Words by Joseph "JayRich" Robinson Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
Within the first few seconds of the intro, the newest recruit to Shady Records, Cashis, invokes an immediate comparison to 50 Cent. Comparisons though, just give an image of potential like every NBA player being compared to Michael Jordan. Usually when someone is being compared to past greatness, they never can live up to the past and receive the same fanfare as their predecessor. This will seemingly curse Cashis as well.
Get Rich Or Die Tryin' started 50 Cent's career with "What Up Gangsta," and Cashis begins his EP with "That N---- A Gangster," adding both interest and distaste as his swagger is easily identified as 50's. It continues with "Gun Rule," as Cashis drops bars with more gangster bravado and little substance. However, during "Ms. Jenkins," Cashis showcases his potential artistry with a dysfunctional and compelling story about himself and one of his homicide victims. This track feels like "Stan" mashing up with "Many Men." Cashis sends an open letter to Ms. Jenkins, the mother of the slain victim, explaining what he's done and why it could've been him instead of her son. With every verse, he directs his attention elsewhere. Verse one is laying the storyline, while the second speaks directly to Miss Jenkins, and the third is sent out to his mother as if the roles were reversed. This is the EP's most gripping track, but not by far.
"Just Like Me" describes Cashis and the connection he shares with his kids. It's appealing and gives the audience a reason to care about Cashis, because it steps away from what every other gangster rapper seems to say. You get the opportunity to see another aspect of Cashis without him becoming corny or too vulnerable, and it's the bright spot of the independent album.
The next three tracks feel like fillers even though it's only a total of eight tracks. "Pistol Poppin" features Eminem, who easily overshadows Cashis' two verses with just one. "Thoughts Of Suicide" returns to Cashis revisiting the gunplay talk he's comfortable with. Finally, "Lac Motion" ends the EP with a slow, West Coast banger.
This release was a great move for Cashis, as it allows people to get a glimpse of what he's about, and he can also build some fanfare along the way. Cashis draws the comparison to 50 Cent because of his content and his verbal swagger fits the bill. However, you find it hard to care or even notice Cashis the way people did when 50 first arrived on the scene. It's the lack of a street-cred or personality that may be the downfall of Cashis. Even though Eminem can lay some excellent groundwork for an artist, people must still be able to connect with them in some aspect, in order for it to translate to sales. Unless his debut consists of mega-hits, gripping material, or he goes and gets himself shot (we hope not), Cashis becoming a household name seems to be a long shot.
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