A HHDX Review By David Lopez
Lord Tariq is back, yes, you are reading this review correctly, he is back with a solo album entitled The Bar Code, and is spitting just as good as he has in the past, if not better. Most Hip Hop heads remember LT from the smash party anthem “”Deja Vu (Uptown Baby),” which he and Peter Gunz collaborated on, and some might recall that he was a member of the Money Boss Players and worked with the likes of Biggie, Jay-z, Nas and Mobb Deep.
On his come back LP, he spits with his signature grizzly baritone, sharp lyrics that prove he is hungry to obtain the limelight he once had when he was riding off the success of “Déjà Vu,” and though this album might not be getting the exposure it deserves, it’s definitely worth a listen.
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On the album intro, a cipher of friends are reminiscing about the hottest emcees in the Game, as they get to Lord Tariq, one of the members poses the question, what has he done recently. With Bar Code he answers all the critics.
“We Got It,” produced by Charlemagne features a female chorus and witty lyrics from Lord Tariq as he spits:“A hustler’s convention, I’m Hosting, “ and on ” Bang Bang” featuring upstart Rover, the tandem go verse for verse repping the BX borough over a enticing synthesizers. On the lead single “Lock In,” he spits with a more rapid flow as DJ Kay Slay urges New York City communities to lock in, to the jail cell closing beat.
“3rd person” produced by Noodles, is a whole track in which he discusses his lifestyle and plays off of what the streets are saying about him as he raps in the third person perspective. “13th Commandment,” featuring father and son Peter and Corey Gunz has the trio rapping, but the youngster steals the show due to his younger baritone and speedier flow. And on BMW (Bronx Most Wanted), featuring Dragon, LT boasts: “third best comeback since Tupac and 50 see,” and “packs twins like Olsen.”
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“Beep Beep,” is a heater in which he and Bad Boy upstart Aasim, rap from the second person while they carry a suspenseful phone conversation. And “Did it all,” produced by Rsonist of the Heatmakerz, features their signature soulful sound as Lord Tariq raps about the difficult circumstances of living in Sound View section of the Bronx, and the rise and fall of his career.
“The rap game went bad for me, though no one felt bad for me, my squad turn they back on me, damn niggas is that phony.”
Say what you want about Lord Tariq, but he has withstood the test of time, like a true survivor, maintaining respect from his peers. With The Bar Code he raises the ante for comebacks, hopefully others who have been away from the game for a while will follow suit and release a worthy comeback LP.
