Editorial Review

In 2006, Danger Mouse is King Midas of the music world. He has an uncanny knack for creating jagged, dense, frenzied beats and odd, eerie, vivid soundscapes that never compromise the music's natural flow. Meanwhile, rapper and singer Cee-Lo, a veteran of Atlanta's Dirty South scene, has never been one to be constrained by hip-hop conventions, and is a willing partner in adventure. The result is an intrepid psychedelic blend of pop, hip-hop, soul, and rock that consistently challenges and delights. It's no wonder that "Crazy," with its modest riff, irresistible hook, and disarming opening line ("I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind") became a worldwide Internet sensation a full six months before the official release of Read more

Reviews (165)

What can I say that already hasn't been said?
Positive, fun songs.Not complex, but enough to make you want to keep coming back.Good stuff!

Great modern-soul.
I am a large fan of both Danger Mouse's production and Cee-Lo's crooning. Now, I admit, I prefer Cee-Lo's rapping to crooning, but the man does have a unique, and intriguingly appealing voice. Danger Mouse is like the RZA for a new millenium; everyone he works with, he knows how to provide the perfect production to compliment that artist. He's done it for MF DOOM, Jemini, the Gorillaz, and others; Danger Mouse is the best modern producer in the industry.
A "RAGING SEA" of Music!
I don't want to rehash everything everyone's already said before, but all of the superlative reviews are true.This is one of those albums that the more you listen to it, the more AMAZING it becomes.I have been playing it nonstop in my car on the way to and from work since the day I bought it, and can't seem to get enough.I've always been a Cee-Lo fan, although I confess I was never really familiar with Danger Mouse.Cee-Lo's lyrics are exceptional-- I'd even go so far as to say profound, and coupled with Danger's beats, this album is on another level.My favorite track on this album is "Storm Coming".The beat is just epic in scope, and Cee-Lo really get's caught up in his rendition as the song builds to a crescendo.When he sings "When I sing it's a cyclone, I'm writing a RAGING sea" you FEEL it!That song is great played loud while coasting down a highway.Simply spectacular.Indeed, all the songs on this album are great, with one exception in my opinion- the opening track "Go Go Gadget Gospel".I love "Feng Shui," "Who Cares," "Smiley Faces," "St. Elsewhere" "Necromancer" and "Transformer".A truly outstanding album.Buy it!!!(Oh, by the way, the OutKast double album has NOTHING on this album.I thought Speakerboxx/The Love Below was mostly crap.St. Elsewhere is something wonderful.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Neo-Soul    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Underground Rap   

Editorial Review

Let's see...a rap artist is hyped insufferably, his music is leaked incessantly, his album is delayed indefinitely, the hype grows, rinse, repeat. Welcome to the world of pop music in 2006, when "unauthorized" Internet seepage can somehow manage to simultaneously make and break an aspiring young performer. Lupe Fiasco's unfinished debut CD was slathered all over the Web for months, like some sort of Lonelygirl15, before finally seeing the legitimate light of day. That said, the Chicago-bred rapper, who rose to prominence thanks to his "Touch the Sky" collab with Kanye West, is hardly a slouch. His skittering, low-key rapping style is truly distinctive, and his lyrics are mostly thoughtful and creative without being heavy-handed. Despite frequent comparisons to "thinking man's rappers" from Tribe and De La Soul to Nas, the most apt comparison might be to Kanye West himself: Like West, Fiasco rises above the trappings of the street without sounding condescending or out of touch, and his sound has the same "timeless" quality--partly old-school, partly of the moment. Yet somehow, Read more

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Reviews (57)

A REALLY REALLY!!! good album
I'd first heard of Lupe Fiasco on a track off of Kanye West's album "Late Registration" called "Touch The Sky" i said to myself man this guys good. As 2006 rolls around I kept hearing his first single "Kick,Push" on the radio I knew I had to get this cd when it came out. When I opened it and first played it in my truck OH MAN it was like opening your first present on christmas day. I couldn't stop playing it from "Real" to "The Emporer's Soundtrack" and the track that makes you think of the special girl in your life "Daydreamin" featuring Jill Scott, this is album you should DEFIANTLY add to your collection.

