It’s hard to not be happy for Fat Joe and Remy Ma over the past year – especially given the duo’s unlikely-to-succeed circumstances. Joe was given a four-month jail sentence for tax evasion back in 2013 which is really nothing compared to Remy’s six-year bid that ended in 2014. Regardless, they mutually looked down for the count both legally and musically; not to mention the “unforgivable” beef wedged in between them for many of those troublesome years.
But luckily for those beckoning horns courtesy of Cool & Dre and French Montana’s triumphant chorus, Remy and Joe found themselves at the top the charts with “All the Way Up” – a song and moment that has surpassed the lure of “Lean Back” with its Grammy nominations and HipHopDX honors. Fast forward nearly a year and the duo now has a full-length studio album together that unfortunately isn’t nearly as exciting as their one-of-a-kind single.
Naming the album Plata O Plomo carries an interesting and borderline genius theme for both rappers who were literally at a “do or die” point in life less than a year ago. However, that’s where that storyline begins and ends as the suitable Pablo Escobar proverb is rarely mentioned — or even felt. Instead of illustrating the two’s storied past decade, we’re subjected to featured guest choruses scattered throughout songs with no overarching purpose.
Theme or not, nothing on the project scales the magnitude of “All the Way Up” which both helps and hinders. The lack of any other mainstream smash weakens the album’s chart performance and will have the casual listeners default simply to the one chart-topping anthem. “Cookin” attempts to recreate a similar anthemic vibe but falls flat. On the other hand, a few of the remaining songs are actually pretty gritty and will be sure to spark interest in dedicated Terror Squad fans (if there are any left).
Both Remy and Joe bring back that abrasive Bronx dexterity on “Spaghetti” with Rem going particularly hard at some unnamed female rap contemporaries: “Y’all bitches got fat while we starved/Shots in your ass, pads in your bras/Y’all some liars it ain’t no facts in your songs/And yeah that crown is coming back to the Bronx.” The same goes for “Swear to God” in which Joe comes correct but Remy washes him top to bottom. In fact, on all tracks that include substantial verses from both of them, Remy brings out a much heavier lyrical arsenal. Perhaps it’s just a total unleashing of pent-up creativity but whatever the reason, she aims for the bullseye each time out.
If anything, they picked a solid roundhouse of producers to contribute banging beats to this otherwise mediocre release. Cool & Dre, StreetRunner, ILL Wayno and Edsclusive all help with the album’s head node potential but when filler verses fly frequently, there isn’t much a slapping beat can do.
Plata O Plomo was definitely made with the right intentions and features some solid rapping but the most memorable moment remains “All the Way Up” which has since been inducted into Hip Hop’s overplayed archives. Although a concept album or at least a more fabled album, would have been ideal for the Bronx pairing, those records take time to develop. Remy and Joe clearly wanted to feed the streets with some new music in attempts to save the momentum brought forth by their smash single. So instead of taking time to piece together a true BX masterpiece, they opted to just fuse some fluid rhymes over hot production. The end.
Just happy I get to hear a bunch of Remy verses. Just on that strength 5/5
Shit is trash son
“Dedicated TS fans”! There is no TS with out Cuban Link, Seis & Armageddon! Big Pun RIP.
It’s not a Terror squad album dipshit ….can u read?
I know that idiot, my comment is on reference to the part where it makes reference to “Terror Squad fans”. Did you even read the review “dipshit”????
Sure did read it fukktard….the 90’s is over….deal with it!! Them terror squad nigaz was lazy anyway…that’s why they are no more…so let joe crack and remy live b4 u shit on the album….u fake ass never was, wannabe Hiphop critic/fake rapper…shut ur yap!
#bitchass
I think it’s a solid album… It’s catchy and has 20 hip hop sounding verses.. 4/5
Remy been garbage . Yesterdays trash .
Disgrace to NYC, facts.
You can’t be from NY.
