I haven't heard Usher's first album, but from the ones I have heard, which are from 'My Way' onward, I feel this follows the same sort of consistency. There are some quality tracks that'll get Usher some nice single success, but there are still enough skippable tracks, that like Usher's previous albums, stop it being anything too special from a holistic stand point. Track for track, this definitely starts off better than it ends. After the okay opener, 'Monstar', from 'Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)' to 'She Don't Know', there are fairly good tracks with Ludacris contributing an enjoyable featuring verse and helping the latter considerably. One noticeable thing for me was some of the production which does give off the feeling of familiarity. Such songs are 'Foolin' Around' which gives off that 'Confessions' feeling. 'Pro Lover' features Dawn Penn's 'You Don't Love Me (No, No, No)' as a sample that has been used on a number of hip hop tracks, 'Guilty' sounds very reminiscent of something else from T.I.'s catalogue and then you have 'Making Love (Into the Night)' which is Usher's version of Benny Mardones' 'Into the Night'. Overall, there is nothing too excellent here, but I guess I didn't go into this thinking it would be a masterpiece as everything I've heard from Usher has been lacking consistency. However, there is enough stuff I enjoy to give it a reasonable rating. Best Tracks: There Goes My Baby, Lil' Freak, Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home), Pro Lover

An underrated EP/remix album from MJ. All of the new songs are great, featuring some originality, and while the originals are probably better on most, the remixes are overhated, and unless you hate dance music, all add something to the originals. Blood on the Dance Floor is one of my favourite songs that he has ever blessed us with. Best New Songs: Blood on the Dance Floor, Ghosts, Is It Scary. Of the Remixes: HIStory (Tony Moran's HIStory Lesson), Stranger in Moscow (Tee's In-House Club Mix), Money (Fire Island Radio Edit)

As his debut does, this begins with fire. 'Trick Trick' is great hardcore hip hop that is produced by Trick Trick himself, as is a lot of this album. It came under fire for its lyrics but he is allowed to think that, "a man and a man shouldn't raise another man's kid". IDGAF. The song is great. As was also the case on his debut, Eminem collaborates for a more than decent song with 'Who Want It'. Unfortunately, the beat for 'Sumthin 4 Da Hataz' is great but the rapping doesn't quite match it. It's still a good song though. '2getha 4 Eva!!!' feels like something from the '80s and doesn't do it for me, as doesn't 'Get It Crackin'' that is among the worst where Trick just speaks over the beat. The album finishes strongly though with 'Crazy' feeling menacing. A front-loaded project. Best Tracks: Trick Trick, Who Want It, 'Sumthin 4 Da Hataz' Crazy

This kicks off with some hard as nails hardcore hip hop. 'M-1' still bangs 12 years later and the following 'Welcome 2 Detroit' isn't far behind. Much of the rest of the album is also a no-holds-barred assault, but it never matches the beginning of the album. It changes up a bit and gets slightly more conscious in the middle of the album with 'Leave Your Past' and 'Lady (Let You Go)', with the latter being one of the strongest tunes. The following 'Let's Roll' also offers some variety with funky production. If you don't mind a bit of bravado, this is a decent album. Best Tracks: M-1, Welcome 2 Detroit, My Name Is Trick Trick, Lady (Let You Go), Let's Roll

One or two beats present on True Game lack a little, but for the most part, this album features some great G-Funk beats-which CJ co-produced with MAD (hence the name)-with conscious lyrics surrounded by gangsta rap. From track 3-7 is one of the better five-track runs I've heard on an album. A hidden gem that caught my attention on the first spin and quickly went into my favourite rap albums list. A reason why '90s west coast hip hop is so great. Beats: ★★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★★☆ Hooks: ★★★★☆ Best Tracks: Come and Take a Ride, Realism, Powda Puff, Losin' My Mind, Trust No