Review Summary: Ice improves from his debut, and takes advantage of his potential.
Power is Ice-T's follow-up to his debut album Rhyme Pays. It's clear that all of the potential heard on Rhyme Pays was utilized on this album. Improved rhymes, improved production, and just a generally better sound. While Ice was never a super complex lyricist in the first place, his substance and cadence improved on Power. With this album, the rapper would show his talent, and prove, and cement his place in hip hop.
Although not complex with his technical ability like a Rakim or Kool G Rap, Ice-T could tell stories like no other at the time. Ice-T told stories that were relatable to people who weren't as fortunate as others, and grew up in poor neighborhoods. One of the album's standout tracks is "I'm Your Pusher/Pusher Man". This song is actually an anti-drug song, despite the negative press that it got, being called a song promoting crack usage. In the song, Ice-T compares drug selling to hip hop as a metaphor, and throws in some disses to LL Cool J toward the end. Another standout is "Radio Suckers", which has Ice-T criticizing the radio for not pandering to the hip hop world at the time. Ice was a voice for the black community, and was upset that artists like Public Enemy and N.W.A. weren't being played on the radio.
Along with telling stories, Ice also showed off his rap skills on several tracks. Like on the title track "Power", where Ice speaks on his dominance in hip hop at the time. Ice also challenges his doubters to battle him on this song. On "The Syndicate", Ice (along with Donald D and Hen Gee) delivers some more braggadocio, and sounds excellent. Ice mostly raps in a braggadocio fashion on this album, and flows excellently throughout. The production on this album from Afrika Islam is very good, and fits Ice excellently.
Power is one of Ice-T's best albums, and a classic record. This album is definitely an improvement from his debut (Rhyme Pays), as he stepped up his game lyrically, and improved his ear for beats. This is a must-listen if you're a fan of late 80s west coast hip hop.
Ratings:
1. Intro
2. Power: 5/5
3. Drama: 4/5
4. Heartbeat: 4.5/5
5. The Syndicate (feat. Donald D and Hen Gee): 5/5
6. Radio Suckers: 5/5
7. I'm Your Pusher/Pusher Man: 5/5
8. Personal: 5/5
9. Girls L.G.B.N.A.F: 2/5
10. High Rollers: 5/5
11. Grand Larceny: 5/5
12. Soul on Ice: Interlude
13. Outro
Best song: Power
Weakest song: Girls L.G.B.N.A.F.
Production: 9.1/10
Lyrics: 9.1/10
Overall rating: 91/100
Grade: A-
