Tha Realest - Mob Muzik (2008)

Artist: Tha Realest
Title: Mob Muzik
Label: None
Purchase: Digital | Physical
Rating: 8 out of 10

Tha Realest came on the scene in 1997 via Death Row Records “Gang Related” Soundtrack. After his time on Death Row Tha Realest broke away to introduce his debut album to the world. Its been and long and tough road but during the waiting process Tha Realest delivers Mob Muzik” to hold us over.

TRACKLIST:
1. INTRO
2. ALL MONEY IZ GOOD MONEY
3. HUSSLA FIRST
4. DREAMZ
5. B4 WE FALL N LUV
6. U OR ME
7. MADE THIS WAY
8. N DISGUIZE
9. MIDNITE LUVER
10. LIVIN THA GOOD LYFE
11. MOB MUZIK
12. WHERE THA GANGSTAZ GO
13. 4EVER HAVE ISSUEZ
14. OUTRO (OR IS IT)
15. BONUS SONG CUTTHROAT
16. BONUS SONG TAKE IT TO THE TOP REMIX
17. BONUS SONG BLAME IT ALL ON ME
18. BONUS SONG SEX GAMEZ
19. BONUS SONG I KNOW 2 MUCH
20. BONUS SONG EURRY NOW AND THEN

Tha Realest is known to the fans for many reasons. It could be his former label home Death Row Records or his constant comparisons to Tupac. Either way the skills of Tha Realest cannot be denied. His has yet to put out his debut solo album but makes sure he keeps his fans bumping new music with numerous mix tapes and guest appearances. Today we review his compilation album “Mob Muzik”. The album opens with “All Money Iz Good Money” which comes off alright, not our favorite song on the album but is in way a weak song. The heartfelt “U Or Me” featuring C-Bo is priceless as is “Sex Gamez”, “N Disguize”, and “Where Tha Gangstaz Go”. One song that in our opinion that can not be forgotten is “Made This Way” which features a familiar beat that was used by Warren G and Nelly. The album introduces 2 new comers, G-Mack from Compton California and Wack Deuce who is also from Compton. Wack Deuce grew up under the Death Row Records empire hanging out often with Tupac, Suge Knight, and even being part of the inner circle Outlawz group. “Mob Muzik” also features Yukmouth, Parlay Starr, and more.

Nas - Greatest Hits (2008)

Artist: Nas
Title: Greatest Hits
Label: Columbia
Purchase: Digital | Physical
Rating: 10 out of 10

Very few greatest hits albums truly live up to the title. Nas has been in the game since the early 90’s and is arguably one of the best MC’s of all time. With his jump to Def Jam the “Greatest Hits” fulfills his contract with Columbia Records.

TRACKLIST:
1. Surviving the Times
2. Less Than an Hour (Theme from Rush Hour 3)
3. It Ain’t Hard to Tell
4. Life’s a Bitch
5. N.Y. State of Mind
6. One Love
7. If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)
8. Street Dreams Remix
9. Hate Me Now
10. One Mic
11. Got Ur Self A…
12. Made You Look
13. I Can
14. Bridging the Gap

The album opens with by far the best song on the album, “Surviving The Times” in which Nas reflects on his career and his struggles to get signed. In the song he comes 360 degrees going over the accomplishments of his career over a nice piano filled slow beat. The album also features the remix to “Street Dreams” with R Kelly however is different from the old single version as this one has more vocals from R Kelly. If you like the “Street Dreams Remix” do some searching and hunt down a unreleased track titled “Sinful Living” which has Nas rapping over the same beat. “Hate Me Now” featuring Puffy also has different background music during the intro to the song, for the collectors out there. The album also has the unforgettable classics “Lifes a Bitch” and “It Aint Hard To Find”. What would be a greatest hits without the track that brought Nas back to the front line, “One Mic”. All in all this is a great album top to bottom and if your a Nas fan the purchase price is worth it alone if only for “Surviving The Times”.

The Game - L.A.X. (2008)

Artist: The Game
Title: L.A.X.
Label: Geffen
Purchase: Digital | Physical
Rating: 9 out of 10

The Game is back with his 3rd solo effort. The Compton rapper is again without Dr. Dre and 50 Cent who many believe gave him the platinum success of his debut album. After building his once G-Unit turned BWS fan base “L.A.X.” has high expectations.

TRACKLIST:
1. Intro
2. LAX Files
3. State of Emergency feat Ice Cube
4. Bulletproof Diaries feat Raekwon
5. My Life
6. Money
7. Cali Sunshine
8. Ya Heard feat Ludacris
9. Hard Liquor (Interlude)
10. House of Pain
11. Gentleman’s Affair
12. Let Us Live
13. Touchdown
14. Angel
15. Never Can Say Goodbye
16. Dope Boys
17. Game’s Pain
18. Letter to the King
19. Outro
BONUS DISC:
1. Big Dreams
2. Camera Phone
3. Nice
4. Spanglish

The album opens with the deep and slow track “L.A.X.” where fans are greeted with the flow they all know and love. Many claim on Game’s last album he sounded allot like Dr. Dre however on this one he comes off as his self. The album contains nice flows, deep lyrics and the production is on point. The Game has stepped out of the shadow of 50 and Dre and shows he is in fact the real deal. Album highlights include: My Life (featuring Lil Wayne), State of Emergency, Money, and Let Us Live. Our favorite tracks from the album is the Kanye West produced “Angel” which features Common and oddly enough a song that isnt even on the retail disc, instead located on the bonus disc of the ‘Deluxe Edition’. “Camera Phone” which features Ne-Yo is a sure fire hit that leaves one wondering why this song has yet to be a single. Never the less the album is worth the purchase and shows Game has matured if only musically thats all that should matter to the fans. If your not willing to over look the headlines, beefs, and drama you might let your closed mind make you miss out on a dope album.