Pac Div-The Div (album review)

Photo Chic gives it 3.5 out of 5 sneaks

Let me start by saying that I like this project, but not as much as I like Pac Div’s Mania, which was a previously released mixtape that I can listen to every day straight through. The album definitely has a strong start, but then I think it loses my attention after a while. Regardless, I’m still a fan of Pac Div and their music, I just don’t see myself playing this entire album very often.

The album starts with my favorite track off of this project called “The Greatness.” You really can’t go wrong with this No ID produced track. The lyrics are motivating and the beat is fire. This song will be in my “good music” playlist and will probably never come out of it. This song is followed by my second favorite track “Posted.” This song has such an awesome beat and the sample of the woman singing is so ill to me. This song will also get major play from me. Next up we have “Useless” featuring Asher Roth. I love Asher’s flow. The beat is simple, yet different. The hook is extremely catchy and I’ve already found myself saying “if I don’t like it, then that sh*t is useless.” Next up, “Move On,” which kinda gives me that early Slum Village type of vibe.  Definitely digging this track which talks about relationship issues essentially. The best part of the song comes at the end when the beat flips. “She” is a song about the “gold-digging” woman. The beat again does it for me and Tiron adds that soulful aspect to the hook. “Chaos (The Recipe)” begins the downward spiral of the album in my opinion. It doesn’t really hold my attention, but sometimes I let it play out. “Life is Good” is a good song depending what type of mood I’m in. If I’m trying to dance or work out, then this is the song for me. Otherwise, it gets a skip. “High Five” doesn’t really hold my attention either. The beat bores me. The hottest part of “Top Down” ft Casey Veggies, is that beat breakdown at the end. Love that!!! I wish they would have done something with that beat. Man! “Number 1” is a song for the ladies, but this lady in particular isn’t really feeling it. Another boring beat to me in comparison to the way the album started out, but it did make it over to my slow jamz playlist. “Brown” is another one that usually get skipped.  “Thank You” ends the album and is a song dedicated to the people that helped Pac Div along the way. I like this one. The beat is good. The lyrics are meaningful. It’s a great end for the album.

I didn’t purchase the bonus album. There wasn’t anything special about those extra tracks to me. Like I said, I like this album, but I don’t love it. It starts incredibly strong and then midway through kind of falls off. I still think it’s definitely worth the $9.99 to buy though. So go ahead and cop The Div.




Network Chic gives it 3.25 out of 5 sneaks

“The Greatness” was a great song to open this album with – it talks about the ups and downs of life and knowing who/what to look up to and believing in yourself to make your greatness happen.  This NO I.D. produced track set the tone for this album and lines such as, “every first of the month, they try to keep us down, repo man even try to take your smile, skies is the limit so they can’t take the clouds,” just keep it down to earth and humbling.

“Posted” got me hype – love the theme of this song because it’s how I like to stay when I’m out – just posted, lay low lol!  This was a cool track with the background singer adding in vocals that just make this song that much more.  Plus, some of the lines just cracked me up like, “We’re big dogs, ya’ll small fleas, don’t bother me with small fees,” and “yellow broads with me like they might be out the Simpsons, “stocking cap or Roger Zapp, I might keep it super hood.” 

The next track, “Useless” featuring Asher Roth is simply that, useless (to me).  No, but seriously, it’s a clever track that is full of witty one liners like my favorite, “I like my eggs scrambled, I like my girls easy.”  Plus, while politically incorrect (and I don’t endorse most of what he’s referring too), I died laughing at Asher’s verse – it was hilarity!

I could live with or without “Move On” and “She,” although I can see “She” growing on me the more I listen.  It will probably end up in the rotation, mostly because the beat is so smooth and mellow.  Additionally, I’m not lovin’ “Life is Good,” but we get back into it with “High Five” with its soothing beat and lyrical overlay on this entire track.  Simple, yet metaphoric lines such as, “let’s hop in your Honda and get on one accord” just make me smile (yeah, I’m cheesy, so what?!?!).

Next, we have a song I’ve been excited about cause of the Casey Veggies feature and I love it --It’s a fun song that gets your head bobbin’ and everyone goes in on their verses, especially when Skeme came in!  “Number One” comes in next and brings us back down to that melodious groove and details various encounters about a love (or smash), but not being able to let go.  Chill track that will get some play.  “Brown” is next and comes perfectly after “Number One” – it’s a well-developed track that reminds me of mid 90’s hip hop with its varying beat patterns and scratching.

When the Golden Girls theme song came on, I was curious as to where Pac Div was about to take this track and then they came in with the beat over the theme song.  It’s definitely a humble, raw track that was a sweet way to end this album (not withstanding the bonus tracks).

In its entirety, The Div is a fresh album that provides Pac Div fans exactly what they expect, a classically Pac Div album, yet explorative and it shows their experimentation and growth.





Mixtape Chic gives it 3 out of 5 sneaks


The collective that is The Div, is made up of tracks that Pac Div fans will enjoy. The group did not stray away from its usual style of music and flow. They stayed true to what they know people enjoy hearing from them. However, that is not always a good thing…


“The Greatness“ is the initial track of the album and could not have been placed any better in the line up of tracks. The message of the track is prevalent but welcome. “She” ft. Tiron is probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite track on the album. The storyline is good and the music flows well with the concept.  Its one of those tracks that has more to it than what’s on the surface. Pac Div’s version of chaos comes in a packaged track properly titled “Chaos.” They give you stories of different situations that provide them with chaos in their lives, not that they need it. I appreciate this track for the stories and premise it conveys. Thank You - My favorite track from the album. With its title, the song is self explanatory. The concept, lyrics and especially the music are all meshed together well. The sample is almost genius.


“Move On “ was lyrically pleasing but the music did not fit the vibe until it switched to a new beat at the end. I would listen to “Brown” for the music alone. As the lyrics are important, they are not something that will knock you off your seat. However, they are not hard to listen to. 


Impartial to “Number 1”, it is one of those tracks that could possibly grow on me if I listen to it more. Question is…will I listen? Other tracks that I am impartial to included “Life is Good“, “High Five” and “Useless“. 


“Top Down” is not something I want to hear again. Every aspect of the track seems like something that I have come across already. As “Posted” bores me in a sense. There is nothing ear-catching to it. Yes it should be mellow because the song is talking about chilling and what not but this song is just plain lazy. A place taker to its core.


Overall, there was the good, the bad and the in between. The album itself is is not something I see myself listening to for years to come, well maybe a few tracks. However, it is worth the purchase if you are a fan of Pac Div and even if you are not, it never hurts to take a listen.