Coast to Coast [Live]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
It's taken them three albums to shake their excessive campiness, self-conscious oldies re-creations, and uneven originals, but most of this live collection reflects a more mature, confident, and distinctive BR5-49. Along with a beefier rhythm section behind Gary Bennett and Chuck Mead's vocals, Don Herron's inspired choice to use his non-pedal steel as sort of a supercharged, slashing slide guitar alters the texture of their sound for the better. The witty "Better Than This" and "Waitin' for the Axe" reflect vastly improved in-house material, and that improvement extends to oldies as well. Compare the bonus track, a watery studio re-creation of the Farmer Boys' "You're a Hum-dinger," with their muscular live renditions of Gram Parsons's "Big Mouth Blues," Don Gibson's "Sweet, Sweet Girl," and Dave Dudley's trucker anthem "Six Days on the Road." Misfires include an incongruous revival of Charlie Daniels's incredibly dated 1973 hippie vs. redneck novelty "Uneasy Rider" and Bob Wills's "Brain Cloudy Blues," a well-chosen song undermined by a stiff, clumsy arrangement. Nonetheless, the fact that they've at last found their voice bodes well for the future. --Rich Kienzle

Coast to Coast,BR5-49,Arista,Country,Country & Western,Country-Rock,Neo-Traditionalist Country,Pop
From Nothin' to Somethin'
Average customer rating: 0 out of 5 stars
  • LOSO DOES IT AGAIN
  • Fab's has another hit
  • Decent
  • From Nothin' To Somethin'
  • MORE POP BOP GARBAGE
From Nothin' to Somethin'
Fabolous
Manufacturer: Def Jam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Gangsta & HardcoreGangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. T.I. vs T.I.P.
  2. Double Up
  3. Epiphany
  4. We the Best
  5. Because Of You

ASIN: B000MCID4Q
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

  1. From Nothin' To Somethin' Intro
  2. Yep, I'm Back
  3. Change Up feat. Akon
  4. Make Me Better feat. Ne-Yo
  5. Baby Don't Go feat. T- Pain
  6. Return Of The Hustle feat. Swizz Beatz
  7. Gangsta Don't Play feat. Junior Reid
  8. Real Playa Like feat. Lloyd
  9. First Time feat. Rihanna
  10. Diamonds feat. Young Jeezy
  11. Brooklyn feat. JAY-Z & Uncle Murda
  12. I'm The Man feat. Red Café
  13. Jokes On You feat. Pusha T
  14. What Should I Do feat. Lil' Mo

Amazon.com

It's hard to catch a break when you're Fabolous. Though his skills as a manufacturer of blazing-hot street bangers and pop-crossover hits have not gone unnoticed by the hip-hop hype machine, the Brooklyn rapper hasn't come close to matching 50-Cent and similarly gifted superstars in the sales department. Which accounts for his decision, with album No. 4, to do somethin' about it. From Nothin' to Somethin' rounds up a massive herd of talent--Akon is here, and so are Swiss Beatz, Rihanna, Young Jeezy, Jay-Z, Lloyd, Junior Reid, Ne-Yo, and T-Pain. It's a little hard to locate Fabo on "Change Up," the Akon track, but otherwise he goes about spreading his Fabolousness throughout: "Diamonds," a bling-centric track with Jeezy, benefits from a borrowed take-it-easy Southern drawl, "Brooklyn" brings it home for New York with a spirit seldom seen since the East Coast/West Coast war was at its nastiest, and "Return of the Hustle" solidifies a career built on street cred with an asphalt-hot beat. Start to finish, but especially on the Timbaland-helmed "Make Me Better," production is top-notch. If there's a disc that can restore the fabulousness to being Fabolous, Somethin' is it. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars LOSO DOES IT AGAIN.......2007-07-19

I would have have to say I was pretty happy with this album. Probably not his best work, but definitely worth buying. From nothing to something definitely seems like it is intended to be a bit more commercial sounding than his last album.

5 out of 5 stars Fab's has another hit.......2007-07-12

Don't know why people are giving this low stars if you don't like it then don't worry about it. Listen to the classic rap albums all day and cry about the new hip pop that is out today. Cry to yourself though and don't be bitter about Fabolous new album because it is good hip pop album. I recommend buying this hip pop album it is worth it. HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

4 out of 5 stars Decent.......2007-07-11

Fabolous's 4th album is "From Nothin To Somethin". What I've always noticed about fab is that even though he tries to sound mainstream a lot he is still very underrated. Fabolous is right in same category as Trick Daddy & Mystikal. They can make good songs but their albums never really blow you away or make you say wow that's some tight s**t right there.

"From Nothin To Somethin" is a 15 track release with collaborations on all but 2 songs.

The album gets off to a pretty good start with "From Nothin To Somethin Intro", a decent opener that kind of sounds like a freestyle. the beat is crazy. And if the song was a little bit longer instead of just being an intro it would probably be one of the better songs on here. This album is basically the typical rap album these days. You got the songs where he constatly brags about himself ("Yep, I'm Back", "I'm The Man" feat. Red Cafe & "Jokes On You" feat. Pusha-T of The Clipse). As well as the songs for the ladies ("Baby Don't Go" feat. T-Pain, "Make Me Better" feat. NE-YO, "First Time" feat. Rihanna & "Real Playa Like" feat. Lloyd). You got the club bangers ("Diamonds" feat. Young Jeezy & "Return Of The Hustle" feat. Swizz Beatz). "Brooklyn" feat. Jay-Z & Uncle Murda has a great beat. But the hook is very dissapointing. It reminds me of "New York S**t" from Busta Rhymes's cd The Big Bang. The standout track for me is "Gangsta Don't Play" feat. Junior Reid. The beat is tight and Fab and J Reid deliver a solid street track. The only two songs that Fabolous really shows any hunger on are "Change Up" feat. Akon and the deep track "What Should I Do" feat. Lil Mo. And the bonus track "This Is Family" feat. Ransom, Freck Billionaire, Red Cafe, Joe Budden & Paul Cain is a solid posse cut. This album will go platinum but it isn't album of the year material.

