Search - Casual :: Casual Presents Smash Rockwell

One of Casual's Most Solid Efforts- 4-Stars.

K. Reynolds | VA United States | 09/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Casual is by far the most talented, superior, and well balanced MC out of the entire Hieroglyphics camp. He's definitely in Hip Hop's top 10 list for most under-rated MC's. He's also arguably the illest lyricist out of Oakland CA. What's sad about this, is that so many Hip-Hop fans as well as Oakland cats are unfamiliar with him.



So here we are with Casual's 3rd full length solo LP "Smash Rockwell" which is probably his best album since his debut "Fear Itself" This CD contains subject matter, content, and a continuity that was lost on his previous album "He Think He Raw".

The stand out tracks on Smash Rockwell include; "Hierollers", "Say That Then", "All Around the World, and "Single Mother" to name a few. It's refreshing to hear an MC with wit, wordplay, pimpology, and delivery all combined. Casual is one of those MC's that always has me pushing the rewind button. Especially with lines like "These labels don't wanna put me on after they rappers, Cause for real, I make em look like Parappa The Rapper"....The production on Smash is extremely balanced and doesn't stretch it's limits.



However, some of the disappointments and negatives subtracted a few points from this. I was really excited to hear the "Oaktown" remix, which features some of the local 510 legends like Too Short and Richie Rich, but I was sadly let down. The track sounds completely rushed and jumbled up...and can't come close to touching the original "Oaktown" track that Casual laced on "The Building" compilation. There's also is some but very few filler present here as well. Songs like "Bay vs. Bricks" featuring Young Zee from the Outsidaz, could have been put together better...Casual shatters the track, but the one dimensional chorus will force you to hit the skip over this one. I really couldn't get into "Bitin and Freakin" with Psalm One either. It's hard to tell if Psalm One is a child or a female, but nonetheless he or she needs to head back to the drawing board.



Ultimately this is worth the duckets and if you're a Hiero fan or someone who's fed up with the garbage that's fed to you daily on the radio...."Smash Rockwell" will provide some balance that will appeal to all...backpackers, gangstas, pimps, geeks, and mainstreamers. I came close to rating this as a 3.5 star rating, but this album is already becoming contageous, as it continues to grow on me.

Keep em coming."

Casual steps up his game...

The Laserman | San Diego, CA | 01/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Casual brings his "A" game for the most part on this album...by far some of his better work within the last 2-3 years...this is the dude that always seems to shine on other dudes albums...production is very nice, and casual's goofy flow is tight for the most part...a few skippers, but just about playable from start to finish...I also suggest checking Opio and Tajai...

Lyrics: B

Beats: B+

Overall: Solid B"