| Reviews Reviews are based on a point system. 1=bootee, 10=masterpiece |
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| Outlaw Recordz- Jerzey Mob Compilation: This CD is a must have for 2pac fans. The Outlawz (2pac's proteges) join forces with the Jersey Mob (a group of New Jersey rappers who are friends of the Outlawz). First song is "Outlaw Thang" is produced by Mr. Lee, who is the same person that did some of the beats on the Novakane album. The best song of the CD is number 11 ("Which Side R U On") This song features Cash Money's Hot Boys. Even though the group lyrics are below average the Mr. Lee production with the Outlawz and Jersey Mob make it a classic. Other banging tracks include "Got Problems" and "Please Believe It". This album in many ways is better than Novakane, in the fact that it is more gritty and gutter. It has a grimey east coast hardcore feel mixed with a westcoast feel. Fedro Starr and MC Breed, and Rok from Heltah Skeltah all make appearances. This album is a must have. Outlawrecordz is the best independant label of 2002. 9 OUT OF 10 |
| 2pac- Thug Angel: The title says it all: Tupac Shakur was as much angel as outlaw. Unlike some of the other profiles made in the wake of his passing, Thug Angel doesn't focus only on the first few days of his career or the last few days before his death, but on his entire life. That makes it valuable as much for the fan as for the merely curious. The production was backed by friends and associates and includes never-before-seen material. It's surprisingly evenhanded, juxtaposing footage of Tupac at 17, for example--sounding mature beyond his years--with an interview conducted years later on a shooting range. Passion was still in full effect, but idealism had been replaced by paranoia. Peter Spirer's film is a documentary, not a music video, and contains only snippets of Tupac's work. At its best, Thug Angel makes a compelling case for his continued relevance as an artist and activist. 10 OUT OF 10 |
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| 2pac- Before I Wake: This film details Tupac�s encounters with the law; an examination of the chaotic events surrounding his death, including the reaction from Death Row Records president "Suge" Knight; an interview with homicide detective Brent Becker of the LVPD; commentary from Rev. Jesse Jackson, Eric "Eazy-E" Wright and Russell Simmons. Also included are a foreword and interview with Prof. Michael Eric Dyson (author of Holla If You Hear Me: Why Tupac Shakur Matters), original interviews with Tupac himself, and footage of the recording sessions for the posthumous album Until the End of Time. This is Tupac up close and personal as you have never seen him before� and may never see him again. 8 OUT OF 10 |
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