references. What I mean is that the album's a lot more milder than most rap albums, but while it is milder it has a better structure to it than most. The songs are very gun/drug oriented, but the songs do a great job of flowing and appealing to those who don't find the two topics all that interesting. In other words, you don't have to be a druggie or a gun fanatic to enjoy these tunes.

This is an excellent album with some great songs. My favorites are "I ain't goin' out like that," "insane in the brain," "when the (explicit) goes down," "lick a shot," "what go around come around, kid," "hand on the glock," and "break 'em off some." While I enjoy the entire album, those are my favorite songs. The album has a very high replay value and never feels outdated.

"Black Sunday" is able to achieve what many of the new rap albums of today fail to do. It's a great listen with songs that are simply about more than bragging about "bling-bling" or that type of nonsense. If you're not a big fan of rap, then chances are you may not take a liking to Cypress Hill. If you're like me and have been disappointed with many of the new rap acts, then pick up "Black Sunday" and take a trip down memory lane. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you've read any of the speculation surrounding Awfully Deep, you'll be aware that this is the down album from beleaguered Brit-Jamaican rapper Roots Manuva, a troubled work where he battles with the twin demons of depression and mental illness. Luckily, hard times can't entirely keep a good man like Rodney Smith down: barely two minutes into the bashed-up dub-hop of "Mind 2 Motion," he's already exhorting his audience to "Swing your pants!/ Swing your skirt!/ Shake away the hurt!" in an effort to keep the black dog from his door.

And truly, this is a long dark night of the soul: on the excellent "Colossal Insight," Smith turns to God to save his sanity; on pitch-black soul number "The Falling," he's lost in an apocalyptic reverie, fantasizing about smuggling hand-grenades onto an airplane. But luckily, Smith is agreeably incapable of presenting his predicament without moments of dark levity: see the title track, which recalls a stint at a mental hospital populated by "crooked doctors and kinky nurses." A man who dispatches the Reaper with a nudge and a wink, Roots Manuva remains one of British hip-hop's most potent forces. --Louis Pattison ... Read more

Reviews (1)

EXCELLENT!!! WHEN ART MATTERS MORE THEN RECORD SALES!!!
this is truely refreshing hip-hop...roots manuva sounds like an artist who is really comfortable with his craft. this is an album to listen to as a whole, as it's not about outstanding individual tracks.it just has a certain feel to it as an entire album. just when i get discouraged about hip-hop, a real mc drops to help me remember what's real and what's fake! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Attention B-girls and boys: Missy Elliott is officially over it. Like her homegirl Mary J. Blige, the rap diva declares, "no more drama." Time to get back to the essence. To that end, Under Construction bubbles over with a combination of ridiculously slamming beats and clever old-school references--not to mention a slew of guest stars. Based on the rhyme schematic from UTFO’s "Roxanne Roxanne" and featuring Ms. Jade’s tight-laced drawl, "Funky Fresh Dressed" draws on several classics, including the Beasties' "Paul Revere." Missy croons and Jay-Z namedrops his way through the loose-limbed "Back in the Day." Ludacris injects some new jack Southern flavor into the sinuous anti-hater’s anthem, "Gossip Folks." "Work It" features a catchy chorus and an absolutely insane Timbaland track. As is to be expected, Aaliyah’s presence looms large over the proceedings, especially on the classic Misdemeanor-style hip-hop and R&B hybrid, "Nothing out There for Me." Missy’s rap adlibs play second fiddle to the song’s lush vocals, as Beyoncé fills the diva role previously occupied by the late, great Aaliyah. --Rebecca Levine ... Read more

Reviews (149)

Funky Fresh Dressed To Impress
Missy Elliot is the lighthearted party girl of the generation. She is all about having fun and getting paper. Being a creative mastermind and experimental guinea pig, she's the one that tries the new styles, flows, and beats. And on this album she mixes elements from the old school type rap. She's definitely not afraid to spit some nonsense on a track as witnessed by the first great single Work It ( also features a remix with 50Cent). She definitely has talent; a knack for creating hits that people love, songwriting, and beat making. She does have a flow and a pretty good singing voice but She's not a lyrical genius. DUH...and if you listen to this cd thinking she's Eve or Rah Digga then YOU are the fool.

Missy addresses these haters as well as reminiscing on the past on Back In The Day feat. Jay-Z. She tells how it was back in the day when they had fun, danced, battled. Jay-Z rips his two verses and they really impressed me. It was on point. Bring The Pain samples RZA's brilliant beat and guests Method Man. Method Man's flow was butter on here. P-Cat is a nice smooth song, Play The Beat, Hot, Can You Hear Me feat. TLC ( which is a tribute to fallen soldiers Left Eye, Aaliyah, 2Pac and others ) and "Nothing Out There For Me" feat. Beyonce Knowles are all tight songs. The best song undoubtedly though is Funky Fresh Dressed. It sports an incredible beat and Missy spitting what may be her BEST flow EVER. She ripped that track to shreds.

Missy Elliot is a true hip hop artist. She writes songs, produces, sings, raps on her own projects and also does work for other artists. And Most of it is natural. That's what I call talent. Not some wack wannabe 'lyricist' kicking 'knowledge' and struggles to stay on beat. Missy Elliot is real and this album reminds me of why I love hip hop so much. Recommended.

Go to the Floor and Work it, Missy!
I wasn't a fan of Supa Dupa Fly. I liked Da Real World. I liked ... So Addictive a lot. And I'm feelin this album. It's up there with So Addictive, probably a bit better. It's a new and fresh sound for Missy; she's getting real creative with what she's doin. Her and Tim are crazy, simply crazy. I don't know how a man can make such incredible beats. Insane. And she does everything right. On to the cd. (1-10, 10 is the best.)

