Mixerr Album Reviews #817

This is Michael Mixerr. Today I will review Lil E - The Realist.

Lil E - The Realist is an example of the oversaturated thug rap/gangsta rap that was dominating the music market in the early 2000s era. Lil E is just another clone of Tupac and Tha Realist, Mystikal, Trick Daddy, Petey Pablo, and Lil Jon rolled into one when it comes to this album. He does not stand out as a rapper. His raps are very versatile and considerably hostile as he seems to let his anger lash out at the world lyrically. Anger is one word best to describe the entire mood of this album. The album is not that abstract in sound. How WEA and ADA gave this album nationwide distribution or time of day is fairly thought provoking. The production is not swell. The lyrics are horrible.

Backstabbers samples the soulful O'Jays - Backstabbers ballad cut. Backstabbers sets the mood for betrayal and sadness. The mood is quite negative. Your closest friends could turn out to be backstabbers. Snitches are backstabbers as well. They smile in your face thinking that they're your friend. They're not. Backstabbers sheds light on issues everyday people deal with. The Backstabbers cut is one of the only few tracks that are considered tolerable to listen to.

Can't See Me is where Lil E gets lyrical. Lil E adapts to his raps by being lyrical as possible. This track is one of the few tolerable cuts on the album. Can't See Me seems to be a bit longer than the others.

Gone For Life details the harsh aggressive lifestyle of jail. Lil E tells us his experience of being incarcerated. He also tells us about his life on the street as a rider. Acting bad was a part of his life. He shows remorse for his actions in the track realizing there are better alternatives to living life. 

The Realist is about how Lil E is the realist. Lil E explains exactly how he is "the realist". The bassline samples 24 Deep by Brotha Lynch Hung. Lil E goes Trick Daddy on this track by copying his style. Who Dat Is? is thug rap meets southern rap. Slick Salt labelmate Brisco is all over this track. 

I rate this album, The Realist, 1 1|2*(.