Guerilla Black: God Bless The Child

When Guerilla Black first entered the scene, there was an eerie resemblance to the late Notorious B.I.G. It wasn't just the voice, it was the swagger, the appearance, and the type of music being made. Black desperately searched for his own identity and in many interviews showed his respect for B.I.G., but assured the public that there was no biting... it is what it is. In 2007, Black returns with an indie release titled God Bless The Child.

"Genesis" is a deep intro where Black kicks his gangsta knowledge from the experiences he learned since birth. There is no rapping involved... just real talk from Black's mouth to your ears. "Thank You (God Bless The Child)" is an introspective look into the life of G.B., as well as the corruption that goes on around us. Hearing Black spit from his soul... "So much pain in this world makes you wonder if there's a god man / when my wife died, I was like 'God damn!' / At that point me and God, we was at odds then / I know I ain't the best at following God's plan.' It hits home hearing the rapper spit about God and his true to life story of his wife's early passing. The lyrics from Black are intriguing and grown. Black showed a lot of growth with songs like "She Wanna Baller" and "The Life." This is grown up music. No ringtone magic happening on God Bless The Child.

"The Streets" and "I Know" paint visuals that any film director would struggle to capture. On the track, Black spits "Ya'll n----s ain't hungry, ya'll been ate / My flow icy hot, ya'll Ben gay." The lyrics show Black packing punches that would deliver well on any Smack DVD. He is in touch with his West Coast roots on "U Do U." It's a laid back summertime BBQ song. It sounds like a bit of new school spit with a splash of some 94 G-Funk in the background. It's a take it or leave it track... you be the judge.

For the most part, "Put Yo Hands Up" would have been better as an accapella. The production was watered down and sounded more like a "rough mix" than a finished project. It is essentially a failed attempt to get the club jumping, and may be the joint they play at 3:30 a.m. when the lights go on. But, you can't take away from Guerilla's new found swagger on the club attempt, it just doesn't mesh well. "Pour Me A Drink," on the other hand, is not a failed attempt. If anything this will keep the dance floor packed and the DJ happy. Black's nasal voice collides with this Scott Storch sounding beat and makes for one of the best additions to the album.

Guerrilla sounds less like B.I.G. and more like himself on God Bless The Child, and should dead the comparisons. It is a balanced album and has all the basic elements covered. This should definitely earn a stamp for the West Coast for 2007 and may be one of the most overlooked albums of the year. This new found charisma is shocking as well as entertaining. Black found himself... now you have to find him.

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