Here's my review:
1. Intro
2. Welcome To The Hood - I loved this song when I first started listening to this album. But now that I've heard the rest, it seems a little weak. The production has a sort of east-coast feel with some west-coast thrown in, and uses a little vocal sample, but its not done that well--theres an annoying ass blip/scratch sound in the song that will get on your nerves rather quickly. Other than that, pretty nice track. 3.5
3. L.A. Fo Ya - An old-school, bouncy feel, about the city these mawfuckas call home. Some might like this a lot, especially those from the city, but I don't like it too much. 3
4. Everyday - This one features Lil Jon and Techniec. And I just knew I wouldn't like it, about 8 seconds in. Boring trumpet-laced beat with a get-buck feel, and Mack 10 attempt to ride it, and comes off wack as fuck. Just doesnt sound right on it at all. The other rappers are fine, but this type of song shouldn't be on an album like this. It doesnt even belong on a Lil Jon album, because it basically sucks. 2
5. Get Yo Ride On (skit)
6. Hittin' Switches - Westcoast cats will love this one. I do too. Just some ol' school shit over a chilled-back yet energetic beat, rappin' about--you guessed it--hittin switches, and whatnot. "Just throw yo muthafuckin hands in the air, represent your hood like you just don't care!". 4
7. We Ain't Playin - Some west-coast shit. I'm feelin' it! Just some Hoo Bangin' cats whose names I'm not aware of, spittin some G-shit over a cool beat you can ride to. 4
8. Pimpin Ken Skit
9. Please - This sounds like someone trying to take part in the current East Coast craze of voice samples, but with a humorous, gangsta touch. "Pleeeease don't leave me lonely"..."Please my ass, bitch, get my cash!". Funny pimp shit. This track seems to have a somewhat mediocre sound quality, and the production isn't that great, but an entertaining track. Worth a listen. 3.5
10. Pay Back - TECHNIEC RIPS SHIT UP! Lots of peeps have been waiting to hear something from this talented West Coast lyricist, and he flows beautifully on this solo track. Great beat and nice hook, too. 5
11. Put It Down - I'm not sure who raps on this, but its some peeps from Hoobangin', and Mack 10. Tight west-coast beat, with some piano, and a gangsta feel. Niiiiice shit to ride with, but a little short. 4.5
12. What You Gone Do? - This is another Techniec showcase track. A pretty nice, energetic beat, with Techniec ripping it up. Ice Cube stops by to drop a tight hook, but this is Techniec's song. 4.5
13. Life As A Gangsta - This is produced by Timbaland, and features Baby (as well as some other new cat on CMR that I can't identify), and TQ on the hook. The beat is a little understated, and I wouldnt be able to tell it was a Timbaland beat if it didnt say it on the mp3, but it fits. Nothing insanely great, but nice. 4
14. Nobody (Hoo Bangin' Style) - This is basically a remix of Nobody, from Mack 10's "The Paper Route". Its the same Timbaland beat, but with cats from Hoo Bangin'. Nothing better than the original. The only standout verse is Techniec's. Aiight. 3.5
OVERALL: 3.5/5
Tight shit. I dont know what the deal with this album is, because I was sure that Hoo Bangin's a done deal and gone, but this is coming out (CDnow has the release date as July 23). The west coast flavor is apparent on here and thats the type of shit I love. Good production, good lyrics (for westcoast gangsta-type material), especially from Techniec on his various appearances, and just a nice suprise of an album. Check it out.
