For those fans eagerly anticipating the next proper D-Block/L.O.X. album – by that I mean Sheek Louch [click to read], Styles P [click to read]and Jadakiss [click to read] on every track – a quick disclaimer: this is a compilation album showcasing not only the trio, but also the D-Block “40 man roster” But don’t let that discourage you, since No Security serves as a nice stepping stone for the group’s third “real” album.
“So Much Trouble” [click to listen] is the jumpoff for the album, and with Sheek Louch, Styles P and Beanie Sigel [click to read] on the track, it’s a great way to get things going. With relative unknown Vinny “King of Beatz” Idol on production, the trio rhyme over gritty horns – even D-Block member Bucky lends a nice verse on the track.
The next two tracks, “Thrilla” and “Show Em,” illustrate No Security‘s biggest drawback – the new D-Block members are not ready to put out memorable material on their own. On “Thrilla,” Sheek Louch, keeps the adrenaline pumping, which appears to make Snyp Life, Large Amount and Tommy Stars step their game up. However, when left to their own devices, as evinced on “Show Em,” the fledgling rappers just don’t cut it.
Thankfully, Sheek, Styles P, and Jadakiss (the last of whom, sadly, appears only three songs) get on “Get That Paper.” While the subject matter isn’t original the core D-Blockers throw in some clever lines and flow effortlessly. For some reason, the next track, “Get Ya Bounce On,” includes DJ Webstar,
who was responsible for the “Chicken Noodle Soup” sensation of 2006.
It’s mind-boggling why anyone would think that he’d belong amongst the
grit and grime found on a D-Block album.
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The rest of the album is more of the same – posse cuts with energy reminiscent of the early Ruff Ryder days, though without as many distinguishable artists. Again, when Sheek, Jada or Styles show
up, it’s something worth listening to. Since the songs are so similar,
there’s almost no reason to listen to the tracks without them. As for
production, it’s a mixed bag, ranging from what sounds like a
nicely-flipped Bollywood sample courtesy of Scram Jones on
“Hello” and the heartfelt keys on “Brother’s Keeper” to the
synth-ridden mess of “Show Em.” Special mention should be given to the PeteRock-produced [click to read] “Like That Ya’ll (Remix),” which features an additional three hidden tracks.
Ultimately, No Security is
a fairly uneven effort. While the b-teamers have plenty of energy and
can definitely spit, there’s not much that draws you to them. But
considering this album is just something to get the people excited
about D-Block‘s third official release, you could more or less count this one a success.
