Under Serious Construction, Should be completed by Dec. 10th 1997

Reviews

We give each album reviewed 0-4 Banditos, only the best of the best gets 4 Banditos!

2.5 Banditos

Normally when a Rapper writes, produces, and performs on every track, the end product is usually wack. Da' Unda' Dogg ends this myth. Da' Unda' Dogg lays down phat bay area beats mixed with flow and style that matches every beat. With artists like Mac Mall, Mac Dre, Spice 1, and Young Lay appering on the album, proves that Da' Unda' Dogg is not only blowing up in the bay area. With his own company an upcoming triple CD compulation Da' Unda' Dogg could become one of the biggest playas in this Rap Industry.

2.5 Banditos

After their first album blew up, many doubted that they could do it again. This time with Lunatik Muzic the Luniz come hard keeping their unique style, yet a more mature style. With artists like E-40, B-Legit, Too $hort, Eightball & MJG, Redman, and 3X Krazy on most of the tracks this album couldn't miss. Track 10: Killaz on the Payroll, features many C-Note and Noo Trybe artists, and is probably on of the tightest tracks. The Luniz prove that they can adapt their style to what is in without losing their loony toons style.

RBL Posse- "An Eye for an Eye"

Big Beat/Atlantic Records

3.0 banditos

Eveyone knew it would be hard for RBL to come back out after the death of Mr Cee. However, Black C and Hitman somehow made another phat album, despite their loss. "An Eye for an Eye" delivers a number of tight tracks, including two flossy remixes of "How We Comin" featuring Big Lurch and Mystikal. RBL has a bright future. They nearly went gold with "Ruthless By Law" with limited distribution. With a new label, they will reach more markets, and that will equal more sales for these playas from Frisco.

Mystikal- "Unpredictable"

Jive/No Limit Records

3.5 banditos

Surprisingly, Mystikal's sophomore album, "Unpredictable, is a big success. With production from KLC, Craig B, DJ Darryl, O'Dell, the Legendary Traxster, Rick Rock, and Studio Ton, track for track, this is the best album No Limit records has delivered in over two years. Mystikal's unique style comes hard on every cut, and his track with E 40 and B Legit, "Here We Go", is truly off the hook. Unpredictable is definitely worth picking up.

Heat- compilation album

Boss/Swerve Records

3.0 banditos

Heat is yet another compilation from the bay. It includes tight ass rappers from the bay, including 11/5, Mac Mall, B Legit, Playa Jay Tee fro N2Deep, and Dru Down. Standout songs include "535 percent" by Mac Mall, Sleep Dank, and Dubee, produced by Street Service, and "Brand Nu Playa" by Playa Jay Tee and Beesh, produced by Johnny Z and Beesh. If you like bay area rap, you'll like Heat.

The Mossie- "Have Heart Have Money"

Jive/Sic Wid It Records

3.0 banditos

For their debut release, Kaveo, Young Mugzi, and Tap Dat Ass, add strength to the Sic Wid It umbrella. With help from Mugzi's older brother, E 40, as well as 187 Fac, B Legit, Celly Cel, and others, there are many tracks that stick out. At times, Mugzi's flamboyant style can be a little too much, but the beats on all the tracks more than makes up for it. Production on the album is tight, and for a debut, "Have Heart Have Money", is definitely a success.

MJG- "No More Glory"

Suave House/Universal Records

2.5 banditos

MJG's first solo album is good, but you gotta wonder why he made this solo album, when the tightest tracks have longtime partner Eightball rapping with him. Nevertheless, MJG comes out with pimp style flows on "No More Glory". Songs that stand out include, "Take No Shit" featuring the FEDZ and Bun B of UGK, and "Shine and Recline" featuring Eightball. However some tracks seem to lack something, and it's probably Eightball. It will be interesting to see if Eightball's debut solo attempt, dropping February 98, will be the same.

The Firm the album

Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records

2.5 banditos

Nas Escobar, Foxy Brown,AZ and Nature deliver The Firm's debut album. The album delivers some great tracks, including "Phone Tap", "Five Minutes to Flush", and "Firm Biz". However, the facination with gangster movies and Columbians is starting to get old. With all these references in the album, you get the impresssion they wish they were Columbians. Nevertheless, if you are a fan of Nas, AZ, and Foxy, you will probably enjoy The Firm, and it will be worth the cash.

The WhoRidas- "WhoRidin'"

Delicious Vinyl Records

3.0 banditos

The WhoRidas come into the rap game with their debut album "WhoRidin'". With them, they bring a truly original sound. Over a year ago they game with the song, "Shot Callin and Big Ballin", that blew up, and now they have a whole album that should blow up, behind it. "Talkin' Bout Bank" is one of the best songs of the year. King Saan and Mr. Taylor have arrived.

Rakim- "The 18th Letter"

Universal Records

3.5 banditos

Its been a long time. Finally, after about 5 years, Rakim makes a successful return with "The 18th Letter". With his return, he proves he's still one of the tightest on the mic with his lyrical ability. Tracks like, "Its Been a Long Time", and "Guess Who's Back", make you wonder why he ever left the game. Even without long time DJ, Eric B, Rakim proves he can't be seen by most rappers. "The 18th Letter" is definitely worth the money; its destined to be a hip hop classic

Million Dollar Dream- double compilation album

DogDay Records

2.0 banditos

If you're a fan of underground bay area rap, like I am, there are a lot of songs on MDD you will like. However, there are too many weak tracks. If they would've kept it a single album, the end product would've been stronger. Phat tracks include "Life Ain't Easy" by Cydal, "Boss Playa" by Mac Shawn & Shay Deffa, "Dippin Thru My City" by CCG, and "Mutiny" by Land of Da Lost.

The Alkoholiks- "Likwidation"

RCA/Loud Records

3.5 banditos

Make room for the Likwit crew. "Likwidation" is by far the best album from the Liks to date. There isn't a weak cut on this album, and the whole album is one big party vibe. The Liks are on point in tracks like, "Tone Down", "Hip Hop Drunkies", and "All Night". Tight lyrics plus tight production equals a great final product. Welcome to the next level.

Brotha Lynch Hung- "Loaded"

Black Market/Priority Records

2.0 banditos

"Loaded" does not represent Brota Lynch's best efforts. A lot of the music on the tracks doesn't fit, and makes for a number of weak songs. Some songs that do stick out above the rest, however, include, "Situation" featuring E 40, "Thatz what I said" (also on WCBB2), and "One Mo Pound". Overall, "Loaded" is really not worth the chips, unless you're a big Brotha Lynch fan.

The Beatnuts- "Stone Crazy"

Relativity Records

2.0 banditos

The Beatnuts definitely have the ability to be great, but they don't prove it in their latest album, "Stone Crazy". Many of the cuts are tedious and boring, and the beats are not impressive. The best cuts are the first two singles from the album, "Do You Believe", and "Off the Books" featuring Big Pun and Cuban Links. The Beatnuts do have lyrical ability, but they need to bring the music together in the future, for a stronger final product.

Reviews by VeeGee & Thirsty