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Ten some odd years ago, Christopher “B.G.” Dorsey undoubtedly had the same easygoing persona, but his star status was definitely on another echelon. At the height of their popularity, B.G. was instrumental in helping Cash Money Records shift from entrepreneurship to empire before internal rifts, legal turmoil and drug addiction threw him of course. Bent on never reclaiming what once was, the original Hot Boy unveils Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood, which spits in the face of commercial radio while coincidentally returning the B.G. of old into the fray.

B.G.’s eleventh studio album is presented as a solo release, but that may not be entirely accurate. Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood features virtually every character that helped shape the Chopper City boy’s career in one form or fashion. “Nigga Owe Me Some Money” is boosted by several out-of-commission Louisanimals; the late Soulja Slim, Lil’ Boosie, C-Murder–and is even produced by KLC of past No Limit glory. Looking for a Hot Boy reunion? The bouncy “Ya Heard Me” got you covered with Lil’ Wayne & Juvenile all convening to create a memorable track. Most notably though, B.G.’s latest alliance with Atlantic Records makes it possible to rub elbows with T.I. as the two collaborate on “4 A Minute”–an energized rapout session with all the bells and whistles laced courtesy of Scott Storch.

Not to say Gizzle can’t do it for dolo because there’s plenty of evidence throughout the LP. The triumphant “Keep It 100″ all but justifies the album’s title whereas “Gutta Gutta” is an exhibition for that slinky flow that’s been in the game for some time now. And while surprises may be few and far between, “Like Yeah” finds B.G. relishing in the joys of testing more drugs than the FDA. Talk about reality rap.

As with every B.G. project comes “the album within the album.” A slew of unnecessary tracks added for garnish and extra padding. Albeit a couple notches above being labeled wack, “Chopper City Is An Army” pales in comparison to the days when Cash Money ran the armed forces. Likewise for “My Wrist Game Is Sick!” which is no “Bling Bling” by any stretch of means. T.I.’s incarceration proves to be taxing on his executive producer duties as well for both sex songs (“Fuckin U Right,” “Fuck Thang”) should have been left in the dirty motel from which they came.

Excess baggage excluded, Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood shows B.G. can still make a spark even with several years between albums. While he may never see another bullet on Billboard, his certification in the streets is already draped in gold.

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