1. Go to the Floor - Awesome song, one of the best beats on the cd. The drums are great. I don't like the intro ... I mean, it's cool, I like when Missy talks, but not on her cd! I want to hear her music, maybe do work to it, and it distracts me to hear someone talking with no music. Don't get me wrong, she brings up interesting topics,
but she should put it on the end of the cd. 8/10

2. Bring the Pain - Are we on the air? Nevermind. It's good. Not outstanding, but definitely a replay-able track. I don't want her to release it. I have a feeling it wouldn't do too good. Its too mellow. 7/10

3. Gossip Folks - I love this song, what a crazy insanely ridicoulisly incredible beat. It's completely simple but she does so much with it. And the people in the backround are fun. The "I heard she eat one cracker a day" and "3 zebras and a monkey" people. The chrous is pretty cool, and Ludacris is good. This is her 2nd single; I just saw the video, it's amazing. I loved the "Work it" video, but this video REALLY has GREAT choreography, the kids are real good, and it's just a video that you want to stand up and dance to. 9/10

4. Work it - We all know Work it. It's a huge single, and I don't understand how someone couldn't like it. 9.5/10 for psycho beats, lyrics.

5. Back in the Day - I'm annoyed by "Back in the Day." It's such an average song. The Jay Z appearance doesn't do anything for me. It has a good message, like how good Hip Hop used to be, and now it's not about the music. But, overall, it's boring.
4/10

6. Funky Fresh Dressed - Everyone who I've talked to loves this song, and I admit, it's so outrageous. Such a freestyle beat and it sounds like a freestyle! ... Chorus is simple and great. Ms. Jade's apearance is good. She has a unique voice, and i really like the instrumental egyptian noise that comes before she starts rapping. ... I don't think she'll make this a single, because in her Gossip Folks video, she puts Ms.Jade in, and she raps what she did in this song. The exact same 30 seconds or so, with the same lines. That makes me mad, this will/would be HUGE if it was released. 9.5/10

7. P***ycat - Too slow for me. Does nothing, goes nowhere. A little better than "Back in the Day." 5/10

8. Nothing Out There For Me - Okay, average, mediocre, eh. Beyonce's ok. Nothing special about it, nothingt to say. 5/10

9. Slide - Kooky beat, incredible. I bet she'll release it and it'll have a jungleish techno futuristic look to the video. It's that type of beat, sorta in a way like Get Ur Freak On... Good club song. 8/10

10. Play that Beat - Better than average; that doesn't say much. Missy's better than this song. C'mon Tim! I know you can do it! 6/10

11. Ain't That Funny - Listen to this on a portable cd player. The knocks in the backround sound so real and clear. Better than Play that Beat. 7/10

12. Hot - Missy sounds great on this track. Slower than the fast tracks, faster than the slow tracks. It's neutral. Again, sounds a bit like a freestyle. The chorus is the best part of the song. 8/10

13. Can You Hear Me - I can't understand what the person is saying on the beginning on the track, except for "Aaliyah" and "Phone Number." Definitely a sweet song. It's emotional, but I think she could've been more expressive. TLC are great guests. I like how they combine the beginnings of Aaliyah and Left Eye in one song, everyone asking if they hear them. 8/10

14. BT-Work it (Remix?) - You could say it's a Work It remix, but I dont see any difference except the guy rapping. I wish they had the clean version with the "No!"'s.

O SO GOOD
Real cool album with every track danceable. Missy's rapping is completely different from any 1 out ther at the mo, her music has a sort of quirky but seriously addictive style 2 it.
My personal favourites on the album are;

1.GOSSIP FOLKS
2.WORK IT
3.BACK IN THE DAY
4.NOTHING OUT THERE 4 ME, (FEAT.BEYONCE)

The track "CAN U HEAR ME" is incredibly beautiful as Missy + Tlc sing + express their feelings on the losses of the talented Aaliyah + Lisa left eye. The song is done in a really emotional but edgy + catchy style also payin reference 2 the tragic end of
Tupac.

The worst "female rapper" ever
When I first heard "Gossip Folks" on the radio I thought it was just silly.The video is also stupid."Work It" has very unimaginative lyrics and it sounds like it was recorded in a zoo.Avoid this album and get good rap albums like:NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Missy, The Queen
This was my first (and still only) Missy Elliott album. I didn't know exactly what I was about to listen to, but I was expecting something good, and I'm impressed. I mean, almost every song in here is good. Great beats, great lyrics. Missy is much better than many, many men out there in rap/hip hop worldwide, you can be sure of it. No need to say she's the queen of rap, right?
My favorite tracks in here are 'Work It', which you all listened to, I think; 'Back In The Day', who tells about how hip-hop was so much fun in the past; 'Go To The Floor', great beats and awesome intro; and 'Can You Hear Me?', a message for Aaliah and Lisa Lopes.
Overall, this CD is very worth your money. And if you're not into more agressive/offencive rap (like gangsta rap), this is perfect for you (and if you are, it's awesome too). Music fans should give it a try, because Missy is very different from most hip hop artists in the world today - in the good way. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If Faith Evans's self-titled debut was inexplicably entwined in the rise of the Bad Boy empire, her eagerly anticipated follow-up, Keep the Faith, has been further steeped in the history of hip-hop--before anyone heard a note. There are plenty of ballads here ("No Way" and "Lately I" being the best), and Evans doesn't hesitate to mine her emotional turmoil for lyrical material, but it's the welcome inclusion of sublime mid-tempo grooves ("Sunny Days," "Life Will Pass You By") and party jams like "All Night Long" that make this album a sure-fire classic. Forget the hype and enjoy the sound of Evans's gospel-trained voice riding the old-school beats in the addictive "Love Like This." The most interesting thing about this album is not Evans's personal trials but that despite them, her voice is still as sweet as the caramel kisses she sings about. --Rebecca Wallwork ... Read more

