Chicago Hip Hop was in an interesting place between the mid to late 90s. Common represented the higher echelon lyrics focusing mainly on social commentary. Lonnie Lynn essentially paved a lane for himself that would serve him well beyond the era. Meanwhile, a war over the stylistic double-time chopper delivery’s origins brewed between the Windy City and Cleveland representers Bone Thugs N’ Harmony. Manning the frontlines for Chicago were Twista and rap trio Do or Die. The two would collaborate for the mid-west Hip Hop classic “Po Pimp,” essentially catapulting both into the limelite. Twista simmered for years until his breakout Kamikaze album. The same couldn’t be said for Belo, N.A.R.D. and AK. Do or Die never made it past their breakout Rap-A-Lot single despite having their 2005 D.O.D. backed production wise from the likes of Kanye West and DJ Quik. Doesn’t help that Belo spent half a decade in jail for an alleged murder case. As veterans nearly twenty years in, having the DOD and Twista together for collaborative EP Withdrawal feels like something that should have been done a long time ago. By the time the 25 minute project closes, it’s clear that time has sadly passed.
Thankfully, the speed-up lyrical delivery Twista helped make a standard delivery in Hip Hop is as sharp as ever. Withdrawal’s titular track is further proof of how much at ease he’s become with his particular rhyming skills. Like a vintage Ferrari, Twista can still turn on all cylinders and stop with pin-point accuracy. Unfortunately, Do or Die sound like they’re without that level of conditioning, leading to some cringeworthy moments. Moments even come up on “Withdrawal” and closing “M.I.A.” where A.K. and Belo are literally fighting awkwardly against the production. There are moments where both entities successfully work together in unison. Everyone including featured guest P.Flaz rhyme their hardest on “Run Dat.” Everyone rides the beat effortlessly without even breaking a sweat. Too bad that level of consistency isn’t found throughout the more aggressive tracks.
Withdrawal features two features from emerging R&B crooner Scotty who may (or may not) serve as a replacement for Johnny P, the man who provided the hook for “Po Pimp” along with numerous others tracks for Do Or Die and Twista. The end result is something that just adds to the project’s level of inconsistency. “Aquafina” should remind many of Twista’s classic “Get It Wet” and sequel “Wetter”. However, “Long Way” is a catastrophe. Besides Belo’s ridiculous use of auto-tune, the hook reeks of corniness.
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Having Twista and Do or Die together for an album, on paper, was something that should have shown the new school of emcees utilizing their signature delivery a lesson or two. The problems with Withdrawal are mostly issues relating to please long-term fans and attract those locked in by current radio trends. Too bad there’s a chance both sides of the coin won’t be satisfied.
