Self Explanatory 2004 Album

I-20

I don't know exactly why, but this feels like a shorter album than it is, which is of course a good thing. The production is enjoyable, featuring beats from the likes of Heatmakerz, Salaam Remi, Lil Jon, Three Six, and more well-known producers. Being the label founder that this album is on, it's no surprise that the great Ludacris makes some appearances. He makes 'Meet the Dealer' and 'Break Bread' better by adding his commanding and unique voice to the catchy hooks. 'The Realist', that samples Yvonne Fair's 'Let Your Hair Down', that has been sampled on many classic rap songs, is hard. 'Backstage' and 'May Sound Crazy' bring in the laid-back funk with Butch Cassidy adding to his list of enjoyable hooks on the former. I don't love the hook of 'So Decatur', but the verses and production are dope. 'Hey Shawty', with its bare bones production, is a weak way to end the album and I don't love 'Point 'Em Out', but there is a lot to enjoy here lead by the production. Beats: ★★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★☆ Hooks: ★★★☆ Best Tracks: Meet the Dealer, Backstage, Break Bread, OG Anthem