My Top 5

1. "Real Playa Like" feat. Lloyd
2. "Diamonds" feat. Young Jeezy
3. "Change Up" feat. Akon
4. "Return Of The Hustle" feat. Swizz Beatz
5. "Make Me Better" feat. NE-YO

Honorable mention tracks

- "Gangsta Don't Play" feat. Junior Reid
- "Brooklyn" feat. Jay-Z & Uncle Murda
- "What Should I Do" feat. Lil Mo

4 out of 5 stars From Nothin' To Somethin'.......2007-07-10

Definitely not his best but trust me it will grow on you. If you're a real Fab fan u will be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. The problem with this album is not a lack of features got em (Lloyd, T-Pain, Akon, Jay-Z, Ne-yo, Red Cafe, Rihanna) or hot beatz got em (Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz etc.) but a lack of hooks. Brooklyn w/ Jay-Z was especially disappointing for that reason. But The cd does have at least 7 pretty good tracks and who can deny the kid with the Grammy grin? Hope this helps. Najwa >: <

1 out of 5 stars MORE POP BOP GARBAGE.......2007-07-09

HERES ANOTHER WEAK ALBUM FOR DA POP BOP CROWD. ANYONE WHO FINDS THIS ALBUM
GOOD MUST NOT LISTEN TO THE ROOTS,PHAROAH MONCH,MOS DEF OR MEGALON. ITS ALBUMS LIKE THESE THAT HIP HOP IS IN DA SHxxTER. PRE SCHOOL RHYMES LIKE
"I'M FLOSSING,NOW I'M BOSSIN',WHY HAVE DA CAKE,WITHOUT THE FROSTING"-WACK!!!
AND LIKE USUAL FAB CAN'T HOLD HIS OWN LIKE A MAN WITH NO ARMS..HE GOT HELP
FROM THE INDUSTRY'S TOP CHART TOPPERS:JAY-Z,AKON,JEEZY-ECT. --PITIFUL
Licensed to Ill
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Always a classic
  • The Beginning of the Beastie Boys' Dynasty
  • The Joke Is...
  • A near-excellent album
  • Let there be ill
Licensed to Ill
Beastie Boys
Manufacturer: Def Jam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Old SchoolOld School | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
$7.99 and Under$7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Rap & Hip-HopRap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
$7.99 and Under$7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Alternative Rock4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Rock4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Paul's Boutique
  2. Ill Communication
  3. Check Your Head
  4. Run-D.M.C. - Greatest Hits
  5. Hello Nasty

ASIN: B0000024JN
Release Date: 1995-03-28

Tracks:

  1. Rhymin & Stealin
  2. The New Style
  3. She's Crafty
  4. Posse In Effect
  5. Slow Ride
  6. Girls
  7. Fight For Your Right
  8. No Sleep Till Brooklyn
  9. Paul Revere
  10. Hold It Now, Hit It
  11. Brass Monkey
  12. Slow And Low
  13. Time To Get Ill

Amazon.com essential recording

The joke of Licensed to Ill's cover--that the Beasties could crash their jet into the side of a mountain and keep on tickin'--serves as a good metaphor for a career that even some of their 1986 admirers thought might be over after the one-time-only shock of this full-length debut. That thousands of funk-junkie wannabes have since failed at re-creating its groove, breaking-the-law vibe, and ear-splitting mix of rock and rap is an even better joke. And funniest of all is the record itself, which packs dexterous boasts, aural puns, and lots and lots of yelling into a disc that can still be listened to with as much pleasure as it gave in '86. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Always a classic.......2007-06-09

I finally had to replace my old copy of this. I love it! Beastie Boys' classic album mixes their "new style" lyrics (one-liners as I like to think of them) with all the classic party/dance tracks: No Sleep 'til Brooklyn, Fight for Your Right to Party, and Brass Monkey, not to mention "GIRLS". What fun it is, they obviously had so much fun with this album.

5 out of 5 stars The Beginning of the Beastie Boys' Dynasty.......2007-06-05

License to Ill--

Formerly a punk-rock outfit called the Young & the Useless, New Yorkers Mike D, MCA and King Ad-Rock hooked up with Def Jam founder Rick Rubin in the mid-1980's to create a hip-hop masterpiece. Released in the fall of 1986, License to Ill took both the hip-hop world and mainstream pop culture by storm. Though this was their debut LP, the three MC's traded verses like veterans. Hip-hop rhythm tracks were combined with guitar licks for one of the first rap/rock fusion efforts, sowing seeds for the sub-genre's late 90's resurgence in the likes of Limp Bizkit and Rage Against the Machine.

Lyrically, the Beasties are basically college-age party animals throughout the album, telling wild stories about getting kicked out of White Castle, get-togethers stocked with Budweiser, and related tales of cheerful, hedonistic mayhem. In interviews, band members admitted to having a Schoolly-D fixation at the time, and so there are also some casual gun references here and there. "Slow and Low" covers an unreleased Run-DMC song, with the unforgettable line "White Castle fries only come in one size.." "Rhymin' & Stealin'" is pre-gangster rap pirate fantasy, where the Boys vow to send sucker MC's "to Davy Jones' locker.." "No Sleep `til Brooklyn" has a great guitar contribution by Slayer's Kerry King, as the Boys vow to keep the party going "eight days a week.."; the now-legendary "Paul Revere" is a cowboy fantasy (co-written with Run DMC) where the Beasties play desperadoes on the frontier, set to a reverse-drum track rhythm: "MCA was with it, and he's my ace, so I grab the piano player and I punched him in the face; piano player's out, the music stopped; his boy had beef, and he got dropped.."

The album's signature song was the top-10 pop smash "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right". The rocker is almost out of place amidst all the straightforward hip-hop, but it's just as well that it was the album's closer. The Beasties expanded the cultural diversity of rap as well as expanding its cultural acceptance worldwide.

As of 2007, the LP's 20th anniversary has already passed; a deluxe re-release is in order; it should include any unreleased songs (such as the early "Rock Hard" EP; also, bootleg releases have included rare songs like "Scenario", "I'm Down" and an alternate take of "Fight for Your Right"), as well as a DVD version of the now-rare VHS home video compilation.

