I'm a big fan of Z-Ro. It put a smile on my face seeing him all over the net doing his first press run for album, particularly given the label issues he's had. While I didn't love his last album, he is one of the most consistent artists there has been and has his own distinctive style which has no doubt helped his longevity.
I'll start with the negatives. My main problem with this is the subject matter. There is just too much repetition. Particularly if you've heard anything else he has done. Too many bars/songs about the fake, the haters, and 'bitches'. I think that lets this album down. The one song that varies the most is about the loved ones he has lost, 'Since We Lost Y'all', but I think the production is severely lacking there. The other is the production. Apart from maybe some songs on 'Crack' that are fire, I don't think I would say Z-Ro has had fire beats over his career overall, but there isn't a lot that stands out here. The third is probably the singing/rapping. I love his melodic approach to this and the mixture of his deep singing with the rapping but at times I'd like a bit more rapping. He often spits for a bar or two but then croons to finish. I want some more 'Guerilla Till I Die' spitting > [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmo5AKUIUOw,2:55]. But I guess 'New Shit' is directed at me for that comment.
The good. Much has been touched on, but the original style he provides. Among the repetitive themes, there are lots of nice bars, some with a humorous vibe. His remake of sorts of 'Many Men' by 50 Cent, 'Women Men', is a really strong track and I hear he has some more remakes in the works. While I have bemoaned the production not being fantastic, overall it's a consistent release as Z-Ro's usually are. 3.5-3
Best Tracks: Devil Ass City, My Money, Hostage, Women Men
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