M.O.P. shed BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS for all the black people struggling in BROOKLYN! (First Family 4 Life - M.O.P.)

Member Name: Blackman_Isaac

Product:	First Family 4 Life - M.O.P.
Date:	29/08/08 (65 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: I LUV the sound of the energy and creativity that M.O.P. display over high quality production

Disadvantages: Raise the 4 ALARM BLAZE! There are two filler tracks invading the album

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THE MASH OUT POSSE ALBUMS: FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE

The M.O.P. Collection - Part II


Author: Blackman_Isaac


Published by Blackman_Isaac for DIJEH inc. / Works of Art

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(Note: I originally posted this review on www.epinions.com in my ID name - dr_kdj_primo ©.



'''INTRODUCTION'''

On 24th May 1998, M.O.P. released their third Hip Hop album, 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE'. Taking extreme caution to avoid synthetic beats from pop producers, the two Brownsville soldiers recruited an army of high-quality producers as they did in 1996. Among the FAMILY of gifted beat-makers hired again for 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE' were DJ Premier and Laze E Laze. The rest of the underground producers included in the military line up, were Da Beatminerz and of course M.O.P. themselves. Inevitably for M.O.P., 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE' was bound to become a third classic LP and deliver rapid fire entertainment for underground rap listeners like myself.

Now that I reached the topics of 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE', allow me to load my rifle and fire out my reasons for purchasing this ricochet LP:


**INTRO: WHY I PURCHASED FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE**

Well Dooyoo readers, the answer is relatively simple. One day in August 2006, I was using Google search engine to retrieve more data of all the tracks that DJ Premier has produced. I eventually cached a web page entitled 'DJ Premier - Hip Hop Galaxy' among the list of Google's search results. As expected, upon my visual examination, I spotted Primo-designed tracks categorised under well-known rap artists like Afu-Ra, Big L, Jay Z and Nas. Non-rap artists like Craig David, Macy Gray and EVEN Emma Bunton were among the list to receive Primo treatment.

As I continued browsing DJ Premier's discography, I made a rather surprising discovery....

Apart from Gang Starr (Guru & DJ Premier) and Jeru Tha Damaja, M.O.P. had the largest number of tracks (21) produced by DJ Premier. Whilst, I acknowledged that Billy Danze and Lil Fame of M.O.P. were ill as hardcore emcees, I was shocked because I was never really aware they were so close to Primo. In fact, as I can recall, hardly any of the M.O.P. singles exposed to the public (especially 'Cold as ice' and 'Ante Up') had a Primo vibe to the beats. It seemed that for most unreleased tracks on M.O.P. albums (i.e. tracks not released as video singles - 'Face off' etc.) Primo and M.O.P. were secretly collaborating together like mole-men in the underground. With particular relevance, to 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE', the Primo-produced tracks listed under the "M.O.P" section included "I Luv" and "Downtown Swinga '98".

A few hours later, I downloaded "Downtown Swinga '98" using Limewire 4.12.6 to get a preview of the darkness inside M.O.P.'s third hardcore album. Consequently, I was immediately BLOWN AWAY by the full blast of Primo's first class production and M.O.P's heavy artillery of lyrical bullets.

Therefore, in SALUTE of Billy Danze and Lil Fame with Primo's support, I set out on a mission to cop the masterpiece (via placing an order at Amazon online). Yep that's right. This is a hardcore rap fan showing LUV for M.O.P. who will get DOWN 4 WHATEVA to deliver hardcore rap with a creative sound

**OUTRO: A FIRST FAMILY ALBUM PACKED WITH PRIMO BEATS, IS 4 ME **


The ballistics statement that you will read above also applies to my objectives for purchasing 'Firing Squad' and 'Warriorz'. But shoving those 'bullets of objectives' to one side, my main mission is to see whether M.O.P. can maintain their intensity throughout 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE'. This is where I leave the "Introduction" to move onto the next section - '''WHAT I EXPERIENCED''' to explore the contents of M.O.P.'s third Hip Hop album.

But before, I open up the shell casing (M.O.P.'s third album case) and inspect the ammunition (album's dark inside cover, bullets of lyrics, crack CD and shots of production), I will need to wear my bullet-proof vest again.



