Finding a new identity, maybe-but he was never lost

Normally many writers who have mentioned Big Will have ignored his longevity and his ways of divvying up halves in classic jams made by him and DJ Jazzy Jeff; however his corny side is unfortunately upturned to the public as his commercial rhymes and movie appearances don't do anything to create a national lookout for his newer albums. I've never paid much attention to Will although I have liked his past commercial jams that he's created so mind-numbingly well over the past, what, 10 years? But a large buzz created over the fact that he had responded to the old Em track on a new track "Mr. Nice Guy." Theories spread across the internet, fake lyrics, the whole shebang. But I got this in hopes of finding this and more, and I certainly did.

The first song Here He Comes rings in Will's comeback over lite jazzy horns courtesy of DJ Jazzy Jeff and though his verse and hook could have been stronger you have to forgive him because he sounds mildly hungry on this track and over the production you really can't go wrong. The sampling of the Spider-Man theme is much more subtle than the use of it on the new Eminem/50 Cent track and it is used to Will's advantage. Not a track to look over. Give it at least one chance before you write it off.

Well, it hasn't seem Will's changed much so a party anthem aptly named Party Starter comes in next over an infectious but slightly irritating flute. His lyricism isn't anything to write home about but it's true (his view of the mainstream is especially true) however it's basically dedicated to those looking for a good time on the dance floor and it'd be a great single if he's looking to expand his musical success again.

Another buzz factor proved to be in the form of a small little jam called Switch. It was the first single and got some notice on radio, and the lyricism is seriously needing work but the vibe of the song works very well with Will's flow and subject matter (basically introducing a new dance step.) Nothing we haven't heard before but still nice to listen to.

Mr. Nice Guy is next up and a pulsating guitar kicks in after a shortened chorus is done acapella. It's a very good backdrop for Will (or any rapper, for that matter) to kick some venom but he seems bored. He's not on the top of his game and the dis to Eminem was barely anything at all. However, I could see what drove Will to do that because he didn't want to take that lying down so he responded back this way. Larry Elder and Wendy Williams get bigger stabs but still not much, still a very entertaining song.

I don't wanna get into Ms. Holy Roller much because I know and understand everybody has their own view on Catholicism and I respect that. I think it's a good song for what it's worth and it asks some questions needed to be asked. It may be overlooked by some saying he's trying to gain controversy. But that's really not what he's trying to do. Emceeing is really all about expressing your own opinions and values and I applaud Will for doing that on this track.

Lost And Found is definitely one of the more punch-packing tracks. The violin is a big factor in making the song what it is and it helps Will release some of the anger in his system that really needed to be released. I think there are also some subtle shots at Em here over the topic of freedom of speech, however it's definitely truthful and people really need to listen to the song's message because he depicts a stunningly truthful image of rap today and what it means to him, to fans, and to people in the world.

Tell Me Why isn't a bad song and the verses are heartfelt but Mary's performance is a bit overbearing and it seems she's trying to hard. It's a depressing song especially in the first verse where Will talks about an encounter with his son over the World Trade Center. It's not bad, but it's not a highlight and I think that it ran a little too long (they could have trimmed 45 seconds off.)

Next we are treated for a double dip and out of the two songs which share track 8, I definitely think I Wish I Made That is better. It talks about how the mainstream and rap radio don't think that Will is so-called "hard enough" and he switches up his flow to make the song sound a little more threatening and it definitely works for him. Swagga is okay. He takes another cheap shot at Wendy Williams on this one (but I really can't blame him.)

Pump Ya Brakes has some humorous dialogue coming from Snoop Dogg and Will but the beat starts lacking and though the message is good lyrically Will gives a pitiful 2nd verse, and Snoop wraps it up well with his last 4 bars in his 16.

If U Can't Dance and Could U Love Me are programmed for radio likeability and it doesn't really seem like he put anything into these tracks. CULM is slightly better than IUCD, but that's not saying much.

Loretta is a great story about Will's stalker over hauntingly beautiful production. It is very dramatic and Will does a great job with his emceeing and with his narration. I would definitely recommend this track, as it is a sad real life look on somebody who's life is in the hands of a performer. Very saddening.

Wave Em Off and Scary Story are neither bad nor good. Their average and that's really all I gotta say about them.

I'm really impressed with this album as Will showed me his talent could spill over onto his lyrics and beats and create a great album which is somewhat inspirational. Thumbs up.

Next review: Jadakiss Kiss Of Death

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snik1