Culture
the other press september 25, 2002

— CD Reviews

 

Reviewer: Jeph Wager

Artist: mcenroe
Album: The Convenience EP
Label: Peanuts & Corn Records

The artist known as mcenroe is a very busy guy. Besides being a talent-
ed rapper and producer who has put out numerous solo releases as well
as made many guest appearances on others’ albums, he also runs his own
label and distribution company. As you can imagine, just finding the
time to record his own projects is worthy of some praise. When you con-
sider the high level of quality and originality that all of his works possess,
then you really have to give this guy some credit.

On this EP, my favourite song was the last one: safety in numbers.
This is the mandatory address on the state of hip hop, as seen on many
rap albums these days, but its accuracy was hilarious at times. At one
point, he chastises MCs who “wear (hip hop) like an apron” and speak
with accents from cities they've never even visited.

Another highlight are the guest appearances. Tracks five through eight
feature appearances from Birdapres, Pip Skid, John Smith, and Josh
Martinez. These guys are some of the freshest and most interesting rap-
pers in the underground scene right now, and they really liven up this EP
at the halfway point when the main concept starts losing momentum.

Last, I'll mention the beginning four songs, which were comments on
corporations and corner stores, among other things. They're good, but
don't represent the best stuff that mcenroe’s done. Overall, though, I'd
recommend this to anyone that’s already well acquainted with Canada’s
indie rap scene, and to those who like hip hop and would like to get a
sample of what mcenroe and his label are all about.

 

 

Reviewer: Ali Jamal

Artist: Snoop Dogg
Album: Doggy Style All-stars
Label: MCA Records

A softer Snoop Dogg presents: Doggy Style All-stars

Gone are the days when Snoop Dogg threatened to blow your brains out
for looking at him the wrong way over backbeats that made you want to
shake your booty. Now we're used to seeing the Master of the Dog Pound
in Nike commercials that look like they were taken straight out of the
70s, with Snoop wearing bell bottoms, sporting an afro, and pushing for
peace and pushing for Nike. Well, his new CD, featuring some artists
that he put together, (White, Mr. Kane Soopa Fly and Tonya Williams)
has pretty much the same vibe.

Most of the Dogg Father's loyal fan base won't be too interested in his
new venture, because most of the tracks sound more like gospel music
compared to what probably hooked them onto Snoop Doggy Dog in the
first place—beats that you could dance to and lyrics that made you feel
like a rebel just by listening to them. Nevertheless, some tracks showed
promise, especially #3, Not like it was. Tonya William's voice, when put
to the right music, could make Celine blush.

All in all, the record was okay, but nothing compared to some of
Snoop’s older music. Hopefully, Snoop will put down the reefer, and
realize that this Shaft wannabe phase he’s going through isn’t cutting it,
if not for himself, for his fans, who are wondering where the real Snoop
Dogg is.

 

 

 

 

 

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