** Def Squad
DEF SQUAD PRESENTS ERICK ONASIS
(DreamWorks)
Mush-mouthed
rapper Erick Sermon returns here along with a whole bunch of new talents and a
few legendary guest stars. Slick Rick steals the show early on "Why Not," but
"Hostility" shines the spotlight on Onasis, and the recently AWOL Keith Murray
and Redman deliver cranium-sizzling verses. Redman stands out as one of few MCs
taking each successive verse to the proverbial next level (for further
evidence, check out "Buck 50," the year's hottest track from Ghostface Killah's
latest).
The better moments include the Cali-inspired "Focus" with DJ Quik and the
overlooked Xzibit, now Dr. Dre's best-kept secret. On "Ain't Shhh To Discuss,"
Onasis goes hardcore for a second ("Slap your bitch up," etc.), then follows
with an eerie (and seemingly eternal) minute-long speech about Jesus. Weak.
"Vangundy" features someone named Big Kim, who sounds like Roxanne
Shanté. The now classic "Fat Gold Chain" with Too Short (another West
Coast legend) is the perfect way to close out Def Squad Presents, the
mellow bass providing the perfect op for the green-eyed bandit and Shorty the
Pimp to kick back alongside a neutral yet buttery beat.
-- Chris Conti
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