Jan 4, 2017 Thanks for taking this over @Charlie Work, I always wanna keep this going but I always fall out of it when I get busy.
Jan 4, 2017 Crime Mob is mostly remembered for their big singles, two of the biggest in Knuck if you Buck and Stilletos (Pumps) are found on their eponymous debut. Coming out of Atlanta during the ringtone and white tee era it's kind of surprising that they're more comparable to a Memphis act like Three 6 Mafia. They've got the aggression and triplet flows which are unmistakable the few times you hear them over a darker beat on this record with Ellenwood Area & If You Got Ana. The biggest mark against them is probably the lack of stand out personalities that people are used to with larger groups. There's really no Method Man here, which conversely means you don't have to endure a Cappadonna verse either. The dynamic is really about unity instead of clashing indiviualism. Layered vocals and frequent handing off of verses all contribute to the crowd vibe. It really feels like an organic group effort every time without competition and focus above all being maintaining a vibe. That's what this record has in droves. It's an aggressive, momentous trip through songs that all sound like hit singles. Of course this era of singles meant hook heavy catch phrases, but the production side of things adds enough switch ups and instrument change ups to where the structure never becomes super monotonous. So while the group is rather one dimensional, the album is brisk enough to be an easy listen. Energizing and consistent are probably the most apt descriptors. A gym essential. Favorite: Crunk Inc. Least Favorite: Diggin' Me 7.5/10
Jan 4, 2017 Imma give this a listen since I never checked out Crime Mob's music before. Glad to see this comeback, hope we can keep it going.
Jan 9, 2017 7.0 This album made me feel like I was in 06 again walking around with a Nextel bleep phone meanwhile a big a--- Hummer drives by blasting D4L followed by an Escalade that was likely bumping something from T.I's King. Jokes aside this album was a pleasant surprise; Like Charlie said there is a nice group dynamic from Crime Mob in that no one really stands out but it doesn't hamper the final product. The biggest shocker to me was that they don't feel like a generic act either, the sounds and rapping grab distinct influences from many major Southern regions but they manage to carve a lane that works for them. It's not mind-blowing music but it's a nice nostalgic trip to what was to me a very fun time in rap.