Reviews (161)

"Keep The Faith" ALL DAY, EVERYDAY!!!
Faith Evans has truly done it this time. I knew this album was going to be a hit when I heard the intro. "Keep the Faith," track #10 is the most uplifting. Faith sings from the heart on this album and her vocals make me feel like I know what she is feeling. I have to give her hitmaking team big props, because the music is so moving, especially on tracks #2, #7, #12, #14, and #15. The interludes are nice like always, but please if someone from her hitmaking team, or Sean "Puffy" Combs, is reading this, let's make "Tears Away" (interlude #5) a song on the next album. I listen to that interlude over and over!!!

Faith delievers a moderate punch with Keep The Faith!
The second album from Faith Evans really proves that this lady has one of the prettiest voices in music. On Keep The Faith, Faith establishes herself as one of music's divas with a collection of 15 songs ranging from upbeat hip hop tracks to soulful, tender ballads. However after listening to the album over and over, you realize that Faith could be singing better songs. The album does have some bright spot though. On "Love Like This" the albums first single, Faith drops a fine hip hop number with a strong lick that we keep the song in your head for a long time. Her duet with Puff Daddy "All Night Long" will truly keep your party going for a long time. Beyond the fantastic hip hop beats, lies a voice ripe to sing powerful ballads. "Never Let You Go", a song produced by Babyface is a emotional, powerful ballad that will warm the hearts of many. But it's another Diane Warren ballad "Lately I" which truly allows us to hear Faith's voice in all is beauty. With help form David Foster and Stevie J, Faith aproaches the song as a desperate plea for her lover to return. The lush string arangements are incredible and the songs melody is elegant without being to over produced. Hopefully Faith will accept more songs from Diane on her thrid album, something I will be lokking forward to!!!!!

I HAVE THE FAITH
I must will be the first to say that when I purchase this I expect the same type of flavor I found in the first one. It was not and I hated it .After about a year in my collection along with plenty of dust I overheard a friend playing NO WAY .I instantly took my Keep The Faith out and started to listen and found that I had missed a year of Faith. What was I thinking this was a wonderful CD that was packet with hits. I just felt like Faith should have a more upbeat album but she didn't and thats what made her albums different.If you have to get over a break up this cd is great or if you are in love its great 2.I highly recommend this along with her other 2 albums .

solid follow-up
ehhh,.. not as good as her first self-titled cd. but still solid. truthfully, i'd give it a 3 and a half star rating. there are no bad songs on this CD. standouts, however, are My First Love (#6), Caramel Kisses (#14), Anything You Need (#7), and Never Gonna Let U Go (#12). Love Like This (#2) is always a good party starter. pick it up. it's not bad; just not OUTSTANDING.

Faith is okay...
I like her voice cuz it`s so pretty and unique :) but all in all her album is not good, not bad, just O K A Y! She could at least pick nicer melodies.some of the songs sound "dead"...it makes me wanna sleep =/ but I guess its all good...it seems only the songs that come out on the radio are the good ones... ... Read more

Reviews (41)

other reviewers are just jealous haters!!!
Dis albulm is fooking dope...genius...songs are bumpable...especially "who wit me?"...great guest appearances...i dont know but a lot of jealous haters out there but its worth buying...baby bash is a freaking genius for having his own style and not jockin no one else and all other foos dat dislike him for being himself could eat "pek pek mobajo"...(wat ever dat means(but sounds funny))

Wow, this is bad!!!!
Yes, this cd is bad, but does it warrant wishing that he get shot outside a club?Would you want someone to wish that on you.That is bad.There are a few good songs on here only because of the beat, hook, and guest artist.Baby Bash himself, wow.His rapping style is horrible.The lyrics are bad as well.But hey, he has a deal and I don't.

Good god, this dude is stale...
I haven't listened to this CD and I don't plan on it. This idiot can eat a big fat bowl of wangs. How can you name yourself after a synonym for killing children. How can anyone in their right mind name their album "Super Saucy". I bet this guy never gets laid. Puffy jackets and corn rows? This guy must be trying to get Nelly to f*ck him. I hope someone shoots this guy outside of a club or something because this retard is wack as f*ck. I pray that this guy never records another note because, even though I haven't listened to this CD, I'm almost positive that this guy is just another flash-in-the-pan wannabe that just wants some ass. And I hope the ladies can resist his charms. Baby Bash. You've gotta be kidding me. If I rapped under the name TODDLER TWIST or CHILD CRUNCH, nobody would even look at me in my puffy jacket and corn rows. This guy must be from somewhere like 9 Mile rd. because he's a f*cking jabroni. Who? Mike Jones.

Needs Some Growth
I must admit I bought this for the song: "Baby I'm Back" which is on smash.....but the rest fails to impress. There is maybe one or two more songs besides that song that are alright. But, he just does not sound like he has mastered his game yet. I like the voice of Natalie who is featured on 2 of the songs as well as Avant on 1 of the tracks....that's about all it has going for it.

