Search - Kane & Abel :: 7 Sins

"Don't trust no one, except your God and your gun"

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 08/05/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Identical twins Kane & Abel debuted for Master P's then-independent No Limit Records with "The 7 Sins" in 1996, a few years before the label became infamous for their prolificness, silly album covers, huge roster, endless posse cuts, and bass-heavy cookie-cutter Southern gangsta rap. Neither their most noteworthy nor successful album, "The 7 Sins" finds the middle ground between Master P's early-90s g-funk and the furious New Orleans sound of No Limit's 1998 heyday. Produced by Master P and Beats By the Pound, the beats are low-fi but satisfying, often smooth and appealing. Lyrically, the brothers Garcia are No Limit Soldiers to the core, rapping about drugs, hustling, and murder, yet maintaining an uneasy balance with spiritual references. This paradox may sound hypocritical, yet it is part of the No Limit trademark and makes the album fun. Kane & Abel aren't lyrical wizards, and sometimes the verses come across as a bit pedestrian. But in purchasing a No Limit album, one knows not to expect revolutionary substance, so the fun style combined with solid production makes much of "The 7 Sins" enjoyable.



The opener "Gangstafied" is the best track, a slow, smooth offering featuring Master P and Mo B. Dick on a well-produced, stylish song heavy with early No Limit flavor. The upbeat "Git'n Paid" and woozy "Between Us" are highlights, and the bouncy "3/2 Murder 1" and dramatic "Abortion" are also good. Filler, however, includes the unimaginative "This Is the Life," the boring "Black Jesus," and the weak Mia X solo track "Basement Session," which is included strictly for promotional purposes.



No Limit albums were frequently sleazy and predictable, and "The 7 Sins" is no exception. Yet the label's records were also fun and addictive (millions inexplicably fell under their power; owning just one is nearly impossible!), and in that case, it is certainly no exception to the rule. This doesn't bear a striking resemblance to the overblown, cookie-cutter albums that No Limit released by the monthly truckload in 1998 and 1999, but in many cases it is superior. There's significant filler, but I recommend "The 7 Sins" for a light, fun listen."

Biblical / Spiritual / Gangster

Carltouis Stevenson | Angeles Mesa, Los Angeles | 08/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The twins from No Limit, Kane & Abel, dropped a debut relating biblical terms to modern times with a hard street edge entitled The 7 Sins are appropriately titled. It's almost a crime or a sin not to have. Their voices and flow are similar which makes it hard to follow on who rhymes at that time. "God & Gunz" featuring Mack is the only time you know that only Kane flow fiercely with soon to be soldier Mac with a Nas-like flow. As their titles depict their lifestyles, "Gangstafied" featuring Master P & Mo B. Dick was a good ice breaker. Continuing on the same path with "This Is The Life" with the hook chanting, "...dope game / cocaine / this is the life..." "Black Jesus" featuring Master P & Silkk The Shocker is a deep song that should have gone without the featured guests. Kane & Abel put their life into this one as they probed questions to a higher authority. On a more commercial, smooth, mainstream R&B tip, "Git'n Paid" featuring Mo B. Dick had Kane & Abel in another light. The make shot outs to the then murder capital New Orleans, LA on "That's How It's Gon' Happen 2 U". On "Basement Session" featuring Skandalus, Steph & Mia X only contained the skills of the Lady Thugs over a true southern bounce KLC produced track. It would have been better if the song included the twins as well, but it is a spotlight track to add to this album. This is another No Limit release to prove why they held it down like they did for so many years."

Needs more songs

New Customer | 12/31/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Kane & Abel's debut wuz hella tight, but it needed more songs. The best songs are Black Jesus,3/2 Murder 1, and Abortion. The rest of the album iz tight too, but Gangstafied iz kinda weak. Buy it if you're a TRU No Limit fan or if U just like rap period."