5 out of 5 stars The Joke Is..........2007-05-08

In response to Rickey Wright's editorial review (this guy's an editor and didn't see this?)...

The joke, Mr. Wright, is not them crashing their jet into the side of a mountain and surviving, but rather what the image turns into when you unfold the album cover and hold it length-wise with the tail-end up. It's the image of a 'joint' being mashed out (like a cigarette in an ashtray). So I think the genius behind it works, making the obvious - unobvious.

Also, the call letters on the rear of the plane (3MTA3) actually spell 'EAT ME' when viewed in reverse - which is what is usually done when you're smokin' a fatty and 'Jake' is on ya.

As for the album itself - CLASSIC! True Beastie Boy gold!

4 out of 5 stars A near-excellent album.......2007-03-09

Who didn't listen to the Beastie Boys back in the '80's? Their crossover appeal to rap and rock fans made the group one of the biggest hits during that era. The album was indicative of their unique style of rap, along with their penchant for including heavy rock sounds/backgrounds into their music. Although some thought that this album was a bit commercialized, it didn't keep it from becoming one of the most popular releases during that time. "Brass Monkey" is a memorable track that almost every Beastie fan can sing along to, and "Fight For Your Right" almost became an anthem for party-crazed teens in the '80's. "Time To Get Ill" was one of my favorite songs on this album, since it displayed skilled Dj'ing and catchy backdrop beats. Lyrics were also easy to memorize, which always helps when you feel like rappin' along with the track being played in your car. "Hold It Now, Hit It" is still one of the most sampled tracks in today's rap songs, and its catchy beat and rhythm allows for regular play in many listener's stereos. "She's Crafty" and "The New Style" were less-known hits, but still allows for fans to enjoy, as beats and sounds are similar to other hits... but, just different enough to keep the album from being boring. With their unique style and memorable lyrics, who wouldn't want to buy this album for the right price?

5 out of 5 stars Let there be ill.......2007-03-09

I've waited way too long to buy this album. This album is definitely a must-have in my book, not only for pioneering the area of Caucasian rap, but also for the unique style of rap that they brought. As I get older, it makes me sad when I see the generation gap, and "Fight For Your Right" and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" isn't part of the new generation's collective memory. If I ever have a child, I'm buying the casette tape for this album, sticking it a boombox, putting that boombox on my shoulder, and blasting "Paul Revere" as the child exits the womb. These songs are simply classics, and it's a crime for kids today to not know what they are.
Struggle from the Subway to the Charts
Average customer rating: 0 out of 5 stars
  • Awesome CD
  • Nephew Loves It
  • amazing talent
  • Nuttin But Stringz Jams
  • Hip Hop/Rap meets Classical
Struggle from the Subway to the Charts
Nuttin But Stringz
Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Chamber PopChamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Hip-Hop Violinist
  2. Jack's Big Music Show, Season 1
  3. Fantasia
  4. Once Again
  5. Collaborations

ASIN: B000HKDE7Y
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

  1. BROKEN SORROW
  2. STRUGGLE Featuring Tony Haze
  3. THUNDER
  4. BEAUTY FROM AFAR INTRO
  5. BEAUTY FROM AFAR
  6. SUKA 4 HER INTERLUDE
  7. SUKA 4 HER
  8. GET LOW Featuring Winter
  9. EGYPTIAN IN THE NIGHT INTRO
  10. EGYPTIAN IN THE NIGHT
  11. A NU DAY
  12. DANCE WITH MY FATHER Featuring Karmen Michael & The Godselettes Choir
  13. THUNDER REMIX

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Awesome CD.......2007-07-17

Rockin violins with a hip hop beat. The track Thunder is absolutely a individual work of art. If these guys could put together an entire CD with this new style they would be rockin wit stringz and rakin in the dough.

5 out of 5 stars Nephew Loves It.......2007-07-05


We bought this as a birthday gift for my nephew who plays violin and he has had nothing but rave reviews to say about it. I have not heard it, but I know that he would recommend it to anyone.

5 out of 5 stars amazing talent.......2007-07-04

I first heard this group watching Jack's Big Music Show with my 2 year old son, I've been hooked ever since. I'm not a big rap fan - but when you hear their musical genius you'll see why they are the next big thing.

5 out of 5 stars Nuttin But Stringz Jams.......2007-06-27

The "Nuttin But Stringz" CD is an enjoyable journey into modern R&B music played with a classical violin twist. My two kids are studying violin and were getting bored with their lessons until "Nuttin But Stringz" woke them up to the violin as an instrument that is really "cool". We love the CD and cannot wait to see them on tour.

5 out of 5 stars Hip Hop/Rap meets Classical.......2007-06-27

Incredible CD!!! After seeing these performers on Jack's Big Music show (on Noggin - with my 2 year old), I had to buy the CD. Insanely talented violinists, they are also passionate and strong rap artists as well. If nothing else, everyone should pick this CD up for its uniqueness and refreshingly new concept. My favorite CD purchased in years!

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Who are the idiots??
  • As eerie as a siren.
  • PUBLIC ENEMY
  • Wall of Sound
  • Mind Blowing from beginning to end............
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Manufacturer: Def Jam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Gangsta & HardcoreGangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
$7.99 and Under$7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Rap & Hip-HopRap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
$7.99 and Under$7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fear of a Black Planet
  2. Straight Outta Compton
  3. Yo! Bum Rush the Show
  4. Apocalypse 91...The Enemy Strikes Black
  5. The Low End Theory

ASIN: B0000024K1
Release Date: 1995-05-02

Tracks:

  1. Countdown To Armageddon
  2. Bring The Noise
  3. Don't Believe The Hype
  4. Cold Lampin' With Flavor
  5. Terminator X To The Edge Of Panic
  6. Mind Terrorist
  7. Louder Than A Bomb
  8. Caught, Can We Get A Witness?
  9. Show Em Whatcha Got
  10. She Watch Channel Zero?!
  11. Night Of The Living Baseheads
  12. Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos
  13. Security Of The First World
  14. Rebel Without A Pause
  15. Prophets Of Rage
  16. Party For Your Right To Fight

Amazon.com essential recording

It Takes a Nation of Millions was the sign that hip-hop had exploded like a grenade. A rap record as abrasive, hardcore, and eloquent as a JFK speech, the 1988 disc is one classic track after another: tense, multilayered, harmonically wild music. Chuck D. declaims like a master preacher with foil Flavor Flav's voice darting around his. They've got the desperate energy of people fighting for their lives, and everything from their pumped-up rhetoric ("Prophets of Rage") to the group's quasi-paramilitary organization to the sirens and sax squeals in nearly every track declares how urgent their mission is. It's a hugely influential album, and it still sounds fresh and frightening after all these years. --Douglas Wolk

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Who are the idiots??.......2007-04-14

I'm compelled to provide a review. For one reason. Why the f isn't this a five star album? Some reviewers out their need their keyboards revoked. I've been listening to this record on and off for almost 20 years. Each time I get the same old buzz. My old (much loved) Pixies albums don't come close in terms of providing everlasting pleasure.