He is Hanging on cause of Frankie J who actually has talent
This album is GARBAGEi cant even listen to it I dont know how he got a record deal I think a child could write better rymes than him BABY BASHI DONT THINK U WILL BE AROUND THE MUSIC BIZ FOR A LONG TIME ... Read more

Album Description

Debut album from Boston based super-group made up of MC's Mr. Lif, Akrobatik and DJ Fakts One. Album features guest appearances by Guru, Humpty Hump aka Shock G and Phonte (of Little Brother) + guest production by El-P and more. Chuck D. on Perceptionists: "Lif is Coltrane, Ak - Miles Davis and Fakts One yo, that's Art Blakey - the magic in NYC that happened 50 years ago, y'all are experiencing right now" ... Read more

Reviews (13)

5 STARS.....very solid release.... PURE HIP HOP
I saw this album on my recommendations list and read some of the reviews and figured "what the hell, why not" so i picked it up and lets say that DEF JUX has a new fan.I've never heard Mr. Lif's music but I had always heard good and I am very impressed with him and Akrobatik. I just starting to scratch the surface of underground hip hop and albums like this just keep pulling me further and further in.

The production on the album was done very good. Every beat had me bobbing my head and ready to here more after each track.All fans of hip hop need to check out these guys and pick up this album.... my favorite tracks were Blo, Memorial Day, Love Letters, 5 O'Clock...feat Phonte, and Breathe In The Sun.

Every track was good but those are my favorites.... GREAT PRODUCTION, GREAT FLOWS, and GREAT LYRICS = The Perceptionists... a must have for REAL Hip Hop fans

One of the best of 2005 (along with Common's "BE")

www.saywordradio.com
This Album is the best of the year so far. Akrobatik and Lif flow so tight together the've become my new favorite duo (since andre 3000 started singing). This album is a classic and it's a dayum shame it will probably never get the attention deserves.

Lyrics-10
Flow-10
Beats-10 (who the hell is Fakts 1?)

support real Hip Hop Buy this.

Achieving perfection
I had to buy this album after falling in love with Mr. Lif's "I Phantom". That, and Definitive Jux was pimping out the CD pretty hard on the front page of their web site. I listen to, and review TONS of underground rap CDs. And, I usually find that my favorites are solo efforts (one emcee and one deejay, or someone that can do it all). Collaborative efforts can be hit or miss. Sometimes the chemistry between two charismatic emcees just isn't their. A good example would be the Slug and Murs album "Felt". The album was good, but not spectacular like their solo albums. The Perceptionists are Mr. Lif, Akrobatik and DJ Fakts One (there are also beats by El-P, and newcomers Cyrus the Great, Willie Evans, and CamuTao). I'm familiar with the work of Lif and Fakts One, but this is my first outing with Akrobatik. The chemistry problem apparent on some albums, is definitely not the case hear. Mr. Lif and Akrobatik work absolute magic on the forefront of DJ Fakts One's dope beats. These rhymes, beats and cuts are simply air tight. The afrocentric duo each possess extremely tight flows. They weave in and out of each others rhymes with such precision and timing, that it's hard not to show props for this stuff. My jaw was dropped in pure amazement after my first listen. This stuff is doper than dope. Not only are the cuts and rhymes phenomenal, but these two emcees have a lot of great things to say. Say what you will, protest rappers are among my favorite. They both possess the need to express ideas, and facts in the form of education for the listener. I read that Mr. Lif and Akrobatik have a long history together. Well, that definitely comes through in their perfectly executed delivery.

Although it may be more apparent on other Def Jux releases, I will continue to say that my love for progressive rock attracts we to this type of hip-hop. It is definitely a progression from the norm. One of my favorite classic progressive rock bands is Kansas. I nearly blew my load when I heard them prominently sample the end of "Closet Chronicles" from their 1977 album "Point Of Know Return" (on track 4 "Memorial Day"). It sweetly backed battle rhymes directed at George W. Bush's administration - "Where are the weapons on mass destruction / We've been lookin' for months and ain't found nothin' / Please Mr. President, tell us somethin' / We knew from the beginning that your a$$ was bluffin'". Like I said before, these beats are just sick and tight. The first cut, "Let's Move" serves as a commanding intro to the album, with some heavily distorted samples. The next two cuts "People 4 Prez" and "Blo" are equally satisfying. The latter featuring a pretty futuristic beat. But may favorites are "Memorial Day," "Frame Rupture," "What Have We Got to Lose?!?," "5 0'Clock," (featuring Little Brother's Phonte) and "Breathe in the Sun". There certainly aren't any dull moments in the album's 41 minutes in length.

Overall, I liked this album much than than I expected. I knew Mr. Lif was extremely talented, and now I know the same about Akrobatik and DJ Fakts One. I think these guys make killer music together, and I'm hoping that they will continue to do so.

underground will live forever baby!
Another solid release by Def Jux.This album's obscurity is what makes it unique from other releases of the year.This album has beats that are totally unlike anything I've ever heard.The flow of Mr. Lif and the energetic character of Akrobatik make this group a force to watch in years to come.Boston veteran Guru also makes an appearance.If you appreciate Hip-hop, you'll appreciate the Perceptionists.Cop it!

