Customer Reviews

Stone & Rob Caught on Tape

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

 

 

The Bronx's Camp Lo returned less than two years removed from 2007's Black Hollywood with their fourth release in twelve years, "Stone and Rob Caught on Tape." A group renowned for its majestic sound drawing from the blaxploitation era, cleverly abstract lyricism, smooth deliveries, and rich style, Camp Lo's latest release is another concise listen that picks up right where its predecessor left off. Structurally, it's quite similar to Black Hollywood, and bears a distinct likeness musically and lyrically. However, production suffers at times, understandably because the group's traditional producer Ski only produces one track (tellingly, the highlight "Ticket 4 2"). Some tracks are laughably poor efforts, such as the horrendous "Ha" and "Pips," which will make even longtime listeners question the Lo. Even the headliner "On Smash," a collaboration with New York legends Pete Rock and Styles P, is underwhelming.

Still, there's enough quality material on "Stone and Rob Caught on Tape" to satisfy the Camp Lo fan. Sonny Cheeba and Geechie Suede are in top form on tracks such as the soulful love song "Gotcha" and and the posse cut "Hold On." The horn-heavy, cinematic "Regulate" and sultry "Diamond Crookz" are vintage Lo.

"Stone and Rob Caught on Tape" is a decent record that ultimately isn't too memorable. I actually read that this was intended as more of a mixtape release and that their follow-up would continue the series of albums drawing their titles from Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby films. Still, Camp Lo again exhibits why they are one of hip hop's most unique and enjoyable acts, and especially in today's rap landscape any material from them is more than welcome. "Stone and Rob Caught on Tape" deserves a listen from fans of Uptown Saturday Night, Let's Do It Again, and Black Hollywood.

Listeners should note that Amazon's tracklist is incorrect--the real one is as follows:

1. 2 Dope Boyz
2. Gotcha feat. Tyler Woods
3. On Smash feat. Pete Rock & Styles P
4. 89 of Crimes feat. Herron
5. Pips
6. Ticket 4 2
7. After the Marv
8. Ha
9. Sky Hi
10. Regulate feat. Yahzarah
11. Diamond Crookz
12. Future
13. Hold On feat. Jungle Boogie Brown

Digging this album like I did Uptown. The vibe is dope. Black Hollywood was aight, but this album is fiyah. If you like the Lo (Uptown-ish) then you will dig this album.

First off, I want to say that I am glad that Camp Lo finally did a song like "Future". It took them four albums to address the other artist who constantly steals the way they dress and speak. They have ALWAYS been original, no question about that, but other more popular artist would do what they do...like for instance, the alligator sneakers, Lo had those in 2000-01, donning a scarf...Lo did that in the 90's, waaaayyyyy before it was cool for black males to don a scarf without their sexuality being questioned. The quality in this Disc is competing with "Lets do it again" (released in 2004), but a bit more cutting edge with beat experiment. They show that after 14 years, they are still two of the best in creating a new swag! I would advise to get their collection starting with Uptown Saturday Night in order for you to appreciate their growth as musicians. Even Sonny Cheeba is doing beats on this disc (one half of the Smokin' Apples), honing in on dreamy, jazzy beats which is typical Camp Lo ("Ticket for 2", and "Gotcha"- which is the name for their first track on "Lets..."). Lets see if Sonny Cheba and Geechi Suede will grow into producers, it definitely seems like they have the capacity.

The album is great. If you are a fan of old school style hip hop you would love this album. The cd was factory sealed and in perfect condition.

I am so happy to write a positive review for camp lo. I didn't care for their last couple efforts and had just about written them off as washed up. This album takes me back to uptown saturday night!!! The album got mad old school flavor, dope beats and tight verses. In all actuality, the album is infectious ( i listened to it three times already) and makes me look forward to more material from this duo. If they can stay on the same page of this album and uptown saturday night, i will be back as a full fledged fan again. Make this album a part of your collection...ASAP!

Actually, Amazon listed the wrong track listing for this album. There's 13 tracks, not 11. Track 8 is "Ha" (which sucks), Track 9 is "Sky Hi" (which is aight), Track 10 is "Regulate" (which is cool), Track 11 is "Diamond Crooks" (which is dreamy), Track 12 is "Future" (which sucks), and Track 13 is "Hold On" (which is surprisingly good, mostly due to the hook sample).

I still checked for Camp Lo, despite not liking their last 2 albums, which basically signifies someone "falling off" to me, especially when following a classic debut album like "Uptown Saturday Night". But this 4th album is like a breath of fresh air.

Its real hot dude, for real. "On Smash" with Styles P and Pete Rock is the official banger of the album. Its only 40 minutes, but there's alotta dope tracks on there. People will recognize the emergence of new producers Apple Juice Kid and Smokin' Apples. Also, Lo reunites with Ski on the unforgettable track "Ticket For 2".