Customer Reviews

True Story

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

Terror Squad has changed a lot since their last album, considering the death of Big Pun, the dismissal of Cuban Link, and the forgotten-about Triple Seis. Their latest album, True Story, probably won't win any awards for Best Album of the Year, but it's a pretty decent offering from the group.

First off, I really don't understand why nobody seems to like this album. A lot of reviewers say that "Lean Back" is the only good song on here, and I have to disagree. It IS the BEST song on the album though, but there are also some other good songs, like "Streets of NY" and "Thunder In the Air". And while implementing deceased rappers' vaulted rhymes onto tracks is played out, it still works on "Bring `Em Back", where Fat Joe is teamed up with Big Pun and Big L.

There ARE some skippable tracks on here though, like "Terror Era" and the lame "Take Me Home". I'm also wondering if the generic "Yes Dem to Def" was really intended to be on Fat Joe's upcoming album Things of That Nature because he's the only one in that song, and he keeps quoting that album title throughout it.

But that brings me to another point. This album really feels more like a compilation than a group effort, because at no point are all five members in the same song, not even during the chorus (The Firm, anyone?). Oh well, this is still a pretty good album from Terror Squad. It's not the best rap I've heard all year, but it's worth picking up.

Anthony Rupert

Terror Squad, True Story. This you would expect to be a good album seeing the you have Fat Joe on as the headliner in the group along with Tony Sunshine, Prospect, Armageddon and the new comer Remy. A twelve track record with only two songs that are even worth listneing to. This was a sever dissappointment to the music lovers. The only people I could see buying this would be the die-hard Fat Joe fans or those who just have to have every Terror Squad record. Let's face it, the lead off track, Lean Back, is indeed a good track because it is true. That is exactly what is done in the clubs these days. What is untrue is that every hard core acting woman can rap. I am all for female rappers but Remy is one who should have simply supported the female rappers from afar. The track Yeah, Yeah, Yeah is yeah, yeah, stupid. What the h*#@ is it? Does anyone know? Having Remy in the background repeating the words yeah,yeah, yeah was a waist of time. It's monotenous chours is sicking to the ears. One really has to ask the question, 'Why is Remy there?' 'What is her purpose?' because she does not improve the groups persona at all. True Story, according to Fat Joe, was suppose to bring rap and hip-hop back to the streets of NY where he says it all began. If that is the way it all began then he and the Terror Squad should have picked it up somewhere in the middle so we don't have to relive the embarrasment of rap and hip-hop in its infancy. This album was like your parents showing those embarrasing moments your parents happened to catch when you were little and showing them to the world thinking it is something cute. Let's lock those away and hope they never see the light of day again.

After a five year hiatus Terror Squad returns with there second album "True Story". The group has changed since its last album, tragically losing its most established and in my opinion most talented artist Big Pun (R.I.P.). The other change is two original members Cuban Link and Triple Seis have parted ways and are pursuing solo careers. In Cuban Link's case there is bad blood between him and Fat Joe as most people who follow the group know. The group now consists of four original members Fat Joe, Armageaddon, Prospect, Tony Sunshine and one new addition in female MC Remy Martin.

The album opens with Terror Squad leader Fat Joe letting it be known Terror Squad is still holding it down on "Nothings Gonna to Stop Me", singer Tony Sunshine drops in halfway and in a role reversal, Sunshine rhymes while Fat Joe drops a chorus. Remy Martin who has made a name for herself through winning some battles leads the way on "Yeah Yeah Yeah" and "Hum Drum". Fat Joe and Remy Martin hook up again for the lead single "Lean Back" which has become a summertime anthem that has been exploding on the radio for weeks, its a catchy track that is bound to help the squad sell units. This track has spun off a number of remixes and has more on the way. Tony Sunshine then tones things down and adds diversity to the album with two laidback R & B tracks "Take Me Home" and "Streets of NY" feat. Remy Martin. Big Pun is resurrected on "Bring Em Back". I am not impressed by "Yes Dem to Def" which states Fat Joe as "the true king of New York", and has Joe rhyming with a poor Jay-Z imitation like flow. Thankfully Armageaddon drops "Pass Away" which is easily my favourite track on this release. Delivering introspective lyrics Geddy brings mad depth on this cut, backed by a sick beat and some smooth Tony Sunshine vocals this is a track to remember. Gotta say Armageaddon is now my favourite TS MC, and I hope to see a solo album out from him in future. The next track is the pounding "Let Them Things Go", not really feeling it. Prospect gets his chance to shine on "Thunder in the Air" and then "Terror Era" closes things off.