For those that don't own this, just "do yourself a favour."

BTW - DJ Spooky Trojan Records excursion is a blast....(on the platter as I write)

5 out of 5 stars As eerie as a siren........2007-02-18

You know, I once saw someone say that this shouldn't be considered music, and in one way, that person is right: it's an aural explosion on record, in a way not even an industrial band could execute it. This record came out at a time I was still coloring walls, but even I could connect well with it, it is that good. The record hasn't aged a bit. The first I heard from P.E. was "Fear of a Black Planet" a few years back, and I really enjoyed that one. I got to this and was shocked at how it was EVEN better.

Chuck D. and Flavor Flav have a delivery that can't be missed, and the Bomb Squad use some awesome loops and samples. The 3 or 4 interludes on here are great too, and not even those come off as filler. The lyrics are intellectual social/political message. There's not much quite like this today, in fact that might even be an understatement. Some tracks come off like siren tracks, like listening to songs like "Night of the Living Baseheads" and such. The live samples add to the energy of this record. It is a hip-hop record, but you don't have to be a fan of the genre to enjoy this. The energy could be appreciated by a rock fan, and the instrumental of a track like "Black Steel..." could be appreciated by a jazz fan maybe. It doesn't need to be limited to genres. It's a great record, period. The influence is something that's even been going on through the times, and that doesn't need to be explained or even justified.

It's cheaply priced and an amazing album, even sounding fresh nearly 20 years. It doesn't even need remastering any time soon! That's all the more impressive. There is so little not to like about this record, it is recommended to everyone from me.

5 out of 5 stars PUBLIC ENEMY.......2006-11-13

WELL, BEING FROM "THE OLD SCHOOL"...YOU KNOW, "THE POSSITIVE ERA", ITS HARD TO FIND TODAY'S HIP-HOP SATISFYING TO MY SOUL.......SO I GO BACK, AND THERE I FIND WHAT I NEED.
PEACE

5 out of 5 stars Wall of Sound.......2006-11-10

Possibly the greatest rap album of all time. The hard rhymer Chuck D. paired with the multi-layered production of Hank Shocklee(Bomb Squad) still packs as potent a punch as when it first dropped. Not to sleep on Flava, the greatest hype man in the business is essential to the final product; I can't imagine this album being as perfect as it is without him.

5 out of 5 stars Mind Blowing from beginning to end...................2006-09-22

Chuck, Flav, Griff, Terminator X, The Bomb Squad and the S1W's was and still is one of the most powerful hip hop groups ever put together. Chuck's voice alone should be added as seperate member. Check the power of "Here it is BAM!" Absolute classic joints are Don't beleive the Hype, Black Steel, Night of the Living Baseheads, Terminator -Rock-n-Roll, She watch Channel Zero and rest of the album.
The Military Band: Salute to the Services
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Marching along
  • Traditional American marches
  • GREAT MUSIC!
  • Why not ZERO?
  • Great Military Music
The Military Band: Salute to the Services
Francis Saltus Van Boskerek , Robert M. Crawford , John Stafford Smith , John Philip Sousa , American Traditional , Joseph Franz Wagner , Charles A. Zimmerman , and Felix Slatkin
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Smith, John StaffordSmith, John Stafford | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SousaAll Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Sousa's Greatest Hits
  2. Music of the U.S. Armed Forces
  3. Stars & Stripes Forever and the Greatest Marches
  4. America's Bugle Calls
  5. God Bless America: Ult Patriotic Album

ASIN: B000006OGX
Release Date: 1998-06-02

Tracks:

  1. Reveille
  2. Salute To The Services: The US Field Artillery March
  3. Salute To The Services: Anchors Aweigh
  4. US Marines On Parade
  5. Salute To The Services: US Air Force Song
  6. Salute To The Services: Semper Paratus
  7. Salute To The Services: The Stars & Stripes Forever
  8. Salute To The Services: Semper Fidelis
  9. Salute To The Services: National Emblem
  10. Salute To The Services: El Capitan
  11. Salute To The Services: Washington Post
  12. Salute To The Services: The Thunderer
  13. Salute To The Services: Under The Double Eagle
  14. Salute To The Services: American Patrol
  15. Salute To The Services: The Star Spangled Banner
  16. Taps

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Marching along.......2007-05-12

I am a walker..(up to 15 miles per week) Having made this purchase... I now march along with Sousa and the other greats on this fine album....I heartily recommend it to all....as well as Amazon's timely and fairly priced services...

4 out of 5 stars Traditional American marches.......2007-03-22

These are traditional American marches well played and stirring. The CD and case are of good quality, and the sound is excellent.

5 out of 5 stars GREAT MUSIC!.......2007-03-11

This is an unusual Music CD to a great price.
Something to celebrate July 4 and our nation.
Highly recommended.

1 out of 5 stars Why not ZERO? .......2007-01-27

I would give this one ZERO.....absolutely waste of money. The sound quality is terrible on my Made in Japan SONY / Kenwood / Panasonic CD / MP3 Players. Also, the collection of the noise is not all that impressive, I have seen much better calming peaceful MUSIC. Do not waste money, I think it is rediculous to have a band for military, How about a band for PEACE?

