"As a long time fan of Ras I was very excited to check his new album. After listening to the LP it seems that Ras is still stuck in his 2nd LP glitch. Meaning, this record sounds just like a modern day version of his softmore release. You still can expect solid production (even more variety then before) and great lyrics, just not anything mind-blowing. I expected to hear some concept material or thought-provoking songs, what I got was just a luke warm attempt. I set a bar for him awhile back, I know he's capable of making a CLASSIC record again I just hope next time around he can deliver. 3.5 stars! Peace"
Good but not great
G. Bratton | Denver, CO | 02/19/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you are a Ras Kass fan, buy this album, it won't disappoint. It definitely has some bad songs, but mostly good ones. Homey, Lover, Friend is wack and songs like Transferred and Medusa weren't good enough for me to listen to more than a couple times. I love the intro and bridge into Eat or Die; classic Rassy. Track 3 is great too, along with Better and the Alchemist produced track, also Fed Up is very good and starts with a hilarious Dave Chapelle joke that I believe is from his movie or stand up. All in all, the beats are good or solid enough for Ras Kass to make them good songs just by his lyrics. His lyrics are good as always, but not his best, so as a result this is not my favorite album of his. Still, this album is better than most new rap albums out there."
A Masterpiece
Anthony G. Gibson | 10/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ras Kass solidifies his position as King of the West with his latest work, Eat or Die. Ras clearly addresses the concerns questionable production on past albums. Lyrically, he is without question hip hop's top five; but matching his first class ryhmes with the proper beats has been an issue for some hip hop fans. However, Eat or Die, appears to have addressed those concerns. This album is definitely a hip hop classic.
Anthony Gibson"
3 1/2 stars, Continue to eat so you won't die!
Mikeisha Best | Mitchellville, Maryland United States | 03/28/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I really enjoy rap music and I am willing to give all rappers a chance, even those who aren't popular like Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Ludacris. When I got my first dose of John "Ras Kass" Austin, I was truly impressed. He has a unique and amazing way of delivering a song, giving plenty of energy and just as much sass and attitude throughout. I have heard quite a few of his songs, but never had the pleasure of listening to a complete album. "Eat or Die" is the first Ras Kass album I listened to and once again, I am in awe. Each song on this album is good, but some are better than others. As a unit, though, this album is cohesive and consistent.
21 tracks and 1.2 hours; this is quite a long album, but who doesn't respect an artist who gives their listener their moneys worth? And, as stated previously, there is consistency so you won't be bored for a moment. There is a guest on almost every track, and I am not familiar with who most of them are, but I assume that they are apart of his crew, Re-Up. For the most part, they did well and added flavor to the album, but they don't hold a candle to Ras. "All Day" is easily the best song on the album. This song really stands out, especially because of the line "Life's a bi***, but the sex is good." I listen to this song a lot. The production is great and so is the hook. Also worth mentioning are "K.O.T.W", "Medusa" and "Fed Up." Ras poured his heart out in "Fed Up." "Medusa" is about a girl Ras was dating who began cheating on him with his friend (If this song is true, he lets the woman have it on this song!)
This album is very good; it would be a compliment to any music collection. Ras is such a gifted artist and I really want to show him love. I hope he gets the exposure that he is rightfully due.