4 Pulses
After the release of the 2004 album, Living Legends, true fans of 8Ball & MJG have been impatiently waiting for another hit from the illustrious Memphis duo. The previous boasted heavy high profile production, as well as features from artists such as R&B singer Lloyd, Bun-B, a legend in his own right, and Ludacris, to name a few. The album and production were on point, but most would agree the album felt a little unfinished and could have used a couple more really bangin’ songs.
On their new album, Ridin’ High, the M-Town pair have created a quality album which true fans will appreciate as it is more reminiscent of their older works. The feel is very similar to the previous album. The production, while up-tempo, is a bit generic with a lot of synth beats, not all bad, but it makes parts of the album sound commercial and repetitive at times. We see this on tracks like “Ridin’ High,” “Alcohol, Pussy and Weed,” and “Hickory Dickory Dock,” which is funny, but too simple and sing-songy.
We see glimpses of the old Ball and G on songs like “Relax and Take Notes,” which utilizes a sample from B.I.G’s “Dead Wrong” for it’s hook.
On “Worldwide” MJG eats the track from the first word of his verse to the last, and 8-Ball rode it like a $2 Mule. “Memphis,” as it’s title suggests, is a soulful tribute to their city. The sample on this track truly sets it apart from the rest of the album, and the beat is undeniably M-Town, listen and see!
The last track on the album, “Stand Up,” really shows the true talent and creativity both artists bring to the mic. They give us the stuff that made them legends, an introspective track about real life, it’s one of the best examples of why fans love 8ball & MJG so much. Their ability to make a party/club song about drugs, alcohol, and women, and then bring you back down to earth with a their views on real life.
That’s what true hip-hop is, diversity, it’s an element many new artists today are missing, and I am glad to see some true artists show how it’s really supposed to go.