Dope
First, I should say this might be the best hip hop album I have heard in the last six months or so, but I unlike most of amazon.com I reserve 5 star reviews for classics. Therefore a new release cannot get 5 stars.
this is a dope album with a nice mix of subject matter, some real serious political commentary and some humor mixed in. Tight beats from EL-P and Fakts One, and a nice guest suprising guest shot from Shock G.
I thought Guru's guest spot was a little lazy-sounding and weak, but this is a very worthwhile, dope album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Maybe it was that downtime at Creedmoor Mental Hospital, but after he tuned out following the breakup of the hardheaded seminal hip-hop group the Ultramagnetic MCs, something must have flipped Kool Keith's wig like a mescaline pizza. I can think of no other way to explain the mutant birth of Dr. Octagonecologyst. Literally assuming another personality on this record, Dr. Octagon--Kool Keith on the mike, with Dan "The Automater" Nakamura producing--transmits unearthly rhymes like tractor beams to your cranium. Then he squirms around in there, grabs some Vaseline from your medicine cabinet, and does a little dance. The first time you listen to cuts like "Earth People" and "Blue Flowers," you might have to change the way you listen to hip-hop. The standards are the same--verse, chorus, verse, with plenty of nasty skits in the middle--and there are electro-beat shades of his predecessors, such as Afrika Baambaata, but the wordplay and beat compositions are truly light years from most hip-hop. Listening to this album is like trying to read the glyphs from Stargate. --Todd Levin ... Read more

Reviews (92)

Clockin' Doc Oc
Let me start by saying that I am a big fan of Kool Keith's late 90's work. But Dr.Octagon isn't Kool Keith, Dr.Octagon isn't even human, he's from a galaxy far, far away. I normally don't go for the "tormented geniuses" of Hiphop, they are usually all hype and headtrips, but this album is different. It is still a great album 6 years later, but I think it is also a distinct product of it's time. Dr.Octagon is speaking in a funky tongue about the state of 90's Hiphop, even if Kool Keith doesn't intend to, and thats the strength of Octagynecologyst as I percieve it.
Also, the production from the Automator is ILL, that bears repeating, The production is ILL! Some Hiphop producers use strings, but no other producers really allow them to influence the music. And all the skits and vocal samples are too damn funny("Because they were smelly" gets me every time) and really speak from the same place as Doc Oc. I don't give this album five stars only because Keith is not saying enough, not because he doesn't say plenty. Dr. Octagon speaks volumes, all in character. I believe this rapper is a madman.

Kool Keith's seminal mainstream-underground opus
Dr. Octagon - the album and the Kool Keith alter-ego - set the stage for what was to become the new wave of rap in the late nineties: genuine innovation and drawer-dropping collaborations. One of the early albums that fused specialty DJs and a specialty rap-act, Dr. Octagon throbs with intriguing, complex and texturous production and titillating staccato rhymes from Kool Keith. Kool Keith has been prone to dissing this seminal album as of late, however, he cannot deny the impact it had on his career and on expanding his fanbase - as he raps on the Black Elvis album "my two million new fans are white people". Even if you have heard Keith's other collaborations with Kutmaster Kurt and didn't like them, you owe it to yourself as a hip-hop fan to experience this delicious, smooth, eerie and hilarious album.

Kool Keith's best
(In my opinion), since his early days with the Ultramagnetic MCs.

In this album (produced by Dan the Automator), Kool Keith plays the deranged Dr. Octagon.

This album is full of bizarre lyrics and is filled with electronic and unusual beats.
A crazy album from a crazy MC (who has spent time in a mental asylum) -- makes sense

There are several great tracks to listen to on this album such as:"3000", "Blue Flowers", "Bear Witness" 1 (1st of several by Dan the Automator and Prince Paul), and "I'm Destructive".
And there are entertaining and perverse skits throughout the album.

There are also musical contributions by: Prince Paul, DJ Shadow, and DJ Qbert.

If you like Kool Keith or unusual and innovative hiphop this is a good album.

Considered a classic.

kool keith is a little off
First of all I'll talk about kool keith. he repeats his one line refrains in unpredictable rhythms, and, for that matter, does almost everything in unpredictable rhythms. rhythmic variation is one of his best qualities as a rapper, while saying anything important is one of his worst. most of the cd revolves around the fact that he is a doctor with an enthusiasm for the ladies, and there is much talk of random disgusting made up ailments and several references to shooting excement onto faces. songs like halfsharkalligator are completely random and bizarre but keith somehow makes them addictive and irresistible. he never gets boring, sometimes leaving a ton of silence at the end of unfinished verses before going back to the chorus. you could call him a rap genius, in any case he is one of the most consistently creative guys out there for real. but enough about him...
dan the automator is a great producer; all his beats are good except earth people, but I think his other work on handsome boy and deltron is much better. I think this album lets him show his style but it feels less adapted than the deltron stuff. Blue Flowers is especially artful in its use of strings, and it is revisited and given a different treatment later on in the album. the well crafted dark atmospheric quality of his work needs little explanation if you have heard it at all, and there is little from him that you would not expect. one of the best things about the album is how keith and dan's senses of rhythm go together so well to create something so that it doesn't matter that the words don't make any sense.
dj q-bert is really good and he shows off sometimes when there is no rapping, and gets the whole song to himself on bear witness. he is really good, one of the best out there.
So this cd is a great OBVIOUSLY UNDERGROUND piece of work if you think random grossness and twisted sexual humor is funny. The spooky beats provide an excellent backdrop for keith's inspired ramblings.

