Unique, quality album that was as good as I hoped!
enuffodis | SF | 04/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's so rare these days, ESPECIALLY in hip-hop, when an album you are waiting to come out actually delivers.
It's even more rare when:
1) It's the rapper's first, semi-independent release
2) It's a rapper with a seemingly silly gimmick
3) The rapper is not widely heralded for his talent.
That's why I was really relieved that this album didn't cause me to be even more jaded on hip-hop than I seem to be getting!
The album is great -- it showcases Haji's character song-by-song and the wide variety of song all work really well together, not just production wise, but in giving us a good view of what P.I.D. (Springer) is all about.
It's got catchy, beer spilling choruses set to crazy carnival-esque music -- it's got some serious stuff -- and it's got tons of straight up stupid songs too.
The first song, "Hello Buddy" which is a different mix than I've heard on some Demolition Men mixtapes, is pure slap. This song is already a classic, with Haji's verses about doing donuts outside the club in a taxi (like a true hyphy Indian no doubt), and a remark about the cops behind him when he drives, "...I think they are steretyping!"
Most of the hooks are tight -- "When they see me riding by, they scream "Haaaa-ji" has been stuck in my head since I picked this up (on the release date, no less). It's a pure California jam, top down, mackin type song.
The hyphy songs are great -- the one about putting the thizz in the Snapple and calling it Stunnerade is genius, and the manic slap works perfect!
"I'ma do my Thang" is a good jam, with a good statement: "You do you, I'ma do me." Basically, that's what this album is all about. Actually, this also explains why Springer can roll with Yukmouth, Jacka, and other legendary hardcore Bay Area rappers, while still maintaining his (Haji's) own individuality and integrity. Haji is who he is -- you local 7-11 rapper!
(Honestly, if it weren't for the hyphy scene, I doubt it would even be possible to have this kind of collaboration -- a crazy Hindu rapper, right alongside a serious hustler like San Quinn -- which is proof that the Bay Area is in the midst of a unique phase right now).
Overall a great CD -- thanks to Springer for bring back some originality and for having the bravery to put out an album where both the MC and the listener can have fun!
"
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1