This Is What It Sounds Like - Black Moon, Blake, K.
Freestyle - Black Moon, Blake, Kareem
Five (Interlude) - Black Moon,
For All Y'all - Black Moon, Dewgarde, Ewart
Come Get Some - Black Moon, Allen, P.
Weight of the World - Black Moon, Blake, K.
Evil Dee Is on the Mix - Black Moon,
Show Down - Black Moon, Blake, Kareem
One-Two - Black Moon, Axelrod, D.
Frame - Black Moon, Blake, Kareem
Buckshot (Interlude) - Black Moon,
Two Turntables & A Mic - Black Moon, Blake, K
Annihilation - Black Moon, Dewgarde, Walt
Duress - Black Moon, Axelrod, D.
Throw Your Hands in the Air - Black Moon, Blake, K.
Outro - Black Moon,
The "sophomore jinx" is any critically acclaimed artist's greatest fear: you've had your whole life to come up with your first album; do you have it in you to follow it up just a year or two later? However, for Buckshot, 5... more »ft. and DJ Evil Dee, add publicized legal battles with their former label and surmounting anticipation since 1993's classic debut, Enta da Stage, to their list of worries. On War Zone, the trio also known as Black Moon continues with the roles it defined on its first album: Buckshot as the dominant rhyme slayer, 5ft. playing second lyricist, and Evil Dee and Da Beatminerz handling the production duties. "Onslaught" is the album's powerful opener, and it pairs Buckshot's matured but still ferocious lyrical flow with the always-powerful Busta Rhymes on the hook. (Other guests include A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip, Heather B, and the Cocoa Brovaz.) In its entirety, War Zone lacks the energy of the group's debut, but tracks such as "War Zone" and "Anialation" (which pairs 5ft. with M.O.P.) prove that the sophomore jinx didn't land on Black Moon. --Celine Wong« less
The "sophomore jinx" is any critically acclaimed artist's greatest fear: you've had your whole life to come up with your first album; do you have it in you to follow it up just a year or two later? However, for Buckshot, 5ft. and DJ Evil Dee, add publicized legal battles with their former label and surmounting anticipation since 1993's classic debut, Enta da Stage, to their list of worries. On War Zone, the trio also known as Black Moon continues with the roles it defined on its first album: Buckshot as the dominant rhyme slayer, 5ft. playing second lyricist, and Evil Dee and Da Beatminerz handling the production duties. "Onslaught" is the album's powerful opener, and it pairs Buckshot's matured but still ferocious lyrical flow with the always-powerful Busta Rhymes on the hook. (Other guests include A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip, Heather B, and the Cocoa Brovaz.) In its entirety, War Zone lacks the energy of the group's debut, but tracks such as "War Zone" and "Anialation" (which pairs 5ft. with M.O.P.) prove that the sophomore jinx didn't land on Black Moon. --Celine Wong
CD Reviews
BEST LYRICAL ASSAULT SINCE MAKAVELI'S 7 DAY THEORY
09/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's good to finally hear an album that's not centered on image(Jay-Z), fake thugs(DMX) and just plain horrible music(Master P). Black Moon not only arouses your eardrums, they also stimulate the brain. The lyrics are deep, and the beats are the best out there. Buckshot is the illest rapper since Tupac."
Black Moon brings the War Zone!!
12/25/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was never a big follower of Black Moon or Smif N Wessun previously but after hearing this CD I may have to go back and see what I might have missed. I actually purchased this based on other reviews and opinions I had heard. I didn't have a chance to hear it in a listening station and definitely not on local radio. I was also impressed with the small number of guest appearances. Throughout the entire CD it keeps a Black Moon feel and does not take on the guests style. My first impression was that these beats are some of the funkiest, raw tracks I have heard lately. Rather than rely on well polished production or R&B type tracks, Black Moon comes with pure underground hard driving bass, drums and vocals sprinkled with effects throughout. Song after song had me noddin' my head and repeating the selection. While lyrically they are not at the top of any list, their delivery and style more than makes up for any verbal weakness. Songs like Weight Of The World, War Zone, Freestyle, This Is What It Sounds Like (Worldwind) and Come Get Some are close to musical perfection. With the exception of a few songs, Two Turntables & A Mic, most contain little or rare samples. Musically there are few low points on War Zone. The only disappointment for me was the lyrical content. Constant reinforcement of how hard they are, or references to guns could have been reduced in my opinion. While Buckshot may have a gun-related name, his lyrical ability is obvious and it would be nice to see him try an expand his approach. The vocal play between Buckshot, 5 FT and Evil Dee is a good example of how a crew can work together and still have their own styles. You won't be hearing this on any commercial radio stations but this is definitely a CD to pick up."
