Brotha Lynch Hung & C-Bo - "Blocc Movement"

Boomin' Words From Portsmouth

Main|Reviews|Links|Opinions and Editorials|Interviews

Picture Coming Soon.

Brotha Lynch Hung & C-Bo - "Blocc Movement"

Date: 12/6/01


------------What do you get when you combine two of the most popular underground rap artists from Sacramento? You got the group album "Blocc Movement", which consists of Brotha Lynch Hung and C-Bo. Both of these men have been making hardcore tracks for years, and it was only due time before they both hooked up. Even though Lynch and C-Bo didn't actually record the cd together since C-Bo was in jail, the end result is a hard knocking cd that will satisfy fans of both artists.
___Lynch and C-Bo are known for their hard lyrics and underground sound, and this is nothing new. The first track of the cd is "Gangsta", and also features Kam. A hot opening track by any artist standards, all three rappers put it down. Lyrically, Kam really shines, with some clever rhymes. As good as "Gangsta" was, "Follow My Lead" is even better. Aside from Lynch and C-Bo, Cos and Killa Tay are featured. With a slamming beat and good performances by all, this is one of my favorite tracks on the cd. The first solo track is "Flippin Chiccensby" C-Bo. I personally dont care for this track, mostly due to the annoying chorus. Definitely one of the tracks that is worth skipping. By looking at who is on "187 On A Hook" you would think it would be one of the best tracks on thecd, with Tech N9ne joining Lynch and C-Bo. Instead, its somewhat of a letdown. I am undecided if I really like this song or not, since the lyrics are pretty good, but I just cant really get into the heavy metal sounding track.
___The next four tracks all feature Lynch, but C-Bo is nowhere to be found. Three of these tracks are solos by Lynch, and the other has Siccmade label mates Cos and Tall Can. "The Watcher" and "Drunken Style" are both classic Lynch tracks, with his trademark sick lyrics and smooth flow. The only downside is that "Drunken Style" is only one verse, which doesn't do the Beta produced track justice (which, may I note, doesn't sound like your standard Beta track. Its has a some weird-ass oriental sounds in it, which makes it different and tight). "187 On 24th Street" just isnt a good solo by Lynch, and doesn't do anything for me. Average song, with nothing really worth mentioning about it. "We All Thug" is the Siccmade cut, and is another highlight track. Lynch really makes this track what it is, with a great opening verse. If you listen closely to Coss' verse, you will catch a few shots directed towards the Locc to Da Brain crew. Cos continues to impress on his guest appearances, and hopefully its only due time before this guy drops a cd (Siccmade take note).
___C-Bo marks his return with his second solo track, "Dedication", which is sort of a more serious track, as C-Bo raps about the consequences of living a life of crime. This is a much better track than "Flippin Chiccens", and is better showcase of C-Bos ability. "Divide", which also has Phats Bossi and Cos, is easily the best track on the cd, if not of the year... Not to take anything away from C-Bo, Lynch, and Cos, but Phats Bossi really tears it up with a great verse. But what really makes this song what is it, is the beat. Produced by Mike Mosley, the beat is amazing. The best part about it is some type of jazz sounding instrument. Its hard to explain, but once you hear it, it really creates a somber mood. I have no clue what it is, but it makes the track what it is.
___"There It Is" is another Lynch solo, and is a good song. I am not sure whom it is directed towards, but Lynch is talking about a certain someone throughout the track. Not an outstanding track, but it holds up as a quality track by Lynch standards. C-Bo and Spider Loc are on "Money, Power, Respect" which is a decent track. It's worth a listen, but compared to other tracks, this is sort of the middle of the pack, neither being great, nor bad. "The Plot" is another Siccmade song, with Lynch and Zagg going back and forth rapping about a certain record label owner who they were involved with. I am not a fan of female rappers, but Zagg holds her own when paired with Lynch. This is another solid track. At first listen, "My Papers" has a very familiar beat, which is the same beat Mobb Deep used on "Quiet Storm". I really dont care for rappers taking others' beats, but this track is just too tight. This is my favorite Lynch solo on the cd, and he takes aim at Cedric Singleton throughout the track. The final, and one of the top three tracks on the cd, is "Dont Stop" which has other Northern California underground rappers Spice 1 and Yukmouth. With another hot beat provided by Mike Mosley and some great lyrics from Yukmouth and Lynch (I love his verse), this is a tight track in all aspects.
___Lynch and C-Bo don't disappoint in their first cd together. Both rappers gave some tight performances, not to mention some really good features on this one. Also, the beats were good throughout, even with a multitude of different producers contributing to the project. Even with all the good things going for this cd,there are some faults. First off, Lynch and C-Bo only appear on five tracks together, which is not a lot considering this is supposed to be a group album. There is also a lack of C-Bo solos, especially when you look at all the solos Lynch has. And if you are a Lynch fan, don't expect that Siccmade sound, as the beats are something more reminiscent of something C-Bo would appear on. Finally, there are way too many skits on this album. With an intro and an outro, there is no reason we need three skits. Not to mention the skits are pretty pointless and just take up space. Fans of both artists should strongly consider picking up this project. Its one of the best cds to come out of Sacramento, and should go down as a classic in the years to come.

Rating: 9.3/10
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bruce Wayne

1 1