Customer Reviews

Raw Deluxe

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

 

 

Do not be put off by the reviews & criticism, this is not a disapointment nor is it a lackluster peformance from the legendary JBeez. I'm sick of people comparing it to "Straight out the jungle" and earlier releases, that was almost 10 years before this!! They have evolved!
The sound on "Raw Deluxe" is essentially a much more laid-back, smooth vibe with the captivating production and easy-to-follow lyrics. If anything it is actually more satisfying and well-rounded than "straight out the jungle" as the low quality recording made SOTJ at some points, very un-enjoyable to listen to. Similarly, although respected legends, it was evident that both Afrika and Mike G were nothing special lyrically back in 1988, they were just consistent, and there is no difference here. The lyrics are smooth and full of flava that compliment the beats perfectly, just how it should be. Hip Hop legends De La Soul & Q Tip (Tribe Called Quest) drop by for one of the album's best tracks "How ya want it we got it".
With the beats being handled by the JBeez, Djinji Brown, The Roots, RocRaider & Stereo Mc's it has to be said that the production is the highlight here. As said, laid back - smooth vibes is what your mental will endure with "raw deluxe", straight consistency. Don't hesitate to PICK THIS UP if you are a fan of the JBeez, 90's Hiphop and underground hiphop alike. PEACE!

Best Tracks -
JungleBrother (True Blue)
Brain
How Ya Want It We Got It (Native Tongues Mix)
Handle My Business
Jungle Brother (remix)

Lyrics - 8/10
Beats - 9/10
Originality - 8.5/10
Replay Value - 9/10

If you found this helpful, check my other reviews

This album never gets old, if your were born in the 80's like me this will be your favorite Jungle Brothers album simply because the sound on the other albums is just too dated & this sounds more modern, even though it's ten plus years old the beats stand the test of time plus the lyrics are just dope on the "Political" & "State of the Black Man" tip, I have to admire progressive thinking. If you love De La Soul's "Stakes Is High" you'll love this album. It's a must have for any Native Tongue fan or even todays Justus League fans alike. "You Don't Know where u going, if u don't where u came from" So copped this wonderful album by the JB's, because w/o there'd be no "The Listening"- by Little Brother.

Although this is nowhere near as good as Straight Out The Jungle and Done By The Forces Of Nature, two of the JB's best albums, Raw Deluxe is still a great effort from the JB's. The beats are more stripped down and laid-back, and the JB's chemistry is still here. Check out The Roots-produced "Brain", the Native Tounges reunion on "How Ya Want It We Got It", and the fantastic "Jungle Brother (Stereo MC's Mix)". If you are a fan of the JB's, you may or may not be disappointed, but this is still a good LP that deserves a listen.

This album is very underrated and slept on.
The Native Tongues posse cut, "How You Want It We Got It" is a must have.
It's not as incredible as "Done By The Forces Of Nature", which is a five star classic.
It's not as daring or original as "....Remedy", but it's a more consistent, entertaining listen than "...Remedy" in my opinion.
A solid record from start to finish.
If you're a Native Tongues fan, just get it.

Listening to this, and then listening to any of the Jungle Brothers old stuff is a big transition. Even though the bros still kick it in this more recent album, doesn't mean that they have pumped any msg into their older stuff. In fact its gone a little raw. However, if you are a fan of the bros like I am, then you definitely want to check out Raw Deluxe.If you are a stranger to the bros then I'd start out with some of their older stuff with a bit more flavor.

The legendary JBs just chose to rock a bare-boned ,minimalist but very well put together stilo this time around(1997) and it works. The combative bassline on Toe to Toe and the neo-soul flavor on Changes show that Mike, Sammy, and Afrika have slowed down but they still swingin!

More standard hip-hop fare than JBeez Wit The Remedy and not as good. While production on The Remedy was bold, sometimes exciting and sometimes numbing with its originality, the production here is half-hearted and lacks creativity. The beats on Where You Wanna Go and Jungle Brother (True Blue) are good but the rest seem to have been taken straight off the B-Side of any other mediocre New York rap groups latest single. The lyrics are also disappointing for most tracks. If you like the Jungle Brothers and New York hip-hop, you'll like this album, but it is certainly not a necesary one.

it lacks luster, but it still bumps in its own way. to me, it was the last good one though. i think that the jbs should continue to create original tracks instead of trying to do the radio friendly fluff stuff. though it does seem like they had to grunt a lil bit to get into this one, they did it enough to win me over..............i do not know about you. check it out though.