(SHUFFLE)

Formerly the lead MC of Compton's Most Wanted, Eiht's career has been checkered to say the least. While he has shown moments of lyrical excellence, his career has also been marked by stagnation.

Unfortunately, being signed to Mack 10's label, Hoo Bangin' hasn't helped the stagnation any. Eiht has grown and changed since "Music to Driveby," Compton's Most Wanted's first album, but for the most part, his lyrics haven't. His constant trademark "Jeah" get tired very quickly and he's still talking about flossing, sticking niggas and bitches.

Production duties are spread around, with notable help from DJ Slip (his usual DJ), Binky (a member of Mack 10's stable), Dj Raw Steele and Ant Banks. Most of the music is laid back gangsta anthems. This is steady to Eiht's formula, but it would be nice to have a change of pace every now and then.

Tracks to check for: "Caution," a dark sounding tune with an alarm of some sort in the background, "Strawberriez-N-Cream," and "III Tha Hood Way."

The final verdict: This is definitely one for the West Coast Gangsta Rap lovers. There are good points to this album, but there are also some glaring weaknesses. Another lukewarm album.

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