5 out of 5 stars Great Military Music.......2007-01-11

The CD was just what I needed for a special memorial tribute to our service people that have passed on. The recording was clear and bright. The music selections were well performed and TAPS was especially evoking.
Return to the 36 Chambers
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Yeah baby he likes its raaaaawwww!
  • I don't even like your profile!
  • Tell me who's ever made an album like this?!!
  • Solid Wu Tang Solo by a very dope yet very wierd mc...ODB
  • ODB solo debut is niiiice -- R.I.P.
Return to the 36 Chambers
Ol' Dirty Bastard
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Gangsta & HardcoreGangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Rap & Hip-HopRap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
EccentricsEccentrics | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Tical
  2. Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
  3. Ironman
  4. Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
  5. Nigga Please

ASIN: B000002HFU
Release Date: 1995-03-28

Tracks:

  1. Intro
  2. Shimmy Shimmy Ya
  3. Baby C'mon
  4. Brooklyn Zoo
  5. Hippa To Da Hoppa
  6. Raw Hide
  7. Damage
  8. Don't U Know
  9. The Stomp
  10. Goin' Down
  11. Drunk Game (Sweet Sugar Pie)
  12. Snakes
  13. Brooklyn Zoo II (Tiger Crane)
  14. Proteck Ya Neck II The Zoo
  15. Cuttin' Headz
  16. Dirty Dancin' (Bonus Track-CD Only)
  17. Harlem World (Bonus Track-CD Only)

Amazon.com

Return's title and various lyrics acknowledge Wu-Tang's self-built mythology, but Ol' Dirty Bastard's solo debut, like the man himself, runs on its own idiosyncratic power. Rapping forcefully and on point--mumbling, singing, allowing weird wordless sounds to escape his throat in an assertion of his right to make random noise--ODB slips from mode to mode like Marvin Gaye juxtaposing the gruff and the smooth in the same song. The production, mostly by the RZA, sets the man down in the middle of funky, shape-shifting tracks to scream for blood, shout out to the Temptations and "you other grooops!" and threaten "any MC in any 52 states." "I love that guy," ODB secret identity Russell Jones declares of his alter ego at the outset; after a listen to this disc, it's likely at least part of you will, too. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Yeah baby he likes its raaaaawwww!.......2007-03-23

ODB is one those people who is the life of the party, the only one with personality out of the group. Even though he is not the best MC out of the Wutang Clan he is not the worst(hello Ugod anybody). Standout Tracks: SHIMMY SHIMMY YA, BROOKLYN ZOO, HIPPA TO DA HOPPA, RAWHIDE, DAMAGE, THE STOMP, SNAKES, PROTECT YA NECKII THE ZOO, CUTTIN HEADZ and HARLEM WORLD. I'll admit that I still laugh my a** off when I hear Drunk Game(Sweet Sugar Pie). Filler: Brooklyn ZooII(Tiger Crane)(Ghostface verse was fire but the rest of the song is...... and Dirty Dancin(sounds like it was poorly mixed). Bottom Line: This Is ODB's best effort and unfortunately the best album he ever made(check every album after this one if you have doubt). Rza and company werent slacking on the production and Ol' Dirty and the guest appearances were exceptional on this album. REST IN PEACE RUSSELL JONES AKA ODB AKA DIRT MCGIRT AKA you know the rest!

5 out of 5 stars I don't even like your profile!.......2007-03-23

Like common perceptions of ODB, I thought he was a clown. After listening to this whole album, I think ODB is a modern day Screamin' Jay Hawkins. When ODB rhymes welfare with.....welfare, not only is it hilarious, but incredibly heady as well, considering the shame associated with that word and the powerful and ironic way he rhymes it twice in a couplet. Forget all the serious hip hop heads. What's genius about ODB is that he's oblivious to pretension. He's pure.

5 out of 5 stars Tell me who's ever made an album like this?!!.......2007-02-03

I remember when this came out when I was a teenager. My friend had it playin in his tape deck, I didn't know what to think. "What the hell is this?" There's no father to his style, total freedom of self expression! Brilliant, I had to have it. Swiped his copy and never gave it back! Played it more than any other tape I ever owned. Played the damn thing till it wouldn't play no more and was forced to find a buddy with a copy on disc to steal off of! Haha..

My personal fav of the Wu catalog, hell it's one of my favorite albums of all time! Nothing sounds like it. One of the most original and misunderstood artists, this album still sounds just as crazy and intense as the day it first came out. My favorite tracks are Don't You Know and Goin Down, "Soooome..wheeere oover the raainboww!" Come on, are you kiddin me? The beats were grimmey and erie, mixing perfect with ODB's drunken attitude and style. The contributions from Wu members help ground the album with their straightforward rhymes while at the same time complimenting Dirt McGirt's unique vocal approach. This album stand in a class all it's own. No-one will ever be able to duplicate what this MC brought to the table, let alone know where to even start!

This album is an example of a artist doin his own thing and goin for it.
If you want to hear the same old thing, another boring, sharp dressin, mediocre MC, spitting the same old monotone raps that we've been hearing for the last countless years than turn on the TV and save your money. "This is something old,,, and dirty....... and duurrtayyy!
Yeah"

Rest in Peace O.D.B.

4 out of 5 stars Solid Wu Tang Solo by a very dope yet very wierd mc...ODB.......2006-09-06

I'm not a huge fan of ODB but I love Wu Tang So I eventually gave this album a try. First let me start off by saying there were only 2 or 3 tracks I was feeling, I donno it was pretty hard to get adjusted too for some reason. The sound was wierd especially just hearing O.D.B without any back most of the time. But Time went on and some day I just finally started getting into this album, so to make it sure unlike most wu albums it may take awhile for some maybe few to get into. I was many people who at once though the rzarecta wasted some very precious beats on O.D.B(Like I was saying b4 i really wasnt diggin most of the album but as time went by i really started to appreciate it and started getting adjusted more to O.D.B crazy yet very profound lyrics). Its not the best wu solo out there but it still deffenitley is a must have. O.D.B rips the mic in some pretty dope songs and RZA backs it up with his usual crazy style of Kun Fu crazy wu tang banger beats.

