Prior to this being released, fans were able to vote on what songs they wanted to make the compilation. I took up the challenge and 4 of my 5 songs made it. I think 'Dangerous' might have been the unlucky track from my selections. A great marketing tool. As far as the compilation goes, you can't really complain. You get the tracks voted for by the public, that are mostly amazing, and then most of the second disc which is filled with some demos, unreleased stuff like 'Someone Put Your Hand Out', 'In the Back' and a Thriller megamix."
Just like when T-Rock has guests on his albums, when Twista comes on these tracks he blows the other rappers away. Regarding the track ratings, I may be thinking 3.5/5 or so but then a Twista verse can increase it by a star or so. 'Crook Country' is one such example where Twista finishes the song off. Liffy Stokes and Mayz aren't bad rappers by any means, but Twista is Twista. Just like most Twista albums though, the production isn't good enough throughout the whole album and there are one too many soft/poppy beats.
Best Tracks: Crook Country, Mob Up, Mobstability.
For me, this is one of the better albums I have in my collection. It features a great fusion of genres such as R&B, Gospel, Soul, Rap, Jazz and Funk to name some, there are probably more here I'm missing also, and everything fits well together. With the lyrical and vocal content, Ellington Jordan has an emotive voice that conveys what he is trying to say and gets the meaning across well. In terms of the subject matter, a lot of it is spiritual and gospel type stuff. Apart from Ellington, the hip hop portion of the album comes apparently from a rapper named 'A-One' who I've never heard of and is on three to four songs. While no Rakim, he does the job nicely and helps change it up. Overall, its an album fairly different to most of what I have and normally listen to and one that I enjoy every time I play it.
Best Tracks: Revelations, Dirty Water, From the First Day, Jesus, He Don't Like Em, Much Rather Be
Bring back that '00s R&B! This alternative R&B sound that everyone is doing doesn't work very well here. Not much is catchy and there is a lack of build-up or variance in the songs. I also haven't heard anything from Mario that says he can do it to a level that makes him stand out from the crowd.
Best Tracks: Crowns and Diamonds
There are some really good songs here. I've always respected and liked Talib as a rapper but have never absolutely loved a whole project. Its short duration helps it, but this is one of the most consistent projects from front to back from him. Nothing matches his best, like some of the tracks from Eardrum, but it's all likeable and of high quality with some excellent rapping, from Talib and the featuring artists, with some nice soulful beats. 3.5-4/5
Best Tracks: State of Grace, Violations, Rare Portraits, New Leaders