Search - Various Artists, Vernon Reid :: Paid in Full

What is this drivel...

N. Whitworth | 12/11/2002

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Dame Dash brings us a two cd soundtrack, the first disc featuring classic songs and the second spotlighting the Roc-a-fella record label.With such a promising tracklist on the soundtrack side, one would expect to be able to sit back, relax, and absorb a few classic hip-hop joints.What the heck.The "world famous" Brucie B talks over the ENTIRE first disc. Ever heard DJ Clue? DJ Envy? All those other annoying DJs who talk over their mix tapes, giving shoutouts and props to the people they know? Brucie B is 10 times worse on this as he basically lists off everyone he has ever met or talked to in his lifetime. He talks before verses. He talks after verses. He talks over hooks. He talks DURING and OVER verses. Take the classic "Paid in Full" by Eric B and Rakim:Eric B: I used to roll up this is a hold up...By doing so, Brucie B absolutely RUINS the ENTIRE first disc. 10 classic songs are made unlistenable because Brucie B refuses to just shut up.The second disc is a showcase for Roc-a-fella records' up and coming "stars". Peedi Crack? Oschino & Sparks? Jimmy Jones? Never heard of these people? There's a reason why. They are complete devoid of any of the skills needed to become great MCs. Listen to "One For Peedi Crack" and you'll get the idea. Even the recognizable names bring this soundtrack to ruin. Cam'ron, what are you doing remaking Master P's "Bout It, Bout It"? It wasn't exactly a great song to begin with. M.O.P.'s "City" sounds like someone ran it through a muted trumpet. Where's the energy that they always bring to the mic? Jay-z brings a nice track to the table in "Don't You Know", but that's really because Just Blaze's production makes up for Jay-z's average vocal performance on the track. Not even Kayne West's excellent production on "Champions" can save this 2-disc soundtrack from mediocrity.Unless you enjoy hearing one disc full of shotouts and another full of bad young "talents", spend your money on something else."

Great Soundtrack; Horrible Mixtape

N. Whitworth | Louisville, KY | 12/02/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"How can you hate on a soundtrack that boasts tracks from the likes of BDP, Special Ed and Eric B & Rakim. If you like old school classics, then this soundtrack is something you need to add to your collection. However, the accompying mix-tape titled "Dream Team" is less than enticing. The first track on the mixtape, "Champions," smaples the Queen track "We Are the Champions." This track is very, very good. Dame Dash co-produced this with Kanye West. They use the sample so well and everyone flows perfectly over the beat. Dame also announces the newest member of The Roc, Twista. The Roc is steadily becoming the east-coast version of No Limit Records, circa 1997.After the first track, things go down hill very, very fast. "Bout It Bout It Part III" is the same beat with Cam'ron rapping. Nothing horrible, but not great either. Down the line we get WEAK tracks from Peedi Crakk, Memphis Bleek and even M.O.P. Really, the lyriscist aren't bad, but the production is. Just Blaze does good on his 3 tracks, but other production is weak.So, if you buy this, buy it for the soundtrack and not the mixtape."

PAID IN FULL THE SOUNDTRACK

Garien Gatewood | Jackson, Mississippi United States | 11/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"iT IS A GREAT ALBUM, THE BEST SOUNDTRACK IN YEARS"