Hip Hop Album Reviews: Lyricist Lounge 2

December 31st, 2007

Why stop when you have a good thing going? The peeps at Rawkus Records show no signs of slowing down with the release of Lyricist Lounge Volume 2. Unlike the first Lyricist Lounge, which had more of an underground feel to it, it seems Rawkus is attempting to shed their image as an “underground” record label.

Traditionally, The Lyricist Lounge was a showcase for new upcoming talent, a place where artists could show their asses in hopes of being discovered. The album kicks off with one such hopeful who made good, Biggie Smalls. The freestyle that Biggie kicks sets the album off perfectly. The momentum keeps up with Mos Def, Pharaoh Monch and Nate Dogg, with the destined to be classic, “Oh No.”

As the album wears on, it appears that the dope joints are sparsely sprinkled throughout the album. The album features most of the artists we are already familiar with - Mos Def, Ghostface, Beanie, Q-Tip, The Rza and other familiar players. Even though the album features most of the recurring trends in Hip-Hop, there are some gems on the album. “W.K.Y.A. (Will Kick Your Ass),” which features Redman and Saukrates, stands out like a nun in a whorehouse. The ever spittin’ Red and Saukrates make a perfect combination. In a classic tag team of monster proportions, M.O.P. and Kool G. Rap get right down to business on the hot track, “Legendary Street Team.” Pure fire.

The record is worth buying, but you would think that Rawkus would come with the tight production that made Kweli and Hi Tek’s Reflection Eternal album a certified classic. This Lounge album is decent, but like the second season of the Lyricist Lounge T.V. show, it doesn’t hold up to the first.

Buy Lyricist Lounge, Vol. 2 Now!