Photo Chic gives it 4.25 out of 5 sneaks
When you play this album you can tell that Rapper Big Pooh put time, thought and skill into it. It shows throughout. I really like this album. His lyrical flow is top notch on this third solo album. No longer, Rapper Big Pooh formerly of Little Brother, this album sets him apart as an individual artist with his own clear-cut identity. On to the music...
Dirty Pretty Things is composed of 14 tracks. I think this is the perfect length. Not too long, not too short. The features are just enough for me. Enough to give the album some diverse flavor, but not too much to overpower the original emcee’s album.
The album opens with “Interdependent,” a song where Pooh basically lays it all out. He demonstrates the person he has become through rhyme. Are you going to ride with him? He follows with “They Say,” a song with a powerful beat that Pooh released prior to the album dropping. This is one of my favorites. “Money Getter” is one song that I tend to skip. It just doesn’t hold my interest. “Are You Ready” features Torae and again the beat is on fire. Torae is an excellent addition to this song and I appreciate the “back and forth” exchange between the two. Much better than the usual “you lay your verse” and then “I’ll lay my verse” and “then we’re good” style. “Right With You” is the jam. It features Focus and he makes the hook so sweet. It’s Rapper Big Pooh’s ode to his lady and her name is hip hop. A modern day “I Used to Love H.E.R.” North Carolina style. “Around the World (Ladies Love)/Put you On” featuring Novel and Ms. Cris is also great. I love Novel! So I might be bias on this one. On “5.13.11” Rapper Big Pooh takes us on a journey of a good relationship gone bad...really bad. I won’t spoil it for you, just listen. “Soul Music/Ballad of the Son” is cool, but I skip it too so I can get to “Make it Thru” ft Joe Scudda and Kobe. Rapper Big Pooh speaks about some serious stuff that takes place in the streets. This transitions into “Free” which is more uplifting. I especially like the second verse after the chorus. He touches on being a role model and contributing to change in the system. “Legendary Lullaby” is my favorite song and Rapper Big Pooh really displays his conscientious side. This beat is awesome. “I’m trying to teach the kids something...be legendary.” Powerful song. Kudos to Rapper Big Pooh for this one. “Real Love” is another banger where Pooh talks about the real love between him and his brother. Rapper Big Pooh’s story-telling skills are on point on this album. He paints great pictures with his lyricism. “End of an Empire” is a cool song, but it doesn’t keep my attention like the other tracks, so I usually skip it. “ShoutemOutro 2” is Pooh’s open thank you letter over a dope beat that brings the album to an end.
I suggest you buy this album. It’s a keeper. The bonus version on iTunes is also worth the extra money. It includes “Medicine Man,” “The Clock,” “Lonely Roads” and another version of “They Say.” “Lonely Roads” is an amazing track. Another one of my faves. Rapper Big Pooh did a great job with this album and continues the trend of putting North Carolina on the map this year. Support good music!
Mixtape Chic gives 3.75 out of 5 sneaks
Rapper Big Pooh is underrated as well as underestimated when it comes to his lyrical skills. It seems Dirty Pretty Things was his way to show skeptics that he can make an album with solid lyrics. Of his albums, I believe that this one in particular may have proven his skills.
“They Say” and “Are You Ready?” bring out the cocky side of Pooh. In the first, he speaks about how underestimated his skills are and/or have been in others’ eyes. He knows what he can do and does not care how others may critique his skill. As “Are You Ready?” has the same premise except there’s more bragging involved, as he and Torae go back and forth. “Money Getter” would also fit in the cocky category but my “like” for it will depend on the day.
Pooh shows his lover side as well with “Right For You.” It features Focus, which is a great fit and is an ode to Hip Hop. Every true emcee should have a line or song that is dedicated to Hip Hop. It was put together thoughtfully as you may not realize he is speaking about the genre until the end. Another track with a not-so-happy love story is “5.13.11.” It is a story of a relationship that goes awry. Emotion-filled, the story is told flawlessly. The ending is a surprise as well. There is also “Real Love” which was an instant love for my ears from the start. A song with memories of his relationship with his brother and his love for him. It was only right that they channeled Mary J. during the chorus.
“Legendary Lullaby” is one of the more powerful songs on the album. It reaches out to the youth and is set to be a motivator to be more than just the average person in life. ‘Be legendary.’ “Free” is inspirational as Pooh speaks on the struggles and triumphs that have come throughout his career. He never thought he would get to that place but he did. He also speaks on the fact that there is more out there than just being an entertainer for the kids.
“Soul Music/Ballad of the Son” and “Make It Thru” are the other tracks that are on the play list from this album.
Of all that the album had to offer, “Around The World/Put You On”, as well as “End of an Empire” are tracks that are on the skip list.
Overall, this album was satisfying but not exceptional. Pooh came correct lyrically, for the most part. There were a few tracks that “wowed” me but there were also a few that would be skipped instantly. You should buy to find out for yourself. It is worth it!
Mixtape Chic gives 3.75 out of 5 sneaks
Rapper Big Pooh is underrated as well as underestimated when it comes to his lyrical skills. It seems Dirty Pretty Things was his way to show skeptics that he can make an album with solid lyrics. Of his albums, I believe that this one in particular may have proven his skills.
“They Say” and “Are You Ready?” bring out the cocky side of Pooh. In the first, he speaks about how underestimated his skills are and/or have been in others’ eyes. He knows what he can do and does not care how others may critique his skill. As “Are You Ready?” has the same premise except there’s more bragging involved, as he and Torae go back and forth. “Money Getter” would also fit in the cocky category but my “like” for it will depend on the day.
Pooh shows his lover side as well with “Right For You.” It features Focus, which is a great fit and is an ode to Hip Hop. Every true emcee should have a line or song that is dedicated to Hip Hop. It was put together thoughtfully as you may not realize he is speaking about the genre until the end. Another track with a not-so-happy love story is “5.13.11.” It is a story of a relationship that goes awry. Emotion-filled, the story is told flawlessly. The ending is a surprise as well. There is also “Real Love” which was an instant love for my ears from the start. A song with memories of his relationship with his brother and his love for him. It was only right that they channeled Mary J. during the chorus.
“Legendary Lullaby” is one of the more powerful songs on the album. It reaches out to the youth and is set to be a motivator to be more than just the average person in life. ‘Be legendary.’ “Free” is inspirational as Pooh speaks on the struggles and triumphs that have come throughout his career. He never thought he would get to that place but he did. He also speaks on the fact that there is more out there than just being an entertainer for the kids.
“Soul Music/Ballad of the Son” and “Make It Thru” are the other tracks that are on the play list from this album.
Of all that the album had to offer, “Around The World/Put You On”, as well as “End of an Empire” are tracks that are on the skip list.
Overall, this album was satisfying but not exceptional. Pooh came correct lyrically, for the most part. There were a few tracks that “wowed” me but there were also a few that would be skipped instantly. You should buy to find out for yourself. It is worth it!
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