This is a more than solid EP from Young Buck. Tracks 2-4 is a really strong run, with flowing rapping, good production and dope hooks from the first listen. 1. What's Up 65 2. All We Do 84 3. Signed Up 81 4. So Do I 83 5. Step 60 6. Do You Challenge 67 7. Thank You 72

It feels like 'Straight Outta Cashville' hits its stride when 50 Cent isn’t as involved in the writing. Tracks 2 through 7 are unmemorable, lacking the punch you'd hope for. When the verses are likeable, the hook is lacking, or vice versa. Thankfully, the Lil' Jon produced 'Shorty Wanna Ride' injects some needed energy into the album, something you don’t often say about a Buck project, but it stands out here. The momentum continues with 'Bang Bang', which cleverly flips Nancy Sinatra’s track of the same name and keeps things moving in the right direction. 'Thou Shall' is another strong cut, thanks in part to its memorable hook: "They say thou shall not steal, thou shall not kill / But rub me the wrong way, nigga, and I will." 'Stomp' is a clear highlight, not just for the music but for the drama it sparked between Luda and T.I. T.I.'s verse was removed at the last minute and replaced by Game’s. It was for the best though as T.I. sounds like he was coasting, whereas both Buck and Ludacris match the intensity of DJ Paul's and Juicy J’s pounding production, that The Game does better than T.I. did. Speaking of which, the Three 6 Mafia duo also produced the follow-up, 'Taking Hits'. While it doesn’t reach the heights of 'Stomp', it keeps the quality stretch going that has another enjoyably written hook. 'Walk With Me' adds a welcome dose of soul near the album’s close, sampling, 'If It's in You to Do Wrong' by The Impressions that rounds things out nicely. 'DPG-Unit' serves as another worthwhile way to finish the album off on some other editions. Between 'Straight Outta Cashville' and his underappreciated follow up, 'Buck the World', I think that has more top-tier bangin' music than this. Nonetheless, this is a consistent project overall with a stronger second half that has more replayability for me. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★★ Hooks: ★★★ Best Tracks: Shorty Wanna Ride, Stomp, Thou Shall, Walk With Me

This is an unofficial Buck release to cash in on his/G-Unit's fame at the time. There is nothing touching Buck's best here, but there are moments where the production, rapping, or hooks do catch my ear. A decent project but nothing to save for later. Best Tracks: Crime Pays, Penny Pinchin', All My Life, Hard Hitters, Purse First, Thugged Out

The first three songs are enjoyable, even if none of them truly stand out. The opening two lean more into hip hop, with 'I Sings' featuring rap verses from B.B. Jay. Things build toward their hit and clear standout, 'Shackles (Praise You)', a track that sounds like something Mary J. would've proudly claimed for her own catalog. 'Can't Give It Up Now' shifts the pace completely, delivering a beautifully constructed gospel number, as does 'Still My Child' later on - another highlight. Overall, it's a solid listen, even if not everything here demands repeat plays. Best Tracks: What a Friend, Shackles (Praise You), Can't Give It Up Now, One Minute, Still My Child, Still My Child (Interlude)

This is your usual punchline-heavy aggressive Chino XL music. The Canibus collab, 'We just Spit Bars' is fun, and as a seven track project should, it doesn't drag on, but there is nothing to save for later here and there are a couple of weak moments. Best Tracks: We Just Spit Bars, Linda Beats: ★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★☆ Hooks: ★★☆ 1. Shots Through Ya Vehicle 60 2. Always There... 66 3. We Just Spit Bars 70 4. Street Crucifixion 60 5. Linda 68 6. Do You Hear? 54 7. The Tempest 50