The Hip Hop Mortuary

Chino XL and raw go hand in hand. This man can rhyme for days, and is very eerily similar to Canibus. People say Em stole this guy's style... that's not true. Eminem never sounds as boring as Chino does... but Eminem will never rival the Chino track "Beastin" with Killah Priest (not on this album). Chino is what you would call a formerly underground raw lyricist, he has a strong flow, a commanding voice, but terrible beats (at times). Canibus or Ras Kass anybody? This is his first album... made in 96. (damn.. it's been a while) Chino also has too many pop culture references for my liking, almost every other line he's comparing his rhymes to a famous celebrity's drug addiction. But when this man gets on the mic determined he is nearly unrivaled.

The Good:

Track # 3: No Complex- This track is very average from the outside, but the lyrics are impressive.

Track # 5- It's All Bad- This song is really good. Actually some storytelling, and Chino actually lets you into his mind. The hook is weak as fuck though.

Track # 7- Riiiot- This song is probably the most lyrical so far, and the beat finally matches... Ras Kass just murders this track.

Track # 8- Waiting To Exhale- Sounds more like a Wu track, Chino might spit a few lines, but Gravitation just kills this song. One of the best so far.

Track # 9- What Am I- Another great story telling track. One of my favorites so far.

Track # 11- Thousands- Illmatic meets Eminem meets Wu Tang (C.R.E.A.M.) at their bests.

Track # 12- Kreep- Another amazing song... the flow is sick, he doesen't stop spitting fire till the end. The chorus is something else too.

Track # 15- Ghetto Vampire- It's a pretty lame idea, but I like the beat change, and chino goes hard on this track.

Track # 16- Rise- It's a really really good song... but there's two minutes after the songs ends.

0-20: Terrible listening experience
21-40: Maybe one good song
41-60: A few good songs
61-80: Half are good songs, half are weak
81-100: Great listening experience, almost all are great songs

I give this album a rating of 83, it isn't for everyone... but Chino definitely delivers on this album. At first you might be dissapointed, but this shit will grow on you like fucking fungus (I swear)... so give it a chance... I did and I'm very glad.
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