“Salute A G” - Review Of M.O.P.’s Foundation
ALBUM REVIEWS By Contra™ on October 6, 2009 at 3:39 pm
We should know what to expect by now from the Brooklyn duo M.O.P. It’s almost been two decades since they first barrage their way into the scene and they’ve seldom strayed from their modus operandi: to properly represent Hip-Hop, Brooklyn and the streets at large while providing theme music for whatever nefariously sinister activities they’ve associated with on a daily basis. And although Billy Danze and Lil’ Fame have been ran through the ringer for the past 9 years through 3 record deals, they’ve found their footing in the independent field and returned with a fresh Foundation.
Famesta and Danzini jump right into it with the energetic, guitar riff heavy “I’m a Brownsvillain.” Serving as a simple reminder of just who you’re going to be dealing with for the next 13 tracks, the explosiveness is replicated and amplified later on “Blow The Horns” and “Bang Time”. It’s not all elbow-to-the-throat, stick-your-hands-up music, however. There are moments of introspection subtly sprinkled over soulful, mellow tracks like “Where I Wanna B” and “Rude Bastard.”
However, they don’t hesitate to air their feelings on Hip-Hop going soft, calling out the new generation of pretenders and players. In addition to the intro and title track, “Stop Pushin’” adds to the list of warnings issued to all rappers who fail to hold their own or maintain authenticity. On “Forever & Always” and “Salute a G,” Billy and Fame’s exchanges remind the audience why they deserve all the respect they get for the commitment they have consistently demonstrated to their cultures.
Foundation is not intended to alienate newcomers however. In fact, a select number of guest appearances feature on this album. Termanology and his excellent cadence hop on one of the two Statik Selektah productions, “Crazy” to pay homage to the Mash Out Posse. Styles P. adds to the already gully gun-toting anthem, “Bang Time”; a track that sounds like it should only be listened to in the privacy of a military arsenal hold or an overpopulated firing range. Redman’s appearance on “Riding Through” provides one of the lighter moments of the LP. Red reminiscently narrates his first encounter with the Browsvillains and how they immediately earned his respect.
Indeed, at this point in their careers, one cannot flaw M.O.P. for who they are and have been, and what they choose to represent. They are established and have the most loyal of fanbases as proven by Foundation being a direct contrast to the current climate. The topics are familar and few (if any) attempts at palpable radio friendly music. If measured up against such standards, it may seem out of place and potentially lacking. But if you’re just looking for some good ol’ mosh pit Brooklyn grime to sully your media player and lace your Timberland’s up to, then prepare to ante up with the Mash Out Posse once again.
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23 Comments
It’s always beguiled me, do folks give M.O.P. high ratings out of fear or respect?
first family 4 life was a classic, so it deserved a high rating
haven’t heard enough of the rest outside of singles to comment on the others
@ Paw
How bout simply dope ass music? Is that not an option for a good album review?
It says a lot about folks’ character who openly can’t relate to M.O.P.
Have to agree with the rating..thought it was an overall dope hip-hop album..peace
TC: You know Paw don’t like it if it don’t have heartfelt Haikus. Just reading this review makes me want to put someone in a Ghetto Fiend. lol
I’m a peace-loving Christian, but when I hear Bang Time, I just wanna do mean things on some mean streets with a mean mug on the whole time. But, as Oran juice Jones says, “instead, I chilled…”
Which is how I tore a small ligament in my knee last week.
I had that MOP going while I was at the 24HR Fitness… I threw about 500lbs on the squat rack, got thru 4 reps and the first verse of…
been hobbling like a old woman with rheumatoid ever since.
@paw stop pushin’!
Took me a while to catch the groove with this one. I started out not really liking it but over the weeks it’s grown opn me.
M.O.P. sets such a high bar with their past works but Foundation meets it, even though some of these tracks leaked a while back.
I thought Ghetto Warfare woulda been a street classic…if it would’ve got an official release.
Lol sorry but that shit Paw said was funny
http://rs250.rapidshare.com/files/289379671/Cu_-_Th.rar
Jet$!
This album is dope. Hands down.
@TC, yes good music usually equates to a good review. (Well in theory at least).
It says a lot about folks’ character who openly can’t relate to M.O.P, how so?
Firing Squaaaaddd!!
If you can’t openly relate to MOP, you’re either a bitch or bitch-made. Take your pick.
No shots.
I’m not impressed by THIS album. I’ll have to try again.
that rude bastard beat is some soulful shit
If you can’t openly relate to MOP, you’re either a bitch or bitch-made. Take your pick.
No shots.
=====================
LOL Classic.
“I’m not impressed by THIS album. I’ll have to try again.”
Felt the same way. I saw all the praise it was getting around the net so I really had to sit down and lock in for about an hour listening to it. Mind changed.
Fame & Billy never come soft (nh).
good looking Amp on that assist.
great review…that MOP albums is great!
FIRING SQUAD!!
I haven’t heard this one yet, but I’m pretty sure I’ll agree with the review.
“YEEEEAAHHH BOOOOYYEEEEE!” © Flavor Flav
That’s what I’m talkin’ about right here…
He’s both Deen. LOL
didnt know it was out yet, hasnt been many ads i dont guess, or maybe i need to get out from under this rock. glad to see them get a 4.
FIIYYYAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL @ Deen. Wow.
Blow the horns hooked me. I reeled in.