Aight im back in this bitch.....
Big L-Lifestylez Ov Da Poor And Dangerous
Aight this is clearly a dope album, the first track Put It On serves as a perfect curtain raiser into this gem it has a hypnotic beat and L's punches are precise. The next track MVP is a mellow follower that is kind of like an anker (sp?) punch that Ali used to use, its a hard hitting track that comes out of nowhere, the beat is also kinda soothing and L drives rusty nails into it. Next is No Endz No Skinz which is a witty song but little else, a catchy but poor hook take away from this track. Track 4 (8 Iz Enough) Is grimey as hell but it isnt really an "almub" but. Basically it is a cypher wit L and some of his boys, a dope ass cypher at that and it is an incredible track as each person to step to the mic brings a different style and all of them rip it. Next is All Black a sunbject that was hot when the album droppped and a creative way of coming at it L goes through some of the men he's killed and other witty things, a decent song but not classic. Following All Black is one of the most acidic tracks on the album, Danger Zone. L is at his poignant best and his punchlines and witty story telling dont get much better than this, another classic track. Next is Street Struck which is probably my favorite track on the album, after an album long tyrade of murders L takes a pause to admit that the life is not all its cracked up to be even though u get drugs girls and guns. An insightful track and definitely classic. Da Graveyard many consider to be this album's shining jewel which features the man who would become the definition of commercial, Shawn Carter. Though it features Jigga its back when he was hood in his prime and to any die hard Jigga fan sad at his departure hearing this song which u've likely never heard before should quench your thirst. The title track again offers L's account on life in Harlem and his tales of bloodshed, not as strong as the others and by now the tales begin to grow old, though always sharp. I Dont Understand It is another gem on the album with a good source of quotables, another great song. Fed Up Wit The Bullshit is a great song that acurately displays harrdship in the hood from things like just making it by everyday to cab drivers, another jewel. Lastly Let Em Have It L is another good track, rounding off a solid album, the only reason this isnt classic is the lack of versatility, maybe putting No Endz No Skinz deeper in the album would have made it feel more diverse but bottom line is that it isnt quite there, easily 4.5 mics if you ask me...1luv.