Mr. Low - One Man's Vision

Mr. Low - One Man's Vision

Cedric Jackson, better known as Low-Down or Mr. Low, is an artist from the upsetting streets of Opelousas, LA. He first appeared on the scene in the year 1997 with his debut album, "Tales Of Da South." One Man's Vision is his second album and it was released in 2001 on Elusion Records. Bulk of the production duties are mainly handled by Bird or Rick Colomb, while Noke D, Sal, Mixso and Gamebinno' are all credited for a few tracks of their own. The beats are from the new millennium so the listener pretty much knows what to expect. They are not dull in any way, shape, or form and neither are they groundbreaking in any facet. It's an average batch of rhythms with a select few standouts here and there. Most of them are thumping with solid bass lines and a hard hitting set of drums. This strict structure and methodical approach happens to sustain the listener with at least the necessary amounts of entertainment needed to enjoy the album. Lyrically, Mr. Low fairs well upon the microphone. Although he does seem to have lost a step or two since his last outing, his Southern tone and dialect are still the same. And while the fundamentals of key song writing elements are there, it is the choruses and hooks that need some work. Not enough attention is given to them on most tracks and that is where the core content really suffers. Other than that, there are no major blemishes and the artist does have a solid rhyme scheme in place with decent amounts of verbal wit. Guest appearances are made by Lil' Keke, Profound, Ltd., II Deep Down South, WildCat, Miss CoCo, Grey and Toné. Overall it's a stable release that rounds out with a total of fourteen tracks. Aside from a few minor shortcomings, the album eventually does pick up and finishes on the right foot. Also, there is really no type of comparison to be made between his debut release and this one. The two are miles apart from each other in terms of quality, sound and temperament. Now, that may not be a bad thing in most cases but it just goes to show that sometimes changing one's artistry to evolve with the times is not always the brightest idea. In the long run, it is simply better to hold on to your unique individuality and strong intellect to leave an everlasting impression on the listener.

Deadly Verses

Nothing Like Da Game ft. Lil' Keke

Southside Pentagon - Money Over Everything

Southside Pentagon - Money Over Everything

Southside Pentagon is a collective that represents from the hard hitting streets of Houston, TX. The members are D-Gotti, E.L., Craig C, Lil Jay, W.B., Tito, Vandalizm, Trip, Black, Big Tiger and Ban. The group was started by D-Gotti of the Wreckshop and E.L. of Deep South Syndicate as a side project but it quickly evolved into something bigger. Their goal was just to reach the masses on the southside of town but with E.L.'s connections in Louisiana, it helped this release surpass their modest expectations. Money Over Everything is their debut album and it was released in 2001 on M.O.E. Inc. The bulk of the production is handled by the veteran, J Slash of .380 while Noke D, Trip and Mack chip in on some tracks. The beats are a quality blend of the new era sound and since this is a post 2000 release, that was somewhat expected. That being said, it still should not discourage the listener because overall the rhythms are quite unique and while some are sample assisted, the rest carry a genuine feel. Lyrically the album is respectable as well. E.L., D-Gotti and Craig C are the stand outs of course but the rest of the group is not too far behind. Their rhymes carry a good amount of word play and are also delivered with precision. Since this is a large collective, chemistry issues were bound to arise but the founding members made sure to keep those at bay and only made combinations on tracks that easily work. Now, no H-Town record is complete without a star studded guest list and this release is no exception to that rule. Guest appearances are made by Fat Pat, Lil' Keke, Lil' O, Mike D, E.S.G., Hawk, 3-2, Slim Thug, J Slash of .380, Chris Ward, Southside Playaz, Ronnie Spencer, Lady 14, Chad, June, Roxan and Peaches. This can be considered a little guest heavy but with eighteen solid tracks to boast, the features are quite spread out. All in all, a commendable release by the group and also one that appeals from all angles. Plus, with Texas & Louisiana connecting, it makes this release a bit more special and that much harder to deny.

Deadly Verses
Dead Man Walkin


Album Notes
* Rest in peace to Mr. Fat Pat and his brother, Big Hawk.
* Track 9: Chop'em is a pretty lethal diss towards Lil' Flip by E.S.G.
* Also the spine of the album states this release as a Volume One.

Will-Lean - The Chemist

Will-Lean - The Chemist

William Gibbs better known as Will-Lean, is a rapper who represents from the notorious neighborhood of Cloverland in Houston, TX. He is a member of the Botany Boys as well as the legendary collective known as the Screwed Up Click. The Chemist is his debut solo album and it was released in 2000 on Big Shot Records. The production varies from track to track and it is provided by M. King, Double D, Bruce Rhodes, Swift, Willy Malone, J.P. Nitty, Eric Hollis, Noke D, Tone Capone, Jhiame, Crazy C and D-Red of the Botany Boys. With a lineup this star studded, it is damn near impossible to disappoint. The beats can be classified under the certified grade-A, Texas funk category. The groovy rhythms are filled with such melody that head bobbing is the only option left for the listener. Will is no newcomer on the microphone. Whether it was his early freestyles on Screw Tapes or his fast paced verses with the Botany Boys, he has always been considered to be a very strong and formidable lyricist. His sharp yet distinct tone combined with the use of clever word play is the recipe for all his rhymes. To top it all off, he also manages to deliver them at a decently quick pace and it is this deadly combination that separates him from the rest. Since no S.U.C. album is complete without an all star guest list, this release is no exception. Will-Lean made sure he invited all his good friends to share a spot beside him in the recording booth. Guest appearances are made by DJ Screw, the Botany Boys, E.S.G., Lil' O, Al-D, Big Moe, Big Pokey, Dat Boy Grace, Hawk, Enjoli, Lil' Flip, T-Pop, A.C.T., Mista Madd, Papa Reu, Guerilla Maab, H.$.E., Noke D, D-Reck, Big T, Ronnie Spencer, B.G. Duke, Scoopastar, Taz, Lil' Real and last but not least the Big Tymers. All in all it is a valiant effort by the Cloverland native and one that boasts sixteen choice cuts. Although it is a little guest heavy and the release went out of print very quickly, the tracks are all still top quality. Will-Lean is still relevant today as he continues to release mix-tapes while selling most of the copies right out of the trunk section of his vehicle.

Deadly Verses

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