When the world moves on, it’s important to remember the past. Nostalgic Rap releases have proved that. Sequels have become a bit more common after Raekwon’s critically acclaimed Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…Pt. II, but that’s not to say that emcees are biting Rae because that is certainly not the case here. This merely says that Hip Hop fans are glad to see a return from yesteryear and that’s exactly what they get with Sadat X’s Wild Cowboys II.
Part of the charm of the original 1996 Wild Cowboys was in the production and part of it was in Sadat’s unique vocal delivery. The artist formerly known as Derek X hasn’t lost the wild flow. In fact, the flow is as unpredictable as ever. His lyrics carry a knowledgeable, street-savvy flair that’s often complemented by a humoristic tone. He’s unafraid of age, adding “I might be old enough to be your dad / But I’ll beat you when I’m mad.” Who can’t smile at that? He’s also fearless in sharing his life’s problems as he briefly touches on losing his job working with children due to a conviction on the Pete Rock-assisted “Turn It Up”
. It’s this sincerity and genuine approach that has allowed X to stay relevant and it’s what makes this album’s high points.
As stated, the charm is also in the production. The Chocolate Boy Wonder is joined by notable producers Diamond D, Will Tell, DJ Spinna and Sir Jinx, who all carry on the task of making an album reminiscent of the mid-’90s while keeping things updated. Jinx delivers one of the album’s standout cuts in “Pray,” which also features Kurupt, M-1 and Umi. “Some of my actions is questioned morally but then my heart stays pure,” X says on the introspective cut. Buckwild later flips a Nas sample to reunite Brand Nubian on “Long Years,” a strong sign of what’s to come from the veteran group. Vast Aire, Money Boss Playas, Twan and Shawn Black are all guests, but Ill Bill’s appearance on “X & Bill” over 9th Wonder’s drums is a definite show-stealer. Though sometimes there is an overload of guests, Sadat is still capable of holding his own on the mic.
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This is an intriguing sequel, but not without flaws. While it has some outstanding tracks, there are also the less memorable like “Last Time Out,” which closes the album out without a bang. Although it is well served on “We Kewl,” the theme of the album is lost at times. While it would have been nice to hear more of the sounds that made the original, Sadat still manages to pull out a throwback with mid-’90s nostalgia, reminding us why it’s important (and pleasurable) to remember the past.