1. Intro
2. Shimmy Shimmy Ya - 10/10 c
3. Baby C'mon - 9/10
4. Brooklyn Zoo - 10/10
5. Hippa To Da Hoppa - 10/10 CLASSIC ODB TRACK
6. Raw Hide - 8/10
7. Damage - 9.5/10
8. Don't U Know - 8/10
9. The Stomp - 10/10
10. Goin' Down -8/10
11. Drunk Game - 7/10
12. Snakes - 9/10
13. Brooklyn Zoo II - 8/10
14. Proteck Ya Neck II The Zoo - 8/10
15. Cuttin' Headz - 8/10
16. Dirty Dancin' 7/10
17. Harlem World - 7/10

It has its ups and downs but no doubt a wu banger, pick this one up its probably odb's best and rza brings out his usual dope production.

Final Score
4.2/5

4 out of 5 stars ODB solo debut is niiiice -- R.I.P........2006-05-01

The 2nd member of the Wu to drop a solo did it with fashioon. Everyone loved the Single Shimmy Shimmy Ya and the odd and crazy drunk style was off the charts. With 16 songs you get a good deal of ODB but guests are heavy, on about half of the songs and all of the Wu is the album other then Inspectah Deck and U-God and some Wu-related cats as well. Production is the classic Wu age sound and mostly handled by the RZA (13 of the 17 songs). With ODB, True Master and 4th Disciple all doing a little as well. Of the 16 songs there is 2 or 3 I skip over, I can only take so much off his drunk rambling some times. A few are almost classic material or classic and the rest are good with maybe 3 that are ok. For real Wu fans and fans of the ODB you have to have this, it's definitely his best solo album.

#2 - 10 (CLASSIC!!, nothing else to say)
#3 - 6.5
#4 - 9 (nice beat)
#5 - 9 (tight beat)
#6 - 8 (f/ Method Man & Raekwon)
#7 - 7.5 (f/ GZA)
#8 - 5 (f/ Killah Priest)
#9 - 8
#10 - 7
#11 - 3.5 (After a while it gets too annoying)
#12 - 8.5 (f/ killah Priest, RZA, Masta killa, buddah monk -- nice beat)
#13 - 7 (f/ ghostface killah -- has some nice samples and odb moments after the song)
#14 - 9 (f/ buddah monk, prodigal sun, 12 0' Clock, 60 second assassin, murdo, zu keeper, shorty $h!+ stain -- tight beat)
#15 - 8 (f/ RZA)
#16 - 7.5 (f/ method man)
#17 - 4

R.I.P
Russell Tyrone Jones -- b. 11/15/68 - d. 11/13/04 --- b. Fort Green, NY

Check all my Reviews
Welcome to Our World
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great buy
  • The Foundation
  • One of Hip Hop's Most Innovative Albums...a landmark production
  • Love the 'Up Jumps' Remix...
  • One Of The Best Hip Hop Albums Of All Time
Welcome to Our World
Timbaland & Magoo
Manufacturer: Atlantic/Q Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Gangsta & HardcoreGangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Southern RapSouthern Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Tim's Bio: Life From da Basement
  2. Indecent Proposal
  3. Under Construction, Pt. II
  4. Supa Dupa Fly
  5. One in a Million

ASIN: B000002JXS
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

  1. Beep Beep
  2. Feel It
  3. Up Jumps Da' Boogie
  4. Clock Strikes
  5. 15 After Da' Hour
  6. Ms. Parker
  7. Luv 2 Luv U (Remix)
  8. Luv 2 Luv U
  9. Smoke In Da' Air
  10. Intro Buddha
  11. Peepin' My Style
  12. Writtin' Rymes
  13. Deep In Your Memory
  14. Clock Strikes (Remix)
  15. Sex Beat (Interlude)
  16. Man Undercover
  17. Joy
  18. Up Jumps Da' Boogie (Remix)

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Great buy.......2007-07-09

This cd is one of the best cd's I've ever heard. Timbaland's beats cant be replaced, magoo's gritty voice and timabland's hooks are great together. Mix in ginuine, missy, playa, and aaliyah...and the album is complete. My favorite songs are Man Undercover (by Aaliyah), Up jumps the Boogie Remix, Smoke In The Air (Playa) and Joy (Playa and Ginuwine.) This album is definitly worth your money. I love it!!!!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars The Foundation.......2007-02-27

From the hypnotizing charm to the raw lyrics this cd is SOLID. It's got staying power and demands respect from your ears...I am SO glad I finally got my own copy!

5 out of 5 stars One of Hip Hop's Most Innovative Albums...a landmark production.......2005-09-11

Back in 1997, Timbaland and Magoo came out with their classic cd, Welcome to our World. The reason that makes this one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, is the creative production. Timbaland created beats that no one has ever heard anything like before. His use of off-beat off-drum patterns alond with funky keyboards, synths and guitar licks, made this joint out of VA a straight up classic. Also, a lot of people didn't like Magoo's flow or lyrics, but Magoo is one of the most creative emcee's out there. His flow and use of creative worldplay and punchlines makes him a dangerous emcee on the mic. Alot of mc's out there couldnt touch Magoo. Great lrycism and production of a timeless classic in hip hop.

5 out of 5 stars Love the 'Up Jumps' Remix..........2004-09-08

...actually the stripped down version of the original with a cricket chirping rhythm, a deconstructed Rod Temperton keyboard riff, an offal spouting Magoo, a sober Timbaland and a 'gone-you-don't-know-gone-you-don't-know' Missy. Partiable today. Magic still.