It Changed My Life.
This album is so good that, upon it's release, the sea of mediocre rappers in which the world yet swims convulsed in collective jealosy. It's so good that it sits next to my Black Sabbath and Dimitri Shostakovich CD's. Here is a man who stands above--far above--the rest of hip-hop. This is original source material for those who revere music and creativity. This album will make you bob your head with it's sick beats, and keel over laughing at the inane, incomparable stream of absurdities from the mouth of the Most High Master, Kool Keith. Totally abstruse and esoteric, yet completely accessible, isn't that what great art is all about? A Dali painting on CD. People will have this in their collection 100 years from now. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Taste the culture, know who you are," exhorts a voice in the opening seconds of The Carnival. While Fugees mastermind Wyclef sets a high goal for his first solo album, essentially a follow-up to the Brooklyn hip-hoppers' multiplatinum The Score, he never succumbs to feel-goodism or preachiness while traveling the songlines. Including everything from over-the-top operatic scatting to Bee Gees samples and Celia Cruz as part of its rhythm nation, The Carnival proves that, "Killing Me Softly" or no, the rapper/producer is far from losing his knack for mad fun and games. And, indeed, if you're not careful, you may end up learning something: witness the ballad "Gone Till November," a drug runner's unflinching lament. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (89)

Wyclef mixes it all up for the Carnival..Tight!
This cd from wyclef is a good cd. I had this from a while back and it's still good. Fans and Non-fans of the fugges should check this out because it's a couple people on this u might not know is on. People like lauryn Hill, John forte, pras, G+B(the product), Jeeni fujita and others help to keep it hot. Check for Jeeni fujita in the future...shes about to blow up. The cd starts off with a intro skit that sounds like a commercial for a movie. All the skits are funny and they play through this cd like a movie. All the skits are in court and are about wyclef proving that hes good and not a "Playa", "Thug", etc. The best tracks here are: 2,3,5,7,9(This one is tight and should have been a single),10(another tight one. This is a true story if u listen close to the lyrics),13(This song is in french and has Lauryn Hill singing a tight verse and if u listen to the whole song u learn what it means at the end. lauryn explains in english), This is a cool slow jam with Aaron neville,18(Classic party jam mixing old school with the new).

Overall this is a good solo cd from wyclef and I think he did good even though he had a lot of guests. The guests don't over shadow him and by the time your done you will know something about where he is from. Lauryn and Wyclef did good and are still doing good solo. I don't know if pras will ever get to their level. It would be good to see the fugees reunite but since they all are at different levels now..I guess it's history. Check out wyclefs new one coming out in June, but until then this is something to listen to. he might suprise you with a couple cuts here because he mixes it all up slow jam, fast, hip-hop , reggae and everything.

If u never been to a carnival, then here is a good start.

Ready or not, here clef comes
Wyclef is one of the last MUSICIANS in hip-hop and R&B today. You can count the people that can sucessfully rap, sing, play instruments, produce music of all genres, and write thought provoking lyrics on one hand. He, Lauryn Hill, and who...Anyway, this is why the Carnival is such a great CD. Only diehard clef fans will love all of it, but their is at least somehting on here for everyone. He does htis, wihtout sounding generic. He expands the lines and mixes gernes so well, it's hare to tell which song is what. Gone till november, Apocolypse, Bubblegoose, Guantaramera are just examples of how Clef can can mix all music into one song like no other. About 20 years from now, Wyclef will still be around and remembered as one of the great musicians of our time. An dthe Carnival will still be listenable

4 1/2 Star album
The Carnival posesses possibly the most creative musical production of any Hip Hop album during the 90s. It's not a surprise because of Wyclef Jean's diverse musical outings, from hip hop, Latin American, reggae, haitian, calypso, rock, and everything in between. I can't say if there is any large Hip Hop star that has the cultural insightfulness and diversity that Wyclef has. Being Caribbean myself I'm in love for the fact that he has patios lyricism displayed here. I would love to see him team up with France's superhero MC Solaar. The album is less serious than the Score, which it is otherwise a general follow-up, including a more comical feel. But this isn't to say this is 3feet High and Rising Part II, it's got it's share of introspective and serious topics. Overall it's a masterpiece, however I took a five star away because I am convince that Wyclef Jean was holding back. He could have included more intellectual lyrics on the album than he did. Otherwise, if you want the ultimate Hip Hop collection then you MUST own this album.

Great Party Music
This is perfect to set your party on fire. It was chill songs as well as some jumpin ones. Well, enough can't be said: JUST BUY IT NOW !!!!!!!!

Masterful Eclecticism
Crestfallen Fugee fans can find solace in their bereavement with this fine album written and produced by one of hip hops's finest, Wyclef Jean. Wyclef's style is very genuine, and he keeps his heart out on his sleeve on every track on The Carnival. There is just about everything you could ask for on this recording. Tonze of funny skits, solid rap tracks, love songs, songs in other languages. They're all good too. Although this album has many discrepancies from the Fugee albums, it's still worth owning if you liked the Fugees or any other hip hop acts that aren't overly interested in limning gruesome scenes of gangsters, guns and crime (i.e. J5, Pharcyde, De La, Tribe). ... Read more

Amazon.com

Black Eyed Peas have at times been accused of sounding too Tribe for their own good, but this time out Will.i.am and crew have consciously expanded their horizons. Problem is, perhaps they've tried too hard. As the title suggests, Elephunk borrows from every single element of funk known to man and (with the exception of the one straight-out rock & roll track, "Anxiety") tries to cram them all into a semi-hip-hop format. While such willingness to experiment is admirable, in this case the attempt comes off as slightly desperate and too diffuse. Elephunk settles itself into a groove when BEP's newest member Fergie’s lush girlie vocals are allowed to dominate, as they do on the discofied "The Boogie That Be."--Rebecca Levine ... Read more

Reviews (220)

Elephunk by The Black Eyed Peas
Politically conscious hip hop quartet (is it just me or is there a new member?) release their latest effort, Elephunk, borrowing the title from another animal loving neo-soul group, White Stripes, who released Elephant earlier this year. Anywho, The Black Eyed Peas have established themselves as a funky, influential & intresting aspect of the music industry, one that has kept both fans & critics attention and most commonly reacting with a positive spirit. Their new album does little to disappoint, and their multi-genre style continues to get people attracted.

