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Lil Keke "Platinum In Da Ghetto" Review |
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Lil Keke, one of the pioneers
for Houston, Texas rappers has finally geared up to make his major label debut with
"Platinum In Da Ghetto". The supporting cast for this album boasts the likes of
Eightball of the highly touted duo Eightball and MJG, Mr. Everyday Street Gangster himself
E.S.G., the Northside's own Slim Thug, and the late Fat Pat's brother H.A.W.K. Don't let
the talented artists that contribute guest spots fool you, Lil Keke holds his own when
grasping the microphone.
The album starts of with a skit that basically has Lil Keke stating that he's
finally returned with an album. With so many rumors running rampant about him, he has
finally put his mark on the Hiphop industry with this album. Next up is the title track
"Platinum In Da Ghetto". To me, this track stands out the most with it's
uptempo, yet mellow melody and crisp production. The whole concept is basically Lil Keke's
rise from absolutely nothing as he lays knowledge to the upcoming cats to show them a path
to success. "Coast II Coast" is another uptempo track with a party vibe. The
rolling bassline hits hard over a computerized trebel line, which gives a very
"millenium" feel to it.
Another skit follows with basically Keke talking the same mess as before as he lets
the world know that he's now a CEO of his own label, which is distributed through Koch.
"Do You Love It" is a song about being rich. This concept is played in today's
music and I found it overall not to be entertaining whatsoever, however I enjoyed the once
again, clean production. "Callin My Name" features the self-dubbed 'Fat Mack',
Eightball from the duo of Eightball & MJG. Overall, everyone just comes off as real
nice as this track emits pleasure to the ear for the sexual deviants. "Love Ya"
finally brings the collaboration together that we've all been wanting; Lil Keke, E.S.G.,
and Slim Thug. After hearing this, it's apparent that the once beef between E.S.G. and Lil
Keke is finally squashed for good. The production on this track seems bland, however the
lyrics from each artist more than makes up for it.
"Pyrex Shakin" is a track from his CMG days. I believe it's also on the
Peepin' In My Window album. I really didn't care for this track at all and usually just
hit skip on my compact disc player when it comes on. "Where Da South At"
features C-Note, who's ink is drying on this brand new contract with Universal Records.
Anyones knows that anything C-Note is featured on, can almost automatically be qualified
as quality music. The concept for this track is the typical southern lifestyle as each
artist trade verses back and forth rapidly. "Mr. DJ" features a intricate guitar
loop which really makes the track along with Big Moe's silky smooth chorus. Z-Ro, who just
signed to Presidential Records, spits devestating bar by bar although it would have been
better if he had done his signature tongue twisting.
"Cowgirl" is another female orientated track that I couldn't relate to,
thus I usually hit skip. I believe this track is also a track from his Jam Down days. Next
up is "Bad Man" which uses an ill sample of Muhammed Ali chanting "I'm A
Bad Man". The beat is snapping, although sounds too digital for my liking. I have a
feeling most cats will be hitting replay on this track. "Where My Dog At" is a
hypnotizing head-nodder about staying true to your close ones. There's not much more I can
say about the track other than it's very enjoyable. "Off Da Chain" is Houston,
Texas anthem as Lil Keke slips all over this cold production. This song basically is also
a proclamation to state that he didn't fall off, he just took a vacation from the
industry.
"Times Felon" uses grimey, slowed down production to compliment a slower
fly by Lil Keke and H.A.W.K. It seems that Lil Keke has also decided to go the Ja Rule
route and start singing throughout his songs, which I feel will affect the album
negatively because he really cannot pull it off properly. "What I Wanna Do" has
a very mellow flow similar to the track "Superstar" off his previous album on
Jam Down. This is a track that is dope background music for life. The last song on the
album is "Lets Get Fucked Up" makes great use of an electric guitar strum as it
becomes a drug users theme. Personally, I wasn't feeling the lyrics, but the beat kept me
occupied for the length of the track.
Well guys and gals, this is the typical Lil Keke album as it consists of constant
bangers and solid lyricism. This should sell pretty well when it drops on Koch Records,
currently slated for Janurary 22nd, 2002. This is a must have if you're a Texas fan,
period! |
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