Sounds: Gritty street soul meets violent gangsta rhymes; slickly produced, hip hop party jams; Overall this is darker, more violent and less commercial than Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ (my #5 album of 2003), which is probably his way of showing he’s still in touch with the streets despite selling over 11 million albums worldwide
Notes: 22 tracks (overwhelming), no skits (a refreshing rarity for hip hop) and few guests MCs or vocalists (another positive rarity)
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Get In My Car“; “Disco Inferno“
Medium Rotation tracks: “Ryder Music“; “Piggy Bank“; “Baltimore Love Thing“; “In My Hood“
Recommended: To gangsta rap fans. This album has far fewer hip hop classics and quality pop hits than his debut. I think some of his best stuff since his debut ended up on other artists’ albums (especially Lil’ Kim’s and The Game’s). His rhymes are still creative and the production is mostly strong, so it’s a good listen that will only grow on you with repeated listens.
Grade: B-

(As posted 3/14/05 on davepowersmusic.com)
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