So far I've heard most of the album, and it's very good. That's My Dog, Letter to my Son, Walking in the Rain, Hood Blues, and Take Control are all dope to me. I haven't listened to Dog's Out, Money Money Money, Hold Me Down and Skyscrapers yet.
Two biggest issues so far....Bath Salts sounded very disappointing from all three on first listen (maybe more listens it'll grow on me) and fuck, Westside is IRRITATING with the tired adlibs on Hood Blues.
1. "Was never really a DMX fan but I rocks with it" In response to Reply # 0
Initial thoughts after two times through...
I agree that the Jay and Nas joint was weak due to both coming with subpar verses.
Nas is vintage on Walking In The Rain though
Could’ve done without the Snoop joint just because the sample is a bit overdone.
Love the opener with The Lox
Not sure about the Money joint.
Hold Me Down and Skyscrapers are cool
Not sure why that skit is added
Hood Blues is dope but I have been saying the same thing as you in regards to how unacceptably annoying Westside’s adlibs are. I don’t know if there’s a respected hip-hop artist I HATE more than that dude. Thing is that his verse would’ve been dope without the sound effects. Somebody in his crew needs to check him on that shit for real.
Letter To My Son is great! Wish there was a second verse but it’s a great way to close out the album.
Overall I like it. It does a great job of giving you that vintage late 90s vibe yet still sounding fresh.
5. "I'm lovin it right now but..." In response to Reply # 0
definitely comes of as a posthumous release. I know Swizz said it was done before he died, but this is mad light on DMX. Reminds me of Biggies 'Born Again' if it was massively cut down. 'Hood Blues' sounds much better in context, it had me a little scared when I first heard it. I'm a fan of all those guys, but it didn't quite seem to gel as a single. Overall very happy with the release
12. "Just made me sad and appreciate what he brought even more" In response to Reply # 0
He is outshone by every guest, something that rarely happened before, regardless of the lyrical prowess of others. His mic presence and the energy he brought was second to none.
He sounds like someone who was out of shape and trying to get himself back into it. The NEXT album would have been something to behold.