Search - 2nd II None :: Classic 220

"Rhythm-al-ism" Lite, With 1/2 the Quality (Rating: 5 out of

Chandler | Atlanta (College Park), Georgia | 10/24/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Compton natives 2nd II None consisting of KK and Tha Gangsta D are two artists who have hugely benefited of being close with DJ Quik. Making an appearance on all of his albums between 1991-2002, they've received the exposure they needed to produce a few solo albums. Back in 1991, they came out with their debut album 2nd II None which showed the west coast sound that many fans seemed to enjoy. To me, it was pretty dope, and somewhat enjoyable. Then they had a hot single from the Above the Rim Soundtrack back in '94. Then in 1999, they follow up with their second album in eight years, Classic 220. So, how does it stand up with many other releases?



Well, let me start by saying that the production here is excellent grade. If you were a fan of DJ Quik's Rhythm-al-ism, you will like the production here. The majority of the album has that kind of groove, that make Quik's album sound so great. A track that I liked that had that kind of groove would be "Make 'Em Understand" featuring Mausberg (R.I.P.). "Up 'N Da Club" is another easy standout with DJ Quik and AMG. The production on "Pawdy" and "Back Up Off The Wall" are other standouts.



The other half of this album is the lyrics. Here, they are not that good at all. Some may think that the production here overshadows the rhymes that 2nd II None spit, but I saw right through it. Usually when an artist takes so long of a hiatus between albums, they would have came back with improvement. Here, it doesn't show with KK and Tha D. In fact, one may think that this would have been their debut, because lyrically, it sounds like it. It shows all throughout the album. There are some solid quality rhymes here and there, but the overall lyricism is completely average.



Songs that fail include "Princess" which sounds kind of awkward. "Y?" shows the average lyricism between the two. "Got A Nu Woman" is five minutes longer than it should have been.



Overall the product is reasonably good. If you were a fan of 2nd II None's first album, then you'll enjoy this. The production here is what makes this album here, and that is what you should check for here. Everything else, is just average in my opinion. Profile/Arista has this out of print, and the prices are not too high. I recommend that you listen to the samples that are provided before your decision of a purchase. Peace.



Lyrics: C-

Production: A+

Guest Appearances: B-

Musical Vibes: B-



Top 5 Tracks:

1. Make 'Em Understand (featuring Mausberg)

2. Up 'N Da Club (featuring AMG and DJ Quik)

3. Pawdy (featurng Playa Hamm)

4. Don't Do Dat

5. Back Up Off The Wall



Honorable Mention Track:

1. If You Ain't F***in'"

These are my loved one!!!

LESTINA | Ohio | 05/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album is a straight hit, today, yesterday and forever without a doubt. Everyone is giving Quik props on the production. Trust me when I tell you Dee and K had just as much influence with the music. WE come from a musical background in our family. These are two of the most talented brothers without formal training on any instrument I ever seen. Very gifted young men, and there is more to come without Quik. He is a gifted young man himself no doubt about that. However, Quik did not make these men into to stars. They did on ther own. Quik was at my aunts house with them from the start making beats and rapping. My point in all this is, give 2nd II None their own props, without it sounding like it is all about Quik. Bottom line is, they all are Straight Outta Compton!!!



From you favorite loved one,



The Orginal Black Ass,

Stina



Much love to you guys and I am looking forward to your next hit, and the next one and the next one and the next one after that...



Keep hitting em' up side the head wit it!





"

Fun "Pawdy" (party) Music (4.6 stars)

G-Funk 4ever | Listenin' to the Delfonics | 03/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"2nd II None's second effort,"Classic 220," is yet another tight DJ Quik production, Like in most of Quik's productions, there is an inherent light-hearted G-Funk sound laced with fun, partyish themes. KK and Gangsta D spit nothing but game here. They party in "Up 'N Da Club" (w/ Quik and AMG, who is hilarious), "Pawdy," and the talk-box laced "Back Up Off The Wall." They Get sexual in "Whateva U Want," "Don't U Hide It." They get reflective on the hard life in the hood in "Y?" rhymed over whiny synthesizers and a funky background beat. Don't let this one slip by you!"