Reviews (11)

Surprisingly Stellar Triumph
When I first heard "Where is the Love" last summer, I couldn't stand it. I dismissed the Black Eyed Peas as one hit wonders and waited for their moment to pass. Then I heard "Shut Up" and was surprised I liked it. It wasn't until I heard "Hey Mama" that I fell in love with them. This CD is by far the best hip hop album right now because each song, even "Where is the Love", sounds good when you listen to the entire album. In my opinion, they are just as good, if not better, than that other visionary hip hop group, Outkast. Each song sounds like a radio smash, and it's not surprising this group has moved past the one hit wonder tag.

1)Hands Up- gets the CD off to a good start. One of the best party songs of the past few years. The perfect opener for this CD.
2)Labor Day- probably my favorite song on the CD. The beat is infectious, the vocals are top notch, and I think would be an even bigger hit than "Hey Mama" if they release it as a single.
3)Let's Get Retarded- the title threw me off at first, but they say right off the bat it's not meant to be offensive. It really is a good song and it's no wonder it is their latest single.
4)Hey Mama- yes, it's not the same version we heard on the radio, MTV, and VH1. Does that make this version bad? No, the track still holds up even without the excellent Fergie vocals heard on the single version.
5)Shut Up- I like the way this song sounds. The vocals play off each other very well, and even though it's about a disastrous relationship, you can still dance to it.
6)Smells Like Funk- another really good song. I like the beat.
7)Latin Girls- a little long, but it's still a really good song.
8)Sexy- I like the feel of this song. It's very smooth and it sounds great.
9)Fly Away- a great showcase for Fergie. She probably sounds her best on this song.
10)The Boogie That Be- another really good party song. The beats are really strong.
11)The APL Song- a good song. I like the way this song tackles an overused subject but still makes it sound very good.
12)Anxiety- a surprisingly strong rock song. The appearance of Papa Roach sounds strange in theory, but makes perfect sense when you hear it.
13)Where is the Love- not my favorite, but I really do like this song now. I understand the lyrics more now. They even make Justin Timberlake look good.
14)Let's Get It Started- the radio version of Let's Get Retarded. My only problem with it is that if they could put this single onto the CD, why couldn't they put the version of Hey Mama we all want to hear on it?
HIDDEN TRACK)Third Eye- probably the most political song on the CD. I really enjoyed this song and think it's the perfect way to close a near-perfect album.

I highly recommend this CD. I can't think of one song that I don't like, and that is a rarity nowadays. This album should have gotten so much more praise from critics than it got, but I believe someday this album will get the respect it deserves.

Exceeded my Expectations
I never thought I would enjoy a Black Eyed Peas album, but after hearing "Shut Up", "Hey Mama", and "Let's Get it Started" on the radio and really liking them, I decided to buy the album. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I like most of the tracks on the album. In addition to the singles they've released, other songs that are great include "Anxiety", which is a collaboration with Papa Roach and comes off as a great hip hop/rock song, "Smells Like Funk" and "The Boogie that Be", which are great upbeat party songs, and "Fly Away" which showcases Fergie. My one disappointment is that the album version of "Hey Mama" is not the same as the radio version. While it is still good, it has a lot less Fergie vocals (the "off the richter, off the richter,..." lyrics are not on the album version) and the music is slightly different. Overall though, this is a great upbeat album that will make you want to sing and dance along!

One of the best albums of the 21st century (seriously)
Almost out of nowhere, the Black Eyed Peas have crafted one of the most excellent albums I have ever had the pleasure of buying. Yes, this album is THAT good. Every song works, and each one sounds like it could be a hit single. With this album, they have earned the right to be called one of the best hip hop groups working today. For those who think Outkast is the only group making relevant hip hop today, please give this album a listen. BEP may not have won all the Grammies, but that doesn't mean they aren't in the same league as Outkast.

