Review Summary: Triple C's in and of itself is a pretty talented group. All the members have fairly good voices and flows. But, Triple C's will never reach their full potential because of the anchor - literally and figuratively - named Rick Ross that causes them to sink.
Triple C’s – a.k.a Carol City Cartel – was formed by Rick Ross was established circa 2007 after he left Suave House Records. The group consists of Torch, Gunplay, and Young Breed. Triple C’s has featured on Port of Miami and Trilla, and has had their own mixtapes. But this is their first official album. The title is a foreboding of the disappointment that will envelop Triple C’s debut album. It’s called “Custom Cars & Cycles” for short, but the full version is “Custom Cars & Cycles (Rick Ross Presents Triple C’s)” Triple C's in and of itself is a pretty talented group. All the members have fairly good voices and flows. But, Triple C's will never reach their full potential because of the anchor - literally and figuratively - named Rick Ross that causes them to sink.
The album’s choice of collaboration features a lot of big name rappers – Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, Bun B, The Game, Birdman, Rick Ross, and Young Jeezy – as well as some small names. Now, not all of the featured artists are good. Coughjeezybirdmanrosscough. But, talented gangsta rappers such as Gucci Mane, The Game, and Yo Gotti are possibly an attempt to boost Triple C’s street credibility. This might not be a necessity. With songs like “White Sand”, “Chickn Talkn” and “Gangsta Sh*t” Triple C’s might not need gangsta guest appearances. However, this is countered with songs like “Throw It In the Sky”, “We Getting’ It” and “Diamonds & Maybachs, Pt. 2” it’s hard to tell whether or not Triple C’s means serious business, or is just another part-pop/part-R&B/part-mainstream-rap group. I’m guessing it’s the latter.
While Triple C’s members Torch, Gunplay, and Young Breed all are fairly talented rappers in terms of flow, voice, and delivery; their lyrical prowess is hampered by the fact that they are Rick Ross’s crew. Rick Ross (in all likelihood) is heavily involved in writing Triple C’s songs. So, in the end result, we get songs with gangsta titles that are just watered-down, wannabe trap music. If Triple C’s ever wants to maximize the potential they seemingly possess, they will have to ditch Mr. Maybach.
The album has two things going for it – good flows and tight beats. Gunplay likes to pause, but he times it well, and he knows when to speed it up and get crazy and start delivering aggressively; Young Breed’s normal flow is solid, but his pronunciation makes his flow, and makes the rhymes he spits more fun; and Torch puts a lot of emphasis on pronunciation, and is very clear when rapping, but he also brings a lot of energy to his delivery. However, the bad lyrics counter the good beats and nice flows. For example: If you took Young Jeezy’s verse and Rick Ross’s verse out of “Erryday” that song would be amazing. It has a great beat and a tight flow. But some of the lyrics make you just say “uhh…” If the Carol City Cartel can up their lyrics, they are all set.
All of the members have talent. You can hear it. Gunplay, Torch, and Young Breed have all made it out of the ghettos of Miami, Bronx, and Miami (respectively) but that was easy. The tough part is now getting out of Rick Ross’s grasp.
