Review Summary: Solid 3rd release from Jigga...
Jay-Z, love him or hate him, he's got talent. With
Vol. 2 Hov comes back with a more mainstream effort than his 2 previous releases. While it may not be the classic that is
Reasonable Doubt, it is still a superb album. While it may be a little repetitive at times, it is still a great mainstream effort. Unlike fellow NY rapper Nas, he managed to seamlessly (well, almost seamlessly) switch from gritty tales of the street into more mainstream topics. But enough, lets get to the music.
Best songs -
Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),
A Week Ago,
Can I Get A... and
Money Cash Hoes
Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem), as most of you know he samples Annie in this one. While it may seem like a crazy idea for a rapper and possibly career suicide, Jigga pulls it off perfectly, with great lyrics to match.
A Week Ago, Great tune telling the story of one of Jay's boys getting locked up. And the dissolving of their friendship due to him snitching while locked up.
Can I Get A..., As with Hard Knock Life, I'm sure you've all heard this. Great song with an infectious beat that makes you want to put it on repeat and just cruise the streets of ____ (Insert your town here). Also has the only memorable verse from Ja Rule that I can think of. It's all asking a simple question 'If I became broke and had nothing anymore, would you still roll with me?'
Money Cash Hoes, while the title and chorus(just saying money, cash, hoes over and over) are bad, the verses are great and it has an excellent guest spot from DMX.
Worst songs -
If I Should Die,
Paper Chase
If I Should Die, this song is decent, but it just gets super repetitive and the chorus is dreadful.
Paper Chase, one word, meh. The verses are weak and it gets very repetitive, skippable.
Overall, a very enjoyable record. While it may get a little repetitive at times, the beats are hot and will keep you bouncing all throughout the record. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Jigga and rap.
(Unless you're completely anti-mainstream music, then skip this one.)
