Royce da 5'9 - Street Hop - Music Review

If you were to recall the intro to "Slaughterhouse" when Royce said "I, the apparent head I am the general, bow now". I really imagined a subplot to his leadership and was certain he would be the blowout artist of the Slaughterhouse camp. Move forward a few months and this gem pops up. Opening with "Gun Harmonizing" , this destructive trade of bars with one after another over an amazing piano laden track is the keynote address to the rest of the album. Followed up cohesively by "Count for Nothing", a track about the industry and the countless wannabes faking the status and failing on dexterity when it comes to real music. The album seems to plateau in a mediocre manner after the 3rd track Soldier. A nice tune of riding slow music is presented on "Something 2 Ride 2" feat Phonte (of Little Brother). "Dinner Time" was a loud obnoxious polysyllabic gymnastic lesson in lyrical prowess. Busta Rhymes def put a nice couple of bars together in his intrinsic manner of appeal. "Far Away" starts off in the most hilarious manner. Without giving too much away I will tell you if you're still using Auto tune on your tracks you're about to get clowned on in the worst way. "The Warriors" feat Slaughterhouse is the best track on the entire album (IMO). It features 2 verses from every member which is a delight. All stops were pulled out on the ensemble's energetic delivery. This track continues to reassure us that this camp is not going to sleep on music standards. Pulling the album together are little skits and intermission. These intermissions/skits are absolutely hilarious. "New Money" is another track about the industry's fasaud in the music game right now with an elevated play on words and recent hilarity in the entertainment world. "Shake this " is an amazing piece of legend. Providing an in depth look into Royce's life and the present outlook. It is accompanied by a video directed by Rik Cordero. Check it out here. "Mine In Thiz" should be the next "in the club" track but we all know real hip hop is hardly displayed via radio or clubplay. At least in a commercial fashion really. The title track "Street Hop" has everything the hiphop head desires. Bars, hooks, punchlines, and a devastating synthesized beat. "Part of Me" is an interesting take on a common urban legend involving two women. this track embodies Royce and shows a relevant delivery storytelling at it's finest. The final track "Hood Love" feat Bun B & Joell Ortiz wraps up the album tightly and puts the last amount refreshing rhymes. Bun B is always a great featured guest and Joell is consistent with his flow. Download the teaser here. Buy the album Oct 20th 2009
-cezeOne