5 out of 5 stars One Of The Best Hip Hop Albums Of All Time.......2003-09-01

This album is so innovative and precisely produced. With beats provided by Mozart Timadeas (my favorite producer), vocals by Magoo, Missy, Playa, Ginuwine, Aaliyah, this album is a 5 out of 5. At first listen you'll be like what the heck is this, but for sure after the first listen of the whole album you'll be hooked to it. From the first track to the last. You have hip hop and R&B throughout this entire album. When you listen to the album you will notice that they were ahead of their time. After listening to the album I thought, damn, "These cats were on some tight stuff back in '97", and indeed they were. I am telling you this is one of the most creative albums ever. There is a track on the album where Timbaland just talks over the beat and you actually rock to it. I love the whole album, but my favorite tracks are Luv 2 Luv U ( both versions ), Up Jumps The Boogie ( both versions ), Joy, Man Undercover, Clock Strikes. I am a true Timbaland fan, I am down with him and the whole click, holla at ya boy!
Welcome to Haiti: Creole 101
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • One of Wyclef's Greatest works
  • Love Wyclef
  • Bon Bagay!
  • Love It!!!!!!
  • Great WORLD album
Welcome to Haiti: Creole 101
Wyclef Jean
Manufacturer: Koch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Latin Music | Styles | Music
MerengueMerengue | Latin Music | Styles | Music
CumbiaCumbia | Latin Music | Styles | Music
Contemporary R&BContemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Experimental RapExperimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
4-for-3 International4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 R&B4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Preacher's Son
  2. Presents the Carnival Featuring the Refugee Allstars
  3. The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book
  4. The Agronomist
  5. Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0002WZTB6
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Jean Dominique Intro
  2. 24 E Tan Pou Viv
  3. President
  4. Bicentennial
  5. Generation X
  6. Party By The Sea
  7. Haitian Mafia
  8. Le Ou Marye
  9. Fistibal Festival
  10. La Bamba
  11. Bay Micro'm Volume
  12. Proud To Be African
  13. Douce
  14. Lavi New York
  15. Kreyol
  16. Nou Va Rive
  17. Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars One of Wyclef's Greatest works.......2007-05-19

This album is probably one of the best albums I have heard in a long time. It tells some of Haiti's history and gives alot of respect to the rest of Carribean. It reveals Haiti's proud history of Independence.Dieu vous bénit Wyclef. Bonjour le Pacifique du sud. Ceci est un grand cd. Great CD.

5 out of 5 stars Love Wyclef.......2007-04-15

I loved the fugees and love wyclef. His albums always have the carribean flavor. Must have in the collection it is a classic.

4 out of 5 stars Bon Bagay!.......2006-03-20

This is a great CD for anyone who love Caribbean music, especially Konpa Kreyol. Se yon bon bagay ke li ye. Li gen bon mizik ladan.

5 out of 5 stars Love It!!!!!!.......2006-02-23

I love this cd. It's upbeat and fun. I listen to it everyday. I hope he puts out another cd in this same style. My favorite song is President but Fistibal festival is a close second. There's not a song on here that I don't like. I highly recommend this cd.

5 out of 5 stars Great WORLD album.......2005-12-16

This is quite possibly my favorite album ever. It doesn't fit in with Wyclef's past rap and hip-hop albums, but it is an excellent world/carribean cd. I especially like Bicentennial. If you want to have an uplifting album with great flow, buy this one. I believe that Wyclef should continue both with this carribean and his rap as well.
Ready to Die: The Remaster
Average customer rating: 0 out of 5 stars
  • The album that defined an era
  • Biggie's Best!
  • The Album That Set The Year '94 (Rating: 10 out of 10- -5 stars)
Ready to Die: The Remaster
The Notorious B.I.G.
Manufacturer: Bad Boy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Gangsta & HardcoreGangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Life After Death
  2. Reasonable Doubt
  3. Born Again
  4. It Was Written
  5. Me Against the World

ASIN: B000JJ4PDK
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

  1. Intro
  2. Things Done Changed
  3. Gimme the Loot
  4. Machine Gun Funk
  5. Warning
  6. Ready to Die
  7. One More Chance
  8. #! *@ Me (Interlude)
  9. What
  10. Juicy
  11. Everyday Struggle
  12. Me & My B*tch
  13. Big Poppa
  14. Respect
  15. Friend of Mine
  16. Unbelievable
  17. Suicidal Thoughts
  18. Who Shot Ya
  19. Just Playing (Dreams)

Tracks:

  1. Juicy [DVD]
  2. Big Poppa [DVD]
  3. Warning [DVD]
  4. One More Chance [DVD]
  5. Unbelievable [DVD][Live]

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The album that defined an era.......2007-07-10

The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1994 debut arrived at a turning point for hip hop music. As the old school style from the east coast was slowly growing stale, a new funkier and angrier approach was steadily growing in the form of gangsta rap from the west coast. Then, of course, came "Ready to Die," one of the finest hip hop albums of all time, and one that bridged the gap between the old and new schools. This is the album that introduced the world to the incredible rapper and incredible character that was Christopher Wallace. A young, overweight Brooklyn native, a father, and a former hustler, Biggie impressed listeners not only with his talent but his personality on the mic. Technically, he is not short of amazing. His ingenious punchlines, late-night stories, threats, and jokes are delivered in his raspy, cheeky voice with precise technique, always on time and in a perfect flow. Lyrically, he covers many topics but the quality is ever so consistent. On one song, he'll be telling a story of crime, on the next song he'll be poking fun at a ghetto loser, or seducing a woman, nostalgically reminiscing over the past, or dramatically philosophizing about the meaning of life and death. His verses are all meticulously written and never lose your attention. Another reason "Ready to Die" is so great is the production. The young Sean Combs anchors a production team that uses extensive, clever sampling to create a unique musical backdrop for Biggie. The album is well divided between radio friendly singles and harder, darker songs that would be too rough for radio. The hardcore tracks inspired an entire generation of grimy New York rappers that would reign towards the late 1990s, but the influence of the popular singles could also be felt on urban radio for years to come. "Ready to Die" is an absolutely classic hip hop album and one of the finest ever, a must have for any collection.

