Customer Reviews

Rated G

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

 

 

If someone were to ask me, I'd probably say that 5th Ward Boyz primarily existed as a Rap-A-Lot alternative to Geto Boys. Coming from the same Houston neighborhood, the trio always exhibited a style, sound, and subject matter that was similar to their pioneering labelmates, although they never found the mainstream success they did. However, it's hard to argue with the statement of their third album, 1995's "Rated G," which is actually better than some of the Geto Boys' own LPs. E-Rock, 007, and Lo-Life aren't really distinctive in their own rights (it's hard to imagine a solo album from any of them), but as a unit they are cohesive, especially on this effort. Vocally and flow-wise, they do sound a lot like Geto Boys, and their dark and depressed lyrics on "Rated G" are top-notch. Their deep tales of the downside of street life, dark philosophies, and rough narratives are often excellent. Houston's hip hop scene was in its golden era at this point, and this is reflected in the production as well, mostly handled by the genius Rap-A-Lot in-house producer Mike Dean. His beats are heavy, deep, rich, and funky, and they are of an equal quality to the great production you'd find on a concurrent Geto Boys, Facemob, or Big Mike release. One complaint I have is that the album's running time is a bit bloated, with some songs on the second half that run too long. There are a few tracks on the second half of "Rated G" that are too long and redundant. 1995 was a great year for Rap-A-Lot, and with such albums as Bushwick Bill's Phantom of the Rapra, Mad CJ Mac's True Game, and Poppa LQ's Your Entertainment My Reality, "Rated G" never received its due attention, much like 5th Ward Boyz themselves. Nevertheless, "Rated G" is an album well worth your checking out, especially if you're a fan of the sounds of Geto Boys, Facemob, U.G.K., and the mid-90s Houston and Rap-A-Lot scene.

The album opens with the rough "Dirty," a grimy and solid opener. One of the best tracks is the excellent "Concrete Hell," one of the most effective songs of their discography. Over mournful and depressing production, 5th Ward Boyz tell a stirring prison narrative that takes the listener inside the mentality of a convict. "Situations" sadly speaks of life's struggles, another nice song. I also really like "5th Ward," an upbeat, catchy, and funky production. "The Streets" brings more thick gangsta funk, and "Your Life" is a more thoughtful but slightly monotonous effort. "Death Is Calling" is okay but too long at nearly seven minutes, and "Raisin Cain" has a cool hook and a good feel. After the alright "Busta Free" comes the soulful and twangy "One Night Stand," a nice late-album track. The last song is the slamming posse cut "Step Into My Hood," a strong finish.

"Rated G" is an underrated and severely slept-on album of the deep, dark Houston funk that made Rap-A-Lot famous in the 90s. They don't bring too much new to the table, but this album is of the quality of some of Rap-A-Lot's finest releases from this period, but never quite found the same acclaim as others. In any event, it's an album I recommend highly to listeners of that distinction.

These boyz dropped this like in the 90s sometime I think. 5th Ward boyz have always been considered O.G. status outta Houston. If you like Geto Boyz, South Park Coalition, Trinity Gardens, etc. then you gotta get these boyz to add to tha collection. Boyz go hard right here.

first of all I ordered the remastered version and it is worth every penny it really sounds great. the album itself is great as well it is my fav cd from these guys it is gangsta as hell and the beats are really good.

One of the all time greats.This is a must get to add to your collection.Words can't explain the words that come out of there mouths.They make you feel what there saying. H-Town

5th Ward Boyz are underground legends in Houston and the south. They were not signed to Rap-A-Lot for nathan. They hold it down and keep it gutter throughout. This 1995 album is straight up gangsta rap from E-Rock, 007, and Lo-Life. For the most part, the beats are hella funky, but at the end there are a few crazy, horror beats. Production credits go to Mike Dean, a legend, Scarface, the 5th Ward Boyz themselves, Roger Tausz, Derek Edwards, and Pimp C on one song. My favorite one is either "Swing Wide" or "Concrete Hell." "Swing Wide" features a slammin G-Funk style beat by Pimp C which slaps, and showcases some killa flows from Pimp C and Bun B of UGK along with the 5th Ward Boyz, a hot rider anthem. "Concrete Hell" takes a more serious approach and features cautionary words about the hood over a laidback twangy smokin' beat produced by Mike Dean, 5th Ward Boyz, and Roger Tausz. Another hot one is "5th Ward", where them boyz put it down for their setover a Mike Dean smoker beat. "The Streets" stomps hella hard with a thumpin hard beat and relentless flows by these O.G.s in the game, a perfect gangster anthem. Everything about this album screams H-Town to the fullest. If you like sweet southern fried funk and gangster rhymes, this one is for you.

the 5th ward boys put it down for real on this album especally the track situations. This albub is the *** you need to get this classic

Unless you're fully familiar with Rap-A-Lot's full catalog, you probably aren't too familiar with The 5th Ward Boyz. With their album Rated G, showcases their style in various ways. Most of their rhymes are about living the street lifestyle (i.e. weapons, drugs, etc.), but at the same time, they hardly, if ever, step outside of that zone. The album strong point is the production. Most of it is handled by Mike Dean, and N.O. Joe, with a few from others. Some of the songs that stood out to me because of it's great production was "Concrete Hell" and "Fifth Ward", both over some nice G-Funk production.

When times that the lyrics do come into play, they hold a solid form on this album. I thought E-Rock's solo song "Your Life" was good, as well as it's production. "Death Is Calling" is another song with solid lyrics. And the previously mentioned song "Concrete Hell" is also great from a lyrical standpoint. The rest of the album is really nothing new, most that you've heard before, but at the same time was done much better (Geto Boys for instance). Aside from a few guest appeanrances such as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, UGK, and whoever rhymes on track 14 (no names are given in the linear notes), there is not much to look for lyricslly.

Overall, Rated G is a good album. I would say to newcommers of 5th Ward Boyz to not expect a lot from the lyrics (especially when artists such as Geto Boys, UGK, 4 Deep were much better), but look for the standout production. The album is great for fans of Rap-A-Lot fans, or if you're looking for something to cruise to at night. I recommend that you give this a listen before you purchase. Peace!

Lyrics: C+
Production: B+
Guest Appearances: B-
Musical Vibes: B-

Top 5 Tracks:
1. 5th Ward
2. Concrete Hell
3. Situations
4. Your Life
5. Death Is Calling (featuring 3 Deep, Flesh-N-Bone, and Bizzy Bone)

Honorable Mention:
1. Raising Cain
2. One Night Stand

This right here is straight gangsta!!!! 5th Ward Boyz take u on a journey thru da grimy streetz, n i dont mean NORE grimey. There detail to every detail is amazing. Standout traccz include Concrete Hell, Situationz, and Your Life. Get this if u into Scarface, cuz deeze boyz on diz album rip juzt like Face.