Tarantula 2001 Album
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Review
Mystikal, like DMX and a select few others in hip-hop, offered something truly unique and is missed when he's not releasing music. Mystikal was an original artist in many respects, and this album—his last to date—is one that grew on me over time. Scott Storch produced two of the album's standout tracks, including the banging title track and 'Alright,' that features his signature, instantly recognizable keys. On the song and album titled 'Unpredictable,' Mystikal opens with "If It Ain't Live, It Ain't Me," a phrase he repurposed from earlier in his career. This self-referencing habit was a hallmark of his style. While the older, less polished, and more rugged production from earlier albums might have suited him better, Mystikal still delivers strong performances over these beats. The Neptunes make a return on this album after producing the hits from Mystikal's previous release, 'Let's Get Ready.' As mentioned earlier, I don’t think Mystikal sounds his best over their production style, but the album opener is undeniably strong. On the other hand, 'Go 'Head'—which features Pharrell—didn’t resonate as much with me. Mystikal shines on hooks, but Pharrell’s involvement here feels less impactful. KLC, a member of No Limit's legendary production team Beats by the Pound, brings the heat with 'Pussy Crook,' a hard-hitting, thumping track. Lyrically, it’s Mystikal boasting about his sexual prowess, which, given his past convictions, hasn’t aged well. That said, it’s hard not to feel energized by the beat. Later in the album, KLC’s 'Paper Stack' also hits hard, though it could have been even better if Mystikal took the spotlight instead of sharing it with others. As with his previous work, Mystikal includes a laid-back, smoking-themed track on this album. While these tracks have typically been unremarkable, 'Smoke One' is one the better ones thanks to its superior instrumentation. Another notable inclusion, found on some editions of the album, is Mystikal's collaboration with Mariah Carey on 'Don't Stop (Funkin' 4 Jamaica).' It's a fantastic crossover track and a highlight of the album. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★★ Hooks: ★★★☆ Best Tracks: Tarantula, If It Ain't Live It Ain't Me, Pussy Crook, Alright, Don't Stop (Funkin' 4 Jamaica)*
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