Only The Strong
label: landspeed

producers: havoc, alchemist, big noyd

guests: mobb deep
year of release: 2003
Best known for his blistering cameos and rock-solid Mobb Deep affiliation, Big Noyd has been making big noise for a long time now. Featured on too many QB classics to list, he has endeared himself to an entire generation of thug rap afficianadoes, thanks to his vivid, bullet-riddled imagery and charismatic flow. This is his first solo full-length (1996's under-rated and under-promoted "Episodes Of A Hustla" was an billed as an EP), and it plays like a triumphant and confident debut from a dun who's been bringing heat for nearly a decade.
Like his Queensbridge brethren, Noyd's subject matter rarely strays from familiar ground - beef, bloodshed, the drug game, and loyalty. That's what he knows, that's what he rhymes about, and that's what the heads expect. While some bystanders could complain about a lack of variety, longtime followers would surely cry foul if he tried to come any other way (see the Mobb's R&B single). That being said, there are few emcees that can spit the street shit so nice. Then there's the production, handled exclusively by Havoc, Alchemist, and Noyd himself. They provide the grimey backdrops, which perfectly suit the unrepentently murderous wordplay.

tracklisting
1. Only The Strong Intro
2. Watch Out
3. Shoot Em Up (Prelude)
4. Shoot Em Up (Bang Bang) Pt. 1
5. Something For All Those feat. Prodigy
6. We Gangsta
7. Being On Point (Prelude)
8. All 4 The Luv Of The Dough
9. Invincible
10. Wildin' On The Tour Bus (skit)
11. Noyd Holdin' It Down feat. Havoc
12. Shoot Em Up (Bang Bang) Pt. 2 feat. Mobb Deep
13. Air It Out feat. Havoc
14. Going Right At Em
15. That Fire
16. N.O.Y.D.
Already a hit several months back, the Alchemist-produced lead single "Shoot Em Up (Bang Bang)" still lives up to it's name, with it's oldies sung hook and stuttering snare hits. Havoc has also stepped up his beat game, contributing a grip of impressive tracks, such as the eerie, organ-laced "We Gangsta," and "All 4 The Luv Of The Dough," which sports mellow keys, classical guitar loops, and a reflective Prodigy on the chorus. While not really known as a producer, Noyd himself crafts some of the illest soundscapes on here, most notably "Something For All Those," where he and P tag team over some swirling flute action, and the string-drenched "Going Right At Em," on which he vows to destroy all snitches. Other key selections include the neckbreaking "Watch Out," and the synthy "Invincible."
Though the album is clearly a team effort, Big Noyd rightfully remains the star of the show. There's something about his casual but cocky rhyme style that just shines whenever he's on the mic. Even without a beat behind him ("Being On Point"), he brings it like few others can. With the exception of one pointless skit, "Only The Strong" keeps it thoro from start to finish, firmly establishing Big Noyd in the upper echelon of Queensbridge emcees.
review: brolin winning
» back to top | last changed : 25.09.03
© 2000 - 2012.08 by urban smarts | contact