Author Topic: Suga Free - The New Testament (Read 2611 times)

Eddie G. · « **on:** March 20, 2004, 02:10:23 PM »

I wrote this review like a magazine would just for the hell of it, let me know what you guys think.

Rating: 8.5

When it comes to reviewing an album like The New Testament: The Truth, by real-life pimp Suga Free, problems immediately ensue. While the album is praiseworthy from start to finish, The New Testament comes nowhere near the classic-level status that its predecessor, 1997's Street Gospel, maintains. It's really hard for me to restrain from bashing on this album simply because it doesn't live up to the originality and freshness of Street Gospel. But, for new listeners of Suga Free as well as those waiting for new tracks after a seven-year delay, The New Testament has plenty to offer, including a handful of gems.
The New Testament has a very eclectic sound to it, with hip-hop, funk, jazz, and R&B all seamlessly blended to create the very unique Suga Free sound. The beats, produced mainly by DJ Quik, are the highlight of the album. Although the productions are certainly not Quik's best (check Quik's Rhythm-al-ism), they really carry the album and warrant purchasing the CD. Suga Free, mainly known for his hilarious lyrics about the "pimp game," continues his trend. These lyrics, although certainly too explicit to publish, are all extremely clever and guarantee good laughs throughout your listen. Free's unique flow, although criticized by some, really works well on this CD, as the beats were all engineered specifically for him. The guest appearances are also kept to a minimum so Suga Free really has a chance to shine by himself on the mic.
There are many noteworthy tracks on this album. "Why U Bullshittin Part 2" is a follow-up to the original classic song that put Suga Free on the map. Free's raw energy and talent is re-captured for this song, however this energy seems short-lived throughout the rest of the album. "Thinkin" is really catchy with its jazzy beat. "Angry Enuff" is a truly unique effort that ends up being a great driving song. Another stellar track is "Did I Do Dat?," one of the only laid-back, Street Gospel-reminiscent tracks on the disc. The first single, "High Heels," featuring Kokane, is arguably the best song on the CD. Produced by Big Saccs, the beat goes great with Free's perfected flow and Kokane's crooning chorus. "Circus Music," featuring Chingy, includes a smooth Quik beat with an uncanny circus song sample. At least half of the tracks on this LP fall under the "must-listen" category. However, the album isn't without its low points. "He's Pimpin, She's Hoein" gets extremely annoying after a while and really isn't worth listening to at all. In addition to this, "Yo Momma Yo Daddy" sounds like a techno song and has no business on the album.
In the end, The New Testament is a truly solid album that will definitely make a satisfying purchase for any West Coast rap fan. However, there is just something missing from it (probably the lack of smooth, G-Funk tracks) that keeps it from topping Street Gospel.

BL7 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 22, 2004, 05:06:34 PM »

Nice review homie! I disagree with some of it, but I agreed with most.

PLANT · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2004, 04:51:00 PM »

Nice review man

GoodLuvn169 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 28, 2004, 05:10:37 PM »

Leroy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2004, 10:25:08 PM »

Quote from: Represent. on March 23, 2004, 04:51:00 PM

Nice review man

Young Dan Iza · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2004, 01:14:05 AM »

i dont know man this album kinda disappointed me it deserves a 7 or 7.5 at the most,,, the first album was way better and there really wasnt a track like why u bullshittin, that suga free just rips up, and where the fuck is inside out, u cant leave that gem in the vaults

Juronimo · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2004, 06:39:13 PM »

I must be the only one that likes "Yo Momma Yo Daddy". It has that Egyptian Lover meets Roger and Zapp feel. I thought that was real creative on Quik's part. I also love "Get What you Pay For" with that sickass live bass. Man that shit hits hard. I also like the Why You Bullshittin' Part 2. It just has a classic dark feel and Quik sure knows how to get the most out of those minor scales to make the track even darker. It just gives a perfect backdrop to Sugafree's way out there lyrics. Also, you gotta love Thinkin and Circus Music, which have that classic Quik sound, also High Heels is the shit with Kokane on the hook.

I'm definitely enjoying this album. The only song I don't care for is the one with Princess. Her singing is just annoying. Other than that every joint hits and overall it's one of the most well put together albums I've heard in a while.

I'd give it around 4 - 4.5/5 range.