He may have been “blowing” Since 85, but Spice 1 reached his sales peak in 93. 187 He Wrote was his second of three albums in a row to go (RIAA) Gold, so yes he is a Platinum artist. Him being one of the most popular Gangsta rappers of the 1990s is why he’s now considered an OG.

What should be reassuring to longtime fans is that, from the sound of it, this album could’ve easily come out that decade. Everything from the Pac-ready beats to the guest features, including a gang of fellow OGs like Too Short and MC Eiht, suggest a sense of Thuggish nostaglia.

Nothing here nears the level of the best from that era though. That’s most obvious when the album interpolates from said era. Dr Dre, Eazy E, even singer D’Angelo gets jacked to no avail. The freshest song is the one with the oldest verse; Playas Do featuring the late Pimp C.

my rating : 3 of 5

2019