Elephunk opens with "Hands Up". This is the perfect song to open the album. The song is practically guaranteed to get any party started. After this song, I didn't know if the rest of the album could be as good as this song. After hearing the second song "Labor Day (It's a Holiday)", I knew this was going to become one of my favorite albums. The song opens with a catchy hook and then goes into a chorus that sounds like they sampled Madonna's classic "Holiday". It is in the chorus that this song just explodes into something incredible. This is by far my most favorite song on the album and I really hope it is the next single. The next song is "Let's Get Retarded". With a title like that, I didn't know what to expect. Turns out it is another finely crafted dance tune. Some people may be offended by the title, but will.i.am says in the beginning of the song "In this context, there's no disrespect." It is just a simple and different way of saying "Let's party!". The next song is "Hey Mama". The radio version of this song has become one of the biggest hits of 2004. Although that version doesn't appear on this album, the original version is pretty good. I'm glad they remixed it for a single, but if this version had gone to radio, I think it still would have been a big hit. The next song is "Shut Up", the 2nd single off the album. I love the way the vocals respond to each other in this song. I had this song stuck in my head for days whenever this song came out last year. It wasn't as big a hit as their other singles, but that doesn't make it any less good. "Smells Like Funk" has a laid-back feel to it. This is another one of those songs that will be stuck in your head long after you listen to it. Next is "Latin Girls". This is a pretty long song, but I like the Latin feel to it. This song could set off another Latin music craze if it were released as a single. "Sexy" is the 8th song on the album and it also has a laid-back feel to it. "Fly Away" is an incredible song. This song is a showcase for Fergie, the newest member of the group. I think that the people who think she can't sing should listen to this song. I love the beat and the lyrics and this song is one of my favorites. "The Boogie That Be" is the 10th song and it too has an incredible beat that few people will be able to resist. This is a very cool song and it shows that this isn't one of those albums that starts to wear out as the album winds toward the end. "The APL Song" is one of those inspirational and uplifting songs every artist loves to do. This one is actually pretty good. "Anxiety" is their collaboration with Papa Roach. I had no idea they would work so well together with BEP. This is a very good song about being so angry you just want all your anger to go away before you do something you'll regret. It is a straight up rock song and I just love it. Next is "Where Is the Love". This was a really big hit for the group, and it's no surprise why. Sure, the song may be a little sappy in some places, but I admire the fact that they wanted to write a song that would get people to think about things like the war and what our country is coming to. Not even Justin Timberlake can ruin this song. Next we have "Let's Get It Started". This is the radio version of "Let's Get Retarded". For obvious reasons, the group wanted to avoid controversy by changing a few of the lyrics before they put the song out as a single. This song is just as good as the original and it has already become yet another hit for BEP. There is also a hidden bonus track called "Third Eye". This song features lines like "If Bush is Pinnochio, then who the hell is Geppetto?" and "You were foolin' me once before, but you ain't foolin' me twice no no." Those lyrics may put off some people, but I love the fact that we are in a place where groups can speak their minds about Bush and not receive death threats like the Dixie Chicks did. This song is a bonus for a near-perfect album.

I am very glad I bought this album. Sure, lines like "Let's get retarded" and "Shut up just shut up shut up" may not be high are, but then again neither are "Hey ya" or 'Your roses really smell like boo boo boo." They are just good silly fun. What's not to like about that? This is one of the best albums I have bought all year. Nearly every song explodes into a little block party, and the songs will be stuck in your head for days. I have listened to this album many times since I have bought it and I will continue to listen to it over and over. This music is fun to listen to and I really do think it is one of the best albums to come along in years. It's definitely one of the best albums I have ever bought. Do yourself a favor and buy this album. You will not regret it.

Where exactly is the love?
Speechless, thats the only way to describe it. When i first heard the single "Where is the Love" gag reflexes arose and vomiting ensued. Was that a little to harsh? I think not. Their "funky beats" and "genius rhymes" are nothing more than a groups struggling attempt to become celebrated hip pop "artists". Now, nothing is wrong with wanting making money, but when mainstream heavy hitters are added to to somewhat underground hip hop group's recipe im inclined to ask myself, Where is the love? The love im referring to, is the love of making good music, not vacuous lyrics stratigicly placed beneath poppy, radio friendly beats and Justin Timberlake. Through their first two albums it was the words, innovativly strung together into lines of rhymes, that ran throughout my head daily, not the teribbly misplaced guitar riff from Papa Roach in Anxiety. Im opting not to touch on the other tracks for the simple reason that it might just throw me into a paroxysm of histaria. I own both of their previous albums and belive me, if i could strike this album from their discography i would. This is not quality hip hop, and if you perceive it otherwise i suggest research on your part is necessary, and you might start with "Behind the Front" and "Bridgin the Gap". Listen to the album if you must, but while you do, ask yourself what exactly it is that your hearing, music or corporate balderdash.

hey mama, buy it now
stacy's mom is rite on this 1, buy it now, B.E.P. rox hard. all the songs r awesome.

THE LADY IN SPIDERMAN 2 SINGING THE ANNOYING SPIDERMAN SONG IS MY HERO ALONG W/ THE GUY IN THE 6 FLAGS COMMERCIAL!!!!!!!!
GO DC! ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (496)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

You generally don't have to listen too hard to hear what's on the mind of Los Angeles music collective Ozomatli. The multi-faceted band is rarely subtle in its politics or its incorporation of countless Latin traditions as well as modern rock, jazz, pop and hip-hop. But on the band's third album, Street Signs, the addition of the Prague Symphony and the distinct influence of Arab and North African music certainly qualify as ambitious curve balls. Announcing its intentions from the get-go, album-opener "Believe" starts with a Rai-style vocal melody before finishing with a gritty rap as Bollywood-style strings provide a sweeping backdrop throughout. Never lingering in one place for long, the band quickly goes from there into some of the catchiest Latin Rock this side of Santana's "Smooth" on such gems as "Love And Hope" and "(Who Discovered) America?" before tearing off in other directions. These fearless hip-hop bambinos truly go their own way, saying what they want, playing what they want. --Tad Hendrickson ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Stunning mixture of sounds the OZO way....
I'm only a recent Ozo fan, and have to say that I have missed out on numerous chances to see this band over the years. I am fortunate enough to have seen them once, and was blown away by their raw energy, and mixture of latin, funk, hip hop, rock among many different styles of music. I was immediately hooked.

