The fall of '07 resonated the Roc-A-Fella glory days of the late-90s -- Jay came out, and his main dude followed. Beanie Sigel's The Solution flows with some of that old rawness, braggadocio and proper story telling that made him the revered mc he is today. From the beats, to the concepts, to the features, this album has a slightly vintage feel, while tweaked ever so slightly for today.
Puffy solidifies his position as the master of the minimalist club banger on "Shake it For Me." Given that Ghostface and Peedi Peedi are also featured on this track, one wouldn't think Puff, of all people, would be the highlight. Such are the performances; Ghost sounds uninspired, and Peedi is unable to show any charisma on the track's tempo. The other tracks that misfire are also big-name affairs. The lead single, "All of the Above," produced by The Runners and featuring R. Kelly, packs little punch, and fellow Miami producers, Cool & Dre, also fail to create a special backdrop for Beanie. Sadly, these tracks open the disk, but on the upside it's nice to get them over with.
Flexing his sex appeal, "I'm In" makes Beanie seem almost as smooth as O.C. on "Stronjay." That's to say, Beanie dexterously depicts the technique of pulling a broad. He does it with style and humor and puts the concept in the back of the net. The song is a good showcase for the Broad Street Bully's smoother side, and the nostalgic feel of the affair gives it legs.
When matched with true legends, Beanie Sigel solidifies his ability and never fails to bring out a banger. Reefa has the privilege of crafting The Solution's two finest tracks, and the honor of hearing Jay-Z and Scarface join Beans. "Gutted" finds Beans calling out fake willies and pigeons. His verses are not particularly inspired, per say, but the quips fit and his execution is top-notch. Jay comes in for a lazy, casual verse with the type of confidence that only a man with an irreproachable reputation could have. His rhymes poke fun at rapper's facades and unintentionally (perhaps) makes you wonder if he's talking about Nas.' Nas? Nah, he couldn't be." Scarface steals the show similarly on "Rain (Bridge);" his open candor on the track is reveling and endearing. Beans matches well with Face, and with rumors ripe about a possible collabo album, the song is a great teaser.
In rap's current climate, if The Solution is updating that late-90s aesthetic, then things are on the right track. Beans delivers, though not as sharply as on previous efforts. Subtract the misfires, and misguided attempts at radio hits, and then the album might be the key to the solution.
Editorials & Columns Hustle Harder: Travel Arrangements Recently I traveled down to Washington D.C. to participate in an event called the "Million DJ March," and I realized ... full story
Digg It
Del.icio.us
