Cliche' Paint By Numbers Rap {2 ½ Stars}
Norfeest | Washington DC USA | 10/11/2008
(2 out of 5 stars)
"What we have here is DJ Khaled's debut album with a few tweaks and adjustments and served to the public as something new. There are so many holes and so many things wrong with this album that it's hard to even find a starting point. The first proper track features Kanye West trying to rap like he's hard. I mean, seriously... Another issue I have is Khaled's liberal use of the "N" word. Dude's an Arab. Not that it's acceptable for anyone really, but if the Arab you bought your quarter waters, Lemonheads, and Chik-O-Sticks from uttered that same slur, you'd dive over the counter to get to him. I don't think that philosophy of intolerance changes because one makes music. There are a lot more holes here, but I'm not trying to type 5 paragraphs. Hit me with a comment if you want more details. Bottom line, if you've heard his first two albums then you've heard this one whether you've heard it or not. Get me?
There are one or two joints that I do find to be enjoyable. "I'm On" is nicely produced and features nice verses from Nas. The Game manages to cut back on the name dropping and does a good job over some tight production on "Red Light." "She's Fine" is probably the best track on the album. I've spun this one in clubs and got great feedback from it. It's hard to even stay still when it comes on. Another plus is that Khaled puts a muzzle on. Well, not really, but, relatively speaking, he cuts back on the yapping quite a bit. Also, the production is a step above his last joint. Ever since I started making beats, I've found it a lot easier to appreciate what a lot of these producers do to make a solid beat. It's not as easy as I thought it was, but it's easier than I thought it'd be...if that makes any sense.
We Global isn't quite the coaster I expected, but it's not good enough to warrant a purchase either. It's the same ol' sensationalized characters greased up and tap dancing for the cameras with the same themes, the same violence, the same drugs, the same guns. There's nothing wrong with that if you're going to give it a new spin, but Khaled simply doesn't encourage his guests to do that. This is pretty much his debut album souped up, rehashed, and served a third time. There are a handful of decent tracks, but you'd be better served seeking out a torrent. That said, I recommend downloading this one for free somewhere. Save your money.
Download These Tracks: I'm On feat. Nas, She's Fine feat. Sean Paul, Missy Elliot & Busta Rhymes (My Favorite), Go Ahead feat. Fabolous, Rick Ross, Flo Rida, Fat Joe & Lloyd, Red Light feat. The Game"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1