The Documentary
G-Unit/Aftermath/Interscope
There hasn’t been this much hype for a new rap release since 50 Cent’s debut almost three years ago. The enormous mixtape buzz, the Boost Mobile commercials, the ESPN streetball games, and more hype for the guy who’s supposed to bring the West coast back to its mid-90’s chart dominance. The good doctor himself, Dr. Dre, has even given his platinum co-sign. Fortunately for The Game, The Documentary lives up to and damn near exceeds all the expectations from the pre-emptive hype. Songs like “Westside Story” and “How We Do” have already been in heavy rotation on the radio and in the clubs. Boasting production from the industry’s elite: Scott Storch, Mike Elizondo, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Havoc, Timbaland, Hi-Tek, and of course, Dr. Dre, this album offers a diverse array of sounds that’s pleasing to the ear. Game’s rhyme bravado is validated on tracks like “Higher,” where he spits, “I’ll do anything, but I won’t fuck Mariah / Even if she had Ashanti butt-naked in bed / Cause she’s got a forehead just like Tyra.” Game’s affinity for storytelling is also evident on this album. On the Havoc-produced track “Don’t Need Your Love,” his skills shine through with sharp lines like, “I got shot over two pounds of weed, still ain’t found them niggas / But karma come quicker for a nigga on the other side of the gun / That’s something I gotta teach my son.” Overall this album is a banger from start to finish. Even though many people anticipated a straight-up West coast record, the diverse production gives listeners on all coasts something to enjoy. Combine The Game’s pre-album release buzz with the quality of the music, and I wouldn’t be surprised if The Documentary approaches 50 numbers. His album is proof positive that “the West never fell off.” – Wally Sparks, wally@ozonemag.com
Fiend
Go Hard or Go Home
FE
Much like Mystikal, Soulja Slim, and other No Limit soldiers, Fiend has proven that there is life after the tank. Since departing from P’s label, Fiend has given us a handful of solid albums and continues this tradition with his latest release, Go Hard or Go Home. This 15-song effort spans almost an hour and covers the typical rap topics: sex, money, and drugs. After Mr. Womp dedicates the album we jump straight into the lead single, “Baller 4 Real,” which kicks the album off nicely. After a blazing first verse, the production keeps the energy flowing until Ms Peaches arrives on the track and comes off whack. The next few tracks, though, are solid. “Let’s Go” and “I’m Doing it” are good ride-out tracks, but the production edges out other aspects. The horn stutter effect makes “Already” an instant banger. Fiend teams up with the Young Hoggs on “Grab That” and gives us one for the speakers; carefully adjust your bass or you will be driving around town with a few broken speakers! Another standout track is the Skull Duggery co-signed “Never Been,” a hot track with quality content. Finally, Mr. Womp slows it down for the last track to help us wind down. This is a tight CD to hold fans over until Headbussaz 2. – ADG, adg@tmail.com
Zay
Who Dat Is
Bombshell ENT.
We’re all accustomed to hearing about the fast life of a hustler; tales of sex, money, and drugs. But rarely do we hear the hustler going through the trauma of life. On this album, Miami representative Zay takes us through the cruel world of reality. Zay prepares listeners for the ride into a hustler’s soul with the first track, “Caught Up,” spitting lines like, “I never meant to be a thug / But my whole life consists of me selling drugs.” Any good soul-bearing artist needs a superb soundtrack. The Jim Jonsin-produced “So Long” is similar to Trick Daddy’s “Let’s Go,” using an interpolation of the classic Metallica record “Fade to Black.” Other standout cuts include the Get Cool produced “A Better Way.” Even though the first three tracks are full of inspirational soul-searching, please believe that Zay knows how to get shit crunk. Setting things off with the MIA club anthem “Fire” and following up with the Lil Jon produced “Pump Ya Brakes,” Who Dat Is will bring folks into the club in a hurry. But, Who Dat Is does have its missteps. Tracks #11 and #12 can only be described as filler, but at least their placement on the album doesn’t break its overall flow. An independent release with the sound and feel of a major release is a rare commodity. Overall, it’s a solid first effort. - Wally Sparks, wally@ozonemag.com
Serious
Lord Of Crunk
This is an ugly CD, but even the packaging is better than the content. There’s only eight actual songs, with the “clean” version of five songs also included. Production is weak, and most of the lyrics are subpar. “Booty Clap” sounds like Serious listened to Mystikal’s “Danger” too many times. On “Money Roll” he says, “It’s all about pussy, it’s all about head / It’s all about cocaine, it’s all about bread,” but the song is actually about nothing. “Pop A Lot” is basically a poor attempt at recreating Lil Jon’s drum pattern from “What U Gon Do.” The project gets increasingly worse with the last few songs, with poor production on “Swang.” There are a few decent guest appearances from Crime Mob and Attitude, but even a verse from Jesus and production from God couldn’t put life into this half-ass effort. – ADG, adg@tmail.com