With their third full release, it's easy to hear Ozomatli's influences taken to a new level. The middle eastern underlay on tracks like "Believe" and "Who's To Blame?" featuring Chali 2na is apparent. The spanish guitar on "Santiago" soothes the soul. The Latin Jazz sound of "Nadie De Tira" featuring Eddie Palmieri on piano is pure bliss, not to mention the beautiful intro - "Doña Isabelle". The funk rock "Saturday Night" will get any party started and the Orishas like title track is a standout.

Overall "Street Signs" is a manifestation of what Ozomatli are all about - making funky, shake your ass music. Ozo have already proven to be one of the best bands in the world, live or in the studio, and this album is just another verification of this fact.

awesome
i love it! this cd just like the others is amazing a must for ozo fans!it is different but familiar.

Eclectic, Amazing
Yes, it is far better to see this band live, but this album does not dissappoint. I've been an Ozo fan for a long time and I really like the direction they took with this album. It is an eclectic mix of genres. I think the mix of the band members contributes to the mixing of musical genres in an innovative way. The sounds produced here from hip hop to ballads, middle eastern to brazilian are fresh and new. They are definitely ahead of their time, and I can't wait for the rest of the world to catch up to Ozomatli!

Ozomatli always impresses!
The one thing about Ozomatli is that you must see them perform live. However, if that's not possible, then buying the cd is the next best thing and "Street Signs" is what you need. With so many musical styles on this one cd, it's impossible to be bored. There's hip-hop with "Saturday Night," a Cuban drive in "Nadie Te Tira," and a flameco-flair with "Te Estoy Buscando," just to name a few. If you're familiar with Ozo, then you know what great music they're capable of; if you've never heard of them before, then you need to get to know this band and their music. Even if you don't understand Spanish, their music has something for everyone and their energy is contagious. Bottomline is "Street Signs" will lead down many roads, each one more enjoyable than the one before.

Ozo Packs Plenty of Surprises
After owning three Ozomatli cds (which includes this new release as well) they seem to almost reinvent themselves each time. This is an excellent thing. While some ingredients may seem familiar in each album, there is tons of new sounding material and all sorts of artistic experimentation utilized each time in good doses! I cannot pin it down exactly about what it is, but this third release has a much more coherent and smoother track flow. In each album the listener never knows what type of cultural or global influences the group will incorporate on that particualr project.These artists incorporate a healthy plethora of cultural melting pot influences to the nth degree.Ozo seems to know the secret to what is essential for them to succeed and produce such captivating music and "food for thought" lyrics.Ozo knows how to mix in plenty of vacationing/travelling escapism as well in some of their tunes; Just listen to a track like Santiago and tell me that no person in their right mind would not be influenced to wanna go or would like to go to places such as Cancun, Rosarito Beach, Baja, San Diego or even a Latin nightclub in L.A. While they may sing about life,global,social,political or any kind of issues, it's the music and talent aplenty (diversity) that makes the grade (possibly exceeds it) ! It's all universal baby !... ... Read more

Reviews (99)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (521)

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com essential recording

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

Reviews (188)

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

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

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

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

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

Album Description

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

Reviews (12)

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (110)

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

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

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

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

thank you

now die

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

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

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

Amazon.com essential recording

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

Reviews (135)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12 - Old School - See #8

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (112)

An album that was ahead of its time
This album was the last that we would hear from Tupac while he was alive. Although released after his death, his presence was more than felt on this one. With his combination of prophecy (Blasphemy, Hail Mary), political and social issues (just like daddy, white man's world) and of course battling and anger which is what was expected on here (bomb first, life of an outlaw, against all odds). This album is filled with hits and also leads on many people to still think he is alive to increase the shock value. His brilliant use of the metaphor comes on "Me and my Girlfriend" where he lays down a track about his gun (the girlfriend) and how it will help him survive. He fires diss rhymes like Mussolini from the balcony on Against all odds and Bomb First where he mentions Nas, Biggie, and Mobb Deep. The Outlaws drop in for the tracks Hail Mary and Life of an Outlaw and help 2pac along with getting his point across. I especially love the intro because it sets the tone for an extremely dark and gritty album. This shows you how serious tupac was about the situation and how it affected him. He still finds time to include more of his political stands on White Man's World. Also finds time to include a track for the clubs in Toss it Up, one of my favorite tracks. This classic does not miss by anyone's standards. This is the last great tupac album that we will ever experience. If you want real tupac, do not pick up anything after this album. With the exception of one released album, "Until the End of Time", they falter badly and are not the real tupac. This is the real deal.

