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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
BIG MILLI STYLE, April 11, 2004
I first heard of Half-a-mil when I was at a barbershop on Jamaica Ave, Queens. I saw his picture on the wall alongside the likes of Ali Vegas, Nas and 50 Cent. I asked my barber who he was and he said a rapper that ran with AZ. Knowing AZ cosigned him, I went out and bought Da Hustle Don't Stop. CLASSIC MATERIAL. If you like Cormega, Nature or the above mentioned artists, then do yourself a favor and cop Da Hustle Don't Stop. Around October of 2003, Half-a-mil was found shot to death in his apartment in the Albany Projects, Broolyn. He'll be greatly missed and truly respected by Real hip hop fans everywhere. On to my review: Having first heard Mil's classic second album, I had high expectations for this project. Unfortunately, I was somewhat let down. The beats were a little below the standards set by the classics off Da Hustle Don't Stop. 02 Tough Guys featuring Ali Vegas was a dope italian guitar, mafioso track about Mil and Ali bodying a snitch. 4/5 03 What U Ridin'? featuring Nature is a dope song to whip in. When I'm driving this song gets me focused man. 4/5 04 New Millenium up next, just drags on. The chorus is pretty wack, and the beat is montonous. This is a shame, because Mil's verses are cold. 3/5 05 Quiet Money featuring AZ is easily one of the dopest cuts. The most underated rapper EVER, AZ gets shine and Mil is obviously motivated by A's performance. 5/5 06 Don't Go Away featuring Charisse of Changing Faces follows with a thumping bassline. The beat sounds like its missing something and Charrisse isn't really saying anything on the hook. 3.5/5 07 Where BK At? is one of the standout cuts. I mean he's got the obvious BIG sample. Mil represents'- the first verse snatched my attention like a platinum chain. BROOK'NAM! 5/5 08 Fires in Hell is also a standout, sporting a Just Blaze beat. This is definitely one of my favorites. Hard beat, Hard lyrics. 5/5 09 Some Ni@@az is a cool joint, too. By now you've probably heard various rappers (Joe Budden,etc.) freestyle over this beat- Mil blessed it nice, talking about different people in the game. 5/5 10 Thug Ones featuring Noreaga, Kool G. Rap and Musalini was the first single. It serves it purpose; Neptunes club banger. I couldn't front on it - G. Rap, an alltime great comes thru - I'd probably be feelin it in the club. 5/5 11 Gimme Ya Luv is phat. Even though its a chick flick, the Curtis Mayfield sample is just dope. This could've been a follow-up single. I'd play this for my girl. 5/5 12 Ghetto Girl is one of the weaker tracks. Its got an old school feel, with a beat from Sha-Self (SHADYVILLE!). I'm not feeling the lyrics, though. 2/5 13 Thug Luv follows Ghetto Girl. This is an ode to cats dead or in jail. Mellow track, mellow lyrics. Definitely a drinking/smoking song. He drops some knowledge also. 5/5 14 Bounce featuring Spice 1 is a good pickup from Thug Luv. Its an uptempo banger and features Spice 1 and that rapidfire flow. Dope. 5/5 16 Thuggest Enemy #1 could of been another radio joint. It features the beat from Public Enemy #1 (Puffy/Shyne). Solid closer. 5/5 Overall a good introduction for Half-a-mil, but I liked Da Hustle Don't Stop better. Its kinda like Az's Doe or Die to Pieces of a Man, or Nas's Illmatic to Street Dreams, and Cormega's Realness to True Meaning (except Milion was Mil's first not second); you already heard what they're capable of so you hold them to those standards. In conclusion, I would say its definitely worth copping. Another emcee who'll be missed. APPRECIATE PEOPLE WHILE THEY'RE HERE.........
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