Search - Lake, Cormega :: My Brother's Keeper

Solid collabo from two gifted lyricists

ctrx | 'bout to show you how the EAST COAST rocks... | 08/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Remember the end of Nas's "Represent" on the "Illmatic" album? In case you don't, Nas shouts out a certain unknown hip hop duo, "My man Cormega and Lakey da Kid..." Twelve years later, they churn out an album. Cormega, of course, has by now established himself as a true lyricist, a Queensbridge street poet in the vein of Nas, AZ, Prodigy, and Noreaga. I have always admired Cormega because although he is as lyrical as almost any, he always keeps his raps at a street level that you can feel. Lake has been largely quiet to this point, except for his "41st Side" compilation in 2001. "My Brother's Keeper", released on Mega's Legal Hustle label, is an enjoyable disc of good collaboration material. The two don't really break much new ground, but they keep their raps raw and gritty, this is an album for the streets and not the radio, like most of Cormega's music to this point. The production is handled by a number of producers, largely by New York and D.I.T.C. legend Buckwild. A lot of the production seems pretty familiar though, it's the same nostalgic simple production that Mega has had on his albums. Lake is often outshined by his partner, but he too is a good lyricist. His voice reminds me a lot of Melachi from Group Home, he does a nice job on this album. "My Brother's Keeper" has a very underground feel to it. It's a very enjoyable album and one of the better I've heard so far this year.



Following an epic sounding intro, the album opens with "Ghetto". Cormega raps about experiences growing up, and Lake drops a tough warning verse. The production is strong and it's a good short song. "The Oath" has simple, understated production and nice gritty verses from Lake and Mega. Lake tells a mafioso style tale on "30/30" and explores his character. "Don't Start" is a good song, but the chorus sampled from YoungBloodZ' "Damn!" should have been reconsidered. "QU Side" is excellent, a definite highlight. Mr. Cheeks, he of Lost Boys and "Lights Camera Action" fame, makes an excellent guest appearance. It's a soft track, with tasteful vibesy production and good verses from all three parties. "Snitch Nigga" uses a tried-and-true gritty beat which is matched by warning shots from the hard verses by Lake. My favorite beat on the album is found on "Stress & Greed", it has horror-style piano and good bass and drums. "Walk Through Heaven" is the album's lyrical highlight. Lake has conversations with fallen rappers, friends, and neighbors in heaven, and he seems so genuine. It's a great song lyrically. "Hood Legends" is a good track, but it will seem familiar to Cormega fans. "Hot on the Block" and "Get It" are both strong, street ready tracks, and "No Happy Ending" is great. Fat Joe shows up for the New York anthem "Dirty NY", another highlight. DJ Premier produces the bonus track, "Dirty Game", another good collabo that ends the album well.



"My Brother's Keeper" is bound to get slept on like a lot of Mega's music has, but this is a nice album that I recommend to fans of unadulterated hip hop and New York rap fans. I think it would please a lot of people and both parties do a very nice job."

Lake Featuring Cormega - My Brother's Keeper

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 09/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Queensbridge's own Lake & Cormega deliver "My Brother's Keeper" (2006). Lake's last official release was "Lake Entertainment Presents: The 41st Side" a dope collaboration album. He also did a memorable joint with Nas called "Revolutionary Warfare". This year Lake was the first addition to Death Row East, and has come correct on some mixtapes. Cormega's reputation as a talented MC is well known. My favourite tracks on this release are generally the laidback ones like the memorable "Qu Side" where the Lost Boyz lead MC Mr. Cheeks rhymes with Lake, the heartfelt "Hood Legends" which has Lake and Cormega remembering all the boys they lost to the game and Cormega rhyming solo over DJ Premier's supreme production on the closing track "Dirty Game". Lake's "Walk Through Heaven" is another powerful cut, where Lake takes himself to Heaven delivering a dedication to rappers & and many friends who have died. Throughout this release Lake and Cormega tag team genuine joints with grimy rhymes and choruses about street life backed by ominous sounding production. All of these cuts are solid - some of the highlights of these for me were "Stress & Greed", "No Happy Ending", "Hot on The Block" & "Dirty NY" Feat. Fat Joe. Lake & Cormega provide an impressive album with "My Brother's Keeper", one worth adding to the collection.

"

On My NewYork S**t!!!

kevin robinson | That Muddy Mud | 09/15/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is what NY is missing....That gutta, str8 flowing with hard NY underground beats. Lake is not the most gifted rapper but he does get his point across. Cormega is on most of the songs but this is Lakes solo album, so don't expect a Mega album.

Lake keeps it street but also shows his other faces on the album. Tracks like "Q.U. Side", "Walk Through Heaven", and "Don't Start" are some of my favorites. Out of the 18trks I skip about 3 songs which ain't bad. Hip-Hop still has a pulse, thanks Lake and Mega!!! Hotep!!!"