'''WHAT I EXPERIENCED'''

In December 2005, the DIJEH (dr_kdj_primo) miraculously survived the gunshots during his war with M.O.P. on 'Firing Squad'. In January 2006, the DIJEH returns to engage in battle with M.O.P. as he prepares to listen to 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE' for the first time. Wearing protective army gear, DIJEH says: "Okay M.O.P., I have my bullet-proof vest on. Give this album your best SHOT!":


1. BILLY SKIT (0:58 min)

The album starts off with BILLY SKIT as it's first track rather than a standard INTRO. This is a very unusual place for a SKIT, as I have never previously encountered albums with that kind of track arrangement. Nevertheless, the BILLY SKIT is quite good, as it still resembles a real introduction that sets the stage for the rest of M.O.P.'s 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE'.

Production-wise, BILLY SKIT possesses a dark, cinematic sound that is designed to represent a dark, cold and rainy atmosphere on the humble, ghetto streets. Cinematic violins play casually and quietly in the background as Billy Danze conversates with a black man of unknown name.

'''Rating: not applicable'''


2. BREAKIN' THE RULES (4:12 min)

Billy Danze spits battle lyrics over the first and third verses in hardcore fashion and with passion. He lays down the ground RULES of the rap game, targeting his first verse at haters who criticise his natural, hardcore rapping style. Billy Danze boldly declares '....I would never be disconnected from these streets....'. In doing so, Billy Danze stresses to his commercial rap rivals that he will get DOWN 4 WHATEVA to keep making ghetto music with messages. Why? Because as Billy Danze explains valiantly, it's '....the rules of the motherf**king game....'. This is one of the features that exemplifies a true underground rap soldier. In the third verse, Billy Danze uses good rhyme schemes to demonstrate the outcome of any cat (rapper) who is 'fakin' the move of dissing him (i.e. lyrically attacking him alone or as M.O.P. with false disses).

Lil Fame links up with Billy Danze and does his duty as a loyal Brownsville soldier to further establish the theory of cats BREAKIN' THE RULES of rap. Like Billy Danze, Lil Fame fires a out an ammunition of warnings against all cats who '....try to sabatoge the game..... He comes at these rival ni**as slightly harder than Billy Danze during the course of rapping the second and fourth verses, displaying his TRUE hardcore nature. Lil Fame's hardcore verses are also nicely delivered with angry passion and impressive displays of rhyming.

DJ Premier (real name: Christopher Martin) for Works of Mart, creates laid-back instrumentals that are strictly underground and perfect for M.O.P.'s hard-hitting flow. For his production scheme, he incorporates soulful, sharp whistling samples in bouncy, old school bass in deep piano keys to craft a nice, underground tune.

The production for "Breakin' The Rules" are definitely aesthetic, but at the same time on my eardrums, they don't sound like Primo was aiming for a classic instrumental. Rather, this production is a relaxed instrumental that represents DJ Premier's experimental Works of Mart. Nevertheless Primo's beats along with the lyrics still gets some replay value from me on behalf of "Breakin' The Rules".

'''Rating: 9/10'''


3. 4 ALARM BLAZE (featuring Tef and Jay-Z) (4:29 min)

The gat-busting excellence that this album displays in its early track period, descends temporarily with the slightly forgettable 4 ALARM BLAZE.

Production-wise, I am not enamoured with Laze E Laze's decision to combine samples of Survivor's 1982 hit single - 'Eye of the tiger' with RAW Hip Hop. Note that "Eye of the tiger" was created as a theme song for Rocky III upon Sylvester Stallone's requests. Laze E. Laze (real name: Laze Elliot) for Blaze Communications Inc. throws in background FIRE ALARMS and extra rock guitars to complement the 'Eye of the Tiger' sample (rock guitars and simple drums). Consequently, the production sounds more rock-driven and grimier to my eardrums. However it still registers as generic, repetitive and rather boring, making me feel lethargic as I listen to 4 ALARM BLAZE. The mediocrity of Laze E Laze's production along with the unfitting Survivor's sample thus reduces the replay value of the song. This is an example of a hit and miss production from Laze E Laze, kind of like missing the BULLSEYE a couple of times in TARGET practice.

Fortunately enough, Billy Danze and Lil Fame with Tef (real name: Linwood Starling - a.k.a Teflon) as the guest rapper spit pure CROSSFIRE and braggadocio lyrics from their mouths with entertaining delivery. They utilise their NUCLEAR energy over the microphone to FIRE out rhymes such that they are rapping live in front of a packed arena of rap fans. Lil Fame and Billy Danze rap the first and second verses respectively. Teflon steals the show with the best performance on stage, just like he did on 'Firing Squad', as he covers the third verse. He sprays my eardrums with bullets of multi-syllables and GUN-BLAZIN' metaphors combined with charismatic aggression.

