When people think of Nashville, most think of one thing – country music.

But when you think of hip-hop and Nashville, most commonly think of one artist – Young Buck.

Soon,that might change…and you’ll think of All-Star, who’s signed to Cash Money Records. I think most might know him for rappin alongside Young Jeezy on “Grey Goose” (or Lil Wayne depending with which version you’re familiar).

Star’s got much more to offer and he reps the city, both at it’s best and in his own unique way. He’s got a syrupy country twang mixed with an uncanny ability to float syllables across the beat. This cd, Starlito’s Way: I Am Not Your Friend (2006), is proper presentation for first time listeners to Star. As with most Southern artists and their fans outside of the region, there’s one of two ways to listen to them – One, you either love it off top. Or, two, you listen closely, adapt and enjoy. The first part of the disc displays the typical topics – dope, guns and money. Nothing new there in terms of content, but Star does carry himself well over the beats and there’s features from Young Buck amongst others.

The second half of the disc gets more personal and it’s where things really pick up, on the beats selected and content, as Star gets more personal, wearing his heart on his sleeve. Tracks like “Mo’Problems,” “Shinin Star” and “I Miss My Homie” capture a painful feeling in the essence of C-Murder and a few other No Limit artists in their prime.

Tracks that stand out…

“A To Z”

No, he’s not Papoose but the wordplay here is ridic.

“I sold D, sold E, but F’it, still a G/used to get H-I back when I was 18…I went to the M (Memphis), hollered @ Gotti cause he heard my cd, ended up in the N-O, but I wasn’t with P…”

“Shinin Star”

Familiar soul sample over a good bouncy beat. Star shows versatility with his rhymes, chronicling the aspirations of a young hustler, showing love to his godchildren and his rise to power.

“Give Me Your Love”

Awkawardly painful but beautiful @ the same time as Cashville’s Prince speaks on the death of his close friend and the snakes that surround him.

Starlito’s Way is a good glimpse of what the South still has to offer hip-hop.

All-Star – Starlito’s Way: I’m Not Your Friend

For more on All-Star visit www.myspace.com/all_star23zone.

Loosies

Peedi Crakk – Freestyle

Busta_Rhymes_-_Im_Just_Getting_Warm

Fabolous feat. Lil Wayne – Diamonds On My Chain

Crime Mob – What Is Love

Mighty Mike Ft. Blood Raw – Bam

Redman – Lost Ones Freestyle

Redman – Timberlake Freestyle

Skillz – The Greatest MC Alive

KRS-ONE – Nas Tribute

AC – Music’s Funeral

Loosies File