A Tight Album from Buckshot & the boys
"Francis" M. H. | Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A. | 10/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Black Moon came strong on this album. Whereas most hip-hop acts either fall apart or sell out by their sophomore effort, these guys cranked it up & out. The first track, "Onslaught," is the album's weakest--thanks to an appearance by the insufferable Busta Rhymes--but even it ain't bad. The rest of the tracks are solid, and Buckshot & the Beatminerz drop some certified gems in "Whirlwind," "Freestyle," and "Two Turntables and a Mic." This joint, along with Def Squad's "El Nino" and Outkast's "Aquemini," is most definitely a '98 classic."
This album is a treat.
"Francis" M. H. | 07/11/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In 1993, Black Moon released Enter The Stage, which was a classic album. Then, they released a sophomore album, Diggin' In Da Vaults. Both albums are classic material and never got good recognition. That is strange to me, though, because these albums really do seem to have appeal, they just aren't commercial. Now, they release War Zone, a really great album that I believe is better than they're first. First of all, Buckshot is at his best on every song. DJ Evil Dee and 5FT make some good contributions, but this album is really all about Buckshot. He stars on most of the album. "The Onslaught" features Busta Rhymes and Buckshot and Busta really bring energy to the track, and that doesn't mention the hot beat supplied by none other than Da Beatminerz. "This Is What It Sounds Like(Worldwind)", is the best track by far, though. It uses the Cobra-flute sample which really is interesting and helps the song flow. Yet the lyrical performance from Buckshot is what makes the song my favorite. It is amazing, and I was so happy to see the video, but I've only seen it once. I liked it a lot, though. "Freestyle" is amazing and shows Buckshot's lyrical creativity. "For All Ya'll" is a showcase for 5FT, and it features Heather B. The good thing about this album is the guests don't dominate but compliment. "Showdown", which features Q-Tip, has a killer beat and great lyrics. I also love tracks like "Two Turntables And A Mic", "Come Get Some"(featuring Louieville Sluggah from O.G.C.), "One-Two", "Frame"(with Cocoa Brovaz), and "Throw Your Hands In The Air". It is a hands-on experience. To conclude my review, I love this album. I loved hearing Kurupt and Buckshot trade verses on Kurupt's album, too. I hope Buckshot gets supported so he can make more albums."
Zoned Out
Carltouis Stevenson | Angeles Mesa, Los Angeles | 09/18/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Black Moon hiatus of five years return with their sophomore release, War Zone with results almost as good as their debut. Buckshot, Evil Dee & 5 Ft. relied on the production of previous producers, Da Beatminerz to create the foundation for the group. Busta Rhymes helped out on the hook on "The Onslaught". The title track contains a track with space effects and sounds where Buckshot and 5 Ft. take the war to their enemy's front door. "This Is What It Sounds Like" has ancient sounds and feels that's nearly calming and laid back. Asking competitors to war with "Come Get Some" featuring Louieville Sluggah of O.G.C. as Buckshot enters with two shots. On to a more hypnotic track on "Weight of the World" as the Moon maintains on their struggles and life experiences. If lyrics is what you miss, "One-Two" is a good example over a sample that emphases the grimy rhymes of Black Moon. They take it back to the old school with "Two Turntables & A Mic". This is probably the only or almost commercial appeal. "Annihilation" featuring M.O.P & Teflon was just that to add to the war theme of the album. Prepare yourself to entering the War Zone if you're aiming for the stars."
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1