Jay Z (real name: Shawn Carter) enters 4 ALARM BLAZE to rap the final verse and practically ruins the hardcore vibe that the Brownsville soldiers, M.O.P. and Tef maintained. Jay Z's subject matter revolves around moments of '....I rock jewels....' and '....I got rich....', that are boring, played-out formulas in commercial Hip Hop. In other words, good old Jigga manages to miss the point of the bullseye with pointless braggadocio about his riches (yawwwwwwwwn).

'''Rating: 5/10'''


4. BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS (4:43 min)

After an energetic, ALARMING and BLAZIN' lyrical performance on 4 ALARM BLAZE (forget the beats), Billy Danze and Lil Fame decide its time to get introspective. The two M.O.P. soldiers shed BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS as they dedicate this track to all the ni**as in the struggle that refuse to die. Yo, check out this fascinating CLASSIC....


Billy Danze speaks politically for all the BLOOD and SWEAT that black men have to get through in the ghetto to survive. He spits the first verse as he FIRES out his thoughts about '....what makes this world go round....' with all the existing street crimes. He asks why ni**as desperately try to make money (i.e. '....a meal....') illegally to get rich ('....ill....') despite the fact that cops ('....Broke Bill....') can still BANG them up for crime.

Lil Fame goes ahead with the second verse as he brings emotion and passion to his rhymes. He puts the gun aside to think about the loss of close friends and family in the ghetto and what impact it has had on his life. Lil Fame reminisces the loss of his brother and mum and feels their spirit as he stresses '...I can feel you baby....'. This valuable topic that Lil Fame applies to his lyrics, clearly demonstrates just how important BLOOD is thicker than water. Lil Fame dedicates his verse to all the '....loved ones, thug ones and all deceased peers....', shedding TEARS for them. In addition he praises God in SALUTE that he is still alive and well.

Laze E Laze's brilliant production for "Blood, Sweat And Tears", manages to reach DJ Premier's level and it is pleasant on my ears! The beats start off with soft, twinkling, piano keys playing gracefully with medium-pitched, depressing piano loops. Slow drum kicks soon set in over the piano loops as Billy Danze opens up his verse. The depressing piano loops contribute to the sad theme of "Blood, Sweat And Tears",and fit M.O.P.'s flow perfectly. Laze E Laze throws in scratching effects that are carefully centred around the hook that samples female cries of 'These 3 words..../ /....blood, sweat, tears....' x4 times. With the Primo-like scratching and sad voice samplings in check, Laze E Laze does an excellent job feeling M.O.P.'s emotions. Needless to say, I initially thought he was DJ Premier solely for the timeless melody he constructed for this song!

For anyone grieving for the death of loved ones, BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS is a magnificent track that needs to be heard.


'''M.O.P. my thoughts are with you. BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS!'''

'''Rating: ++10/10'''


5. DOWN 4 WHATEVA (featuring O.C.) (3.33 min)

M.O.P. will get DOWN 4 WHATEVA to create as many classic hardcore tracks as possible and they successfully achieve this on track 5 that I find truly fantastic. To begin with M.O.P. (i.e. Billy Danze and Lil Fame) act as producers, shooting one of the most creative beats in their career. M.O.P.'s production style resembles Primo's style A LOT just like it did when the M.O.P. soldiers produced for themselves on Anticipation, with some help from Laze E Laze. The beats are old school, but extremely aggressive and fast-paced with raging bass lines and hard-hitting drum loops that blaze through the track. High-pitched, funky clavi occassionaly whistle in the background and really catch my eardrums on fire like the heat of a laser gun.

Right, here comes the BEST part with respect to M.O.P.'s RAW production style. Billy Danze and Lil Fame throw in heavy, old school scratching that sample pieces from 'Brownsville' and Jay Z's 'Brooklyn's Finest'. Yep, that's right fans of underground Hip Hop, the record scratches are THAT professional. The two street soldiers, Billy Danze and Lil Fame have learnt a lot from the great, DJ Premier in the art of beat-making. Now M.O.P. can add their newly found talents as producers to their street weapons of hardcore lyrics and mics!
Aiming my point at the lyrics, O.C. (real name: Omar Credle) tears up M.O.P.'s banging production, as he BLASTS off his verse with amazing, no nonsense delivery! In other words, pure aggression and soul to his gun-inflected, hardcore lyrics that simply sets the beats on FIRE!. Lil Fame and Billy Danze maintain the street vibe with hot and raw lyrics served deliciously to my eardrums.

