Search - Ultramagnetic Mc's :: Four Horsemen

Ultra Still Funky For The Nine-Tre (Rating: 9 out of 10- -4.

Chandler | Atlanta (College Park), Georgia | 01/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two albums under their belt, Ultramagnetic MC's drops their third album together called "The Four Horsemen". On many levels, this can be neck and neck when compared to their classic debut "Critical Beatdown", because they still keep things funky as usual. I haven't heard their second album "Funk Your Head Up" yet, so I really can't say if it's a step up from that album or a step down from that.



There are a few major changes on this album than their first. The obvious change is Ced Gee's voice. It's gotten way deeper than it was on "Critical Beatdown". At first I didn't even notice it was him rhyming until about half way into the album. It's not a bad thing, it actually sounds better. Second is Kool Keith and Ced Gee's rhyme style has changed. It is real hard to notice at first, but listening to this multipule times, you'll pick it up.



As for the songs themselves, they're near perfect. Kool Keith aims at other rappers who overuse old musical samples from legends saying "I don't need Zapp, I don't need Anthrax". Ced Gee would pull a sequel to Critical Beatdown with his song "Delta Force II" which I think is better than the first one. Keith and Ced would get togther to do some tracks on the album together. "The Saga Of Dandy, The Devil, & Day" is a dedication to the Negro Legue baseball. They also manage to keep things funky with the songs "Two Brothers With Checks" and "We Are The Horsemen" and the sex cut "Big Booty".



Most of the production is kept within the Ultramagnetic fam. Some of the tracks were produced by Godfather Don, who does the last verse on "Raise It Up". Moe Luv does a good job scratching in the samples in most songs, and he gets his own solo cut on "Adventures Of Herman's Lust". TR Love holds down the piano and the percussion which makes a nice addition towards the album.



The only small problem that I have is the Kool Keith song "One Two, One Two". I personally just wasn't feeling that one.



Overall, I enjoyed this album. Each member doesn't dissapoint on this album. Unfortunately, this was the last album that they made before the group split up, and all those basement mixtapes surfaced. Like I said before, I believe it's on the same level with "Critical Beatdown" but with a more '93 flavor. If you're a Kool Keith/Ultramagnetic fan, I recommend this one to you. Unfortunately this one is out of print (like everything made by Wild Pitch Records). I was able to find a copy for less than $10, good condition, but to some people, it's worth the search.



Lyrics: A

Production: A+

Musical Vibes: A+

Overall A



My favorite Tracks: Two Brothers With Checks (San Franscisco, Harvey), Raise It Up, Saga Of Dandy, The Devil, & Day, Ced Gee (Delta Force II), Don't Be Scared, Time To Catch A Body, Big Booty



Honorable Menton Track: Checkin' My Style"