Search - Poppa Lq :: Your Entertainment My Reality

Dope Under The Radar Release

G-Funk 4ever | Listenin' to the Delfonics | 02/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Poppa LQ is a lesser known rapper from South Central LA. He rapped alongside CJ Mac (aka Mad CJ Mac in 1995)in CJ's True Game's classic track "Come And Take a ride." Also signed to Rap A Lot, LQ released this album the same year (1995). Like CJ's album, there is an inherent G-Funk feel throughout. However, the beats often tend to be more laid back, and at times, bouncy and party-oriented than in CJ's album. He does have serious subject manner, like tracks such as "Die Like a Gee or Live Like a Trick," or "Killa 4 My Hood" over gangster beats. The album is a fun listen; it offers something for the player, party animal, gangster, or rider in you."

Upbeat grooves and South Central stories

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 06/10/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In 1990, a teenage Los Angeles rapper named Laquan debuted with an album Notes of a Native Son, a very politically-fueled and spiritual album inspired by the teachings of KRS-One and Chuck D. That album went well under the radar, and was soon forgotten, and in the five years that followed Laquan went back to LA. In 1995, he reemerged a transformed person, with a new name, Poppa LQ, a new label, Rap-A-Lot, and a totally new style. On "Your Entertainment My Reality," Poppa LQ lacks any hint of political or spiritual influence; he is a west coast gangsta rapper, period. LQ raps about the struggles and lifestyle in South Central, referring to himself as a "South Central Soldier." He tells stories very well, and the tales of crime, relaxing, and surviving the streets of LA compose the best songs on the album. His flow is high and fast, and he has a sing-song delivery that allows him to sing most of the hooks. If I were to compare him to another rapper, I'd say he was most similar to Mac Mall. Production is pretty unique, it's upbeat and soulful, using lots of live elements and good instrumentation. Rather than the lovable woozy g-funk of Mad CJ Mac and his LA contemporaries, this production closer resembles the Bay Area funk of Young Black Brotha Records and the other Vallejo rappers of this period. The songs all have hooks, either delivered by Poppa LQ or a female vocalist. It's a little odd at points, and towards the end of the album it gets grittier and angrier. I have a few complaints about the album, beginning with some of the productions. There's just an odd feel to a few of them, the combination of a fairly weird beat, strange hook, and rap that doesn't quite match can create an off feeling for a few of the songs. Also, the tracklist is too long, with seventeen tracks, most approaching five minutes in length. This doesn't sound like a conventional Rap-A-Lot release at all, lyrically or musically. Most of the album is good though, and Poppa LQ is a solid rapper who has the ability to make likable rap songs, and the best productions can make for enjoyable songs.



Following an intro, the album begins with "Why Hate Me," a track where LQ shakes haters and recalls his struggles over a rolling, upbeat track. One of my favorite songs on the album follows, "South Central Soldier." LQ raps about life in his hood, both the good and the bad, and the beat is great. It's fast and funky, with sax, piano, and bass instrumentation, and there's a good hook too. "Housen the Scene" continues in the same manner, he raps about a day in the life in South Central, this one's a little more laidback. The smooth "Everybody Wants 2 B a G" has a tight groove, and a nice guest appearance. "Neighborhoodsta Funk" is ultra-funky, a woozy and bumping song that follows his lyrical formula. "Whatever Whenever" is okay but forgettable because it's too much like a lot of the other songs on the album. Another collabo, "Die Like a Gee or Live Like a Trick," is decent but not remarkable. A two-track skit follows, a low point for the album, and the music picks up on "Take the Money and Run." This song has an interesting beat and the lyrics are gripping, it's not a highlight though. "Don't Blame Me" has a good hook and thumping beat, Poppa LQ provides one of his better performances here. "Weside LOCs" is breezy and appealing. The hardest track is "Killa 4 My Hood," which is followed by the most thoughtful song, "Heaven on Earth." "Heaven on Earth" is compelling lyrically, and musically it's almost a little unsettling. "Unsatisfied" is another very powerful song lyrically, he raps about a depression that pervades urban life. I don't love this angry production, but it does aid the message. The album closes on a good note, with "Who Can I Trust." This song shows Poppa LQ again in an energized situation, he and collaborator Mad CJ Mac rap about insecurities and deception in the hood over a thumping, angry beat.



I'm not sure why anybody would be looking for such an obscure album today. I mean, this album is beyond obscure, I'd shake the hand of anybody who even vaguely remembers Poppa LQ's name today. Although he's not very similar to his partner, Mad CJ Mac, fans of that style of west coast rap should enjoy the tight grooves and street level lyrics of "Your Entertainment My Reality." This is probably among the least-known Rap-A-Lot albums, and if you came across it at a reasonable price, I'd recommend it. Albums as obscure as this are for the most part so forgotten because they don't stack up to the greatest music of their time, but there is more than enough good music that makes "Your Entertainment My Reality" worth remembering."