Capone: Menace 2 Society

HHH Official Rating: 2.5/5
Lyrics Rating: 3/5
Beats Rating: 2.5/5
Musical Content: 2.5/5

Written by: Redman122...Still, the talk of Brooklyn

Yes ya'll, the kid is back. Major props to Do-Well on his latest slew of reviews...good work. Now, real hip hop heads know all about Capone, and his constant struggle to gain the mainstream success that his parter, Noreaga, has received. If you're like me, and prefer Capone over his partner in "crime," then you've also probably enjoyed the fact that Capone always kept it non-commercial and didn't receive the mainstream spotlight that has been known to lead rappers on a downward spiral lyrically (cough-50 cent-cough). Nonetheless, Capone is still a "baby" when it comes to doin solo work, and as a result has been hard on his grind. The excitement was definitly there before I listened to this "album." However, would that excitement remain throughout the disc is the real question.

At first listen, it is evident that the old Capone is gone. I mean, almost every CNN fan loved "The War Report" and it is almost certain that we will never hear those raw lyrics from Capone again. The opening cut, "King of New York" is a nice effort, finding Capone spitting with a Kanye West type bravado about why he is indeed the true 'king of NY. ' The sample on the beat is also nicely done by Twinz, and adds some flavor to the track. Other standout cuts include "Aura" which might be the best solo track I have ever heard from Capone. Peep some of the lyrics for yourself:

"Im just a seventies baby, with an eighties aura/
Early nineties, floss my shit, the 4-5th inflate ganga/
Aura like the Riker's Viper, my life is priceless, nice, the trifest/
These New York streets I might just – Leave New York if I wanna/
And come back in a week and leak the next source first of the month/
Old timers speak wisdom aura, Some of its learned from the tora
Most of it's gained from they time on the corner/
See, cuz I got aura, and you got none/
It's gonna take a lot more for you to stop me son/"

In addition, the rap/reggare collabo "Fire" was actually surprising, in that it actually works. Lesser-known reggae sar Lexus shows up on the track, and the beat is laced by Kev Kyze. The track "Fallen Soldier" is also good, but has previously appeared on Nore's "What up to tha Hood" mixtape. "F.U. Your Honor" continues Capone's almost over-the-top swagger. Arrogance can be good and work well for a rapper, but too much can be a problem. It is the same reason alot of people, including myself, cannot stand Kanye West. Despite it however, the track is dope.

Besides the previously mentioned four tracks, the rest of this effort is basic, repetitive, and boring. Capone tries to make a commerical track, and "Troublesome" is just horrible. Even Noreaga and a Just Blaze beat cannot save this track. "Roll With Me" is another fast forward special featuring the same content as listened to on about five other songs on the album.

The debate can begin as to whether or not this is actually an album, or a mixtape. Nevertheless, this effort from Capone, and I use the word "effort" loosely, is sub-par. Dont get me wrong tho, some of the tracks on this "album" are bangin and are much better than the stuff comin outta other NY based rappers. Having said that, Capone fails in seperating himself from the "underground" NY mc's and doesn't leave much hope for his next project. Capone must step away from the generic tracks, and return to his days of "The War Report" if he is ever going to gain the credit his deserves. If you're a huge Capone fan, cop this mixtape as it still features an ill MC. However, if you are a casual hip hop listener or a casual Capone fan, take a pass on this one.


Tracklisting:

1. Intro
2. King Of New York (4/5)
3. Aura (4.5/5)
4. F.U. Your Honor (3/5)
5. Troublesome (La La La) - (with Noreaga) (1.5/5)
6. Interrogation (2.5/5)
7. Roll With Me (2.5/5)
8. Fire - (with Lexus) (3/5)
9. Beatdown (2.5/5)
10. Mac On Chill (2/5)
11. Drive By (2.5/5)
12. Hand On My 9 (3/5)
13. Fallen Soldiers (4/5)
14. No Henny, No Bud (3/5)