Even though Lil Scrappy hasn't dropped a studio album in four years, he's been able to keep his name circulating in the headlines. Aside from the microscopic beef with Don P of Trillville, Scrappy was able to recruit 50 Cent and Lil Jon to executive produce his sophomore disc, Bred 2 Die, Born 2 Live. Having two of the most popular figures in hip-hop overseeing the Prince of Crunk's effort was destined success and appeared as if he was well on his way to creating his best record to date.
Evidently, that's up for debate.
On this effort, Scrappy shied away from his crunk roots and became more personal and analytical than he ever has before. In "Police," he sounds off on police brutality over a somber beat and questions the ethics of the law in the hook by saying, "Eh, eh Mr. Police, are you hearing me? You can do your J-O-B without f---in' touchin' me." From there, he calls cops out for withholding information to past crimes, being overly harsh and being crooks.
Aside from the aforementioned law-bashing anthem, Scrappy delivers sharp flows over energetic beats. After announcing his return on the opening track "I'm Back," Scrappy rhymes about things familiar to him such as being "Posted in the Club" with Three Six Mafia and growing up in Atlanta on "Livin' in the Projects." The Prince of Crunk also tries relating to those seeking to turn their life around on "Like Me," where he bares his soul on his troubled past.
Upon first impression, it seems like Scrappy has it going on. He has energetic, yet diverse beats, his hooks are catchy and he has an assortment of quality guest collaborators who supply that extra lyrical swagger including Bohagon, Yo Gotti and 50 Cent. Apparently, he has a successful blueprint, but sadly, he doesn't expand on his creativity.
Most of the subject matter throughout Bred 2 Die, Born 2 Live isn't anything groundbreaking. Actually, it's pretty much the same nonsense every other MC raps about with a few whack lines here and there. For most of the album, Scrappy either talks about how dangerous he could be ("Gangsta, Gangsta"), how cool his dress apparel is ("Touching Everything") or how to stack money and persuade women to perform oral ("Money in the Banks [Remix]" with Young Buck). Unfortunately, Scrappy becomes another victim to an industry already saturated with MCs with over exaggerated street-infested personas.
Some of the messages may be redundant, but Scrappy has proved something with Bred 2 Die, Born 2 Live. He has a sharp flow and still can still throw in a crunk flare during the hooks, to keep true to his Southern Hip-Hop roots. This may be a step up, but Scrappy can do better.
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