Overall, all three Brooklyn based, hardcore rappers spit battle rhymes with an attitude that is about eight times as aggressive as DMX's. However, it is O.C.'s lyrics that mostly stamps it's authority in this track. O.C. gets DOWN 4 WHATEVA to cleverly rhyme '....raw....' and '....WAR.... in flip mode, amidst his underground battle-lyricism.

But WHATEVA man, I am really DOWN with this track and it gets HEAVY replay value from me. Plus, I am sure that DOWN 4 WHATEVA is a favourite of many rap listeners who feel the underground, hardcore vibe like I do. I can't deny that production-wise, DOWN 4 WHATEVA is better than the Primo-produced 'BREAKIN' THE RULES'


'''Anyway, 21 guns salute to M.O.P. and O.C. for an entertaining performance.'''

'''Rating: ++10/10'''


6. FACING OFF (3:28 min)

Produced by M.O.P. for Rapid Fire Entertainment and Laze E Laze for Blaze Communications Inc.

'''Rating: 9/10'''


7. MY KINDA NI**A PART II (featuring Heather B) (4:07 min)

Produced by Da Beatminerz (real name: Walter Dewgarde a.k.a Mr Walt)

Featuring Heather B (real name: Heather B. Gardner)

'''Rating: 7/10'''


8. I LUV (featuring Freddie Foxxx) (4:50 min)

Production-wise, as far as this track is concerned, I LUV the sound of refreshing, beautiful production that keeps my mind relaxed. So in comes DJ Premier, who resumes his fascinating street chemistry with M.O.P. to deliver his classic Works of Mart. On I LUV, Primo orchestrates a piano-driven melody that plays like it was stage-performed in a high-class, concert at midnight. The melodious beat is composed primarily of alternating piano tunes and angelic violin loops. These instrumentals persist throughout the track and infect my mind such that my ears can't get enough of it. Thanks to Primo's Works of Mart, this track gets a heavy replay value on my own behalf.

But that's not the only reason for the high replay value, boys and girls. While the beats are a masterpiece, it is really M.O.P.'s and Freddie Foxxx's rapping that take the stage and the same especially applies to the amazing hook. Okay, lets get down to business with my ballistics report of the lyrics....

For the first verse, let me tell you what Lil Fame LUVs. Lil Fame LUVs to see '....slug cats....' who show NO LUV (i.e. no love) for real Hip Hop and damage their own rap career by spitting garbage in clubs. At the same time Lil Fame pays LUV to cats that are genuine to the art of Hip Hop and '....still drip checks....' like himself, Billy Danze and Freddie Foxxx (i.e. '....triple x....').

It's Billy Danze's turn to take the stage as he covers verse two to bless the mic in entertaining M.O.P. style. Billy Danze raps like a street soldier who LUVs ni**as that show love and loyalty for the streets. In other words, respecting black men with HEAT and who are DEEP in the underground with lyrics that regulate the streets.

Next up is Gang Starr affiliate, Freddie Foxxx (real name: James Campbell) who enters the FIRING line to rap the third verse, using his shotgun rapping style in the process. Respresenting the dangerously, dark streets of New York, Freddie Foxxx assists M.O.P. in turning I LUV into a REAL underground classic. He shakes down the music industry and attacks talentless, commercial rappers ('....cats....') with some brilliant wordplay and factual, battle rhymes. Sounding as sharp as ever, like a quick brown FOX, Freddie Foxxx TARGETS what he most LUV's about the Hip Hop Industry:

(1) He LUV's beating ni**as down when their rhymes are whack.

(2) He LUV's the fact that whack rappers make MAD dough without a flow.

(3) He LUV's to survive through the toughest of times (the ghetto life) and break down the microphone like a MAD FOX with the roughest of rhymes.

(4) He LUV's beats that are hardcore, dirty and raw (well isn't that obvious by his aggressive shout-out delivery and the fact that he collaborates with Gang starr a lot?).

