Customer Reviews

In God We Trust

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album showed that the guys of Now Rule, Lord Jamar and Sadat X (don't forget Sincere) could hold their own after Grand Puba went solo. It's also refreshing to hear after Grand Puba was all over their first album. Yet I still missed Puba a little bit and a smidget of Brand Nubian's flava left with him, so this album is ALMOST as tight as their first album. But overt Five Percent messages (their album title, In God We Trust, is a play on words: God meaning of the heavens and/or "god" meaning the black man) and thumping beats with cool lyrics are still in abundance. Bangers to check for are "Pass the Gat", "Love Me or Leave Me Alone" ("I keep my tongue in my mouth/'Cuz I can't see down south", says Sadat to a girl), and of course, "Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down", but this version is different from the famous video version.

The Brand Nubian 'movement' could have folded after Grand Puba opted out after their first album(the classic "All For One"). Thankfully, just two years after the debut, Lord Jamar and Sadat X returned, along with DJ Sincere, carrying on the Brand Nubian name and the teachings of the 5% of Islam. Here, you get to know Sadat and Jamar much better, since Puba had so much solo time on the debut album. Sadat X's nasaly, high-pitched voice and fluctuating quick flow is a perfect contrast to Lord Jamar's strong and steady flow. Yes, this album is much darker than "All For One." They do reference guns and physical violence often throughout, and the swearing increases ten-fold. I'm not complaining, just addressing the differences.
This is such are different cd than "All For One," so one listen will not be enough to judge and comprehend. The biggest hits back in its day from this album were "Love Me or Leave Me Alone" and "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down," both memorable. There are a couple worthwhile inclusions here, like "Meaning of the 5%," just a recording of a powerful speech on the topic(Farrakan?), and "Allah and Justice," which has just singing and praising. They kick up the intensity on bangers like "Travel Jam" and "Brand Nubian Rock The Set," both pretty good. "Pass The Gat" is an angry jam, one I don't mind too much. "Steal Ya Ho" seemed like just filler to me(they get freaky here), and "Steady Bootleggin'" wasn't too interesting, but at least they try a different topic. "Black Star Line" contains some really solid lyrics from Sadat and Jamar, but Red Foxx's reggae style just goes on and on and on and nearly ruins the song.
"Ain't No Mystery" was easily the strongest song, I thought. Also "Black and Blue" was noteworthy: a dark, telltale track about cop and black-on-black violence. I really liked the music on this one! The other two standouts were "Allah U Akbar" and "The Godz(Must Be Crazy)." The cd is more mellow than "All For One," although some jams were included. I found that pretty much all the tracks had something good about them in their own ways. Brand Nubian began to get very militant about their religious beliefs. I'm wondering if their religion really supports excessive swearing, radical physical violence, smoking ganja, and sleeping with whomever, whenever, like Brand Nubain offers. Oh well, I like this cd a lot and at least they are MC's dedicated to something.
While I didn't miss Grand Puba's presence on "In God We Trust," I will agree that something seemed to be missing in the Brand Nubian vibe and chemistry here. I think that this was a new Brand Nubian, and they still excelled given the circumstances. Hard to say which of them tear it up more, both Sadat and Jamar have their shining moments. This shouldn't be one of the first albums to start your old-school Hiphop collection, but keep your eye out for it every time you go to the store. I had much trouble trying to find this! Definitely a worthwhile listen.

I slept on this cd for over 10 years now, and I finally got anround to it. In a way I'm glad, because nowadays very little rap music really seems to do anything creative, and is lacking any kind of message, positive or negative. This was enjoyable from beginning to end.

This is Brand Nubian's best CD to date. It's very well produced, and has great beats. I think the number one tracks are: 1) Punks Jump Up... 2) Steal Ya Ho 3) Love Me Or Leave Me Alone 4) Travel Jam. If you like Brand Nubian, buy this!

