Be honest. You didn’t understand E-40 on his major label debut album, Federal, did you? Not right away, you didn’t.
Unaccustomed to his excessive use of homemade slanguage coupled with a unique style and delivery, The Mail Man was an acquired Bay Area flavor.
For his second act he brought all Hip Hop listeners up to speed In A Major Way.
One of the best promoted albums of the 90s, commercials featuring a sampling of eventual hit single “1 Luv”, featuring an impassioned guest vocal from Levitti on the chorus, helped build anticipation. Once officially released, listeners connected with E-40 through this well-written autobiographical-type rap.
He also took new liberties with his swift, twisty flow, making it simpler yet considerably more complex. No longer a popular Bay Area rapper. This album made 40 a Hip Hop star.
From the treasured “Dusted ‘N’ Disgusted”, featuring classic verses from Spice 1, 2Pac, and Mac Mall, to the eerie bounce of “Dey Ain’t No”, the entire album pleased.
In fact, this was his true first impression. His previous indie releases became more like rare gems.
“It is I says me,” he proclaims on the intro. With whoppy bass behind him, 40 serves pertinent details of who he is and what to expect, followed by the poetic, slang-related wordplay on stripped-down quickie “Chip In Da Phone”.
All this properly prepped you for the amazingness that followed. “I flip the Lexi, speed up and catch me,” 40’s opening line on “Da Bumble” let everyone know this album distanced itself from the pack. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
Classic Hip Hop albums reviews was trend originated by our friends at Concrete Magazine. Visit Concrete615.com.
