Killer Mike - Monster
Reviewed By: ULTIMATECDLINK
Album Rate: 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Killer Mike made appearances on Dungeon Family albums by Outkast, Slimm Calhoun, & Backbone, but it wasn't until "The Whole World" hit the airwaves that the fans took notice. His Dungeon Family debut became one of the most anticipated solo albums out. It features the likes of Big Boi, Bun B, T.I., Bone Crusher, Slimm Calhoun, Bizarre, Rock D, & J-Sweet.
1. Monster (intro)
2. Monster-- this track sets the album off at a phrenic pace with is combination of laid back piano with warlike drumbeats. Killer Mike lets us know that he's "the monster, the sick and twisted monster". It's an all right track.
3. Akshon (Yeah!)-- this track has that stop-and-go beat that was featured on Outkast's "The Whole World" in which Killer Mike gave a standout verse on. Killer Mike straight flows his ass off on this one. It's a bumpin song that you'll be listening to over and over.
4. Rap Is Dead-- this track is the controversial track in which Killer Mike says what we've all been thinkin--that hip hop is more than just B.I.G. & 2Pac. Killer Mike also lets us knows how real niggaz like Dead Prez can't move units but those "pop" sit on top but ain't comin with shit on the mic. Tight song with a great message.
5. Scared Straight-- this track has a nice laid back 70's feel on the beat. Killer Mike tones down his delivery on this one and raps about leaving the dope game after going to prison. Another tight song.
6. All 4 U-- this track has that East Coast feel with those samples that Roc-A-Fella has been famous for giving us lately. Killer Mike comes a nice laid back delivery rappin about his childhood. Nice track.
7. A.D.I.D.A.S. (f/ Big Boi)-- this track is the second single from the album and has that hypnotic beat that you can't help but bob ya head along to. The acronym A.D.I.D.A.S. stands for "All Day I Dream About Sex". Big Boi starts it off and lays down a tight verse. Killer Mike comes decent on the mic as well but not quite as tight as he's capable of. Overall, a very nice song that'll have the chorus stuck in your head for days.
8. Creep Show (f/ Bizarre of D-12)-- this track has a laid back slower paced beat with some horns and a heavy bassline. Killer Mike laces the track with rhymes of the underworld party scene. Bizarre doesn't add much to the track. It's an all right track but not one of my favorites on the album.
9. U Know I Love You (f/ J-Sweet)-- this track produced by Andre 3000 takes us back to the funky era. Killer Mike comes with his high energy delivery even though the beat feels more like a 70's peace-and-love sound. Not feelin this one too much.
10. Home Of The Brave (f/ Slimm Calhoun)-- this track has one of the best beats on the album. Killer Mike and Slimm Calhoun really hit a home run reppin A-T-L & Georiga on this one cause it is by far my favorite track on the album. Love everything about it.
11. L.I.V.E.-- this track has those heavy basslines that reminds me of "The Whole World". Killer Mike doesn't really come that tight on this one. Maybe it's because he just followed one of the best songs with a sub-par performance.
12. Blow (Get Down) (f/ Rock D)-- this track features a lot of brass in it. Killer Mike comes with a nice flow on this one about the ho's and dope. It's a bumpable track.
13. Sex, Drugs, Rap, & Roll-- this track features some heavy electric guitar riffs by "Thunda Dan" to give it that rock feel. Killer Mike comes with a tight delivery but the beats weren't doing much for me.
14. Dragon (f/ Fass Black)-- this track starts off with a verse by Frank Williams aka Fass Black (R.I.P.) which sounds like it was recorded over the phone. Killer Mike then unleashes the fury on those that took Black's life. The song combines a soulful dedication to the life of his friend with the anger felt in Killer Mike's heart. Tight song.
15. Re-Akshon (f/ T.I., Bun B, & Bone Crusher)-- this track has that hyped up sound of the 'king of crunk' Lil Jon. T.I. & Bun B delivery their usual stellar performances. Definitely better than the original version.
Overall, this album was pretty much what I expected. With Outkast involved, you know that you'll get some beats that outside of the norms when it comes to Southern rap but somehow they manage to make it work everytime. Killer Mike has that unique sound to his voice but the best part of the album is the versility he displays throughout the album. With numerous hidden tracks on the album after track 15, it's definitely worth checkin out.
Killer Mike - Monster