Another long line of classics by Pac.
7 Day Theory, 2pac's first postumous cd, is his war album. Anybody he believes wronged him in anyway.Beware!!!He gets a lot of rappers, Bad Boy label, Mobb Deep, Nas(I don't know why), Jay-z (my least favorite rapper) and anybody he just didn't like:

1.Bomb First(My Second Reply): If the disc started off like this everybody in the room would be tired by the seventh song. One of the greates intros. He doesn't just settle for a 3 second intro to the disc this is a full fledged "i'm coming for you" song.5/5
2.Hail Mary: Classic, nuff said.5/5
3.Toss It Up: Filler.2/5
4.To Live & Die In L.A.: Just think of California Love.3/5
5.Blasphemy: Mysterious song with some of 2pac's best lyrics (first verse). This song is one of 2pac's prophet songs.5/5
6.Life Of An Outlaw: Catchy hook, Pac delivers on all accounts. The Outlawz wasn't half bad.4/5
7.Just Like Daddy: Not a big fan of this song.2/5
8.Krazy: "Time goes by/Puffing on lye/Hoping that it get my high/Gotta a nigga going krazy". Sometimes the message is unclear but listen to the song. Beautifully done.5/5
9.White Man'z World: Pac trying to survive in the world of the white man. Another obstacle for 2pac to cross over. One of his more down to earth songs.4/5
10.Me and My Girlfriend: Remake the song all you want(Jay-z) it will never beat the classic of 2pac making his "one and only girlfriend" a gun. It's ingenius. It seems like he is just having a great time with this song.5/5
11.Hold Ya Head: Listen only if your listening to the whole disc. Not one of his best.1/5
12. Against All Odds: The disc ends with a bang. It doesn't slack up at the end it leaves you disappointed, because it leaves you hanging and wanting more. He disses a lot of the biggest rappers without remorse,including Nas(why he didn't like this man is beyond me a man he was cool with). It just shows that Pac didn't give a [...].5/5

All-N-All not better than Me Against The World but so close.

Too haunting to listen to .....
Brings back too many bad memories from years 96 and 97. If you can get past the that, it's probably Pac's #1 or #2 best album.

#1
Tupac is my all time favorite rapper; hands down. However the the funniest thing about that is there are rappers that have better metaphors and sicker lyrics (Jay-z, Biggie) rappers with better flow (Nas) but only tupac can make you feel him in your chest and your heart. Honestly if im really pissed off it is not a good idea for me to listen to tupac I might do something i will regret. Anyway, Makaveli is the culmination of everything that makes Pac the greatest of all time and puts him in the class of genre and race transcenders like Marvin Gaye and John Lennon. His passion, anger, love, fears, and demons are all vividly displayed in this album. Its so dark and raw that I hate to admit that it his best but damn it is undeniable. Anyway I love it its the best.

Pac's Best Album
This album has a polarizing effect on many people, including plenty of Pac's biggest fans. Some (like me) believe this is the greatest rap album of all time. Others rate it as middle of the road among just Pac's anthology.

Pac drops the party atmosphere that was constantly portrayed on All Eyez On Me and strictly gets down to business on this album. What follows was an album that he (miraculously) completed in 7 days, a majority of which was done in 3 days.

This album captures the essence Pac being a living contradition of "thug angel," a gangsta with an introspective, soft side. The album is monochromatic, switching from disses and hard tracks right into introspective, soft tracks. The production on this album is better than All Eyez On Me, peaking of course with Hail Mary, and Pac's lyrical abilities as an MC were improving up to the night of September 7th, 1996.

In addition to the music, there's one other reason this album will forever remain timeless. With Pac laying extra vocal layers and talking throughout most of the tracks, and some possible additions by Death Row itself, it takes multiple listens to catch every word or hear everything in a track. There was a debate over the intro of Hail Mary, the intro of Hold Ya Head, and still nobody is sure what's said at the beginning of Bomb First. This album is mysterious, engrossing, hard and soft all at the same time, without a skip in the album.

If All Eyez On Me cemented Pac as a rap god and the biggest name in rap history, the Makaveli CD may have cemented Pac as the greatest rapper of all time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Multiculti Los Angeles-based 10-piece Ozomatli is more than the sum of their parts: hip-hop, salsa, and funk crash head-on in this surprisingly natural collaboration. Their self-titled debut makes Ozomatli sound like one of the world's great live shows--a party band with a brain--and they pull it off deftly. Rapper Chali 2na ("Charlie Tuna," get it?) has an authoritative voice and a way with words, mixing references from Edie Brickell to Ed McMahon; just he and the Cut Chemist (both of Jurassic 5), who lends his turntable skills to the proceedings, would make for an entertaining album. But it's the way that the two--when they're even featured--build on and blend into the grooves of the wah-pedal-and-brass-section-powered ensemble that sets Ozomatli apart. Danceable and engaging, they've made a promising debut. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (80)

From the 14 year old who played with OZO...
Ozomatli was very impressive when I saw them open for Carlos Santana in Cleveland in June 1999. They called me up on stage and I played a guitar solo in front of 16,000 people. Mainly I was gonna go on Amazon.com later that night to go buy their CD, but they gave it to me, along with a T-shirt. The tracks on this CD combine latin music and hip-hop. "Cut Chemist Suite," "Oh Le Le," "Super Bowl Sundae," and "Cumbia" are prime examples of this superb mixture of urban hip-hop and pure, smooth latin music. OZO rules! Wazzup to Chali 2na, Raul, Wil-Dog, "El nino," Cesar, and the rest of the guys from OZO! Thanks for letting me play with you! This CD deserves to be at the top of the Billboard charts, these guys appeal to everyone! Rock, Rap, Soul, Reggae, Latin, Blues Jazz, R&B, New Age, and even Pop! Ozomatli is a great band and is here to stay!

