The last artist to drop a 40-minute, 10 track LP was a 20-year-old Nasir Jones, and we all know what happened there. I'm sure 18-year-old A. Pinks would be ecstatic to have that type of success this time around. I'm also sure he'll be happy that i'm telling ya'll this is a very strong and impressive effort. 'Am I Pussy' is a surprising and cockily risky statement to come with as the first track on an album which is the first most people have ever heard from you, but it pays off. The track is lyrically competent with strong lines like the opener; 'This is detonation to the speculations, made by insecure thugs who make offensive statements, about niggas thats brought up with a different view, it hurts to face it, but everybody isn't you'. What a line to kick off what is going to be a very successful and hopefully widely recognized career. The album is definitely not the normal commercial rap music which has got so boring over the years.
'By My Girl' is an ode to Pinks' missing love, a concept which has became lost under pimp slaps and derogatory statements aimed at the fairer sex over the years. Once again, this is another risky track, so far Pinks has let the listener know he doesn’t care if he is called 'Pussy' and now he's talking about his missing love for a female!? It's about time an artist s
poke their heart. 'Everybody's A Gangsta' is a scathing attack at the monotonous hip-hop of today. The song has obvious targets with lines like 'That isn’t no way to do it....Bugs wouldn't approve of it'. This song once again point the picture that Pinks is coming into this game fresh, without the stereotypes attached. 'Ghetto Brick Road' is one of the albums best tracks. The song tells the story of Pinks' youth and paints a picture of his future. The song is an emotional look back at what Pinks' has done so far, the excellent production helps this feeling.
'Hut One' is one of the albums weaker tracks. The track is a self advertising bravado filled effort. It still has its good points like the opening lines 'I Ain't with all this battlin shit, but i'ma make sure ya'll go home after this, masochist, baby you crazy, you should have never gave me, a half inch, I turn it to eight feet' . 'I Aint Shit' is another excellent track. Instead of constantly building himself up to be something he isn't, Pinks does the opposite and puts himself down. This results in some funny punch lines and astonishing to the listener. But after a few listens, these remarks aren't aimed at himself, they are aimed at these artists who build themselves up, but who truly know they still aint shit. The song is aimed at these people who are so quick to forget the path they took to get where they are.
'I Wish U would' is a weaker track. The track is more radio friendly than a lot of the earlier tracks and Pinks takes on a 'hard man' image which can be confusing considering some of his earlier lyrical content. However, once again, the track has it's highlights but it definitely isn't one of the album's best. 'Rider Music' is a decent effort. The track talks about many issues faced by people in crime ridden areas, with obvious 'drive by' related lyrics like 'Yes. This is rider music. Yes. All my niggas on the passenger side lets do this'. 'Shag'N Baby' is the 'pimpin' related track. It tells the story of freaks who reside in every club from America to Australia. A track all of us men can relate to, perhaps not a favorite song of the ladies but still an above par effort. 'The Recipe' tells the now highly known story of the 'recipe' used to cook up a hip-hop hit. This is a recipe Pinks' doesn't follow and thank god too, because we all know, too much of the same on our plate gets boring.
This album is a strong effort and thankfully doesn't signal the announcement of another generic rapper. Thankfully Pinks' has a mind of his own, and thankfully he pulls it off. The album does have a few dull points but overall should be a welcome edition to anybody's collection. Hopefully Pinks' will get the coverage which artists who follow the recipe get. Pinks is going to be big, so get his autograph now.
i-Pod Worthy : 'Everybody's Gangsta', 'Ghetto Brick Road', 'I Ain't Shit'', 'The Recipe', 'By My Girl'
Skippable : 'Hut One', 'I Wish U Would'
Overall : 5 Out Of 6 Shots; not a perfect album, but an excellent way to introduce yourself to a new fan base, keep an eye out for A. Pinks in the future
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