Might be the best album of the '06!
I picked up this album just 2 try something different 4 a change. There hasn't been 2 much good rap/hip-hop lately, but I spoke 2 soon because this album is definitely a classic. Name a rap/hip-hop album u can play from beginning 2 end, there aren't many. This dude is on some other s***, I really was surprised how great this album was. Anytime Jay-Z is backin' u, it is some magic there and Lupe Fiasco opened another door for people who listen 2 rap/hip-hop and others who don't. If u can't feel this joint, something is seriously wrong with u. The only album that may top this is Jay-Z's new joint and Luda's joint wasn't 2 bad either.

the return of "happy rap" for the kids, but with dark undertones
As interesting and clever as Lupe Fiasco is, I have to say, don't believe the hype.What we have here is the return of "happy rap," similar to the Fresh Prince, early De La Soul, and the other middle class rappers that basically influenced Kanye West (who put on this kid).As evidenced by the other posted reviews, Lupe shows that "happy rap" is effective in crossing over and appealing to white kids (and kiddies) and even rock fans. Many of his songs, with their pop rock structures, even sound like rock, especially "Instrumental."Lupe actually sounds a lot like The Future Sound (not of London), a two man crew from New York who had an album back in 1992 called "The Whole Shabang, Vol. 1" which included a lot of clevel jazz and rock samples and also had psychedelic sounds and raps just like this CD.That said, I have to say that the main difference between Lupe and his predecessors is that he does have a bleak side as well as a happy one, and ironically, this is where the young brother shows promise.Some may look upon his stuff as "dork rap" given his square kid flow, schoolboy glasses, and skateboarder personality.But on songs like "He Say She Say," "American Terrorist," and "Kick Push II" (which sounds so much like an old school De La track it borders on plagiarism) he shows an edge that balances out the dorkiness.Maybe the problem lies with his flow itself.At times his raps sound affected like he's trying to say too much in his cadences.Listen to how many times he inhales while he's trying to rhyme fast.Maybe he should stop using so many silly methaphors and similies and just use direct language to make his point (and that doesn't mean he needs to cuss either).In any case, if this kid would just work on his flow some more, develop a little more of an edge, and not come off so much like "I'm Kanye's dorky little brother" than he would be worth the hype. Until then, peep Kenn Starr or Skyzoo for the real kids who are coming up with the hypeness.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Hip-Hop    3. Midwest Rap    4. Pop    5. Rap    6. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Editorial Review

Despite their signing to Def Jam, on Read more

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Reviews (47)

THE ROOTS CREW
Yo the roots come sick wit it again! The title track ranks among thier best ever. The first 5 songs are all fya. Questlove, though the human beat machine breaks off some crisp beats. He alternates between electric and traditional sets. There is nothing as jazzy as "one shine", "what they do", or "break you off". Progessive hip hop/rock comes alive on title track (my fav). "Here I come" is another dope track. The keyboard guitar and bass breath 2gether on this album. This is truly one of the few hip-hop concept albums. G.T. is bold, thick, daring, melodic yet heavy. Though it ain't classic The Roots lived up to the wait of this album. I wish they got mo props and pub. They deserve it. They signed to Def Jam and went more underground. F^CK JAY-Z!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT DONT FEEL RIGHT SUPPORT THE ROOTS One.

CD Review: The Roots - Game Theory
I don't know what took me so long to review this CD, but here it is.
Game Theory
All, I have to say is wow.Who would have thought The Roots would have grown into mighty musicians.They are a movement and if you are just catching on, then you need to go spend the $200 on released material, white labels, mixtapes, concert tapes and DVDs.The Roots have always delivered the right music for the right moment.Somehow, they have never been able to escape the realm of the backpackers.After signing with Def Jam under the Jay dynasty, I was hoping Def Jam's massive marketing machine would send them skyrocketing into mainstream music success.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Hardcore Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Jazz-Rap    5. Pop    6. Rap    7. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Editorial Review

Despite its title title, this is not a soundtrack for the Read more

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Reviews (69)

One ingredient missing in an otherwise perfect stew
Where do you go after Aquemini, an album that had it all. Witty Lyricism, Social commentary, rich music and an undeniable chemistry between two clearly different personalities. For most artist, nowhere, but these cats were able to take it one step further with Stankonia which added pop appeal to the mix while continuing to push further musically (B.O.B). Surely they couldn't take it further than Stankonia but with Speakerboxx/Love Below they did just that. This time they highlighting the multiple personalities that the group has. Allowing Andre 3000 to really do his thing.
[3.5]--Nope I'm not bored Big Boi...............I'm not Bored.
I've been listening to this album on and off for the past week and a half and in my opinion, this album is really good. I've always admired Outkast's originality: their music never sounds like anything anyone else has made or is making. "Idlewild", the musical companion to their movie of the same name, is no different but not as good as Speakerboxx/The Love Below. But it is still a very good album due to its style and funk. Dre and Big Boi only share about 3 songs in the whole album, and those 3 songs are amazing.
Innovative
Outkast is the best. This is what rap needs more of. They don't talk about what they got and brag about their struggles feeling sorry for themselves, they just rap, and rap good. I like how they modernize the old blues style beats and make them good... it's like a new style of music kinda and it's tight. Outkast better win some awards for this. I definately recomend this to anyone who appriciates real rappers and rap as a form of art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Dirty South    3. Hip-Hop    4. Pop    5. Rap    6. Rap & Hip-Hop    7. Southern Rap    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

