“It seems that these days the Roc are defiantly back in the building, but are they capable of running this rap s@!t as they did at the beginning of the millennium? It’s still too early to answer that question, but after sometime away the Broad Street Bully Beanie Sigel tries to help provide one his new album The Solution.
Like Freeway’s Free At Last the production of Just Blaze and Kanye West is no where to be seen on this album. This for some will be a problem as part of what made the Roc a force was the production of Just and Kanye which gave them a unique sound. So how dose the new era of Roc-a-Fella cope with the star producers absence?

The album starts off with the lead single “All of the Above” which features R Kelly in usual mode. This obvious attempt at a radio/club banger works to some degree but the subject matter and lyrics seem a bit too street for the radio audience. The next song sees Beans in more a comfortable setting on the surprisingly different (in a good way) track produced by Cool & Dre “Bout That”. Where he takes a clear dig at Jim Jones by stating “Ni@@as claim they balllin but can’t hit the shot”. Things only get more street with the big drums and horns of “You Ain’t Ready For Me” featuring Styles P. On here the two trade relentless bars which should warn others out there, claiming to be the hardest out. Its not often you get albums where the track featuring Jay Z is not one of the standout tracks but that is what is achieved on the uninspiring “Gutted”. It switches quickly to party mode with up tempo tribal style drums of “Pass The Patron” featuring Diddy (singing the hook), Ghostface and a lazy verse from Peedi Crakk. On the laid back “Hustlas, Haze And Highways” he takes a clear shot at Kanye West’s sexuality for the second time on record.

The one thing that Beanie Sigel has on his side and regardless of production maintains throughout the album is his lyrics, and this is definitely on show. The last third of the album sees Beanie Sigel wearing his introspective hat as he has on previous albums. The production of “Rain (Bridge)”, “Dear Self” and “Prayer” may seem weak in comparison the Sigel’s potent lyrics but the message still hits home. Where’s Just and Kanye when you need them?

With the recent release of Freeway’s album and now Beanie Sigel’s album with fellow Roc members Memphis Bleek, Young Chris etc to come next one asks the question. “Will it re-inspire the old fans and inspire new fans to throw their diamond’s up? Does it matter? It’s just nice to know the Roc is in the building”
My rating is 3.5 out of 5

Rapid Fire Reviews

Craig David ~ Trust Me
“This time around Craig David seems to have to have gone for a different sound. Live instrumentation provides the majority of the albums sound, which on many occasions comes off sounding a bit basic and commercial. If a debut album then maybe, but third time around I certainly would expect more from Mr Rewind”
2/5

Boyz ii Men ~ Motown Hitsville USA
“Simply put this album is for Boyz ii Men fans or lovers of the Motown era. If you are one or better yet both, then this album will please you from beginning to the end. If not then this may not be you”
2.5/5