"First off, this is a dope album but not worth the ridiculous prices here on amazon, unless you're a really serious collector. Also, this album has, in my opinion, been overrated by some heads who are obssesed with rare and out of print hip hop.
"Lucci" is a great opening track, with a crazy dope third verse, while "Now Y" is a thugged out call to arms.
Throughout the disc, La drops street knowledge and hood stories, peppering gritty narratives with occasional insight. While he is an adept emcee, there is not a tremendous amount of new material.
Production is gritty, NY underground sound that fits La and fam well. "I want it all" is a great closing track.
This is a dope album from a emcee who unfortunately became any more obscure. A great buy if you can get it for a fair price."
A classic to say the least
Louis T. Joseph | Detroit, MI United States | 07/01/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lason Jackson is his real name. Grew up in the Bronx and spent some time in Grand Rapids, Michigan during his high school years. I myself am a Detroit native and I know some people who went to highschool with him in Grand Rapids. Anyways, this CD blew up back in 1999, spreading across Michigan from Grand Rapids to Motown in a matter of weeks. It is a pure classic in east coast hip hop. I put this one right up there next to The Lifestylyes of Da Poor and Dangerous and The Infamous (if you don't know what i'm talking about then consider yourself ignorant in this matter). If Mobb Deep had a third member it would be La (He's that rugged!!!). The Wu (Rza) made a wise move picking La up but they have not funded him on any future projects. Last time I heard he was opening for Killah Priest for some shows in Michigan. One of my friends talked to him and he said he was working on a new project independant of the Wu. It will be interesting to see what the outcome (if any) will be. (...)"
Heist Of The Century Is An Instant Classic And No One Knows!
manslorta | Bronx, NY | 09/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"La The Darkman is an artist with unlimited talent. He has proven that on his first opus. Graduating from the Wu-Tang academy, La proven skill on tracks like "Spring Water" featuring Raekwon, "Element Of Suprise" featuring U-God & Masta Killa, the title track featuring Killarmy's Killa Sin, and my favorite track, "4 Souls" featuring Shotti Screwface. La The Darkman even slow things down for the ladies on the Maia Campbell featured, "Love", and he tells stories on the Havoc produced "City Lights" and the aforementioned, "Element Of Suprise". Production by Carlos "Six July" Broady, 4th Disciple, RZA, and Havoc is dark and grimy. Go and get this album."
Gun rule....
Docta Buddah | 06/20/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"yo, this album is great....but its not worth payin the 20+ --- 70 dollars to have it....is this out of print or something? why's it so high priced???? i got it when it first came out in 98....then i lost it....and found a used one in the local record shop for about 6 bux! check the local shops first.....if not then i'll tell you where to d/l from for free.....just send me a message on myspace.com/doctabuddah
"
One word description: PHAT
Chris Kiepert | Concord, MA USA | 01/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album was one that kinda jumped up and surprised me. I mean the Wu has been in a kinda of decline since Forever came out. This album has several things that any of the album since triumph have not had.1)More than thre or four good songs. 2)Really good beats. 3)Flows that actually don't seem like revisions of old rhymes already written.Now I am one of the worlds biggest Wu Fans, but I hope that more of 'their' albums are like this one. Full of emotion, spirit, and innovation (like Enter the 36 Chambers)."