Decent effort from the Lo
ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 04/19/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Bronx's Camp Lo returned less than two years removed from 2007's Black Hollywood with their fourth release in twelve years, "Stone and Rob Caught on Tape." A group renowned for its majestic sound drawing from the blaxploitation era, cleverly abstract lyricism, smooth deliveries, and rich style, Camp Lo's latest release is another concise listen that picks up right where its predecessor left off. Structurally, it's quite similar to Black Hollywood, and bears a distinct likeness musically and lyrically. However, production suffers at times, understandably because the group's traditional producer Ski only produces one track (tellingly, the highlight "Ticket 4 2"). Some tracks are laughably poor efforts, such as the horrendous "Ha" and "Pips," which will make even longtime listeners question the Lo. Even the headliner "On Smash," a collaboration with New York legends Pete Rock and Styles P, is underwhelming.
Still, there's enough quality material on "Stone and Rob Caught on Tape" to satisfy the Camp Lo fan. Sonny Cheeba and Geechie Suede are in top form on tracks such as the soulful love song "Gotcha" and and the posse cut "Hold On." The horn-heavy, cinematic "Regulate" and sultry "Diamond Crookz" are vintage Lo.
"Stone and Rob Caught on Tape" is a decent record that ultimately isn't too memorable. I actually read that this was intended as more of a mixtape release and that their follow-up would continue the series of albums drawing their titles from Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby films. Still, Camp Lo again exhibits why they are one of hip hop's most unique and enjoyable acts, and especially in today's rap landscape any material from them is more than welcome. "Stone and Rob Caught on Tape" deserves a listen from fans of Uptown Saturday Night, Let's Do It Again, and Black Hollywood.
Listeners should note that Amazon's tracklist is incorrect--the real one is as follows:
1. 2 Dope Boyz
2. Gotcha feat. Tyler Woods
3. On Smash feat. Pete Rock & Styles P
4. 89 of Crimes feat. Herron
5. Pips
6. Ticket 4 2
7. After the Marv
8. Ha
9. Sky Hi
10. Regulate feat. Yahzarah
11. Diamond Crookz
12. Future
13. Hold On feat. Jungle Boogie Brown"
Dope Album
M. Grigsby | 04/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Digging this album like I did Uptown. The vibe is dope. Black Hollywood was aight, but this album is fiyah. If you like the Lo (Uptown-ish) then you will dig this album."
Camp Lo is Back, and better than Ever!
Richard Carpenter | Chicago's South Side | 03/27/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Actually, Amazon listed the wrong track listing for this album. There's 13 tracks, not 11. Track 8 is "Ha" (which sucks), Track 9 is "Sky Hi" (which is aight), Track 10 is "Regulate" (which is cool), Track 11 is "Diamond Crooks" (which is dreamy), Track 12 is "Future" (which sucks), and Track 13 is "Hold On" (which is surprisingly good, mostly due to the hook sample).
I still checked for Camp Lo, despite not liking their last 2 albums, which basically signifies someone "falling off" to me, especially when following a classic debut album like "Uptown Saturday Night". But this 4th album is like a breath of fresh air.
Its real hot dude, for real. "On Smash" with Styles P and Pete Rock is the official banger of the album. Its only 40 minutes, but there's alotta dope tracks on there. People will recognize the emergence of new producers Apple Juice Kid and Smokin' Apples. Also, Lo reunites with Ski on the unforgettable track "Ticket For 2"."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1