The album's highly pop influenced lead single "Wheres the Love" featuring pop's reigning pretty boy prince Justin Timberlake, while very mainstream, is actually not all to bad. I believe that the group put the song as its closing though to try and stop fans from just listening to one song and then shutting off, hoping that fans will give it a straight through listen. It is safe to say though that if people are buying this record solely based on the lead single, they will be disappointed.

The highly offensive, yet catchy & bouncy "Lets Get Retarded" will appeal to club heads who like to 'be cool' by getting drunk & high, but true BEP fans will find themselves skipping this one. Other noteworthy songs include "Smells like Funk", the rock-market ready "Anxiety" & the James Brown sound-a-like "Shut Up", a relationship track.

This songs are catchy and diverse which will attract new fans, but old fans of the group are almost guaranteed to be disappointed with most of the material on here, being that it strays to far from their proven effective formula to do things that aren't exactly excepted among their audience. Hopefully they can recoop and bring it harder next time around.

Elephunk
01. HANDS UP: A very very fast song with greats chorus -9-
02. LABOR DAY (IT'S A HOLIDAY): Like the other 12 songs is so so fast...but it is a good hip-hop -9-
03. LET'S GET RETARDED: One of my favs. songs on the album it is so so cool -10-
04. HEY MAMMA: The 3rd single of the album cool and fast...and it has like a jamaican music -10-
05. SHUT UP: My Fav. song on the album is very very cool...it is like discution -10-
06. SMELLS LIKE FUNK: Yeah, Yeah That's Funky -9-
07. LATIN GIRLS: The longest song on the album, is is cool and it have words in spanish -10-
08. SEXY: Cool, i like it, but sometimes it turns boring -9-
09. FLY AWAY: Really, really cool song, Fergie makes a good job on the album -10-
10. THE BOOGIE THAT BE: It is...like "Smells Like Funk" -9-
11. THE APL SONG: I think this is a sad songs, it is about the life of APL, i think -8-
12. ANXIETY: Hate this, it is with Papa Roach -6-
13. WHERE IS THE LOVE: The 1st single and the last song on the album , it is very cool and it have positive lyrics...it about how to apreciate to your friends -10-

Where is the label?
I bought this CD for my kid and NO EXPLICIT CONTENT LABEL!!! There are MAJOR swears in "Hey Mama" and other songs. Great songs, poor words

P.S. Don't expect to find "Let's Get It Started on any of their CD's. It's really "Lets Get Retarted".

Amazing
I have never really heard about the B.E.P. until this album. (Ok dont' shoot me for being in the dark). This album is extraordinary. This is a great compilation and the lyrics are profound. The lyrics in "Where Is The Love" deals with modern day issues. I also saw the video for "Hey Mama" and man these guys can shake their booties. If the B.E.P keep dropping their future albums like this one they have a fan for life in me.

hypoCRIT!
" i wanna smak somebody"

" where is the love "

shut up, get your mind strait, and you wont have these bloody images ... Read more

Amazon.com

This debut album, basically a collection of early singles ("Eric B. Is President," "I Know You Got Soul," the title track), is the motherlode of late-'80s New York rap--assured, serious, and hugely influential. Rakim, a rapper's rapper, is the Chow Yun-Fat of hip-hop: cool as steel, absolutely calm, absolutely deadly. His verbal wit and rhythmic gift go hand-in-hand. He flows like a waterfall, playing around the beat, leaping from one ingenious phrase to another, letting the words do all the work. And Eric B.? He comes up with some straightforward but effective backing tracks (he favors James Brown grooves), scratches on a couple of block-rocking instrumentals, and makes room for the master to do his thing. --Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (48)

I AIN'T NO JOKE 1987
THIS ALBUM IS FULL OF RHYMES,DJ CUTS,AND BEATS.PAID IN FULL IS THE ALBUM THAT TAKES YOU INTO THE WORLD OF HIP HOP MUSIC YOU NEVER HEARD
BEFORE.RAKIM (RHYMER,MC,AND POET) WHO IS THE MAN OF RAP MUSIC.
'ERIC B IS ON THE CUT' WAS ABOUT THE SKILLS OF ERIC B.IF YOU LISTED TO IT NOW IT WILL TAKE YOU BACK.

Definantly worth 5 Mics
This is one of the most reveared albums in hip hop history and it is the debut by a good DJ and a excellent MC this was so big in 1987 along with others like Boogie Down Productions-Criminal Minded and Public Enemy-Yo bum rush the show.This album is recommended to any fan of music this is the duo at there best.
1.I aint no joke-A classic single by the Duo 10/10
2.Eric B.is on the cut-A mix song by Eric B this is good
3.My Melody-Increddible ripping of the mic by Rakim 10/10
4.I Know you got soul-The third classic on here 10/10
5.Move the crowd-just short of classic status still great 10/10
6.Paid in Full-4th classic cut on here 10/10
7.As the rhyme goes on-yet another great rip 10/10
9.Eric B.is President-1st single for them is classic 10/10
There are numerous classic songs on here strongly recomended
Lyrics 10/10 Production 9/10 X Factor 10/10 Style 10/10 Voice10
Music 10/10 Innovative 10/10 Classic 10/10 Guest 10/10 Blends10
Overall=99 wich just miss 5 Mic classics but still is classic

Its that good
Its the best and its probably one of the few albums from that era that stands the test of time. I still listen to it today. I Know You Got Soul is one of the greatest songs ever. If your into rap and are young, educate yourself and get this. Rakim in his prime would rip Feminem in three.

