Pitbull - Rebelution

Hip Hop has never shied away from a party. From the breakers on card boards to the two steppers in the clubs and from the Pee Wee Herman to the Jerk, dancing has always been a key component of the culture’s identity. While prepping the release of his latest offering Rebelution, Pitbull [click to read] managed to release some of the biggest club hits of the summer via “Krazy,” “Hotel Room Service” and “I Know U Want Me (Calle Ocho).” But with a reputation for unique global perspectives and political opinions, the question is if Pitbull has more to offer this go-’round than just his dance hits.   

“Thank God for music, my savior,” he declares on “Triumph,” a healthy mix of a throwback upbeat rhythms and lyrical clarity. Adding to that focus, “Daddy’s Little Girl” provides a portrait of his mother over a smooth  instrumental that layers an acoustic guitar over a classic-yet-simplified Pop drum pattern. That Pop sensibility presents itself again with “Across the Globe” [click to listen], as B.o.B. [click to read] steals the show. Later, The New Royales join him over DJ Khalil’s Rock-heavy “Can’t Stop Me Now.” Pitbull once again proves that he can release worthwhile music that mashes a Pop-friendly appeal with sound lyrical choices. Unfortunately, this is only half of the story.

While the aforementioned “Krazy” and “Calle Ocho” accompany “Hotel Room Service” to provide the South Beach party flavor one would expect, the dance hit formula seems contrived on “Girls,” “Juice Box,” “Call of the Wild” and the uninspired “Full of Shit.” You can’t blame him for milking the cash cow, but at some point, it needs to be put to rest. Sadly, venturing out of the club doesn’t always work. Losing focus, Pit drops “Dope Ball” and decides to “Give Them What They Ask For” on half-cooked concepts that sound forced. At the end of the album, we’re still left wondering what the title of the CD is even about.

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Rebelution shows almost no spirit of rebellion. Instead, he conforms to his old formula. Highlights are present but the album once again demonstrates the lack of balance that has plagued Pitbull for years. Sure, the eclectic, fun-loving Miami vibe is present, but the artistry and substance are sometimes missing in action and for someone who is capable of doing more, Rebelution becomes a hurricane of disappointment. Unless of course, you just want to dance.