I See Joe Still Got Haters.. I Think It’s A Monster Album.. Imma Give Credit When Credit Is Do.. All This Dumm Down Stupid Clown Ass None Rapping Ass Music Is Trash.. All These New Young Rappers Can’t Even Fuck Wit Joe On There Best Day
*Due *Their
you should learn English before you talk about a “Monster” album.
*There… idiot..
Great piece of work, both came with there best
I like Remy but she just need to flat out diss nicki and quit with the subliminal it’s getting lame, I like Remy better than Nicki but in all honesty Nicki is a overall better rapper and performer.
Yo she is from that generation of rappers like Jay z who she admires that had that kind of talent. And she is doing it well
Scott Glaysher is gayyyyyy
I know. I know that.
That’s one of the best albums to drop in a long time. That’s real music. These young people don’t know good music. Remy and Joe did they thing. I’m glad they represent the time when you actually had to have lyrics. Remy got Bars.
I agree Cookin was flat, but Remy had one of my favorite verses last year in that song. And Fat Joe has always had an ear for good beats. Would have liked to seen more Mark Henryband those Darkside producers
Too many features. I like the album, but it would have been much better with more Remy and Joe. There’s only one song with 3 verses, and only one without a guest feature. Next time I’d rather they focus on just going in lyrically over solid production.
Love Remy and love the fact that she didn’t give up on her career… very talented person and fat Joe as well… both deserve the success and I wish them the best!!!
Once again DX fuxs up a review. Bars and Beats you got to look hard to find it. Maybe the producers should stop bumping LIL UZI VERT and get back to their roots. To say they cannot find there groove??? FUCK OUTTA HERE WITH THAT BS once again HHDX DROPS THE BALL…..same mother fuckers sided with drake over COMMON???? REALLY! ONLY THING THIS SITE IS GOOD FOR IS FINDING OUT WHEN NEW ALBUMS ARE DROPPING AND THEY SUCK AT THAT TOO!
Guess if it had future and trap type beats along with the migos this album would get a 4 smh. They had alot of features but they were hooks and bridges except for spaghetti. This album is solid. They actually rap on here and bring back the sound hip hop is missing. Skill and not just a new york flow but a southern vibe as well. Remy out shined Joe and this shit is dope. Niggas need to open their ears and listen to every track multiple times before judging it. if you not from the 80s-early 90s please shut tf up. HHDX ya niggas need to fire ya staff and get better niggas to review albums.
I don’t care what nobody say, Remy got bars and all, but her delivery is weak and always was. She sounds off beat on almost every track. The intro song and ‘How long’ go tho…
lol, all the old ass new york niggas in the comments clinging on to these irrelevant washed up hags like they’re their last hope. lmao! only reasons all the way up was popular were because of the beat and french montana.
French is also from the BX idiot,Stop hating with ya Country ass
and? doesn’t matter where he’s from, bitch. he’s one of the reasons that song was hot, sure wasn’t fat joe or remy. why haven’t any other singles off this album gotten as popular?
3.7/5
“How can I forget?” is my joint. Album is solid. Not a 5, but a solid joint. Good to workout to a well.
How Can I Forget
Money Showers
Too Quick
My Favs!
That album is HOT!!!!
There are not too many artists that have a resume as consistent when it comes to Fat Joe; he’s been a staple in Hip Hop for decades. In the Plata O Plomo he’s showing no signs of rust or slowing down. Remy Ma is the person we all cheer for and deserves the respect and admiration of true hip hop fans and peers alike. She exudes growth and maturity in her profession and personal life. A true top tier lyricist (Non-Gender Specific) that is guaranteed to deliver bars on any track she’s on.
The Bronx natives combine for a classic body of work. If you put this album up against current contemporaries or any of the albums of 2016-2017 it would outlast them and fall into any music lovers top 5. This album is definitely a slow burner in an error were music is consumed at a rapid rate.