Hip - Hop at its best
Before paid in full dropped, Hip Hop and fat shoe laces were in fashion and each stood as good a chance as the other to remain in vogue. Some talented acts like Run - DMC, the Fat Boys, Whodini and LL.Cool.J kept Hip Hop on the radar scope but rap as a staple genre was nowhere near being a fixture in our culture. But then came the summer of 1986 and Hip-Hop was about to be hit with a bombs shell. Now what could be so ground breaking you ask and I'll tell you. We heard Rakim! for the first time and we knew the game hade changed forever. His flow was in fact, just like the waters of the Nile; cool, deep, and flowing north against the grain of every MC out there at the time and all since. Rakim's flow seemed somehow ahead of its time yet familiar, as if he'd always been there, from the ancient Pyramids to suede Pumas, and all the while he had us whistling his "Melody". This album cemented hip hop in our culture and yes Rakim still remains the standard by which all great MC's are measured. That makes Paid in Full arguably one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. Just keep in mind that this Disc is almost 20 years old but if you need to know where modern Hp-Hop Started its right here on this Disc. So for all you young cats out there listen and learn.

just to clear it up
rakim produced most of the stuff on the eric b and rakim albums, not eric b. ... Read more

Reviews (188)

Erykah Badu- Worldwide Underground
Erykah Badu's fourth release "Worldwide Underground" (2003) is nice. Tracks that currently standout out for me include: "Back in the Day" (Puff), love Erykah's soulful vocals and the simple track concept to this, the albums longest track the ten minute plus "I Want You and the powerful lead single "Danger". I like Erykah Badu's music best when shes on solo or making a guest appearance on someone elses album, for example I would have much preferred to see Common/Erykah Badu on the original "Love of My Life". Dead Prez are a group I like, so it nice to see them get a mainstream appearance. There are no tracks I dislike on this, however some do not stand out as much as others and on a short release like this I think every track should. Erykah Badu fans who have all her work will most likely love this album, if your like me (relatively new to her music) and listen to a wide variety of music you may prefer some of her earlier albums. Overall Erykah Badu's "Worldwide Underground" vibes well.

Magnificently Supreme!
I first heard this CD at a friend's house one afternoon and RAN out to buy it that very same day. This is hands down my favorite CD this year. It's not often I find an album I can listen to over and over again from beginning to end. EVERY SINGLE TRACK IS HOT!

The intro draws you in with it's silky sexiness and comes to a crescendo after which Miss Erykah invites you to "Bump It" (which I advise you to do....this CD is meant to be played luxuriously loud). You then take a trip to "Back in the Day" where you are instantly seduced by a track that makes you feel like you're at a basement house party groovin' and puffin' to a Patrice "Rushinesque" rhythym. Just when you think it can't get any better, she takes you into a 10 minute rhythmically sensual journey on "I Want You". I particularly like the drum line on this...reminiscent of the Womack & Womack club hit "Baby I'm Scared of You". Very sexy. After you've climaxed you bask in the afterglow with "Woo", a fun piece that was developed after she improv'd it onstage at a concert. Next, she gets conscious with Dead Prez on "the Grind"...a funky inner-city message piece. She keeps it grimey with "Danger"...a fabulously funky track that demands to be played at full bass. She gets smoother with "Think Twice" and there is a SUPERB appearance by Roy Hargrove on this track. Next, she takes you back to the party with "Love of My Life Worldwide" with a wonderful cast of guest vocals including Queen Latifah, fellow neo-soulite Angie Stone, and Mohammadia. She then gradually fades you out of her world with the same sexy outro that she brought you in with. Truly full circle. If you are a soul flower like me...a child of the 70's & 80's you will LOVE this CD. This is GOOD MUSIC and stands out in a sea of mediocrity. Thank you Erykah for staying true to your soul roots!

TRYIN' TOO HARD!!!
SOMETIMES WE TRY TO HARD TO BE DIFFERENT.... IT'S O.K. TO BE DIFFERENT.BUT DON'T TRY TO BE SO DEEP THAT YOU GET LOST.!!! I'M COOL ON HER NEW EFFORTS.... THIS SHORT A** CD SHOULD'VE BEEN BURIED "UNDERGROUND".... IF YOU NEED AN ERYKAH FIX, GET HER FIRST CD.

Poor, poor souls...
If you know anything about soul music, you would know that it is about growth, understanding and learning and this cd exemplifies all of the above. If you are a fan of Ms. Badu, then you could see the progression from her first album to this one and be able to apreciate the new alternative stlye. As another fan said, she is not a slave to pop culture and top 40 hits(which is a shame because as many people as possible should be introduced to her new style). In my eyes her personal journey is as clear as day and as a young black woman, I can only hope to come as far as she in her personal journey towards understanding life. This album, on my list, is #1 of all time.

And awesome powerful young black woman performer real soul
When I first got erykah's latest album I was soooo impressed. Its too bad the radio wont allow her whole album, or at least more songs too be released. I guess she's too real and true to her people for record company's to allow that. All I can say is she has real talent. Every album she has shows a different part of here personality. You get to peek into here thoughts and ideas a bit. She does'nt write about the same ol things over and over again. I really think she has her own style. She's not trying to be some 70's look alike. She is just being herself. I love her music. What can I say she's a genius. You go Erykah Badu. Alica keys, Beyounce, And India Arie could never have her style class or talent. She is a one of a kind. Peace. ... Read more