Ozomatli is in the house - don't you know that by now?
I love this CD - there's a lot more to it than any record I've heard for some time. A ton of different styles are here - from the good-time sunny day party music that's so fun (Como Ves) to some for-real knowledge about our world (Coming War) to fantasic tomfoolery with the mixer (Cut Chemist Suite). Plus, I'm hearing some beautiful guitar work - not unlike the repetitive style from west African high-life - and of course Latino styles a-plenty along with just amazing lyricism and beats. Everything goes well with everything - you will believe it when you hear it.

Simply Astounding
This is one of the best Latino cd's I am proud to play in my rotation 6 years after the album was released. I first heard Ozomatli when they opened for Santana in Montreal and I was like woah! I was on my feet dancing throughout their opener. They were so pumped and hyped that no matter what mood you are in they just get you in this partying and dancing mood that you cannot resist. If you are the kind of person who loves those smooth Latino beats blended with a bit of everything for an ultimate summer driving cd be sure to pick this up!!!

Such a refreshing change
As a fan of J-5, the release of this album made sense, in that Jurassic 5 make a point of putting their music first and image last. Ten piece band 'Ozomatli' seem to work perfectly in tandem with Chali 2na an Cut Chemist, blending all of their styles so well that it sounds as if this is how hiphop should be- a fusion of a wide variety of styles. When this album came out, i would listen to it over and over again, and because of the albums' diversity, it never felt tiresome. It is very difficult to put into words how successful this collaboration is, buy it and you will understand. For those who dont want to buy it, download track such as:
cut chemist suite, o le le and cumbia de los muertos

hits.
I think this cd is great. and sets path for rock en espanol. Ozomotli is of the charts with there wicked instrumentals and meaninful lyrics! ... Read more

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Long beforeSnoop Dogg, Eminem, or Xzibit came into the picture, Dr. Dre had already found the perfect MC in the D.O.C., a Texas transplant to Los Angeles. Before he tragically lost his vocal chords in an auto accident, the D.O.C. was easily one of the fiercest lyricists that the West Coast had ever witnessed--a combination of Ice Cube's scowling aggressiveness but balanced with a sophistication that would have rivaled KRS-One at his best. With a ragga-tinged flow, he could drop lyrical bombs with fury on "It's Funky Enough" or sublimely style for "The Formula." Dre supported the D.O.C. with a bevy of funk-laden tracks that were pre-Chronic, meaning that the feel was rough and rugged vs. wet and sticky. Had his voice survived, there's little doubt that the D.O.C. would have become one of Cali's greatest MCs ever. All the supporting evidence is on this album.--Oliver Wang ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A Great Lost Album
This album is hot! This was made in the when N.W.A. was at the top of its game, and Dr. Dre produced another great one. This record starts off with the standout track, "It's Funky Enough." The D.O.C. really rips up the mic here over a great beat. "Mind Blowin'" is another great one. Throughout the whole album, DOC just cruises through the tracks, making it seem so easy. "The Formula" is my favorite song on here, and is nice and laid back. "Beautiful but Deadly" is a rock-like record that makes for a very interesting shake-up from the rest of the songs. I like every track on here, except "Lend Me an Ear," which is still better than a lot of songs today. "Grand Finale" is another gem that features the whole N.W.A. crew. Overall, a great album with radio friendly hits. The D.O.C. could've easily become one of the greatest M.C.'s we've ever witnessed if it wasn't for the car accident that permenantly damaged his vocal chords. This isn't as good beat wise as "The Chronic" or "Doggystyle" but the amazing lyrics make it easy for me to give it 5 out of 5 stars. I definitely recommend this album to any old school fan of hip-hop.

Another bright spot for the West Coast!!!
The D.O.C. was a great talent in his prime, until an unfortunate car accident forver altered his once commanding voice. After the release of the phenomenal Straight Outta Compton album from N.W.A., The D.O.C. hooked up with Dre again to produce this classic. DOC was at his true form on this album, choosing to focus on rocking rough rhymes instead the gangsta attitude that N.W.A. displayed. And what resulted was one fine hip hop album. Here's the review:

Album Highlights: It's Funky Enough, Whirlwind Pyramind, The Formula, The Grand Finale(w/N.W.A.), The D.O.C. and The Doctor, and Lend Me An Ear.

Production: Thumbs up, more classic production by Dr.Dre.

Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up.

Originality: Thumbs Up.

The Last Word: The D.O.C. reigned supreme with this release. Although challenged by Ice Cube, The D.O.C., around the time in 89 when this was released, was a force to reckoned with, ALMOST ahead of his time in a way. Overall, the album is tremendous in every sense of the word, as it truly defines the West coast sound in all of its glory. Strongly recommended.

THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME??
The DOC No One Can Do it Better is one of the best rap albums of all time..easily a top 10..All the songs and beats on the album are dope and the DOC rips the mic like no other. He was definitely a natural..The beats on this album are by Dre and they are some of his bests. the Formula is my favorite..
To me No One Can Do it Better is a better first album than any of the other deceased mc's..including ready to die..does that mean the DOC woulda been the greatest? Who knows but I think he wouldve shown he's better than Biggie or Pac..

ONE OF THE FORGOTTEN HIP-HOP CLASSICS
The beats and music are so ecletic and sometimes sound incomparable; it ranges from reggae to rock, from soul to funk. And the lyrics...? His lyrical skill and delivery is top-notch; there is something about his high-pitched tone that is so intriguing. The hottest songs on this CD are "Funky Enough", "Mind Blowin'", the rock-meets-rap-flavored "Beautiful But Deadly" (The guitars are terrific!), the title track, "Portrait of a Masterpiece"--a two-minute blitzkrieg of beats and rhymes in which he hilariously pauses to catch his breath and raps his fastest, and of course, the last song - "The Grand Finale" - in which his comrades N.W.A. join in the fun. And the interludes are ingenious and hilarious, one in which Dr. Dre curses at the listener to turn the tape to side two (Yes, it is in the CD). It's witty, it's light-hearted, it's fun and it is so masterful that it is hard to believe that in this day and age, when people talk about the classic hip-hop albums, NO ONE CAN DO IT BETTER is often left out. Perhaps it is mainly due to the ending of such a promising career when a near-fatal car accident permanently damaged the D.O.C.'s vocal chords, only leaving people to wonder what could have been. But that is hardly an excuse.

WESTCOAST AT ITS FINEST!
This album is everything that a westcoast rap fan can hope for, everything from tight beats to incredible lyrics, too bad for his accident, or today we would be arguing who is better Tupac or the D.O.C. It's funky enough is the best track on the album, wish more rappers could come out with tracks like this. Let the bass go is another head banger. "No one can do it better" doesn't begin to describe this album, just greatness. listen to the formula and Portrait of a master piece and listen to the lyrics. ... Read more

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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

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

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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

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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

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2Pac's been dead for more than six years, and in that time his estate has released a dizzying array of questionable posthumous material--with much more to come in 2003, by the way (the liner notes list documentary soundtracks, another unreleased double album, DVDs, etc.). On the first disc's "Intro," an unnamed street reporter wonders, "Where are these songs coming from?" After repeated listens, your best guess would be from his unfinished studio outtakes. Nevertheless, these tracks were apparently recorded during his prolific, vexed Makaveli stage. "When We Ride on Our Enemies" demonstrates much vitriol, as Pac's verses are littered with fightin' words for rappers like Mobb Deep and Da Brat. Likewise, "F*** 'Em All" hurls threats at the late Notorious B.I.G., reminding fans of the time when media-induced East Coast-West Coast feuds were way out of control. The ghetto Elvis's tales of slum grandeur reach their zenith when he serves up his explicit boasts to women on "Fair Xchange." Gripping.

It's too bad the first disc's last track, an acoustic version of "Thugz Mansion," undermines much of the credibility of this project. When Pac's alleged enemy Nas's vocals are mixed in to appear like he's sitting next to Pac by a fireplace all warm and toasty, sharing rhymes, you immediately smell the influence of executive producer Suge Knight. The second disc is just as dodgy, but might resonate more with new fans simply wanting to hear good beats and rhymes. "Never Call U B**** Again" is a tidy love song that R&B crooner Tyrese complements well, while the title track featuring Ronald "Mr. Biggs" Isley provides a necessary escape from much of Pac's brooding imagery. In the end, the quandary of this double disc has nothing to with Pac but with producer Johnny "J"'s middling G-funk-lite beats and Suge Knight's involvement. This one's for collectors and curious onlookers. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (284)

He summed it up best
I didnt write this review but whoever did is speaking truth.

2Pac's been dead for more than six years, and in that time his estate has released a dizzying array of questionable posthumous material--with much more to come in 2003, by the way (the liner notes list documentary soundtracks, another unreleased double album, DVDs, etc.). On the first disc's "Intro," an unnamed street reporter wonders, "Where are these songs coming from?" After repeated listens, your best guess would be from his unfinished studio outtakes. Nevertheless, these tracks were apparently recorded during his prolific, vexed Makaveli stage. "When We Ride on Our Enemies" demonstrates much vitriol, as Pac's verses are littered with fightin' words for rappers like Mobb Deep and Da Brat. Likewise, [*] 'Em All" hurls threats at the late Notorious B.I.G., reminding fans of the time when media-induced East Coast-West Coast feuds were way out of control. The ghetto Elvis's tales of slum grandeur reach their zenith when he serves up his explicit boasts to women on "Fair Xchange." Gripping.
It's too bad the first disc's last track, an acoustic version of "Thugz Mansion," undermines much of the credibility of this project. When Pac's alleged enemy Nas's vocals are mixed in to appear like he's sitting next to Pac by a fireplace all warm and toasty, sharing rhymes, you immediately smell the influence of executive producer Suge Knight. The second disc is just as dodgy, but might resonate more with new fans simply wanting to hear good beats and rhymes. "Never Call U [*] Again" is a tidy love song that R&B crooner Tyrese complements well, while the title track featuring Ronald "Mr. Biggs" Isley provides a necessary escape from much of Pac's brooding imagery. In the end, the quandary of this double disc has nothing to with Pac but with producer Johnny "J"'s middling G-funk-lite beats and Suge Knight's involvement. This one's for collectors and curious onlookers. --Dalton Higgins