With joints like Warning, Swear to God, and Spaghetti how can you go wrong; these tracks can get you past a long ride or get you turned up. The production mixed with bars are a rarity and provide clarity in today’s fog of music. Other tracks like Money Showers, Heart Break, Too Quick are sure to flood the radio air waves, see high chart appearances, and become fan favorites.
Songs like Go Crazy and my personal favorite Dreamin are songs that can take get you through your long day. This album is easily one of the best in a very long time and has something for everyone. Anyone that considers this album mediocre or sub-par are clearly used to listening to music that lacks substance, bars, or any respect for the culture and most likely have a mumble rapper in their top 5. DON’T PLAY YOURSELF!
The production is fire and fits perfectly in the narrative of the album. Long time collaborators Cool & Dre bring the heat along with StreetRunner, Ill Wayno, and Edclusive.
This album is All the Way Up like the Grammy nominated lead single.
If you took bars, golden era integrity, quality production, authenticity you have Plata O Plomo. The album will not disappoint any fan of hip hop in any generation.
And Tell em Bring FJ560 back.
how much they pay you to type all that?
I’m a true hip hop head and a native of NY…Over the past few years hip hop quality has declined. There are so many so-called authorities or critics of music that its actually detrimental to the culture. After reading this review, I was disgusted and decided to do my own. I don’t need to get paid to speak my mind…That’s Free Brother. We just need to support good music so it continues to go in a better course.
“true hip hop head” ugh, rolls eyes..
I think the album is dope real music
Fat JOE looking weird as hell on that cover .. all that weight loss made him look Chinese all of a sudden .. dude posing like he know karate & shit .. and wtf is he wearing?? .. shit look like he borrowed one of Prince’s shirts ..
Fat JOE be lookin like that mexican gangbanger from Training Day ..
I think they rushed things to much, it sounds like a KENT JONES album and they just jumped on his songs, no originality, Remy AKA BARZ, her flow and bars are not what they use to be, shes to focus on trying to out shine Nicki Minaj and trying to prove something, she forgot to focus on her own material, like that song HeartBreak where she trys to attempt to sing, LMAO! I thought it was Cookie Monster in the room, stop trying to be LIKE NICKI, and be yourself, majority of the songs sound good, IF they werent in them, its like KENT JONES did them a favor and gave them half his whole album, poor kid is getting used, and doesnt realize these has been washed old rappers are ruining his brand, but yeah album isnt what its al hype to be, thank God i didnt waste any money on it neither 😀
CLICK BAIT. No disrespect to the author, but your review was trash. How many times did you give this album a listen? Did you change your environment between listens? Sounds like you were expecting 11 more “All the Way Up” tracks. There is only one “All the Way Up” just like there is only one “Lean Back”. “How Can I Forget” should have been mentioned in this review along with “Dreamin”. Plus, you didn’t even mention Kent’s Jones’ contributions. This was a solid album cover to cover.
Album is a relief. Can’t pick a favorite because each has different feel.
I want to hear this album but I dont have high expectations for it. First off, this album should have come out LAST SUMMER during the All The Way Up buzz and the REMIX buzz. Album would flat out sell more. Also, once I heard Cookin, i knew they would be chasing trends for the rest of this album. Again, Im going to peep it with open ears cause Im a long time TS fan but I dont anticipate this being a top 2017 release. Even the album cover sucks lol
Album is super dope. Whoever reviewed this should be fired. Clean out your ears and recognize greatness fool.
Its about time
I see why the album is a certified flop and is struggling to sell over 3k copies. The only song on this album that was toreable might have been “All the Way Up” but then again Remy always kills the vibe for me, her bars are mediocre at best. I feel like Remy tries so hard to be better than Nicki that she doesn’t realize all her shit sounds the same. The fact that they actually tried to have her sing on here tells me this album was a flop, if you going use the competition style at least make it believable. Too busy trying to diss one of the biggest entertainers in the game, but you showing no growth in your music. This album won’t find much success, and you don’t have to be a hip-hop head to know real music, because this certainly isn’t.
she did not come at nicki idiot lol
I see DX is hopping on the negativity train because it’s popular. Y’all gave future a good review because it your target audience.
