Share MRMAYE's profile
MRMAYE
MRMAYE's stats
- Review count51
- Helpfulness votes41
- First reviewAugust 30, 2007
- Last reviewSeptember 29, 2007
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
Answers
- Answer count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerNone
- Last answerNone
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
![Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3495/3495239_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
3
Pretty good, but nothing more
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
So much has been said about this album, that Jay-Z was "completely in a zone, focused and creative" during the making of this album. After getting a few years of perspective on this album, how can ANYONE say that this album is EXCELLENT or BORDERLINE CLASSIC? How? This album might have sold many units, but top notch records sales DO NOT equal a classic album. Vol.2 Hard Knock Life was hailed by critics and fans alike as some of Jay-Z's best material. I "respectfully" disagree. Here's the COMPLETE review:
Album Highlights: Hard Knock Life, A Week Ago, Money,Cash,Hoes(w/DMX), and N**** What N**** Who. Every other song on this album is ABSOLUTE filler and it's not worth your time in listening to it.
Album Highlights: Hard Knock Life, A Week Ago, Money,Cash,Hoes(w/DMX), and N**** What N**** Who. Every other song on this album is ABSOLUTE filler and it's not worth your time in listening to it.
Production: Thumbs in the middle, leaning towards down. Not the best production in the world. Timbaland and Swizz made the best tracks, Everything else is either poorly composed or mediocre at best(check Kid Capri's track).
Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs in the middle, leaning towards down. Jigga represents on the tracks mentioned in the album highlights section. On everything else, lyrically, is not material to gloat about.
Originality: Thumbs WAY down. If Jay-Z would have done this album in a way like The Blueprint, it would have been better, but since NEARLY every song features another artist, this album loses SERIOUS points with me.
The Last Word: Not too much to say here that I haven't said already. Is this album worth buying for the four best songs? Certainly not. Jay-Z didn't slip up with In My Lifetime Vol.1. He slipped up here, and it shows. Overall, I can't seriously recommend this album. But if you consider this a must have of any type, be prepared to be disappointed. Otherwise, don't even bother.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Vol. 3... Life and Times of Shawn Carter [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3816/3816017_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
3
Good material, but nothing to gloat about
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
Coming off of a somewhat weak album in the form of Vol.2...Hard Knock Life, Jay-Z had to get on the ball and drop something hot. With this album, he did it to a certain extent, but not all the way. He represents at times, but he still could have put forth a much more decent effort with this album, as it was RUMORED to be his last. I got some perspective on this album, and at the time I thought it was his best. Time certainly has been kind to me and my opinions. Here's the review:
Album Highlights: So Ghetto, Do It Again, Dopeman, Watch Me, So Hot(Some Like It Hot), Big Pimpin, There's Been A Murder, and NYMP. The other songs, especially the song with WACK Juvenile, Pop 4 Roc, Girl's Best Friend, Things That U Do, and S.Carter should have been thrown in the recycle bin.
Album Highlights: So Ghetto, Do It Again, Dopeman, Watch Me, So Hot(Some Like It Hot), Big Pimpin, There's Been A Murder, and NYMP. The other songs, especially the song with WACK Juvenile, Pop 4 Roc, Girl's Best Friend, Things That U Do, and S.Carter should have been thrown in the recycle bin.
Production: Thumbs SLIGHTLY up. D.J. Premier and Timbaland come through, Swizz tracks was NOT the best beat in the world, possibly his worst, and Irv Gotti and Lil Rob's track on "Watch Me" sounds like a Dr.Dre track. Nothing to write home about here.
Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs in the middle, although lyrically, he shines on So Ghetto, Do It Again, Dopeman, and So Hot.
Originality: Thumbs in the middle, leaning towards down. Nothing groundbreaking or fresh from Jigga here. Just the standard formula of going with what works.
The Last Word: Not a classic by any means, but it was a good step for Jay-Z after dropping the unbalanced Hard Knock Life. It could've been better, but you take what you can get. Overall, a good album, but I wouldn't recommend you going out of your way to get this release.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![The Dynasty: Roc la Familia [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4048/4048015_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Jay-Z does it with the R.O.C
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
After coming off of the subpar release of "Vol.3 Life and Times of S.Carter", Jay-Z decided to place the emphasis not only on himself, but on Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, and Amil. So, TECHNICALLY, this IS a Jay-Z album, although not solo in certain terms. But, let's cover the bases:
1) Jay-Z can PROVED he can hold an entire album by himself without the assistance of too many artists(even though he slipped badly with that on his third album).
