Darkroom Familia - "From The Barrio With Love" (Dogday Re-release)
Date: 9/30/00
------------This is the first cd that Darkroom Familia ever did. Released in 1993 this version is different than the original that came out then, but for the most part I think this is pretty much the same cd, give or take a few tracks. This cd contains some familiar names such as Duke, Dyno, Crooked, Dee-Roll (original member), Never, Oso and some I have never heard of: Shabazz, Kool-Aid, Natay, Alejandro. This cd definitely shows it age compared to recent Darkroom releases.
___The first few songs on this cd are promising. “New Revolution”, “Northern Killa Cali”, and “Woke Up Hatin The World” are all good songs that have that Darkroom sound to them. “Funk N Da Hood” is a disappointing song of the first few. Performed by Never and Hurricane J this track contains an old school beat and lyrics below par for both Never and Hurricane J. This is one that you will soon want to forget. But what comes next makes this song almost a highlight of the album. This album takes a turn for the worse from track five and on. “One Of Those Days” by Shabazz starts the downward spiral. Not only is the beat nothing special but the lyrics are weak, especially coming from a Darkroom cd. “Cruise All Night” almost becomes just another forgettable track, if it wasn’t for Dyno saving it with a decent verse. After that, there are 6 songs that have no redeeming values whatsoever. Other than Dyno’s average “Call Me Locote” nothing is even decent. “Daddy’s Home” makes you wonder how Dyno could make such a bad song. And “Song Of The Big Sky” by Alejandro will have you saying what the fuck. With the chorus going “the sun, the earth, the water, and the wind, that’s where my circle of life begins” I don’t what to make of this track at all. Calling this song horrible is being nice. It’s laughable to hear a song like this on a Darkroom cd.
___This cd just doesn’t have much going for it. With decent beats and (for the most part) horrible raps, there isn’t much here having me come back for more. With only 3 really good songs and the rest being pure shit, this cd should just be avoided at all costs. You wouldn’t have thought Darkroom would have made it this far after hearing this cd, but comparing this to their new work is a joke. The only reason this cd should be purchased is for those Darkroom fans who want to say they have all the Darkroom releases. Other than, that stay away.
Rating: 4.5/10
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bruce Wayne
