Most of the beats, to borrow a line from Shania Twain, don't impress me much. It's all solid and not a chore to listen to as the rapping is nice, but as usual from a Wu or Wu affiliated artist, the beats are a bit of let down. 'Rock N Roll' is the only thing that comes close to being great here with it containing some more energy in the verses, however; the hook stops it from elevating to another level. The chorus on 'Chop Chop Ninja' is annoying also. While I didn't love 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt II',, it has more stand-outs than this album. Overall though, while it's a bit weaker than his previous album, if you're a fan and/or enjoyed his recent work, I can't see you not finding something here. 2.5-3/5
Best Tracks: Silver Rings, Snake Pond, Rock N Roll, From the Hills, Masters of Our Fate
As a rapper, Kool Keith is dope and this is a fun album. After about three spins though, there isn't enough to separate one song from the next for me. Not only lyrically, with sex being the main topic, but the beats coming from two producers as well blend in way too much. Thinking about it now, I struggle to think of the best songs on this. 3-3.5 / 5
This is fairly uninteresting from my point of view. Too many of the beats are average, and when they do have some good production - 'Soul Psychedelic Side' & 'Are U Xperienced', they just talk over it. Not bad, but not really noteworthy either.
Best Tracks: Glory, Soul Psychedelic Side. When Your Back's Turned, Brain Child
I love a lot of this. The first few songs are great with 'Rosa Parks' being a standout. For me, the title track is the first slowish moment. 'Aquemini' is still a good song, but it doesn't match the previous tracks, and the next few songs are likewise. A very good album, but not a classic in my opinion as I don't feel enough of the songs.
Best Tracks: Return of the G, Rosa Parks, Skew It on the Bar-B, Da Art of Storytellin' (Part 1), SpottieOttieDopaliscious, Chonkyfire
A lot of solid songs are on this long album, but few stand out. At times the rapping isn't A+ and too much of the production blends in together. The best are songs like 'Halfway Thugs' that sound like a 'Shook Ones' / early Mobb Deep beat and 'Capone Bone' with the catchy hook that offers something different to most of the album.
Best Tracks: T.O.N.Y., Halfway Thugs, Capone Bone