Escape From Alcatraz

Rasco | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 9, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Coup D'etat
• ASIN: B0000AM6OZ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,593 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars True Music Critic..., March 11, 2008

By 

Mario A. Robinson "HueManyst Muzik" (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Escape From Alcatraz (Audio CD)

I agree partially with the last listener that it is a great effort by Rasco and I'm feeling it but, it could have been superb. Although he did surprise me with his production style which is pretty tight and he does have reputable talent there which is not too average. The subject matter is right where it should be and content of course as expected from Rasco - Rasco is one of my favorite Bay Area Cali native Emcees'. He has a witty, pungent, and point-blank precise delivery with every word that is tuned from years of having breathe control on the Mic. Overall he put his best foot forward...I gave it four stars because of subject matter, creativity, content and arrangement. It's worth the purchase if you're a loyal fan...One. HueManyst Muzik. Stay Indie Rasco!!!. BeHuman1st.

4.0 out of 5 stars So Simple It Succeeds, May 8, 2006

By 

Jesse Smith - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Escape From Alcatraz (Audio CD)

It's hard to say what it is I like about Rasco exactly. His flow sounds good, but it's really simple and almost never changes. Most of the time his rhymes are just bragging, and while his lines don't come off as corny they're not usually clever either. Even his song titles often sound cookie-cuttered("Put Your Hands Up," "We Get Live," "Making U Move," "Let's Get Down Tonight," "Real Hot"). His beats range from good to mediocre, and even the good ones are just headnoddable and don't show any true originality or depth. This album lacks most of the first things I look for in a good record.

But for some reason I've been playing this album a lot lately and I've been really enjoying it. There's something about Rasco's style that makes me feel good. I think it's that it's so simple and straightforward it sounds...honest, somehow. Unpretentious. He's not trying too hard to dazzle listeners or break ground or prove he's the best. He's just doing what he loves and making something for you to tap your feet to. Because of the album's simplicity it succeeds.

Like I said before, in most tracks Rasco's just bragging or talking about clubbing. With these tracks you can't really tell one verse from the next, either in lyrical content or rhyme style, but at least he's consistent and his smooth voice and flow are easy on the ear. What separates these tracks from eachother is the beats. "Get Free," "Put Your Hands Up" and "San Fran to the Town" are pretty average; I don't skip them but they're not on repeat either. "Making U Move" sounds like it's means to be a club track and I don't go to clubs, but I'm feeling the Southeast Asian pipes on the hook. My favorites are "We Get Live," "Let's Get Down Tonight," and "Real Hot." These tracks bounce. They all have kind of a chill sound with minimalist guitar loops that will just make you want to dance, and Rasco sounds nice over them.

Most of the tracks are like that, but he does switch it up a little. In "U Got the Time," he encourages people to take the time to try and better themselves and their communities over a soulful, hopeful beat. "The Sweet Science" has him trading rhymes with the deep-voiced wonder, Chali 2na, with his smooth flow intact. Ras and 2na trade verses using boxing as a metaphor for rhyming with a rolling guitar loop in the background. This is one of better tracks. On "My Life," Ras raps about how he has to be strong to overcome his life's struggles. The rhymes are pretty good but the beat doesn't do much for me. "Snakes in the Grass" is an attack on (I think) the owner of his former record label, Copasetik. The track has some hard-sounding electric guitar chords that I like, and the verses aren't bad even if they are a little malicious. "Endless" shines largely due to fellow Cali Agent member Planet Asia bringing the heat over a track made for hard spitting. The album ends strong with "All I Wanna Be," with Rasco delivering reflective rhymes over a dramatic string beat.

Basically, this album is good because it's easy to listen to. You can just put it in the player and nod your head. It's so straightforward it's refreshing. So if you're not looking for a classic record and you just want to pick up something good, buy this album.

This is my second Rasco album and from what I've heard the two I own are some of his weaker releases, so I'll definitely need to look into some of his other material.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Slept on MC Classic album, January 1, 2006

By 

Scott Correia "youngest-in-charge" (fall river, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Escape From Alcatraz (Audio CD)

Rasco, one half of the legendary underground group the Cali Agents(along with Planet Asia), is one of the most slept on Mc's in the west coast. His raw lyrics and his unique rhyme style and flow make Escape From Alcatraz a classic. The name of the album is a metaphor represnting Rasco's not-so-peaceful departure from Copasetik Records. "Snakes in the Grass, the John Sexton Story" tells the story of John Sexton, CEO of Copasetik Records, and how Sexton tried to screw Rasco over many times. "the Sweet Science," featuring Chali2na of J5, is one of my favorite songs ever. Every song is good, if not bangin, on this album. GO PICK THIS ONE UP!