Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Nothing "Hood" About This Album, VERY Little "Star"!, September 21, 2006
Whether you agree with me or not with what I'm about to say is entirely up to you, but in my opinion, there's a BIG difference between a RAPPER and a REAL LYRICIST! Being a rapper isn't really that hard because there's no vocal pressure, and it's even easier when you have your own distinctive flow and/or quality to your rapping style. In Chingy's case, he's got that occasionally annoying Southern drawl that's common in his hometown. A REAL LYRICIST, however, is a person who's capable of writing dope rhymes that either relates to your everyday city folk or the less fortunate individuals struggling to make a buck on the streets (more specifically, real gangsta, hustlers, etc.). It's the latter which Chingy is DEFINITELY NOT! If you don't believe me, check out his third studio effort, "Hoodstar".
Like his previous two albums, "Hoodstar" is another generic, indistinct pile of Pop-Rap where Chingy merely raps about bling, cash, money and misogyny over stale, recycled, lifeless club beats. "U A Freak", "Brand New Kicks", "Bounce That", "Club Getting Crowded", "Nike Aurr's & Crispy Tees"...the song titles of almost every track tell you everything you need (or don't need) to know. What annoys me most is not the fact that "Hoodstar" receives no true musical shine from it's ridiculously huge all-star supporting cast -Three 6 Mafia, Mr. Collipark, Poli Paul, Jermaine Dupri, Tyrese, Mannie Fresh, Timbaland, Kwame, etc.-, nor is it the fact that producer/rapper/classic mastermind Timbaland delivers some terrible production on a track where Chingy carelessly confuses love for sex (the horrific "Let Me Luv U"), but the simple fact that Chingy refuses to show any true growth in his music.
Amidst the sub-standardized truckload of filler, however, lies two stunning gems. The first one is lead single "Pullin' Me Back", a typically radio-friendly Pop-Rap gem where Chingy vulnerably contemplates how, despite all the troubles in the relationship with his girlfriend, he keeps coming back to her. Then there's guest singer Tyrese, whose smooth vocals welcomely bless the hook, resulting in an excellent track. The other album's undeniable gem is "Cadillac Door", a surprisingly mature moment where Chingy contemplates the hardships of his life and how he continues to try making it. With satisfactory production and guest singing credits from Midwest City, as well as some great rhymes from Chingy, "Cadillac Door" is the best song on the album, no question. It reminds haters and lovers that Chingy DOES have talent, and that he IS human like everyone else.
Sadly, introspective moments of lyrical greatness like "Cadillac Door" and sincere Pop-Rap gems like "Pullin' Me Back" are few on this album, which is why "Hoodstar" turns out to be such a disappointing effort. Actually, "effort" isn't the right word because Chingy doesn't seem to have put any of it into this release. It's such a shame, but then again, I can't say I didn't expect it. No classic club bangers like "Right Thurr" or Holidae Inn" either. 1 star for the two gems this album has!
|
|
|
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
This is unfortunate, September 21, 2006
This album should be called "Unfortunate" or "Unforgiveable". I listened to all the tracks several times, and they just are not in line with Hip-Hop or even sound good. Lyrics are weeeaaakkk. Like one reviewer mentioned, a lyricist and a rapper are two different entities. There are two hot songs on this album:
Pullin me Back
Cadillac Door
The rest are just...not to be mentioned. This is an album that could really kill a career, as many other artists have suffered one bad cd and you are through. I would suggest to download the previous songs, and leave the rest alone. No hating at all here, but speaking from a true hip-hop fan this does not make the cut.
|
|
|
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Back in high school, September 19, 2006
Chingy is nice on the eyes, but this album is not nice on the ears. Back in high school, I may have bumped this, but listening to a grown man brag about wearing Girbaud, matching outfits, and partying just gets old after awhile. I would expect something like this from maybe Bow-wow, but Chingy is grown, and I wish he'd talk about more relevant issues. I was listening to lines that obviously were not meant to take on the poetic ability of true hip-hop (i.e. Dr. Seuss rhyming--pick the VERY first word that rhymes with the word before and make it a rap). The Chingy groupies will probably think this album is hot and PHYSICALLY he is, but not this album.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
- the new music site from IMDb and Amazon.