1) Jay-Z can PROVED he can hold an entire album by himself without the assistance of too many artists(even though he slipped badly with that on his third album).
2)Beanie Sigel can flow and get aggressive at times.
3)Memphis Bleek is MEDIOCRE at best. This guy is NO lyricist.
4)Amil is like Foxy Brown, all talk, no substance.
And that's where we come to The Dynasty Roc La Familia album. It's an excellent album, as Jigga succeeded (and failed) at trying to elevate his fam to higher levels. The result was a fine album. Here's the review:
Album Highlights: Change The Game, Streets Is Talking, Stick 2 Da Script, This Can't Be Life, Parking Lot Pimpin, 1-900 Hustler, Soon You'll Understand, and Where Have You Been. Everything else on this album is either mediocre at best or filler material.
Production: Thumbs up. Jay-Z hooks up with The Neptunes for the first time here. Just Blaze, Bink, and others shine as well.
Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up. Check out Where Have You Been and Soon You'll Understand.
Originality: Thumbs in the middle, no new ground broken here.
The Last Word: Here's the deal. This was a successful album for Jigga, as "I Just Wanna Love You" became a hit and the album went double platinum. Beanie Sigel was already well-known when this album dropped. Memphis Bleek showed A LITTLE improvement here, but it was short-lived. Amil BOMBED on her first album, never really being considered something special. Overall, this is a great album from Jay-Z, and even though there's a little filler found here(there should NEVER be a Bleek SOLO on a JAY-Z album), it's still a decent effort from Jay-Z. Recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
![The Blueprint²: The Gift & the Curse [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4880/4880043_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
3
Loaded with "gifts" from Jay-Z
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
Jay-Z finally released his long awaited double CD in late 2002 with "Blueprint 2:The Gift and The Curse." Even though 2-Pac and Biggie released CLASSIC double albums years before, composing a FLAWLESS double album is IMPOSSIBLE, unless you have all of the necessary tools to keep filler out of your album(my favorite MC Nas WILL do it this year with the double CD "Street's Disciple"). Jigga tries his hand with this album, and it's pretty decent after the first few listens. Here's the review:
Disc One
Album Highlights: A Dream, 03 Bonnie & Clyde, The Watcher 2, All Around The World, The Bounce, I Did It My Way, and Excuse Me Miss. Poppin Tags, F*** All Nite, and the song with Sean Paul are absolute filler.
Disc One
Album Highlights: A Dream, 03 Bonnie & Clyde, The Watcher 2, All Around The World, The Bounce, I Did It My Way, and Excuse Me Miss. Poppin Tags, F*** All Nite, and the song with Sean Paul are absolute filler.
Production: Thumbs in the middle, but nowhere near horrible.
Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs SLIGHTLY up for this one.
Originality: Thumbs in the middle. Nothing new here.
Disc Two
Album Highlights: Diamonds Are Forever, Guns N Roses, U Don't Know(Remix), Blueprint 2, Some People Hate, Meet The Parents, Some How, Some Way, and A Ballad For The Fallen Soldier. Feel free to skip 2 Many Hoes and N**** Please.
Album Highlights: Diamonds Are Forever, Guns N Roses, U Don't Know(Remix), Blueprint 2, Some People Hate, Meet The Parents, Some How, Some Way, and A Ballad For The Fallen Soldier. Feel free to skip 2 Many Hoes and N**** Please.
Production: Thumbs in the middle, right on par with the first disc.
Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up.
Originality: Thumbs up, but slightly.
The Last Word: While not the flawless album that many thought it would, this is actually an excellent from Jay-Z. ONLY truly talented MCs like Jay-Z can release double albums that can make an impact. Although this release didn't set the world on fire, it truly represents Jigga as his retirement would soon be on the way. Recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Supreme Clientele [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3826/3826060_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Tony Starks reigns SUPREME!!
