DJ Drama-Gangsta Grillz: The Album Vol. 2
3
By btaznpride
Delivering the follow up to his official Gangsta Grillz: The Album, Barack O’Drama returns after racketeering charges and problems within his camp of Grand Hustle in the arrest of T.I. Promising an album of bangers, Drama brings a different variety of southern artists together.
A-Town: It was only right that Drama start things off by getting the self proclaimed king, T.I. and his protege, Young Dro, as well as YoungBloodz’ Sean P and newcomer Lonnie Mac to represent the A-Town. The horn heavy production that has a party feel is a solid start for the album. 3.5/5
We Must Be Heard: Unknown producer, V12 The Hitman delivers some emphatic production, as creeping piano keys and rebellious horns build well. Socially conscious, Ludacris murders the production, while AMG affiliate Willie The Kid offers some decent rhymes while Busta brings some fury filled rhymes with a good flow. 4/5
Love For Money: Hard hitting production, the track isn’t bad, Trey’s hook is merely mediocre, while Gucci brings a good flow. Here however, the track tends to get a bit tiresome, although the verses weren’t bad by those featured. 3/5
I’m Fresh: This was forgettable, Jones repetitive “I’m Fresh” is nothing new and gets really tiresome. Organs and synths back, while Rick Ross & Trick Daddy try and save the effort however its no use due to the horrid hook. 2/5
Day Dreaming: Lead single is a club banger, as Drumma Boy continues to show why he’s one of the South’s most talented producers, consistently coming with hits. While the hook isn’t as catchy, it works with Akon riding Drumma’s production nicely. T.I. is in cruise mode with his smooth flow and sing songy flow. Snoop does his thing as well and overall the track is a certified club banger. 4/5
Sweat: V12 provides some solid beatwork, while Ray J handles the hook. Fabo delivers a solid verse, however La doesn’t quite come as well. Mediocre effort. 2.5/5
Ridiculous: This one is sure to have the trappers going nuts, as Gucci Mane & OJ Da Juiceman, do their tagteam thing. Gucci kills Zaytoven’s production, while the hook is catchy and the bass knocks. Yo Gotti and Lonnie Mac add further street gutter to the track for the Atlanta anthem. 3.5/5
Come Up Boys: Seems more suited for a mixtape, the production isn’t that impressive and La & Willie deliver some hard hitting bars with no hook, but nothing notable. 2.5/5
Yacht Music: Smooth vibe created by DJ Khalil, Nas offers some solid bars and each performer does well, with a fitting Marsha hook. Real chill track that matches its title. 3/5
Tipper Love: For some reason, the Tricky/Dream combo doesn’t work here and comes out sounding half heartedly done. La The Darkman doesn’t offer anything new, while Too Short seems out of place on the track. 2/5
Smoke: Decent street record that has Gucci and Lonnie shining the best, with a decent Willie verse. 3/5
Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy: Mediocre number with decent production, but nothing truly memorable. Bun comes off a bit rusty, Styles sounds alright, while La delivers some solid versework, but the hook doesn’t cut it here. 2/5
Gotta Get It: Drumma Boy brings some decent production, as New Orleans veterans, B.G. & Juvenile continue their roads to getting money. Decent track that features some Soulja Slim material (R.I.P.). 3.5/5
Unfortunately, Drama doesn’t quite deliver with Gangsta Grillz Vol. 2. Where the first album shined because of the street hard bangers, things get a bit more glossy and less street. This could be a good thing, however the talent is far less impressive than the studs that appeared before. Socially conscious “We Must Be Heard”, rowdy “A-Town”, and the club banger “Day Dreaming” are all worthy moments. “Ridiculous” is another solid A-Town banger, but the rest is forgettable filler. “Yacht Music” is due to the production, while the others simply lack anything new or memorable. Hopefully next time, Drama will put together a better group of tracks and artists to deliver the street bangers, he’s been known for through his Gangsta Grillz mixtapes.
Rating: 6 out of 10
