H.$.E - The Re-Score

H.$.E. - The Re-Score

H.$.E, which stands for Hustlaz $tackin' Endz, is a collective that hails from the southside of Houston, TX. The original group consisted of Hump, Lil' Flip, A.P. and Yung Redd. Also, Lil' Flip left the group after their initial release due to his own solo success and A.P. was later replaced with Lil' Ron. The group and all its' individual artists were also signed under Hump's own independent label known as, Sucka Free Records. Hump started the label in the late nineties and had a good run with H.$.E. and Lil' Flip as the label's core artists. The Re-Score is H.$.E.'s second release and it was put out in 2004 on Sucka Free Records. It's not an official album since it was just released to create a buzz for Yung Redd and Lil' Ron's upcoming album, "The Paper Route." Production on this record is invalid due to most, if not all, the beats are borrowed from other premier artists. The album is at a decent level lyrically. The songs are mostly freestyles with one or two real tracks sprinkled in between. Yung Redd and Lil' Ron are the only ones present with a slew of handsome guest features from Bun B, Paul Wall, Z-Ro, Trae, Twista, David Banner, Grit Boys, Big Shasta, Twisted Black, Yung Ro, A.B.N., Lil' Head and Yung Wun. The album closes out with a grand total of twenty tracks with only a handful of them being entertaining. As mentioned above, the release is in no way official in form or content. It was merely an underground release which was meant to supplement fans till the release of "The Paper Route." Hump just slapped the H.$.E. name on it in hopes of moving a few more units. Even though the release is obscure in nature, it just does not have anything alluring for the listener to look forward to.

Album Notes
* The record was also released with an alternative cover.

Dirty Red - Gift Of Gab

Dirty Red - Gift Of Gab
Dirty Red is a rapper who hails from the notorious neighborhood of Oak Cliff in Dallas, TX. He also holds membership in the Starvin' Artists family. Gift Of Gab is his debut solo album and it was released in 2005 on Mob Muzic Records. Production is provided by Ivan Benson, Pimp C of UGK and Rashard Hall. The beats are a blend of the new wave of southern funk and they certainly compliment Red's style of delivery. Although the classic southern sound might be a little absent, the artist more than makes up for it with a healthy dosage of steady rhymes. He possesses a decent amount of lyrical dexterity and his flow is mostly well rounded. The album contains a total collection of eighteen tracks, many of which are quite notable while some happen to be mundane fillers. Guest appearances are made by UGK, Six Two, Shogun, Young Muhammad, Sky, Deion, Zac, Hump and Lil' Flip. Overall the record is a solid offering from a fresh and upcoming artist. Even though some may discard the album and deem it as passable, it still deserves to a honorable mention.

Deadly Verses
Get The Greenboy ft. Pimp C & Six Two