Besides all of these key factors that genuinely exemplify underground lyricism, the deliveries of all three emcees are awesome and have astounding rhythm. Freddie Foxxx uses his microphone to fire out one of the most creative choruses in his entire career! I'll sit back and let the hook speak for itself on wax as I hit that replay button on I LUV just to relax:

[Freddie Foxxx - chorus]
'....What's mine's I love, and I fight, push to shove
Hand to hand?, but you can't stop the love
You push to impress, and I leave you with less
It's real love for the mics that I bless, no quest....'

Few words - I LUV this rap sh*t. I LUV it!

'''Rating: +10/10'''


9. SALUTE PART II (featuring Gangstarr) (4:17 min)


DIJEH: 'Is this Hip Hop?'

BILLY DANZE: '....Hell no this is war....'


Let the WAR begin....

M.O.P. join forces with another underground rap soldier, Guru (real name: Keith Elam) who in contrast to other previous guests like Freddie Foxxx and Teflon, is monotone and laid-back in his delivery. In this context, Billy Danze and Lil Fame experiment with their choice of collaborations, deviating away from the previous hardcore guests (Teflon) who flow at their pace. Over a supremely powerful Primo beat, Guru and M.O.P. with contrasting deliveries, still manage to flow with the beats and make SALUTE PART II very listenable. They also display maturity, dropping intelligent, introspective rhymes about the benefits of the rap game and what it means to them at different angles. All three rap soldiers, Guru, Billy Danze and Lil Fame pay SALUTE to fellow emcees emerging from the ghetto and carrying out their duty to rep for their hood. Note that Guru also pays SALUTE to Laze E Laze and M.O.P. in his first verse, showing love as FIRST FAMILY in sticking together to dedicate messages to the black community.

While all rap soldiers are holdin' it down with their delivery and introspective lyricism, it is DJ Premier's most creative production that takes the stage. This is a marked contrast to I LUV, where Primo's classic beat took the backseat to entertaining, captivating performances from M.O.P. and Freddie Foxxx on the mic. On "Salute Part II", DJ Premier crafts a dark production that features sad violin loops complemented with relaxing bass and attention-grabbing drum snares. During the course of this old-school instrumental, Primo carries out his usual style of magnificent record scratching around the hook. The scratching spins heavily in random aptitudes towards the end of the track and sounds exceeeeeeeedingly ill to my eardrums. In fact, Primo's instrumental as a whole, is pure sick, tasting deliciously sweet on my eardrums so much that I bump "Salute Part II" so many times. This beat is heavy artillery in my vicinity.

'''Rating: ++10/10'''


10. RIDE WITH US (4:43 min)

Laze E Laze laces a nice production with drums playing on the frontline and mixtures of piano keys and quiet bass in the background.

M.O.P. spit braggadocio lyrics that interestingly enough parallels with the Ruff Ryders approach. This especially applies to the hook.

'''Rating: 7/10'''


11. HANDLE UR BIZNESS (DJ Premier Remix) (4:14 min)

Produced by DJ Premier for Works of Mart.

'''Rating: 8/10'''


12. FLY NI**A HILL FI**A (4:07 min)

The production from M.O.P. is above average, being driven on a complex series of guitars and drum loops.

Personally I didn't enjoy this track as much as the other tracks on 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE'. This is because M.O.P. seem to miss the bullet point of what they are rapping about and the chorus is rather annoying. At least M.O.P. exhibit energy in their hardcore delivery.

'''Rating: 6/10'''


13. WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS (3:57 min)

M.O.P. produce a soulful instrumental that is different from the Primo-like production they displayed on "Down 4 Whateva". Nevertheless, the production is still great in their own right, consisting of background, angelic female vocals, slow drum snares and soft piano keys.

Lyrically, WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS is an excellent track with introspection and messages maturely delivered by the M.O.P. soldiers. Lil Fame narrates a story with plenty of multi-syllable rhyming that describes how he went from a church-going angel to getting involved in drug dealing. Billy Danze lyrically sheds TEARS for losing his mum two years ago and missing his brother, approximately 10 years after his death.

'''Rating: ++10/10'''


14. DOWNTOWN SWINGA '98 (4:13 min)

DJ Premier crafts an excellent up-beat production that captivates my eardrums and is even more ILL than his Works of Mart on DOWNTOWN SWINGA '96. Dangerous, deep bass lines range throughout the track while happy violins play dramatically giving that dramatic DOWNTOWN vibe in the streets of New York.

