audio review : The Art Of War ( album ) … Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

audio review : The Art Of War ( album ) ... Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Who are Bone at War with? “Hatin-ass niggas” according to the Intro, including rappers stealing their style. It’s not the rapid-fire delivery nor the Harmony but their melodies that make them sound better than the average rap group. They’re Thuggish Ruggish R-and-B singers too as all the best songs; Ready 4 War, Look Into My Eyes, Hardtimes, Nothin Changed; have them crooning the choruses all the while toting guns and murdering people.

my rating : 3 of 5

1997

audio review : a DM Records compilation : Spring Break Bass Party

audio review : a DM Records compilation : Spring Break Bass Party

The concept is fun and the girl is hot, but the cover is tacky. The same can be said for the album itself. Some of the rap songs are among the worst I ever heard. Even the Bass 305 tracks are booty. The most amusing bit is when Trent Partidge, Cruising In Miami, encounters “one of those suckers”. He also provides the best song; Round And Round; but the best bit of music can be found on the Bass Invaders chorus.

my rating : 2 of 5

1997

Masta Ace’s Other Side Of Town or LL Cool J’s Cheesy Rat Blues : Which song is better?

Masta Ace's Other Side Of Town or LL Cool J's Cheesy Rat Blues : Which song is better? Masta Ace's Other Side Of Town or LL Cool J's Cheesy Rat Blues : Which song is better?

These are songs by, at least in the case of LL Cool J, rich men portraying the role of bums. LL plays himself gone broke; he has the Cheesy Rat Blues; while Masta Ace simply goes by the name of Joe; a student slash panhandler from The Other Side Of Town. Both songs were released in 1990. Both are produced by Marley Marl. That means he made the music.

The beats are damn funky, but Town’s, with its splendid bassline and organ breaks, sounds a little better to my ears. Masta Ace’s raps are also more poignant and better composed technically, but LL Cool J is funnier and thus more entertaining, especially during the second half. His “back of the bus”, “who this” and “know how to get busy” lines are classic.

my vote : ?