The album straight banging it’s just because y’all been fed too much manufactured bubble gum rap that when you hear the real stuff it shocks you. I will say there is 1 bad record and that’s Go Crazy 11/12 songs is good by any standard.
You trippin. Go Crazy should be the next video that song is so hard.
Best rap Album that has come out in a very long time. Each song is a song I can bang. Spaghetti on on super repeat. Real hip hop is back.
Love it.
5/5 Album is freakin fire. Whoever said it is a 3.2 need to fired asap!. Album is solid all the way around with nice lyrics and gritty beats
I was going to give it the solid 4/5 that it deserves but I see a lot of lilly livered mutter-mumble rap lovers in the thread throwing serious shade. So with that said, I’ma stick it with a 5/5. Solid rap joint with some REAL HIP-HOP sprinkled in between for those still looking for it.
so you’re giving it a 5/5 because other people have different opinions? you ain’t being true with your self. and stfu about “real hip hop”! y’all are the ones ruining hip hop. not everyone has to listen to boom bap shit or be super lyrical all the damn time either. y’all are the ones that’s not letting hip hop evolve and progress into other styles and varieties. hip hop is for everybody, not just old ass street thugs who are stuck in the past or internet nerds who wont give anybody not named eminem or tech n9ne a fucking chance. get over yourself.
Different opinions is one thing, blatantly hatin’ on some shit because it ain’t some watered down mumble-trash is another. And we will never stfu about “REAL HIP-HOP” and if your dumb ass paid any attention to the culture or the core of the music you’d realize everything ain’t Hip-Hop. There’s RAP (mumble-rumble, pop-garbage and bubble-gum) and then there’s HIP-HOP, something that you nor this silly ass website represents. Now YOU get over yourself, and like P. Diddy schooled you lil young niggaz on a few weeks ago, pop you some pop-corn and stream a damn documentary on some REAL HIP-HOP. Your dumb ass might learn something.
The album is decent….what was you expecting all radio hits??? Times like “how can I forget” are bangers. Whoever wrote this clearly doesn’t know the difference eteween hip hop and rap
Remy’s verses were incredible. Beats and hooks were awful though. Without her the album would have been pure trash
First let me state: the review above is lacking !
I think this album was the best of both of them. Remy came through with the heat, as usual, and Joe had to keep up, and fell short some times.
THE FIRST THREE SONGS ON THIS ALBUM ARE FLAMES!!!!
The album wasn’t an awkward listen, but there were definitely some tracks I didn’t vibe with and were sonically off in the musical theme of the album. However those tracks were the same ones where it sounded like they were trying to mix it up to make something go pop. So I applaud them for that but, they have a ways to go before they are pumping those types of records out with consistency.
I will say that both artist need to practice switching up her voice to fit the mode of the track, as illustrated on “Too Quick”.
overall: The energy was there, the bars were there, I heard the creativity in reaching out to other styles. production was off the chain. Solid work 4/5. Cant wait for the second installment.
Album was trash.
CLASSIC!!! Now what is next I am READY
I agree with Al 100%
Album was very nice I haven’t listened to a album from beginning to end in many years. Have multiple great songs for you.
Been a while since I’ve listened to a whole album and liked it. All artists are great on the album!
There’s some hot songs but not enough to save this album. It had so much potential.
i thought it coulda been better. All the way up was dope but everything else felt boring in comparison. There were some dope bars and beats but really nothing I haven’t heard done better by other artists.
It’s ok album some joints better than others.Kent Jones SMH…
Been bumping this album for weeks so great to hear these two put out straight heat all that other shit been making my ears bleed must hear if you like REAL hip hop
Love it Rem went hard
I bought the album after “All the Way Up”.
