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| Too Short- What's My Favorite Word: The original hip-hop pimp's 2002 offering finds the seemingly indefatigable hustla up to his usual tricks. True to form, Too Short delivers some of the nastiest, most graphically sexual raps around, detailing his fixation on the pimp lifestyle. Throughout the album, he makes sure that not a word of his pornographic commentary is lost, delivering his raps in a deliberate, unhurried manner. Musically, Too Short offers relief from the sound-alike production of too many of his contemporaries, with the burbling, '70s-style funk of "Get that Cheese" and the organic, dark-hued old-school R&B feel of "That's Right," complete with the requisite Bernie Worrell-style synth tones. Too Short refuses to paint himself as a victim of the ghetto, opening his playa manifesto "Pimp Life" by proudly declaring "I chose this life," and comparing his carnal exploits with the infamous sexual misadventures of Bill Clinton on the opening cut "Triple X." Similarly, he offers positive advice to his brethren, advising them elsewhere to "free your mind if it's trapped in the streets" and to "hold onto your dreams." All this pro-activity doesn't dull his hardcore edge, though; unsurprisingly, he's not above such prurient scenarios as the girl-on-girl action depicted in no uncertain terms on "She Loves Her." 7 OUT OF 10 |
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| Coolio- El Cool Magnifico: Damn this album is hot. I Been waiting for a new coolio release since "My Soul" it's been five years, and he's still keepin it bangin. This stuff is a little different from is older stuff, not as good, but still good. "What is an MC?" and "I Like Girls" are just a sample of the good beats and flow on this album. Guests include B-Real, Daz, Ms. Toi and his new group, The Replacements. A great comeback album for Coolio. 7 OUT OF 10 |
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| LL Cool J- 10: LL Cool J's tenth album for Def Jam, the label he helped to create, is as you'd expect something of a triumphant affair. The rapper's long career (his first hit was in 1985) and extensive experience have earned him a unique place as something of an elder statesman in an industry where careers are often literally short-lived. He's based his on a singular reliance on smart rapping and tightly arranged material, not just beats overlaid with scrappy keyboard figures. Thus 10's first impression is of a fully realized, expansively conceived project. Of course, a rapper can never go far wrong shouting out to his home turf. With nods to Queens and Brooklyn on "Fa Ha," and "Niggy Nuts" LL Cool J proves (as if proof were needed) that despite his extensive success, his heart has never strayed far from home, despite the exotic lifestyle he depicts in "Amazin'." Two obvious conclusions to draw from the material on offer here: the star remains a little in awe of his success, and he's done more with that success and with his chosen genre than quite a few of his contemporaries. 8 OUT OF 10 |