"To whom it may concern: This is not the real Bullet & Shaolin album. This album contains songs that didn't make the real album ("Dedication & Desire") that's scheduled for release early 2002." So Bullet and Shaolin write in the sleeve note. But what does it mean? The tracks weren't good enough, that's why the didn't put them on the 'real' album? Or the two didn't wanna put out a double album, and so had to cut some dangerously happening tracks from the final album? Well, it's quite obvious that the artists themselves think that it's a second case scenario. But our experience has shown us, that oftentimes the 'unreleased songs' records are to a big part filled with cuts, that quite rightly were left off the original release. Cause if the tracks would be so dope, there would never even be a question about if to keep the track on the album or not. And while we can't say anything about the quality of the "Dedication & Desire" album, we sure can say something about this "Smalltown Livin' Big City Game" record, and well, well, listen up.

But before we do that, let's state this: I do not know about the rules in the North West area, but there must be something about a mandatory minimum of creativity demanded, when it comes to picking one's rapper name. And quite frankly, Bullet and Shaolin are kinda stupid aliases. Unless they are no aliases and the kids surnames actually are Bullet and Shaolin (but they are not, they are Sharteer and Hodge). So what the blood clot? However, I am rambling and going for the easy complaints, and should better check out the music. So again: listen up.

Honestly, this isn't even that bad. At least not in the North Western universe, and it shall be those rules and guidelines we are taking into account when grading this. The beats that are done by a host of people often enough got that musicality and melodic slightness, that is signature for this brand of style. Hence a "U Ain't Done Shit" is remarkably lighthearted, if not at the same time very similar sounding to some of the biggest hits from the left side. And while we shouldn't compare and name names, this got that Daz flavor. And the cats continue to borrow from folks on "Let Me Ride", that is a Mad Ro featuring Bullet track, with the production of Arciurus, that seems to be in the tradition of ATL (and no, that doesn't stand for the Georgia city).

Things even get dope on "Eastside Riderz" where Bullet and Shaolin team up with Jazz and Kay Kay, their Eastside Riderz comrades, as well as with Arjay, over a dope Torrey Ward beat. He's doing something a little different, and even the unconfidently and hence badly spit chorus can't hurt this too much. Torrey then further comes correct on "Ur Bad", as he makes something nice with a guitar. What is also the instrument he picks up on the slow grooving "Soakin' Up My Game", that features Jaytee of N2Deep (do you remember the classic "Back To The Hotel") as well as Arjay. And that cat is coming with a dope and romantic, while not cheesy R'n'B cut called "For So Long". And again the beat was done by Torrey, who so proves his versatility. Phil 'Philly Blunt' Armstrong then shows, that it's not just Torrey that can do cool beats, as his "What I'm Lookin' For" that features Jaytee as well as Gino, is very party friendly, and while gangstas don't dance, they sure boogie.

So the best artist on this record that as always got plenty guests, is surprisingly a producer, namely Torrey Ward, who's a cat to look out for. His impression is also only furthered, because the lyrics are mainly treading through the muddy waters of this genres topics. Wat means we get the thug, street and what not topics, along with the the reflective track here and there, and naturally the nasty, like on "I Want You". And if we don't get further into the words on here, than not because we want to ignore them, but because they don't offer that much new to talk about. However, if we want to say something about the vocals side of this project, then that Bullet is doing this harsh voice thing, and he quite likely changes his voice to sound like that, what is rather corny.

Now judging from the few snippets from the 'real' album "Dedication And Desire", that appear at the end of this record, you realize why these cuts here were left of. Cause those few track all got a strong rider appeal, with a grooving and driving sound. These cuts here rarely got that flavor, what was most likely the reason for them to be left off of this upcoming album. So that album most likely, but this album certainly, got some cuts that can even branch out of the genre and get people to like it, that usually are not too keen on those player and hustler themes. While at the same time the cats that are deep and think into this style, will pump this without regrets.