November 2007 Reviews

N.O.R.E.-Noreality

By Tara Muldoon

N.O.R.E. has been putting time into the hip-hop game for over a decade and like many of his colleagues, switched to an independent label to experiment with a new sound. With his signing to Babygrande, the anticipation grew for his comeback, especially with word of the Kanye West, Jadakiss, Peedi Peedi and Three Six Mafia appearances. Noreality starts with the welcoming banger "Set It Off," produced by Swizz Beats, which matches the quality of the only other standout track, "Throw 'Em Under The Bus." The rest of the 13-track disc tries to cleverly be creative and fails, especially with its more aggressive reggaeton influence. "Pop A Pill" and "Drink Champ" are lacklustre attempts at being comedic, while "Paternity Test" just suffers from downright bad lyricism. However, Noreality does earn bragging rights with its roster and selection of singles. The old N.O.R.E. charisma peaks out occasionally but the rest of the album sounds like he's having an identity crisis. (Babygrande)


Chamillionaire-Ultimate Victory

By Tara Muldoon

Chamillionaire has definitely been a recent music industry shocker: he won a Grammy, made a public announcement that he'd reduce swear words in his music and has created a worthy sophomore album. Ultimate Victory is surprisingly smart, with an array of features and content. "Hip-Hop Police" and "Evening News" attack those who blame hip-hop for social destruction, "Rock Star" is the shinning club track, while "Pimp Mode" is unexpectedly haunting about relationships. Although a common theme to the album is bitterness — at money, at girls, at the industry — it's not redundant. The downfall to Ultimate Victory is that the top-notch guest spot verses from Lil Wayne, Devin The Dude and Slick Rick outshine Chamillionaire. Ultimate Victory is by no means a classic but Chamillionaire pulls off being mediocre in a refreshing way. (Universal Motown)

Souljah Boy- Souljboytellem.com

By Tara Muldoon

Souljah Boy would be easy to dismiss if he wasn't on every media outlet possible but unfortunately, he's the new teen sensation of crunk music and he's embracing every catchy beat of it. Lead single "Crank That" is based around steel drum production, which represents the sound of his debut album Souljboytellem.com At 17 years old, Souljah Boy is making music his friends can snap, pop and drop to. Souljboytellem.com is 14 tracks deep of wholesome subject matter ("Booty Meat," "Donk") and is ultimately a bass-heavy party album laced with simplicity. Check out Souljah Girl and please, avoid the temptation to listen to "She Thirsty." The catch to Souljah Boy is that he produced and wrote almost the whole project. How many artists, let alone 17 year olds, can take credit for that level of creative control? He's clearly an ambitious young man and should be respected for that, if nothing else. Save him while he's young. (Collipark/Interscope)