Search - Freddie Foxxx AKA Bumpy Knuckles :: Industry Shakedown

Good album, if a bit monotonous

Patrick G. Varine | Georgetown, Delaware | 09/12/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here's the thing about Freddie Foxxx/Bumpy Knuckles: he's a great MC. Let there be NO doubt about that. His cameos with M.O.P., Gangstarr, O.C. and others stole the spotlight and got progressively better and better. On his debut LP, "Industry Shakedown," he rips sucker MCs like no other. The problem is that's all he does...Don't get me wrong. This is one tight album. The production, handled for the most part by Foxxx himself, is nice, and the tracks he doesn't bless are constructed by the underground's finest, from the Alchemist to Pete Rock to the legendary DJ Premier. But the lyrics, while they are some of the most venomous on wax to date, are pretty much all alike."Industry Shakedown" is just that: Freddie Foxxx issuing an open challenge to anyone (and he means ANYONE) to step to him and tell him he and his twin caliber Walther PPK's aren't the best. And I give him credit... I sure wouldn't be the first to call him wack. But I will say that he needs some new material.It's actually a shame that there's not enough lyrical variety to go with the plethora of enjoyable beats found here. "Tell 'Em I'm Here" moves with an ominous string loop, "Bumpy Bring It Home" is executed nicely by Diamond D with Billy Danz of M.O.P. on the hook, and the title track, courtesy of Soul Brother #1 Pete Rock, is one of the smoothest and best beats I've heard this year.Like I said, Freddie Foxxx is one of the best MCs out there. He just needs something new to talk about. You can only rip so many MCs before there's none left to rip."

I'm glad I bought this album

E.J. Rupert | Milwaukee, WI | 02/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The rapper of the "third verse" dropped this album in summer 2000 and not only does he let loose on wack emcees, but he also aims at such chart-toppers as N.O.R.E. and Memphis Bleek. He also attacks major-record labels on the title track produced by Pete Rock. Other highlights (and there are plenty) are "R.N.S." and "Part of My Life" (both produced by DJ Premier), the hysterical and playful "MC's Come, MC's Go" (no, you are NOT supposed to take that song seriously), "Bumpy Knuckles Baby" and the best track, "The Mastas" (produced by Foxxx himself, featuring M.O.P.). I couldn't give it five stars because I didn't care for "Searchin'" and also, all those songs about beating or shooting someone down start to wear thin after 70 minutes. But this album is still worth it for the song "Bumpy Bring it Home", where he says that his music "is like the new Jordans when they come out." I couldn't have said it better myself."

Best Underground hip hop album of 2000 4.5 stars

williedynamite | 07/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After 10 long years and countless labels the underdog of the rap industry (freedie foxx) is back with his first album in 10 years. Under the new moniker Bumpy Knucles, Freedie fox lets the rap industry that he's as mad as hell and he's no going to take it anymore. This album is straight up high quality hardcore underground hip hop. Production is handled by DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Tha Alchemist Diamond D, all of whom give Industry... a gritty but well produced sound. Like I mentioned before Fredi..Bumpy is mad as hell at the industry and not only is he saying it he's naming names. The title cut does for record executives what labels did to record lables. Bumpy knucles not only goes off on record executives he goes after phony hip hop artists who claim to keep it real. But most of all this is a hip hop album, no cheesy overused sample or lame hooks. (well may'be on a couple cuts and even they're saved by Bumpy's lyrics) There are a few guests, MOP, Afrika Bambata who add their flavor to IS. The real star of Industry... is freddie foxx, his sharp tongue and harcore stelo shine through like a ray of sun after a storm. Not for those who like commercial rap, only hardcore hip hop fans need apply."