The two M.O.P. soldiers, Billy and Lil Fame spit hardcore braggadocio in "Downtown Swinga '98 style". Billy Danze entertains me with a bullets of multi-syllable rhyme schemes aimed straight at my forehead.

'''Rating: ++10/10'''


15. FAME SKIT (2:02 min)

Produced by Lil Fame

'''Rating: not applicable'''


16. BROOKLYN/JERSEY GET WILD (featuring Treach) (4:07 min)

Laze E Laze produces laid-back electronic instrumentals that relaxes my eardrums and sets it up perfectly for the next track. The beats ride on alternating, electronic keyboard notes and brass wind instruments that contribute to the pleasant feel to the atmosphere of BROOKLYN/JERSEY.

This track represents another example of M.O.P. delivering braggadocio and hardcore freestyling with an entertaining edge. Treach ("Real name: Anthony Criss"), a former leader of Naughty by Nature, becomes the last boy scout.... or lets say American rap soldier to collaborate with M.O.P. like "'First Family 4 Life'". Treach gets WILD on the hook as his delivery matches the pace of Laze E Laze's production skills and is lyrically impressive.

[Treach - chorus]
'Till death do us, can't move us
We can rat-tat-a-tat-tat-a or build, it don't matter
Holler if you hear this, realness
Thugs gon' feel this, Brooklyn banger Jersey jackin
steal sh*t'

'''Rating: 10/10'''


17. NEW YORK SALUTE (2:56 min)

Production-wise, this may very well be the best track shot by M.O.P. (alongside DOWN 4 WHATEVA) and is very beautiful to my ears. M.O.P. make use of ILL, electronic, keyboard melodies that are very relaxing and grab my attention at the same time. Apart of that, M.O.P. even hit the bullseye in crafting a production that is higly fitting for an OUTRO to what has been another magnificent hardcore album.

As soon as Billy Danze and Lil Fame spit their verses and hook, NEW YORK SALUTE winds becoming the best closing track I have heard for ages. The classic hook and production are the true highlights that account for the track's replay value. Hence, I pay NEW YORK SALUTE in respect of M.O.P. for being hard working soldiers in keeping me entertained with hardcore messages.

Thank you rap soldiers for your hardcore entertainment

'''Rating: ++10/10'''


'''CONCLUSION'''

As always since, 'Firing Squad', Billy Danze and Lil Fame have stood side by side on this album to continue their battle against the steady growth of fake, mainstream rap. The Brownsville soldiers have displayed this mission on great tracks like BREAKIN THE RULES and I LUV. While their lyrics are not always complex, they can still bring lots of emotion and rapid-fire delivery.

Furthermore, M.O.P. in my opinion, are very wonderful when it comes to production shots and they join the armies of beautiful, talented producers like Ayatollah and DJ Premier. Unfortunately, M.O.P ability to craft beats gets heavily overlooked by rappers outside the hardcore genre in favour for more common, less talented producers like Swizz Beatz. Hence, the M.O.P. soldiers are underrated in this category of urban production.

How does "'First Family 4 Life'" compare with 'Firing Squad' in the army ranks? Well, when the overall rating is considered, the difference is minor. However, a couple of fillers make 'FIRST FAMILY 4 LIFE' a slight cut below M.O.P.'s sophomore effort. On the other hand, this third album still carries some superior AMMUNITION to 'Firing Squad' in its vicinity. This centres particularly on some of the best production I have ever heard from the likes SALUTE PART II and NEW YOK SALUTE.

Once again, M.O.P. always got DOWN 4 WHATEVA in 1998 to keep raw Hip Hop alive and these soldiers continued their mission into 2001 where they became "'Warriorz'" with the hit single "Cold As Ice". But that readers is another story I will narrate later and until then....

Salute!


'''APPENDIX'''

Best beats: BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS, DOWN 4 WHATEVA, I LUV, SALUTE PART II, DOWNTOWN SWINGA '98 and NEW YORK SALUTE

Worst beats: 4 ALARM BLAZE, FLY NI**A HILL FI**A


Best Video: HANDLE UR BIZNESS

Worst Video: 4 ALARM BLAZE!


Overall rating for album: 9/10


Total marks = 133, 14 music tracks * 10 = 140


131/140 = 9.4/10 = 9/10 = 4.5/5 = 5/5 = 5 stars

Summary: I pay NEW YORK SALUTE to M.O.P. for their hard work in creating their FIRST FAMILY rap album!