Speedknot Mobstaz: Mobstability II: Nation Bizness

With Twista leading the crew, one might expect a little more from the Speedknot Mobstaz. Instead, their album, Mobstability II: Nation Bizness, is a generic blend of Midwestern swing, fraught with gangsta clichés and redundant drug references. Within that mold, the Mobstaz don't fail to entertain, they just fail to enthrall.

Twista appears on four of the twenty tracks, and inevitably these are the highlights of the album. "Get Ya Money Right" is a hustler's anthem where Twista transitions effortlessly from rapid fire verses, to delivering the song's hook over Steven Dukes' production (which is eerily similar to the Yung Gunz' "Can't Stop Won't Stop"). Twista approaches this track with a switching tempo, going from slow to fast and offering a touch of flare to the otherwise dull proceedings. On the title track, the Mobstaz holler blue and red in all its gangbang glory. Horns from Dukes add some depth to the backdrop, which proves to be a nice baseline for Twista to rip over. Again, aside from his trademark spitting, there's nothing captivating about the song. "I'ma Speedknot Mobsta" is a slow meandering track, and is one of the best tracks on the album. The cut is reminiscent of the winning output from Johnny P and Do or Die. Twista implements his slow flow and gives the run down of how he handles the ladies. It's a Chicago anthem for pre-club braggadocio.

"Chicago" gives Liffy Stokes and Mayz a chance to stand alone and shout out key local cities. It's an attempt at a feel good summer song, but it falls flat in the end, mainly because, by themselves, the duo lacks the dexterity to make the song compelling. This, unfortunately, is indicative of the whole album, which at two minutes shy of an hour is way too lengthy. Tracks with members Toxic and Mello Tha Gooda Man give just enough variation. But just enough just doesn't cut it.

Part of this may be due to the heavy hand of Steven Dukes on the production end. His contribution to a high percentage of the beats results in a uniformed ambiance that can become dreary as the album proceeds. Work from beatsmith Cuzo isn't particularly inspiring either.

The only other notable guest on Mobstability II: Nation Bizness is Jim Jones. He rears his braided-head on "Gangstaz Don't Dance." It's not the most original theme, and Jimmy gives a half-assed attempt at heavy swag. He hits the beat great, but his verse has nothing redeeming. No flying high here, it's junior high dance status at best.

Mobstability II: Nation Bizness is riding music, but with today's gas prices, will that suffice? There are some highly entertaining moments on the album, but there are also too many tracks worthy of a fast-forward. It's average from beats to rhymes, themes and composition. It might be best for Twista to stick to the higher profile portion of his career.

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