One thing you know you'll get from Franti and Spearhead is a certain kind of crystal clarity--on the production, musicianship, and, of course, in the righteous political message. Released two years after Franti traveled by himself to war-ravaged Baghdad, Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, each of these songs deals with the human cost of war poignantly and pointedly. The lyrics may seem simplistic when removed from the songs--"Those who start wars never fight them/And those who fight wars never like them" and "The F15 is a homicide bomber"--but very few artists have the honesty and balls that Franti does. Bless him for that. Spearhead might lose credibility with some by tying Peter Tosh's chant to "legalize it" to their call for revolution, but those folks are not in the target demographic, anyway. Those who are will thoroughly dig this. From the jam band accents of "Time to Go Home" to the reggae of "Light Up Ya Lighter" to the U2-ish ballad "I Know I'm Not Alone," it's easily Franti's best album yet. Read more

Reviews (20)

Michael Franti best work!
This CD is amazing; there is not one bad track on this album. These songs are powerful poetry of peace, tolerance and love combined with a fun and funky reggae/hip-hop beat. Power to the peaceful.

with all Respect to ALL artistis... but this CD (and DVD) are
the CD of the Year!!!!!!!! (maybe decade!!!)
Great music with a real world message
This is an outstanding CD full of insightful music with lyrics that express emotions toward war and violence that are felt by many, but expressed far too little by today's musicians.And although the music is somewhat eclectic reggae, pop, rock, it has just enough reggae vibes for a roots lover like me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Political Rap    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

As with their last hit, Read more

Reviews (429)

OMG I LOVE THIS CD!!!!!!
This is one of my most favorite CD'S ever!!! I love the music, beat, and lyrics for every song!!!!
Underrated

A sad triumph of greed over quality
BEP was one of my favorite hip-hop acts of the late 90's. Their Debut album "Behind the Front" and even their Sophomore album "Bridging the Gap" continued a musical approach and ideology more akin to Tribe Called Quest, Talib Kweli, De La Soul, and the Roots than the current Gangster Rap trend.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Club/Dance    3. Hip-Hop    4. Party Rap    5. Pop    6. Pop-Rap    7. Rap    8. Rap & Hip-Hop    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

A side project doesn't usually hit gold, especially when said project is a quirky virtual collective fronted by cartoon characters. But the first, self-titled album by Gorillaz--the brainchild of illustrator Jamie Hewlett and Blur frontman Damon Albarn--actually hit platinum and turned into a surprise worldwide hit. Naturally expectations were a lot higher for Gorillaz's sophomore effort, but Read more

Reviews (345)

one of the best of our time
This album is one of the best of our time. Integrating interesting drum riffs, symphonic arrangements, creative lyrics, musical sounds that inspire, all to create a mixed up style that breaks all barriers of genre and time. Truely a classic.

The music draws you in...
The music is a unique mix that really draws you into what you are listening too.I was not crazy about the title (a little creepy) the CD was a great surprise, because I like everything on it!Great sounds and great listening!!!

O Damon Albarn
Being the second full record from Gorillaz, I was re-introduced to them after listening to "Feel Good Inc." millions of times, due to my Gorillaz-happy friend.I decided to check this one out and I was glad that I did.This is one of the best records of '05.No, it didn't pick up any Grammys and there is no real standout song apart from "Feel Good Inc." but it is very conisitent and diversified.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Underground Rap   

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Reviews (10)

lemonadeby: G. Love
this is a great cd. yes, a couple of the songs are mediocre at best, but the rest make up for it.Missing my baby is a true groovy ballad. Holla, a bit queer sounding at first, is a really fun and tight song.beautiful is an awsome song as well. Get the cd!

fresh, new,a little funk and soul
this is my first cd by G-Love, I like it and I think it has some
Smooth like GLASS
Solid offering from G. Love.Start to finish, nice record for anyone who like G. Love or Jack Johnson. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Rap    3. Blues-Rock    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. United States of America   