The album begins with a dramatic intro, which gives way to "Things Done Changed," a well-produced and ironic look back at Biggie's humble roots. "Gimme the Loot" is one of the songs that shows his lyrical genius, where he plays multiple characters in a conversation, creating a classic track. "Machine Gun Funk" is an upbeat, funky cut sampling a song by Lords of the Underground for the hook. On the excellent "Warning," Biggie again plays multiple characters during conversation, before dropping philosophy on backstabbers and issuing threats. The title track follows accordingly, as does the original mix of "One More Chance," a song to a woman about their relationship (the more popular remix is not included on the tracklist). Perhaps my favorite song is the Method Man collaboration "The What," a song where the two depressed MCs drop some dark knowledge and philosophy over a great beat. It doesn't get much better than having two of New York's finest rappers over a solid 1994-styled beat. "Juicy" is an absolute classic, an emotional and effective rags-to-riches look at his upbringing, effectively sampling an 80s R&B hit by Mtume. Another of my favorites is the hopeful "Everyday Struggle," which is blessed with the nicest beat on the album, a sunny, clever production over which Biggie recounts the troubles of trying to get by. "Me & My B..." is a humorous and enjoyable tune, followed by the unforgettable hit "Big Poppa." This song has a perfect, Isley Brothers-sampling beat, a head-nodding funker, and shows the humorously seductive BIG at his finest. The well done "Respect" and catchy "Friend of Mine" are worthy deep-album cuts, and the DJ Premier-produced "Unbelievable" has an unforgettable chorus and production. The album closes with one of his most stunning works, "Suicidal Thoughts," a depressing insight of life from a suicidal person.

Overall, "Ready to Die" is inspiring, beautiful, and immensely entertaining. This album doesn't sound like it has aged a bit, and even thirteen yeras later sounds as fresh and incredible as the day it dropped. Listeners of any age should be able to appreciate this masterpiece, it's so consistent that there's not one piece of skip material over seventeen tracks. Unarguably one of the finest hip hop albums ever, I cannot recommend it any higher.

Today, the black covered "Remaster" is the only version in print as far as I know, because last year some lawsuits emergedo over sampling issues. The remaster includes two bonus tracks, "Who Shot Ya?" and "Just Playing," both worthy additions to the tracklist. Also, the DVD is a welcome bonus, with videos and live performances. It's a pretty nice package for a good price.

5 out of 5 stars Biggie's Best!.......2007-04-09

Although Life After Death was excellent, Ready to Die was a landmark album. It is cool to hear the angrier Biggie on some songs and an others the smooth, slick Biggie we all know. His flow is outstanding and his lyrics and content truly capture his life's story. It will always remain one of the top hip hop albums of all time.

5 out of 5 stars The Album That Set The Year '94 (Rating: 10 out of 10- -5 stars).......2006-12-14

Can anyone forget this album? This album (as well as Nas' "Illmatic" were the front runners of the year 1994. Christopher "Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)" Wallace debuted with this album with the lead single "Juicy". A rags to riches song that still gets played here in 2006. Biggie's lyrical skills were excellent. I hear a lot of rappers (who I will be here all day naming) saying excellent lines that came from Biggie. I think to myself "Damn, this guy said everything".

The album is excellent too. A lot of these songs are about drugs, robbing, and what not. Big was just rhyming about things that he went through before he had a record deal, trying to survive and eat. Who could blame him? "Give Me The Loot" is one of those songs about his struggles (some words were edited in this song. I'm pretty sure rhyming about robbing a pregnant woman was going to gain some negative attention). "Machine Gun Funk" is self explanitory on how a good song it was. "Warning" was a short song and video about people targeting him for his money. "One More Chance" is a great song about how he gets his females. The song would be remixed and made into a video a year later, but both versions sound great.

Guest appearances are only one. Method Man, back when his rhyme skills were phenomonal, would rhyme on "The What". Classic track if you ask me.

Production was by Mr. Cee, Puff Daddy, and Easy Mo Bee. True, Puffy might be the "king of beat jacking" and what not, but he did a damn good job with them. The Isley Brothers "Between The Sheets" would be made into the classic single "Big Poppa" was one of them.

This album was pulled off the shelves earlier of this year, because of unauthorized sampling on this album. But recently I've seeing it back on shelves. I guess it got settled. I bought this back in 2003 when it had the origonal white album cover. If you purchased this in 2004, you get the album with a few extra tracks like the more popular "One More Chance (Remix)". And you get the DVD with all the videos that came from this album. This album had a heavy impact in 1994, is a classic and is a must have for any hip hop collection. Most of these songs are rehashed into choppy verses on his postmothous albums unfortunately. But this is where most of them origonally came from. Biggies legacy helped influenced a laundry list your favorite rappers today, who bite his style. That alone should explain how this impacted hip hop. Word.

Rest In Peace Biggie Smalls

Lyrics: A+
Production: A+
Guest Appearances: A+
Musical Vibes: A
Overall: A+

Favorite Tracks: Give Me The Loot, Machine Gun Funk, Warning, One More Chance, Juicy, Every Day Struggle, Me & My B*tch, Big Poppa, Respect, Friend Of Mine, Suicidal Thoughts

Peace!

From Nothin' to Somethin'
Average customer rating: Not rated
    From Nothin' to Somethin'
    Fabolous
    Manufacturer: Def Jam
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Gangsta & HardcoreGangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Music Is My Savior
    2. Double Up
    3. Street Love
    4. T.I. vs T.I.P.
    5. Special Occasion

    ASIN: B000NJL07A
    Release Date: 2007-06-12

    Tracks:

    1. From Nothin' To Somethin' Intro
    2. Yep, I'm Back
    3. Change Up feat. Akon
    4. Make Me Better feat. Ne-Yo
    5. Baby Don't Go feat. T- Pain
    6. Return Of The Hustle feat. Swizz Beatz
    7. Gangsta Don't Play feat. Junior Reid
    8. Real Playa Like feat. Lloyd
    9. First Time feat. Rihanna
    10. Diamonds feat. Young Jeezy
    11. Brooklyn feat. JAY-Z & Uncle Murda
    12. I'm The Man feat. Red Café
    13. Jokes On You feat. Pusha T
    14. What Should I Do feat. Lil' Mo

    Music Album:

    1. Come On Over - International Version
    2. Complete Columbia Christmas Recordings [Original recording remastered]
    3. Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn - 20 Greatest Hits [MCA] [Import]
    4. Country Christmas
    5. Country Classics
    6. Country Got Soul [Import]
    7. Dangerous Spirits
    8. Exposed Roots: Best of Alt. Country
    9. For the Last Time: Live from the Astrodome [Live]
    10. Foundation: Doc Watson Guitar Instrumental Collection, 1964-1998

    Music Album

    Music Album