2pac- Better Dayz
Tupac Shakurs latest post-death album "Better Dayz" continues the legacy of hiphops most loved MC. Another double album, twenty five tracks in total with guest appearances from well known artists like Trick Daddy, Nas, Mya, Tyrese, his crew the outlawz, Big Syke, and more appearances from less artist like T.I., B.D.I., Kimmy Hill, Nutso, A.Hamilton, Mr. Biggs, Buckshot, and BB brothers. Executive produced by Afeni Shakur and Suge Knight, some of the producers include 7 Aurelius, Johnny J, DJ Quick, BRISS & Jazze Pha. 1st single is "Thugz Mansion", second is "My Block" (remix). Recordings from this album come from the period 1994-1996, the last two years of Shakurs life. As a Pac fan who is followed him from the beginning, been waiting for this album ever since his last recording "Untill the end of Time". Album starts with raw thugged out tracks like "Still Balling", "When we ride on our Enemies", "F**K em all", classic pac emotional, angry in some cases and always entertaining. On "Mamas Just a Little Girl", Pac shows his softer side, with inspirational thought provoking music. "Street Fame" is another hardcore track, next comes "Fair Exchange" an upbeat track, where Pac talks to the ladies, "Late Night" is a laid back mellow party track. "Ghetto Star" and "Thugz Mansion" feat. Nas Acoustic close off disc one well. These 13 tracks alone could make a complete album. "My Block" (Remix) the albums second single is a track about the ghetto, and growing up poor, track is thought provoking and reflective track, one of those tracks you can replay over and over again. Next comes "Thugz Mansion" that track you will hear on the radio, produced by 7 Aurelius, another nice track. Next comes "Never Call U "B**** again" feat. Tyrese, nice Rap/R&B collab track. This is followed by the title track "Better Dayz" which uses Isley brother vocals, which at the moment is my favourite track. "There you Go", "This Life I Lead", "Who do you Believe In" all standout on Disc 2, and the album is closed well with "They dont give a F*** about us". Beats, Vocals, Lyrics, and Production tight all throughout, making "Better Dayz" another classic from raps legendary MC.

I Already Wrote A Review But...
Molly from Texas, you're a b*tch who wouldnt know HipHop if you owned every f*ckin rap cd there is. How dare you insult a legend like 2Pac. F*ck Nelly, 50 Cent, and all those other pop acts. 2Pac is the Greatest Of All Time and nobody(especially you b*tch) is gonna change that.

I was friends with 2Pac back in '96 when his life was sadly cut short. When I talked to 2Pac, I discovered that he was probably the greatest influence in music and that has not changed. I feel sorry for people like Molly from Texas and all those other haters, that they have yet to discover the greatness in Pac's lyrics.

P.S.- This albums a classic Hip-Hop record.

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A Modern Day 2Pac At His Best
I say modern day because he has alot of guest rappers and producers that are popular today. As far as guest features, they include Nas, Anthony Hamilton, Trick Daddy, T.I., Mya, and of course The Outlawz. The biggest producer on this album is probably Jazze Pha. Here's the listings of my favorite songs:

"When We Ride On Our Enemies"- This song mainly goes at Mobb Deep, Da Brat, and The Fugees. Amazing beat and hard, brutal lyrics by Pac. Two verses of greatness.

"My Block"- An acoustic classic from 2Pac. Four verses with great storytelling.

"Thugz Mansion"(Acoustic)- Everyone complains about Nas being on this track(they were beefing before he died), but The Outlawz said in an interview that Pac squashed the beef before his death. Great song.

"Thugz Mansion"- This is the second version of the song. Tight three verses from Pac and an excellant chorus by Anthony Hamilton.

"Fame"- A catchy, classic chorus. The only con of this song is that I think The Outlawz shouldn't have been on this particular song.

"Ghetto Star"- I like the beat and the verses. The guest rapper(Nutso) is a pretty good rapper.

"Mama's Just A Little Girl"- Sounds like a part 2 of Brenda's Got A Baby. It's one of the best songs on the album in my opinion.

"Catchin Feelings"- A cool, fast-paced, song featuring The Outlawz.

"Changed Man"- The only party song I really like on the album. T.I. guest raps.

"Late Night"- Like the guy says at the beginning, it's a smooth song to smoke to. Nice beat.