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Reviews (60)

Outsider inside out or outside in?
Stop the hating, folks! Just because the record doesn't match your preconceived notions of what you think the artist should do, doesn't mean you should lash out. Think of all the great musicians and other artists who were pilloried in their day for branching out in a new direction - only to have history vindicate their efforts! Think about it!

pure rubbish...
I've been a fan of Dj Shadow from the very first album, and have followed him since then. I was super excited to see a new release from him, but upon seeing a few bad reviews, I had to investigate for myself. I sampled each track intently waiting for that wonderfully eclectic sound that Dj Shadow is so famous for... however I was never satisfied. This cd reminds me of a mix you might be handed after a rap concert. Its not worth going into analyzing each track, because its simply a waste of time. My only side 'comment' is that Dj Shadow has been in the game for so long that he probably tried something different, and it failed...just be patient and wait for the next (hopefully better) release.

So it's not earlier Shadow...it's still a fine album
This album is quite a bit heavier with guest Hip Hop appearances than any of Shadow's previous work. I believe that explains all the negative reviews. Some Shadow fans simply aren't Hip Hop fans...sad as that may be (Q Tip was quite the nice suprise on this one). Those seeking the tripped out days of Entroducing won't find it here. That said, I still enjoy the hell out of this album. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that it didn't get me going quite enough for an immediate repeat listen; with the exception being Track 10...good stuff right there. My recommendation, take a sample listen to the tracks. Too "Hip Hop" for you?....then walk on, but I doubt that'll be the case. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Rap    3. Dance Music    4. Downbeat    5. Electronica    6. Hardcore Rap    7. Left-Field Hip-Hop    8. Pop    9. Soul/R & B    10. Trip-Hop    11. West Coast Rap   

Editorial Review

It's understandable when artists want to grow their fan base in order to more easily make a living and also reach a larger group of listeners. The trick, of course, is how to do this without releasing artistically compromised records that, well, suck. L.A. underground vets J5 were almost a supergroup from the start, combining the formidable talents of the Unity and Rebels of Rhythm crews. If anyone deserves to move beyond the backpack clique, it's them (well, and Aceyalone). And while no one's going to condemn the band for pulling a Black Eyed Peas here, it's hard to imagine really listening to this album as much as its two predecessors, either. Take the lead single, "Work It Out": the jam has a smoove, down-tempo vibe that's nice enough, and the Dave Matthews vocal on the chorus is pretty excellent. But the lyrics--which deal with not only let's-get-back-together-baby material, but also vaguely PC hip-hop--never gel. It makes one yearn for the actual Daisy Age. There are a few outstanding tracks, but overall this is a hip-hop album that sounds as if it were written by a corporate committee--each song directed at a particular demographic--rather than a mini-manifesto crafted to get your fists pumping and/or your feet moving. Read more

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Reviews (44)

2 1/2 stars - Here's some feedback: the album ain't that hot
Jurassic 5 - Feedback (Interscope, 2006)
Horrible!
As a (once) big Jurassic 5 fan, I couldn't believe how terrible this album was.The lyircs got old fast, the beats were boring and like another reviewer mentioned, I got sick of the whole "girl/getting over shyness" type of songs.This album reminded me of a no-name group that wants to get big fast so their label puts a whole bunch of big name stars on the album to gain more fans and radio play...NOT what I would expect from a solid group like J5 at all!
Not The Best 'Feedback'....But Lyrics Hold It Together
Jurassic 5 consist of Akil, Zaakir, Mark 7even, DJ Nu-Mark, Chali 2na (Cut Chemist is reportedly no longer with the group in order to pursue solo aspirations).The crew has been rockin' on the hip-hop scene since 1999 with a signature sound that the crew's fan base has come to appreciate over the years.Put on Quality Control or Power In Numbers and you hear a unique intermingling of turntable wizardry, well thought lyrics, and synchronized choruses.Having four rapping emcees would normally complicate songs, but Jurassic 5 pulls it off every time.But with the musical influence of Cut Chemist missing from their latest album Feedback, the crew resorts to Dj Nu-Mark for a few tracks as well as other producers.Unfortunately for them, this proves to be almost disastrous for the project.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Hip-Hop    3. Pop    4. Rap    5. Rap & Hip-Hop    6. Underground Rap    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

The first solo album by the Fugees' most distinctive voice quickly wipes away the pretensions of so many current hip-hoppers' discs. It does so by both engaging their widescreen ethos--"To Zion," with its martial drums and gospel choir, is as epic a production as has been heard in 1998's pop music--and speaking the plain truth. Read more

