custom-cars-cycles

The only thing bigger than Rick Ross’ illusion of grandeur is the level of awareness he’s been able to create for his work. Still somewhat tingling from the buzz off Deeper Than Rap (and his manufactured feud with 50 Cent), the trillionaire proceeds to take a page out the G-Unit manual as he looks to share the wealth with his own crew Triple C’s (Carol City Cartel) on their plush yet predictable collaborative effort Custom Cars & Cycles.

To their credit, the Trips are capable rappers in their own right–modeling their rhyme patterns and tales of fabricated fortune after their Bawse. Torch and Young Breed deliver rapid-fire gangsterisms while the most visible member Gunplay, ushers in more death threats than the FBI offices. The quartet body tracks like eerily-scored “Hustla” and “Diamonds & Maybachs Pt. 2,” a majestic journey in the world of the Rossettes. As if two anthems aren’t enough, the Miami MCs bring more heat with producers Schife & OhZee on the Birdman-blessed “Go” as well the machine gunned, panic-inducing mania of “Custom Cars & Clips.”

Custom Cars & Cycles never goes for bankrupt but a few lousy transactions place the LP in coach instead of the first class it aims to be. For starters, with four group members (three who have yet to solidify a loyal following,) additions of Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti and Young Jeezy ultimately prove unnecessary. Standard shoot-em-up rummage like “Everyday” and “Yams Pt. 2″ drag on longer than need be with album artist and guest vying for attention while reintegrating the same points. Equally bland, their expansion projects result in utter failures when they venture out to the West to meet up with Warren G, Mack 10 and The Game for your basic thug rapper posturing on “Chickn Talkn” and “Gangster Shit” respectively.

Ross & Co. stunt like pros but their follow through is mid-level. In an eightball, Custom Cars & Cycles has the build of a Maybach with servicing required under the hood.

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