Search - The Jacka, Ampichino :: Devilz Rejectz - 36 Zipz

The Jacka & Ampichino - Devilz Rejectz - 36 Zipz

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 08/31/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Jacka (A.K.A. Dominick Newton) & Ampichino (A.K.A. Amp Pachino) team up as the Devilz Rejectz for "36 Zips" (2007) a twenty-one track release (including skits). I came across Jacka's music last year when I heard his sophomore album "The Jack Artist" (2005) I was impressed by it, producer Rob Lo also helped that release providing many memorable beats. The Jacka is a member of the Bay Area group "The Mob Figaz", while Ampichino is a member of "The Regime". After the intro the duo get things started rhyming about their own grimy street upbringing's, losing close friends and being "Drug Dealers", backed by some mellow production. A hustling cut in "10 Toes" follows and features guest appearances from Bossy & Ridiculo. Laidback production benefits this duo's flow's as is the case with "I Try". Yukmouth of the Luniz drops in for a war track in "Problems". The duo rhymes about losing friends, and struggling to make a living on "Mystery". "Interlude 1" is a skit which links the government and drugs in black neighborhoods. The follow up track "Break M Off" features an appearance from another member of the Mob Fingaz, Fed-X, Jacka and Ampichino provide a solid cut backed by some stellar production. "Rapstarz" & "Certified Mobsterz" feat. Free are more or less filler material for me. "Phonecall" is a creative cut which has the duo having a jail house conversation over the phone. My favourite track on this release is "Starz", Jacka & Ampichino shine on this cut delivering introspective lyrics backed by some memorable sampling, providing something different. The Devilz Rejectz take things right back to the streets on "Family First", with both artists being in the zone on a onpoint hustling cut. Bossy makes another appearance on "Lifetime", in a track dedicated to deceased friends and those trying to find a better way. "Take It Easy" features some upbeat sounding production but never really takes off the ground. The next couple of tracks feature individual guest appearances from several MC's: Chino Nino, Nate Da Nutt, Ridiculou & Pretty Black. The one track of these that standouts for me is "Droptop" feat. Pretty Black, which is laced with some memorable production and features a simple but effective chorus. The album's closer is the "I Try" (Remix) both versions work though I prefer the original. This release will be slept on, for those who do enjoy it, I highly recommend checking out "The Jack Artist". The Jacka & Ampichino provide a solid album full of reality rap and on point production. 3.5."