Overall this is a decent album, its good to see Terror Squad back at it. The production from the likes of Scram Jones,DJ Khaled, Scott Storch, Streetrunner and Lord Finesse is stellar. On the rhyming side I have to admit I miss Big Pun and Cuban Link, who were my favourite MC's of the group and the ones who stood out the most for me on the first album. No real point in dwelling on past though, Fat Joe has brought his squad back into the game by delivering a short but solid summertime album. Terror Squad fans can expect to see solo albums from Remy Martin and Tony Sunshine. Recommend checking "True Story" out, and if your new to Terror Squad I highly recommend checking out there first album as well.
3 1/2

I bought the album because of the single "Lean Back". Unfortunaly this album is a disappointment. With there pop beats, recycled lyrics and one hit wonder this cd is garbage. I cant believe I bought this and im warning you customers to be cautious with this album. I do not recommend this its nothing but one hot song and a couple of O.K. tracks. Tracks 1 to 5 is the only good part of the cd the rest of it is filler material. Fat Joe has no lyrical ability, sure he can flow but his rap is simple. The beats are bubble gum so dont even consider buying this. Terror Squad didnt even go Gold(500 000 records sold), 4 weeks on the chart and its dropping in flying colors.
SO DONT GET THIS ALBUM SPEND YOU MONEY ON SOMETHING ELSE

Personally, I think this new album from T.S. is better than the last one. The only reason I think this is that I got bored of the old album. But others might not think like me but this is my opinion. Okay, well T.S. has grown from their last. The beats the rhymes and the songs are just hot. Fat Joe, Remy, Tony, Geddy, Prospect and Armageddon all have their own talents. I think Fat Joe and Remy are the best rappers in this album. I dont really need to say much just go out to your nearest store and buy this album! You will like this rap/hip hop music. Its someting new and different from other rap groups. But Wu Tang is always the best group. They are definitely bringing back real hip hop to the BX and NY.
Ratings:
1. Nothing's Gonna Stop Me 3/5
2. Yeah Yeah Yeah 5/5 This beat his just too good, it pumps me up and Remy just spits on the MIC like crazy.
3. Hum Drum "When the chips are down"... Too good to make a comment for. 4/5
4. Lean Back 5/5 I think yall heard this joint already. And do the rock away, now lean back, lean back, lean back, lean back.
5. Take Me Home 5/5 Next single, too hot. This is for the ladies.
6. Streets Of NY 3/5 Tony Sunshine is a pretty good R&B artist.
7. Bring 'Em Back 5/5 All I can say is its hot. The group is at it again with probably the best lyrics on the album.
8. Yes Dem To Def 4/5
9. Pass Away 4/5 Good meaning. Lots of menaing.
10. Let Them Things Go 5/5 Good club anthem.
11. Thunder In The Air 5/5 One of the best beats on the albums, one of my favourite songs. Prospect just spits on the MIC like theres no tomorrow. He's sick on this song.
12. Terror Era 5/5 Hot beat, good joint. Good ending to the album.
R.I.P. Big Pun,Big L, Pac, Biggie

Though its been relatively unnoticed, Fat Joe is one of the best lyracists in the industry right now. Having Joe in the Terror Squad puts them one up, but the remaining members of the group have the weight of the world on their shoulders; Joe still has a deal and the fame to continue solo if this project is a flop, the other members don't. Point blank they needed to bring it, and they didn't.

