Search - Poetic Hustla'z :: Trials & Tribulations

Very unique and emotional album

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 12/17/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Following the success of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's "E. 1999 Eternal," their friends and Mo Thug Family affiliates Poetic Hustla'z released their debut "Trials and Tribulations" in 1997. This is an album I really like and think is one of the greatest Bone related projects ever recorded. It's really a shame that it was promoted so poorly, because I think this is such a great record. The trio of Tony Tone, Mo!Hart and Boogy Nikke are three emotional, talented, and lyrical rappers from Cleveland. You can hear some hints of Bone influence in their flow, which sometimes borders on the sing-song delivery Bone is so famous for, but really Poetic Hustla'z are an original and creative act, and sometimes their style reminds me a little of early Outlawz music. The production is always excellent. Usually, there is a subdued feeling aided by piano and strings on most tracks, leading to a thoughtful, contemplative tone. They are very emotional MCs, pouring a lot of feeling into their lyrics on most of the tracks, and they often sound depressed, so it's very interesting to hear their philosophies. Some appearances come from Krayzie Bone and Flesh-N-Bone, as well as some female R&B singers for some hooks. It's fairly short at just under 50 minutes, but that may be why it's so consistent. I highly recommend "Trials and Tribulations," this is an embarrassingly slept-on and really great album.



The album begins with "Intro & Insanity," where Poetic Hustla'z collaborate with Flesh-N-Bone to speak of ghetto paranoia and life over a great beat. "Don't Trust a B...." speaks of women and troubles, it's probably the worst song on the album but is still actually pretty good. "Day & Night" speaks of the troubles of trying to make ends meet, the hook and beat are good. I really like "Parlay With a Hustla," the beat is funky and soulful and the MCs match it well with good verses. "Time Will Reveal" is an emotional and deeper song. "Cross Me and You Die" is a little angrier and threatening. "Weekend Buzz" is a classic, an absolutely gorgeous ode to smoking and relaxing. Bone Thugs themselves never made a weed song as good as this. The soaring saxophone is perfect on this song, making it sound soulful and happy, and the raps from Tony, Hart, Boogy, and Krayzie Bone are joyful just like the excellent beat. This is followed by the title track, a depressed yet optimistic look at life with excellent production and singing. I also really love "Smilin' in Your Face," a song about well-wishing haters that has maybe the best production, thick with upbeat synths and piano, and the chorus always makes me yell along. The album finishes with the conscious "Searchin' 4 Peace," followed by an instrumental of "Time Will Reveal."



"Trials and Tribulations" is a well-produced, emotional rap album that showcases the best of three talented MCs. It's sad that this album was so badly marketed and sold so poorly, because unfortunately they never made another album. This album is still in print as far as I know, so while it's available I suggest listeners purchase it while they can. Fans of Bone Thugs will certainly enjoy this, and I also suggest it to hip hop fans in general because this is a really enjoyable record."