Reviews (850)

A Class Act
Lauryn Hill brought a new era of music around by blending more sounds together.She has done something amazing here: even though she's venting through this album, the listener is not left depressed or angered.
Love it!
This is a great album. It may not be a new release but it is still awesome! I love To Zion. After having a child and relistening to this album, I appriciate it so much more

Classic
This album is a classic.Very well written and sung.Lovely.Lauryn has such a timeless voice, she is one of the best.She is very real.It is refreshing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Contemporary R&B    3. Hip-Hop    4. Neo-Soul    5. Pop    6. R&B    7. Soul/R & B    8. Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues    9. Urban   

Editorial Review

Black Eyed Peas have at times been accused of sounding too Tribe for their own good, but this time out Will.i.am and crew have consciously expanded their horizons. Problem is, perhaps they've tried too hard. As the title suggests, Read more

Reviews (117)

why is the only good rap in existence being bashed!?
I thought rap was a completely hopeless genre capable of no appeal to me until the Black-Eyed Peas came out with this CD, full of awesome songs like Hey Mama, Hands Up, Let's Get Started, Where Is The Love, Shut Up etc. Then of course there are the Beastie Boys which I like also, but other than that I hate all rap. I find it hilarious that there are people out there who would believe that 50 Cent has talent. Blasting out expletives right and left on top of a beat you could make with a Casio doesn't hardly count as music if you ask me. Anyway, I find this CD very refreshing, and it is an important headstone in the continuous timeline of music. If you want good rap, look no further than this CD by the B-E Peas and their latest: Monkey Business, both are quite good. Also the Beastie Boys are even better, so check them out. Otherwise rap is an awful genre. THis might even be counted as hiphop too, so rap is made even worse by that fact.
As bad as the food its name is derived from
Black Eyed Peas have been making a name for themselves by selling to the non-intellectuals, with dumbed down lyrics, lame beats, and annoying vocals. Only in America is this the formula for certain success. Just when you thought that no band could cause an aneurysm more than Gwen Stefani, it looks like Black Eyed Peas has become number one.
BEP RULES!
This is one of the best Black Eyed Peas cd's ever. Let's Get It Started is my most favorite song out of any other song that I know of. BEP beats my second favortie band Bon Jovi by a longshot. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Club/Dance    3. Hip-Hop    4. Pop    5. Pop-Rap    6. Rap    7. Rap & Hip-Hop   

Editorial Review

Like G. Love, Citizen Cope is a musical mixologist, fusing sluggish hip-hop beats with mellow piano melodies and new-school blues with easy-listening pop. On his debut album, Cope--née Clarence Greenwood, former DJ for the rap group Basehead--sounds at times like both a younger, drawling Sting and a folksy Wyclef Jean as he sings over slow, loose, loungy instrumentals. Though his music is a patchwork of breezy styles, Cope's lyrics tackle some serious subjects. "Contact" confronts the hypocrisy of police profiling, while "200,000 (in Counterfeit 50 Dollar Bills)" details the work of a shifty middle-aged hustler. Cope tells stories about crazy women ("Mistaken ID") and lost souls with short fuses ("Appetite (for Lightin' Dynamite)"), and even fantasizes about the musician's fight with the stay pure ("Salvation"), tucking a gritty street realism between the rosy rhythms dancing through these 13 songs. Read more

Reviews (28)

refreshing
I enjoy pop music as much as the next person.And I enjoy many music styles (From Eminem and Big pun to My chemical romance and Foo fighters.)I heard "Son's gonna rise" in a pontiac commercial and it stuck in my head til it got to the point where I had to find out who sang that song.So after some searching I found out his name and I was happy with the results.He is a change of pace from other acts and whatever "type" of music he makes it sounds good and he has lyrical content behind the the catchy beats and easy, "marbles in the mouth" delivery.

!!! ILL EAT YOUR SOUL.... IF COPE DOESNT GET IT FIRST !!!
THIS GUY MAKES ME HAPPY. I PUT IN THIS CD, OR HIS SECOND DISK, AND ITS INSTABLISS. I LOVE EVERY SONG, EVERY PAINFULLY TRUTHFULL LYRIC, AND EVERY BEAUTIFUL MOMENT THIS MAN CREATES ON THIS ALBUM. NEVER SINCE MY FIRST TIME HEARING BLACK SAILS HAVE I CONNECTED TO AN ARTIST AND FELT SO MUCH OF A CD I EXPECTED SO LITTLE FROM. TRUTH BE TOLD, I BOUGHT THIS CD BECAUSE HE LOOKED LIKE A SAMURAI ON THE COVER, BUT BELIEVE ME, THIS GUYS WAY SHARPER AND DEADLY THAN EVEN UMA HERSELF!