It’s hard not to expect something like that hit, in whichever the beats and the lyrics are on point (I mean, that’s why It’s Grammy nominated).
It’s a solid album but it’s definitely not “real hip hop”. Let’s face it, the real hip hop era has diverged and changed since a long time ago. Artists nowadays need to have works that can be associated with the industry, and at the same time, be able to deliver the hip hop spirits.
Back to this album, in my opinion, the production is not exquistic compared to other hip hop albums nowadays. I feel like that both artists tried to rush and release this album before their last hit “All the way up” cools down. That leads to a problem that many songs have lacked of long-standing contents, but instead, mediocre beats and some ok verses (no shade, but Remy Ma got way better bars than Fat Joe).
It’s not a problem to have many featured guests in one album but their dedication in those songs are a little disappointing. So, the album might be much better if the features……(ummm, either interesting or meaningful).
I love some fragements of “Dreamin” and “How can I forget” , but these two songs overall could be much better. In fact, I think these two songs could have more potentials to be hits than other songs in the album.
Remy Ma GOT BARS as a rapper, but she still give unstable verses in the album (somehow it’s hard to believe one amazing verse in one song belongs to the same artist who gives a mundane or poor verse in another song)
She GOT FLOWS because she is a battle rapper, but she does try too hard frequently on this album and makes the beats easy to be forgotten (while the song beats are already hard to cause attentions).
Overall, this album record definitely can do better than what it is now, but it’s not really a “real hip hop” level album. Awkwardness still can be seen in most of the songs in this album.
To sum up, timing is what both Fat Joe and Remy Ma need, so that they can meet more works that are qualified for their styles and skills. (especially Remy since she got more potential, she is a good battle rapper but she still needs more experience as a studio rapper) So, DON’T RUSH for the mediocre public attention, otherwise the music will end up being mediocre.
2.7/5
I purchased the CD after listening to some of the tracks on youtube, and I must say, it is worth the money. It has been a long time since I have been able to listen to an entire cd from beginning to end. It is versatile and currently there are no other music like it (I really would not know because, I have yet to listen to the radio again). I am glad many people are giving this cd a chance. I was turned off by todays music, that I stopped listening to the radio and watching music videos because it lacked creativity and substance. Truth be told, I did not know about the Plata O Plumo cd until, I became intrigue with the Nicki Minaj/Remy Ma feud. I only heard about the feud through social media. I knew about Remy Ma, Fat Joe and TS, but I forgot about how good they are. At first, like many others, I was trying to shade Remy Ma (Fat Joe was getting it too, by association), but I realized, I am grown and I wanted to know who she (Remy Ma) thought she was to start some mess. Boy, did I have to slap myself in the face! She is really good, my circle of friends love her music, and she is down to earth. Whoa. How Long/Money Showers/Too Quick/How Can I Forget/ Heartbreak/All the Way Up/ Cookin/Warning/Spaghetti are my favorite tracks. I can not lie–if it wasn’t for shEther, I probably would not have made an effort to purchase Plata O Plomo, but I am glad I did. This CD was worth every cent and a new fan has been gained. Look for higher Plata O Plomo Sales and higher sales from Remy Ma/Fat Joe in the future. People are starting to listen. Hell, I was a hater and I did not want to give them a chance in the beginning, I am so glad I got over that nonsense. Get the music people, it is fire!
Auto spellcheck is not my friend–Plata O Plomo.
Average album. About 4 or 5 songs have replay value. Remy rep’d hard. Joe could’ve came stronger. What brings much of the album down is the fact that two 40 somethings are trying to make teenage music. They go too much with today’s formula and they end up missing more often than not. Not terrible though. Still refreshing to hear NY flows with gritty NY bars.
woow they kill it.i love you remy.
The dopest real hip-hop ALBUM of the year. Fat Joe and Remy…..a match made in real hip-hop heaven