This video has so much new footage that true Z-Ro fans won’t help but be entertained by the diversity of characters and locations.  He covers everything from the “Get Throwed” and “Nolia Clap RMX” video shoots to shows in Austin and Louisiana.  When thinking of the heart ripping tales that Z-Ro raps about, it is extremely refreshing to see him comfortable filming, performing, and creepin’ in his “Crently.”  A majority of the video takes Ro out of his comfortable element on the track and puts him in a much more reachable perspective.  Ro fans will love hearing the banter and intoxication that humorously covers the footage.  The section of Dougie D is great to see considering how long it has been since they have been officially affiliated.  A glaring absence from the video is Trae, which is troubling considering he doesn’t get mentioned once.  The essence of the DVD is the struggle and success of Ro’s shine.  It brings lines like, “niggaz be only hanging around me cause I rap” into a new light when seeing how superficial his encounters can be (check the boppers in ATX and the various poses he must take for mere promotion and appeasement).  This video proves as a testament to the depth that Ro reaps from both his friendships and hollow activity.  [Notice how he and S.U.C. members constantly say “Love You” to each other – so much is fickle that they cannot help but express the realness in one another.  Considering how many of the crew has passed on it becomes extremely touching, yet subtle.]     

While the video shows cherishing footage of Lil’ Flip, E.S.G., Big Moe, and the deceased HAWK – it misses out on other aspects Z-Ro fans are most interested in.   Z-Ro’s reflections in front of the camera revolve mainly around copious amounts of weed amongst priceless (maybe even incoherent) conversations between Ro and his cohorts.  Fans will love the behind the scenes look at Ro but I was personally disappointed with the lack of studio coverage.  The tongue flipping and Church worthy harmonizing do not present themselves in any other form besides concert footage. The freestyles are mainly from the passenger seat of his car and the audio on the concert footage is 80% dubbed.  I wanted to see the actual magic in the studio besides the twenty seconds they show of his recording “M-16.”  The myth that has surrounded Z-Ro almost gets dulled through some of the footage.  The untouchable lyricist comes across as very human and will undoubtedly clobber the impenetrable image many Z-Ro fans have conjured up.  Ro brings viewers scenes from around Dec 2005 – April 2006 sprinkled with montages and concerts spanning the last few years.  The promotion for “Vision II” gives hope that a second attempt will show more from the making of the music than repetitive behind the scenes action.

I recommend this to any Z-Ro fan because of its impressive length and unseen footage.  This DVD is more than an ode to weed and 84’s but it does not equate the strength of his recorded albums.  For everyone with DVD players in their rides, this one is a definite pick up.  It's entertaining as hell but does not require 100% of your attention.  I can’t help but praise this release while Ro is locked up.  He is so prolific that he can go to jail for a year and not miss a beat through this DVD and his underground “KOTG – Power.”  To see that it took three entertainment companies (KOTG, Main Event, and J Prince) it is impressive this ever got released.  Respect how prolific Z-Ro is, even if the DVD is not everything it could be.

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