Search - Bucwheed :: Rethuglican

Return of Da Wascal

itsmejoser | Los Angeles, CA | 06/04/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having debuted on the now classic Pharcyde album "Bizarre Ride II" and leaving his much slept-on group Da Wascals to release a few East Coast-flavored albums under the moniker Buc Fifty, Bucwheed returns to the West Coast (and his original name) to drop "The Rethuglican." Strangely enough, the political approach ends at the Intro, and talk of being a thug is mere braggadocio. Teaming up with label mate and old friend J-Sw!ft, Bucwheed releases an inspired, surprisingly satisfying album that is both familiar and unique. "Rethuglican" has its own sound and it seems as though it was done with little regard to what others in hip-hop are doing. This idea is best reflected in "Kiss My Ass" in which the laid-back beat is in direct contrast to Buc's raspy delivery and crass, yet clever, lyrics. J-Sw!ft, the son of a jazz musician and himself an accomplished piano player, demonstrates this jazz-influence with arresting piano riffs and slick production on songs like "Good Days in the Hood" and "No Dummy." Despite his rugged, irreverent rhymes, Buc knows how to handle such beats, trading rough rhymes for smoother, flowing lyrics. The single "Tattoos" is J's attempt at his most commercial, West Coast-like production. Though effective and well made, it is does not recall vintage Sw!ift the way the rest of "Rethuglican" does.

However, only when Buc decides to share the mic does the album lose the mood that he and J create. Guest rappers Black Sinatra, Buffalo and Fatlip, though capable, do not blend well with the loose, at times comedic feel of the album. Even when menacing, like on "Back Up Off Me," Buc's toughest rhymes, whether intentionally or not, exude an underlying playfulness. The album's most ironic moment comes in the form of "Smoker's Emporium," a song originally released in 2000 but most likely recorded much earlier (refers to Michael Jordan's comeback). In this song, one hears how `Wheed's participation in that which he celebrates (smoking, drinking, partying) has affected him. A young Bucwheed delivers the lyrics with a voice yet to be changed by these elements.

Throughout the album, Bucwheed rhymes with the confidence of an accomplished, veteran MC, though at times one cannot help but wonder where all the money he talks about came from considering his previous low sales. The casual, playful skits sprinkled throughout add to the relaxed feel of "Rethuglican." In "No Dummy," Buc claims to be in his prime, and despite the length of his career and his age, it is hard to argue with this claim."