The only really standout member with the exception of Fat Joe is Tony Sunshine, he is an extremely talented vocalist however his singing on the album is abismal, almost non existant. "Streets of NY", Sunshine's solo track is pure soothing soul music at it's best. After all the hype, the contributions from Remi Martin, the group's female rapper, are extremely disappointing. The other members just have no real rapping skill, lazy flows and mediocre lyrics.

The sped-up, chipmunk style vocals (think Kanye West's "Through the Wire") have become another annoying hip hop trademark, easily surpassing the excessive, point-less interludes. For those who are a fan of this "singing", then you'll be happy to know that "Nothing's Gonna Stop Me", "Hum Drum", "Take Me Home", and even the background of "Streets of NY" has some. I mean one or two tracks would be ok, but there is no need to use it when you have a singer thats more than capable of turning the song out.

Their refusal to showcase more of Sunshine is a tremendous downfall. Hook wise the album is atrocious, nothing catchy or radio friendly which is what they needed to rely on to mask the dwindling skills of the members. Listening to Remi Martin on the chorus of "Yeah Yeah Yeah" is enough to make one's ears bleed. "Lean Back" is one of the album's sole strong cuts, but with the song already released as a single, fans who purchase the album won't have to much to look forward too.

Had I been in charge of the Terror Squad's release, I would rely heavily on contributions from Fat Joe & Tony Sunshine, I would replace Remi Martin with Angie Martinez (wasn't she in this group at one point anyway?), and replace the remaining members with latinos that have already proven themselves in this industry, Cuban Link & Sacario. Maybe then the outcome would have been different, but this is not at all what I was expecting.

Ok, here is the deal on this CD. The beats are pretty tight..the lyrics have a nice flow. Too bad that "Lean Back" and "Take Me Home" were the only songs that got radio and video play. I must admit, "Lean Back" had people's Grandma's leaning back...it was a crazy summer banger. Since summer is coming up again, maybe they can release another 1. Unless they come up w/another gimmick, no Grammy in sight for this group.

it positively sucks, don't waste your money.i bet most of you are buying it for 'lean back' that's the only song thats even close to okay! i may be a kid but i can give good advice.don't waste your money!!

The one thing that I hate on any album are stupid skits. You'll find none here. Its not a bad album but with the absence of Triple Seis, Cuban Link and Big Pun you lose that original Terror Squad sound. New members Remy and Tony come strong. Review:

1.Nothing's Gonna Stop Me - Strong opening (5 of 5)

2.Yeah, Yeah, Yeah - hot track(5 of 5)

3.Hum Drum - OK track(3 1/2 of 5)

4.Lean Back - You all know what this is about (5 of 5)

5.Take Me Home - OK (3 1/2 of 5)

6.Streets of NY - RnB/Pop/Rap, Tonys Solo (3 1/2 of 5)

7.Bring' Em Back - Fat Joe brings back Big Pun and Big L (4 of 5)

8.Yes Them To Def - Fat Joe's solo FILLER track(3 of 5)

9.Pass Away - Armegeddon's Solo (5 of 5)

10.Let Them Things Go - Good Track (5 of 5)

11.Thunder In The Air - Prospects Solo (4 of 5)

12.Terror Era - (3 1/2 of 5)

Overall, if you got spare change get this album. It has a few hot tracks nothing ground breaking here though. Other artists to look for Jadakiss - Kiss of Death, Lil Wayne - tha Carter

No dis to TS, but they ain't been the same since Pun died and Cuban Link left. Considering this, they actually put out a decent album, 'specially since "Lean Back", though it was kind of cheezy, rocked the summer of 2004. Other than that and a few other tracks not needed ("Take Me Home", "Terror Era"), the album would've been much better. Instead of trying for the pop crossovers, as attempted on "Streets of NY", they should've just stuck to the harder beats like "Nothing's Gonna Stop Me" (where Tony Sunshine actually spits a verse, a nice one too), "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" (Remy Ma destroyed this track), and the harder "Let Them Things Go". On top of that, "True Story"'s main focus only seems to be Fat Joe and Remy Ma instead of the whole group. If not for the attempted pop-crossovers and limited spots for the whole crew, it would've been muuuch better.