Kool G Rap- Half a Klip

By: R.M. London

((2.05.2008))

When I think about the greatest of all time in any form of musical genre, sport, or entertainment one simple word comes to mind-- consistency. Since his debut album, "Road to Riches," with DJ Polo showered the shelves in 1989 Nate Wilson has been gracing the hip hop genre with hard hitting street anthems. Although he never quite grasped a hold of mainstream success Kool G Rap remains one of the most highly touted cadence weapons to ever rock a mic. As the Godfather of the mafioso rap style and one of the pioneers of the multi-syllabic rhyme pattern it is a guarantee that your favorite rapper was most likely influenced my the man, the myth, the Giancana. Now, five years after his stark crew album with the 5 Family Click, G Rap is back with a 9-track EP featuring cuts from big apple beat blasters such as Domingo, Marley Marl, and DJ Premier.

From 'Risin' Up' to the final fade there is no doubt that G Rap has not lost a step and still brings the heavy concrete saliva that we all fell in love with in the golden years. However, it seems the New York production team he collected to accompany the most consistent flow in the game were caught napping in the city that never sleeps. While most of the cuts hit the right street laced notes it seems as if the no-name producers (Moss, Frank Dukes, and Nomadic) on the lineup lacked that certain flavor G Rap and his fans need to feel complete.

"Half a Klip" will definitely satisfy Kool G's loyal fanbase, even if it is only for a few moments, but the overall feel and cohesiveness of the record unfortunately fails in the end. Not only does it leave you wanting more it leaves you vacant and craving a Dr. Butcher or Polo cut to break your neck to. G Rap still remains a can't miss, consistent MC and "Half a Klip" is a nice book end to his already classic discography-- I just know a lot of heads wouldn't mind if they saw a remix album hit the shelves a few months from now.

Favorite Tracks: Risin' Up, 100 Rounds, On the Rise Again
What to do (Buy/Try/Frisbee): Buy if you are apart of the G Rap faithful.
Digits: 7.0 // 10