Illuminati 2G

AZ's cd is hot. The best tracks on this album are: The Come Up, Can't Stop, City of Gods, Street Life, Never Change, A.W.O.L, ... Come to think about it, all of the songs are hot-- no fillers on this album. AWOL has got to be one of the best albums to come out this year. Don't sleep on this one.

8 OUT OF 10

Nate Dogg will go down in history as the hook & chorus king. While his DPG peeps are getting their act together, Nate has been able to stay hella busy doing hooks for rap's elite. This album is Nate's 3rd album and was pushed back many times so the material is dated. This album has finally been released on the internet only, but it is a slammin album. The first thing that jumps out at you is the smooth beats. Hi-Tek, Fred Wreck, and Bink all drop heat rocks, but it is DJ Quik who drops on of the smoothest beats I have ever heard on "There She Goes". Warren G & Quik drop cold lyrics and Nate does his thing as well. Best Nate Dogg song ever in my opinion. "Bad Girls" feat Redman is another tight track on the album. The keys are addictive along with the bass. Other clean cuts include: "I Got Game" with Snoop, "Next Boyfriend" with Knocturnal and "Get Up" with Eve. The album has a nice flow and vibe to it. West Coast to the fullest, Nate Dogg finally sounds comfortable on the mic, as he stays away from the ballads that jumbled his other albums. Definitely this is Nate's best work. Go to atlanticrecords.com & pick up a copy.

8.25 OUT OF 10

Fearless freestyler Cassidy opens his second release, I'M A HUSTLA, on a genius note, poking fun at himself while showing off his seemingly immeasurable skills. On the opening track, "The Problem vs. the Hustla," he sets up an MC battle between his two personalities: the relentless hustler who shot through the underground with mix-tape classics, and the polished, mainstream rapper who sold millions with his debut record SPLIT PERSONALITY. This cut, with its unique approach, super-quick wit, and underdog victory (the hustla wins), sets the tone for I'M A HUSTLA, a rawer record than the first, but one which retains much of its predecessor's luster. The title track, with its irregular flow, fiery lyrics peppered with hilarious one-liners, and ace Swizz Beats production is unforgettable. The rest of the set mixes in slick tracks on gangster life with disarmingly reflective cuts including "Can't Fade Me," where Cassidy matches rhymes with the legendary Nas, and "The Message" where he eases into a sad look at the world. Unfortunately, Cassidy's inner conflicts and street stories spilled into his real life (he spent the album's release behind bars on a murder charge). Given his immense talent, fans could only hope that Cassidy's troubles wouldn't prevent him from recording again soon.

8 OUT OF 10

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