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
2000 was a vastly different place for hip hop. It wasn't wack(like it is today)by any means, but different. Ghostface stepped out and dropped his second album, Supreme Clientele, and it's a certified banger. With the Wu-Tang sound already in question around this time, Ghost proved he could hold the weight, succeeding in being the most consistant of ALL the Wu members, and this album shows why. Here's the review:
Album Highlights: Everything here KNOCKS, but THE highlights are Nutmeg, Saturday Night, Ghost Deini, Apollo Kids, Buck 50, Sray True, We Made It, Malcolm, Child's Play, and Cherchex Laghost. No filler.
Album Highlights: Everything here KNOCKS, but THE highlights are Nutmeg, Saturday Night, Ghost Deini, Apollo Kids, Buck 50, Sray True, We Made It, Malcolm, Child's Play, and Cherchex Laghost. No filler.
Production: Thumbs up. RZA and some other unknown lay down the tracks on this one. Great music.
Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up. Even though at times Ghost can say some things that can go over the head of the average individual(sometimes you don't know what he's talking about), his charisma and outstanding flow do more than make up for that.
Originality: Thumbs up. Ghostface works with some new producers on this one, which, aside from the material on this album, is the only thing new here.
The Last Word: A couple of pointless skits means I can't in good consciousness give this 5 stars, but if you eliminate those skits, you have an ALMOST flawless album that MAY or MAY NOT succeed in being better than Ironman. Ghostface showed why he even surpassed Method Man as being the most popular Wu member, and he took it another level with this album. Strongly recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
![Bulletproof Wallets [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4292/4292973_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
The birth of Pretty Toney
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
Ghostface does it again with this release, the largely slept on, but still excellent, Bulletproof Wallets. This album is a great album to listen to, as Ghostface is still on top of his game and continued to prove he's the most consistant of all the Wu members. The first time I played this album, I brushed it off to the side for A LITTLE while, but time and perspective have been so kind to me and this album. Here's the review:
Album Highlights: Everything here KNOCKS(which is usual for a Ghostface album, but the highlights are Maxine, Flowers, The Juks, Street Chemistry, Ghost Showers, The Forest, and The Hilton.
Album Highlights: Everything here KNOCKS(which is usual for a Ghostface album, but the highlights are Maxine, Flowers, The Juks, Street Chemistry, Ghost Showers, The Forest, and The Hilton.
Production: Thumbs up. I don't know who was responsible, but whoever made the beat for "Street Chemistry" deserves their due. That beat is ILL.
Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up. Ghostface even goes on the storytelling route this time around, check out the song "The Forest."
Originality: Thumbs up.
The Last Word: Despite being slept on, this album is still a must have for LONG TIME Wu and Ghostface fans. He truly delivered on this album, and it shows. You might not know what he's talking about some of the time, but his flow and everything else in between makes up for it, and you can't ask for much more than that. I strongly recommend this album, and now I'm out to cop The Pretty Toney Album!!!!!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Hell on Earth [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3779/3779673_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
A BANGIN follow up to The Infamous
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
Mobb Deep can be best described as one of the greatest duos in hip hop history. They BLAZED hip hop in 1995 with the CLASSIC album, The Infamous, and they returned one year later with an album that's just as good as that album is. Havoc and Prodigy continued with their trends of hype, rebellious, East Coast gangsta music that would define their sound, and on this album, they did it with gusto, VERY SLIGHTLY even more so than on The Infamous.
Here's the review:
Album Highlights: Every song on this album is worth a listen, but the ONLY songs that could've been left off is "Can't Get Enough Of It" and "Get Dealt Wit."
Production: Thumbs way up. Havoc's sound definitely reaches the apex(not its peak) on this release. Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up. Check out Prodigy's show-stealing verses on "Nighttime Vultures", "G.O.D. Pt.III", and "The Apostle's Warning."
Originality: Thumbs up.
The Last Word: Let's set the record straight. 1)Is this album better than The Infamous? NO!!! It's a HARD follow up, but not better than the first album. 2)Is this album worthy of 5 stars? Sadly, no, but it's ALMOST there. This album is excellent, as it's Mobb Deep in their true form throughout. You don't get any better than that. Strongly recommended.
Production: Thumbs way up. Havoc's sound definitely reaches the apex(not its peak) on this release. Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up. Check out Prodigy's show-stealing verses on "Nighttime Vultures", "G.O.D. Pt.III", and "The Apostle's Warning."
Originality: Thumbs up.
