Words by Bill "Low-Key" Heinzelman Rating: 2.5 out of 5.0
The problem that has plagued almost every Bone Thugs-N-Harmony solo album has been disappointing production. While the group has relied on the likes of DJ U-Neek for their group efforts, solo-wise each member has failed to carry over such stellar beat making. Layzie Bone's second solo release, It's Not A Game, once again falls victim to this problem.
It's Not A Game is not a true sophomore effort. It is a collection of unreleased songs and overlooked gems from Layzie's first solo album, Thug By Nature. Unfortunately, most of the new material should have been left in the vault, and it's obvious why it was not released in the first place. The abundant amount of sappy love ballads and R&B songs on the album will undoubtedly have Bone fans scratching their head in disbelief.
"Do Your Thang" finds Layzie experimenting with a sensual flow, as he rides over producer Denzo's vapid keys, making for an awkward effort. "2 Step" is another coerced attempt that tries to get everybody in the club getting their R.Kelly on, only to no avail. And to make matters worse, "She Came Ta Party" looks to appeal to the "grown and sexy." However, Layzie and producer Thin C should leave those attempts to Jay-Z, and instead stick to what they do best.
It's when Layzie stays true to the Bone formula and delivers those dark and eerie tracks that It's Not A Game shines the brightest. "Connectin' The Plots" featuring WC was one of the standout cuts off Layzie's Thug By Nature album, and is a welcomed attention. Darren Vegas' piano loop and haunting backdrop accentuates Layzie and WC's rhymes perfectly. "Thug Nation" finds Layzie and Krayzie coming together for a vintage Bone Thugs effort, complete with a catchy hook. In addition, the big boss Snoop Dogg comes through on "Smokin' On Information" for a solid track, while Twista steals the show on the long awaited collaboration of "Midwest Invasion."
With no new material that can equal his best solo work, It's Not A Game is a sloppy album that should have been left on the drawing board. The album is overrun will filler material and sappy R&B efforts that sound all too misplaced with Layzie's rugged persona and lightening quick flow. Unless you are a diehard Bone fan, It's Not A Game does little to quench your thirst for the group's next album, The Bone Thugs Story.
Editorials & Columns Hustle Harder: A Cup Of Joe... I recently performed at S.O.B's and the night seemed to last forever. I had gotten there early (hours before show time) ... full story
Beyond Hip-Hop Comparison: NHL 09 Vs. NHL 2K9 Hockey games have had a seamless transition into the next generation, fueled by two solid products that are constantly ... full story
Video Murs: Can It Be (Music Video) L.A. rapper Murs drops the first video from his major label debut, Murs For President. This is called "Can It Be."
... full story
Digg It
Del.icio.us