"They Don't Give A F*ck About Us"- A very powerful hook, with tight verses.

"Who Do You Believe In"- I call it the song from the grave, because the guest rapper on it is Kadafi, a member of The Outlawz who was also murdered. It's a cool song about faith and religion.

Now these aren't the only good songs on this album, none of them are completely bad. This is one of my favorite records and I can't wait till the next album's released.

P.S.- Don't shut off the cd after the last track, because there's a secret outro with Pac saying he's gonna return like Jesus.

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Six years later, he still lives up to the opening track
It won't go down in history as the next "All Eyez On Me", but 2Pac's latest posthumous gem is a classic in my opinion....with a few flaws. For instance, the album (two disc) is bogged down by one too many cameos (don't the Outlawz have dayjobs or something?) and some misplaced collabos (we know there's no way in hell Pac would ever hook up with Nas). Nevertheless, Pac's balance between his hardcore and soulful lyrics, fused with bangin', addictive (yet slightly glossy) beats, and sprinkled with clues of his imminent return makes this package required listening for even the casual Pac fanatic. Suge Knight actually did some justice to the late, great veteran, and hip-hop purists will be satisfied with the inclusion of some G-Funk production.

Word of advice: Don't even touch the edited version; they completely screwed that up ... Read more

Album Description

UK two-fer combines the late gangsta rapper's 1988 album,'Easy-Duz-It' with the 1992 EP, 5150 Home 4 Tha Sick. EMI.2002. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Eazy
Eazy's '88 album Eazy-duz-it,basicly shows that Eazy is the greatest mc to ever spit on a mic. "Eazy-Duz-It" has to be one of the greatest songs on this album.Eazy-E's album titled single, and the first single from this album.Each and every song on this album is perfect, but in my opinion, my favorite track is "Merry Muthaf***** Xmas" love the lyrics, love the beats, and the best part about it, is the theme of the song. It has very funny lyrics, and I can't believe that it is not one of Eazy's Singles.There is no reason not to buy this cd, because everything about it is great. Eazy-E's music will always be remembered Rest In Peice Er "Eazy-E" wright

Gangsta Rap at its finest!!!!
Eazy E what can I say about him nothing that he was just straight up blunt and that he told it like it was on the streets of compton and the lifestyle he is just telling it like it is and guess what I loved the way he told it in his music this is a classic I would recommend anyone who likes old school rap music to buy this album because it a clasic a must have because this album contains all of the classics from back in the day.
My favorites are just about every song on this album I love We want Eazy, Eazy Duz It, Dope Man, Radio, Still Talking**** , Nobody Move Nobody Gets Hurt, Fat Girl on My Jock, and many other classic oldies !!!!

Eazy-Duz-It Big Time On His First Solo Album
The main man in N.W.A released this album right after they released their classic sophomore album, "Straight Outta Compton". After I heard this album, Eazy instantly became my favorite rapper. With this album, it was the start of him putting Compton on the map and he represented it till his untimely death in march of 95. Some of the stand out cuts on this album are, "Nobody Move", "Ruthless Villain", "Boyz N Tha Hood (Remix)", Eazy-Duz-It", and "We Want Eazy". All of the tracks are enjoyable to listen to and you won't have to skip any of them if you are a big fan of old school rap or gangsta rap music. The bonus ep they released with the remastered edition, "5150 Home 4 Tha Sick" Eazy released in 92 after N.W.A broke up and he was advertising it for his second solo album "Temporary Insanity" which never got released. The only song I didn't like on this was "Niggaz My Heigh Don't Fight", but the rest is classic. Rest In Peace To The Godfather Of Gangsta Rap!

Classic westcoast hip-hop
ALL of Eazy Duz It was produced by Dre. And, production wise this record is even better than "Straight Outta Compton." Considering that it came out in 88 or 89, this disc has aged well. It's also common knowledge that Cube wrote all of Eazy's rhymes on Eazy Duz it--that's why Eazy had flow--and when you hear the last four songs, from 92, that Eazy wrote himself, you'll hear that the man needed some help in that department.

The first time I heard this record, I couldn't believe it. It was hard, funny, with unstoppable beats. The summer of 89 in California all you heard bumping from kids trunks was this and "Life is Too $hort." The record is broken up into a "dirty" side, to start, and the "clean" side, side B. They put up the lyrics to the dirty side on Oprah way back then, to show how rappers were all thugs. Nowadays, the lyrics don't seem too bad. I mean, you can't take Eazy E that serious to start with, the man was having fun, and nothing on this record even comes close to sounding as crazy as NWA's EFIL4ZAGGIN.

If you like old school or west coast rap, you've got to have this disc. Definitely an all-time west coast classic.(I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because the beats are ILLLL, but Eazy-RIP- raps real good, but not great.)

Eazy-E for Beginners
This is a great place to start on Eazy. This record contains a classic (Boyz N Tha Hood) that is definitely better than any modern remixes. It also holds great songs like Eazy Duz it and Eazy-er said than Dunn. Old Skool West Coast beats, including some Dr. Dre ... Read more