Brand Nubian had a nice run of three CD's that are all 5 Mic territory. It is a shame they are not bigger now because the music and the lyrics on this CD are top of the line. From Political to religious to there styles. It's all very good.

Brand Nubians second release, In God We Trust came out after Grand Puba and DJ Alamo left the group to work on Pubas solo debut but Sadat and Lord J show they can do fine on their own. This album has a darker tone than One For All but it definitely sounds like a Brand Nubian album, and they throw in a lot of funky joints as well. This album is hot from start to finish, featuring the singles "Punks Jump up to Get Beat Down" and "Pass the Gat". Fans of DITC and Tribe will find more music in the same vein in this release. Definitely cop it!

this album came out in 1992,2 years after their 1990 one for all album,this is their first time making a album without grand puba, puba wanted to make a solo album so he came out with his first album reel to reel,which came out the same year,but anyways back to the album, they really stepped their game up lyrical-wise,production wise,etc.and this is the first time you hear them curse on a record,my only concern with this album is that they don't have the video version of Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down,i like the original which is produced by diamond but i like the remix better,standout tracks are allah u akbar,pass the gat,the godz...,and love me or leave me alone,this is recommended for fans of brand nubian and real hip hop fans,

p.s. if u don't cop this album then remember this,''pumks jump up to get beat down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

After lead man Grand Puba left, it was skeptical that Brand Nubian could do it again. In God We Trust is their sophomore effort that surprised all non-believers of their strength. This album is composed of beliefs, religion, street smarts, upliftment, positivity, lyricism, love, injustice and just raw talent when most rap / hip-hop doesn't contain even partial of the ingredients of this LP. Twelve of the fourteen songs on this album were produced by Brand Nubian themselves as the created a formula that would identify them as a whole. "Allah U Akbar" is more like a praise or acknowledgement of a superior being to begin this album off. "...put your Bible in the attic / cause I didn't come for static..." taken from Sadat X as they profess their beliefs that the black man is the true and living God on "Ain't No Mystery". They take us on a heist and back to the streets on "Pass The Gat". Leading us to the promise land or back to Africa as they navigate us on this trip on the "Black Star Line" featuring Red Foxx. The short and sweet "Allah And Justice" is a song featuring all three members 'singing' a four bar verse each and sharing the last as this song is almost like an up-beat prayer. They prove how they can adapt to any climate on "The Godz..." with lyrics by Sadat X as such "...some days I wake up mad and I don't feel like hearing sh*t, what you are talking to the curb jack, you don't even know me..." If you still didn't believe that they can hold it down missing a member, "Brand Nubian Rock The Set" will prove otherwise. They get a little personal with the relationship tune, "Love Me Or Leave Me Alone" and quickly turn to how after performing they'll "Steal Ya 'Ho". They tackle problems and question the industry of bootleggers on "Steady Bootleggin'". "Black And Blue" is a story about bad black cops that believe they are above the law. Last but not least, "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down" produced by Diamond D ended this album off on the note it began and the only thing here missing is the remix to it. Sadat X, Lord Jamar and Sincere offered more than just the sweets, they offered a healthy alternative to what we are used to.

This is a great album. It's not their best (that would be "One For All"), but it is a worthwhile release. Sadat X and Lord Jamar are given their time to shine, and they do not disappoint. Without Grand Puba, this album definitely has a darker feel, but it works here. My favorite track on this album is "Ain't No Mystery". Other bangers include "Allah U Akbar", "The Godz...", "Travel Jam", "Love Me Or Leave Me Alone" and, of course, "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down". If you are just starting your Brand Nubian collection, go with "One For All" first, it is their best album. This album is worthwhile on it's own, and I think it's better than "Everything Is Everything". To quote one of the songs "Pass the fu..ing gat" and buy this album.

Sadat & Jamar held it DOWN for the UNDERGROUND. This record has a little of everything when it comes to topics. Both MC's really out did themselves from beginning to end. All the songs hold your attention and keep your head noddin the whole way through. Easily considered a HIP HOP CLASSIC. Highly recommended!