Better than 'Madvillainy' as Doom isn't monotone which makes the beats seem better as well. However, he really isn't a great natural rapper, it definitely sounds forced at times. It always perplexes me when I see people rate him highly as a rapper. If only a great rapper had some of these beats is what I usually feel when listening to him, but as mentioned I don't mind him as much on this album. The beats are good, a touch of soul is mixed in often which works well and they are consistently enjoyable, if not supreme. More satisfying to listen to than I had anticipated, but there aren't enough great moments. 3-3.5/5
Best Tracks: Doomsday, Red & Gold, Dead Bent, Gas Drawls
This may not have the structure and cohesion of 'Fishscale', but I dig the production here a lot more. It just has a more life to it making for more songs with replayability, more variety and the choruses are twice as catchy as well. As far as rap goes these days, it also has a sense of originality in a lot of the tracks.
Best Tracks: Ghost Is Back, Greedy B*tches, Grew Up Hard, Blue Armor, You Know I'm No Good, Gotta Hold On, Back Like That (Remix)
Not bad from the DPG, as apart from one or two tracks, it should be an enjoyable listen for fans. Nothing is too bangin' or great though, and the subject matter is largely same old, same old. The two over six-minute tracks, while among the best, would have been better a bit shorter - particularly 'Real Wit Cha'.
Best Tracks: We Da West, Fire, Real Wit Cha, Leave a Message, Huh What.
This was one of the first R&B albums I feel in love with from the man who rose to fame after writing Mario's 'Let Me Love You'. It's just great all the way through with some great melodies, contagious memorable hooks, and while I don't rank Ne-Yo up with the best of the best vocally, he can still hold a note.
Best Tracks: So Sick, Sign Me Up, Get Down Like That, Sexy Love, Let Go, Time, Get Down Like That (Remix)
Not bad. It's short enough to not get boring and the quality never slips too low either during the ten songs. Unlike many other mainstream female rappers, Foxy doesn't resort to slutty lyrics either. Enjoyable enough without reaching great heights.
Best Tracks: The Chase, I'll Be
