Graham Brown | FYSHWICK, ACT Australia | 04/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ant Banks knows how to groove. How to dig deep into your soul with deep beats. Im surprised how most other producers concentrate on intricacy and melody over funk because after I was introduced to the Big Bad Ass. Daz, Dre, Battlecat and all other producers have become null and void to my ears as I feel a insignifigant bounce in there production compared to this man. This album is no exception. It has its weak moments such as Spice 1 wit da Banksta (surprise, surprise) but otherwise tracks such as 2 the head, late nite, Roll em phat and hit it, do exactly that. Its a shame Banks has developed into a more stylistic producer during the 90s but the commercial change is bound to alter hes sound naturally anyway. This funk is the best that ever was. More feeling than the present style, deeper than its old skool beginnings and better produced naturally than its originals back in the 70s. Banks, its a pleasure to be living when your soul is banging hard within mine."
The Big Banksta's Debut Album!
Philip Y. | Israel | 05/22/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ant Banks is one of the greatest producers in the Bay Area. Comming out from Oakland he worked with local rappers Too $hort and Spice 1 before putting out his solo record. He's a brilliant producer and although his rapping doesn't match his skills behind the boards, he's a good rapper with straight-up uncomplicated street lyrics and good flows on the mic. The beats on the album are hitting and the guest appearences by Spice 1, Too $hort, Goldy and Pooh-Man are just fabolous and add a lot to the album. Ant Banks tells the stories about hustlin' on the streets, and in the industry and also songs about mackin' hoes... A real good album to ride to. A short one, from the days they prefered short yet quality records over those 20 + songs albums they put out these days."
Oakland funk
James2001 | England, Bristol | 04/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ant Banks has always been one of my favourite producers, hes just got such a skill for funky beats. This Album didnt dissapoint,I was hoping he was going to keep behind the boards and get guest rappers in, but was pleasntly suprised when i heard him rap. Hes much like Dre in the way his flow is uncomplicated, smooth and effective, Again like Dre his real talent lays in his production of beats and loops. This albums is non stop funky beats and funky ryhmes from start to finsh, All the Dangerous Crew make appearnces on here(Too $hort, Spice1, Goldy) and they add to the albums overall feel. Stand out tracks include, 2 tha Head, which is just Banks introducing himself as a rapper over a up-tempo bass heavy groove.Late night F**k is the customery Dangerous Crew sex ryhme, and is as well done as any before it. My favoutie track, is the title track which is just the ultimate party starter, the type it would be pyshicalyy impossible to keep yourself still to. All in all this album is dope. Go get it."
Too Short's Crew
Robert tuttle | California | 11/29/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This album is for those who like the too-short sound. The bass lines are non-complicated and the lyrics are in your face street slang. Too-Short pioneered this style and Ant Banks is continuing the tradition."