Gritty, soulful, authentic music.
When I heard "Sideways" on Santana's "Shaman" CD, I was immediately mesmerized by Greenwood's subtle genius. I picked up a copy of "Cope" and was ecstatic to hear a fresh voice in music - not the same old 'top ten' that commercial radio dishes out. I told everyone who would listen to it to buy it. It is important to purchase the music of new artists, otherwise record companies think no one is interested in their music and won't promote, encourage, or support future recordings. Greenwood is an incredible artist that everyone should hear. His music is poetry. It is visceral and palpable - not to be ignored or dismissed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Rap    3. Folk-Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

For haters eager to see Kanye hit a sophomore slump--no such luck. Read more

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Reviews (648)

Hip-hop head, to the rescue yet again.
I swear, some of the rants metal elitists go on in anything remotely related to hip-hop is intolerable. A person a few reviews below this one decided to diss this album without giving any sort of info into why this album was unsatisfactory; he simply called Kanye a douche. You know what? Kanye is a douche, but you're worse; what you are, is a closed-minded fool who can't escape the boundaries your musical tastes have set for you. I'm a metal head myself, but I still appreciate all forms of music; so how about you crawl into the cave you wandered out from, and listen to your CoB and Sepultura, whilst leaving hip-hop heads to listen to the music they enjoy?
Nice Sophmore Effort
There was no way Kanye West could even come close to making an album quite like "The College Dropout".However, he gives it his all, and comes up with a perfectly respectable and high-quality sophmore effort.
Want to be in the Bible, Kanye West?
Fine, you'll be the person that gets stoned to death outside the city walls. As for this album, well, the booklet is good toilet paper, and a broken shard of the CD case makes a good shank for stabbing all your village wiggars. Other than that, this is nothing short but a waste ofplastic, by the world's biggest douchebag. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. East Coast Rap    3. Hip-Hop    4. Midwest Rap    5. Pop    6. Pop-Rap    7. Rap    8. Rap & Hip-Hop    9. United States of America    10. Urban   

Editorial Review

Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda steps out for a wall-to-wall hip-hop project on which he faces his critics ("High Road"), gets autobiographical ("Remember the Name"), shares family history ("Kenji") and emerges as a hip-hop reformist ("Cigarette").Standing shoulder to shoulder with, among others, John Legend, members of The Roots and Styles of Beyond, Read more

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Reviews (141)

A review from an actual hip-hop head..
It's very clear that the majority of the reviewers here are either disgruntled metal elitists, who haven't heard any hip-hop not on MTV, and think it's all "talking rhythmically over a beat," or Linkin Park fanboys who will give five stars to anything involving Mike or Chester. I am neither the former, nor the latter; while I'm a fan of metal, elitists have always irked me, and as for Linkin Park, they only have a few choice cuts that I've actually enjoyed.
Linkin Park is infinitely superior
Mike Shinoda had no need to do this solo album; it puts on a false front too with its hits. The absolute only songs I liked on it were "Where'd You Go" and "Believe Me", and what do ya know; they're the hits! Sounds like he rushed through every track but the hits and then shoved it off to the radio stations. The song "Get Me Gone" is absolutely intolerable lyrically, I have no idea why Shinoda made a whole rap about how he proved to people that his rapping talents belonged in Linkin Park. That's just ridiculous and stupid. Anyway, this CD is just as much crap as every rap CD out there today. There are only a few exceptions for me, the Black Eyed Peas and Beastie Boys. Aside from the B. Boys, Black Eyed Peas are the only rap group I know of that has used creative beats and lyrics in their rap. Bands like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Nelly... give me a break! In a few years rap will be dead after everyone realizes that it takes NO TALENT! Anyone can talk rhythmically and tap on a trash can or whatever. This stuff shouldn't be getting popular; although in this case the hits from the album are quite good. Get the singles if they're out there (I would assume they would be), but do not buy the album or any other rap album that isn't by BEP or BB. 'nough said

Good Album
I am not familiar with Lincoln Park, but i kinda stumbled upon this album after hearing the song Remember the name. I really liked the album. It was put together very well and has some nice guest appearences from Common and John Legend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Rap    2. Pop    3. Rap    4. Rap-Metal    5. Rock