The Last Word: Let's set the record straight. 1)Is this album better than The Infamous? NO!!! It's a HARD follow up, but not better than the first album. 2)Is this album worthy of 5 stars? Sadly, no, but it's ALMOST there. This album is excellent, as it's Mobb Deep in their true form throughout. You don't get any better than that. Strongly recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Whut? Thee Album [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/1206/1206643_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Redman unloads on the debut album!
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
In 1992, hip hop was a different place, and if it were like that today, it would be so much better. After making his impressive debut with EPMD on their third album, Business As Usual, heads were wondering when was Redman going to drop an album. Well, that question was answered in supreme fashion. Redman can be seen one HARDCORE lyricist. This guy can battle you, inject humor(all with a tight flow) into a song, tell stories, and make you think ALL AT THE SAME TIME with ease and gusto. And his displays all that and then some on his first album. Here's the review:
Album Highlights: EVERYTHING. You have to listen to all of the material from Redman in his early goings and wonder where did it all begin.
Album Highlights: EVERYTHING. You have to listen to all of the material from Redman in his early goings and wonder where did it all begin.
Production: Thumbs way up. Erick Sermon offers some of his finest beats for Redman to rip through.
Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs way up. Who else can come gritty and hardcore like Red?
Originality: Thumbs in the middle, nothing new here.
The Last Word: This is one CLASSIC album that introduced the hip hop world to the MC known as Redman. He only got BETTER as the years went on, but in 92, he had heads bobbing to his debut, which set the precedent for his somewhat slept, but AWESOME second album "Dare Iz A Darkside." Overall, I recommend this album to you. You won't be disappointed.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![The Black Album [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6118/6118097_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Jay-Z goes out in style..... for now!
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
This was an unforgettable moment in hip hop: the retirement of the gifted Jay-Z. After blessing us fans with tight albums and cememting his position as one of the greatest of all time, he decides that he's said everything he could possibly say and that it's time to retire. With The Black Album, I was kind of expecting a 5 star classic. It is one? Well, you'll find out in this review.
Album Highlights: Plenty to name here. December 4th, What More Can I Say, Encore, Moment of Clarity, Justify My Thug, Lucifer, and My 1st Song.
Album Highlights: Plenty to name here. December 4th, What More Can I Say, Encore, Moment of Clarity, Justify My Thug, Lucifer, and My 1st Song.
Production: Thumbs up.
Lyrics and Subject Matter. Thumbs up. As usual, Jigga is on point with the lyrics and subject matter.
Originality: Thumbs up, but slightly.
The Last Word: You'd think that with everything being thumbs up that this would make an easy candidate for 5 stars. Sadly, it isn't, but it's an EXCELLENT album, and it's a great way for Jigga to exit the game. Even after his retirement, hip hop seems MAD WEAK without him(even though we still have my favorite MC Nas, and others). I truly think it's his last and I wouldn't be surprised if he returns to bless us with a new album. Recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![The Pretty Toney Album [CD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6351/6351565_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Pretty Toney is HOT!!!
on September 27, 2007
Posted by: MRMAYE
from Richmond, VA
Ghostface does it again with this album, and he doesn't disappoint. The most consistant and popular member of the Wu returns to bless the fans with a HOT new album, and a new alter-ego of sorts. When I purchased, I knew it would exceed my expectations, and it did so with ease.
Here's the review:
Album Highlights: There is NO filler on this material, but the ONLY problem I have is that one of the tightest songs on this album, Kunta Fly ****, produced by The RZA, is absolutely TIGHT, but it's only 1:00 long!!
Production: Thumbs way up. Props go to all of the producers on this album, as they carefully structured some well-composed tracks. Even Ghost does so himself.
Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs up. It's a different Ghostface here, as with MOST of the songs, you KNOW what he's talking about.
Originality: Thumbs up.
The Last Word: Everything is here thumbs up, so why not 5 stars. Well, while this is one AWESOME album, from an overall standpoint, after a couple of careful listens, it's NOT 5 stars. It's BORDERLINE CLASSIC though, but only time and perspective can make that decision. In the end, if you like Ghost, purchase this album and FAST. You won't regret it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
MRMAYE's Review Comments
MRMAYE has not submitted comments on any reviews.
MRMAYE's Questions
MRMAYE has not submitted any questions.
MRMAYE's Answers
MRMAYE has not submitted any answers.