Search - Northstar :: West Coast Killa Beez

An underground classic now finally available everywhere

P. LeBlanc | Montreal | 07/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's quite rare that a group releases its sophomore album the same year as its debut album. It's even more rare that this second album is, overall, better than the first. As some of you may know Northstar accomplished that feat in late 2004 with Underground S*** Volume 1. The title could not have been better since this album was so underground that a lot people never got the chance to hear it. However with the official retail release of this underground banger, every Northstar fans around the world will now be able to appreciate ChristBearer's and Meko's second effort.

Now titled Northstar Presents West Coast Killa Beez, this remastered version looks even better with new fresh looking artwork and a bonus track. The contrast between CB's and Meko's styles is showcased throughout the whole album, but it is best shown with the two first tracks. While Meko has that very deep and unique voice with a direct flow, Christ Bearer is the abstract high-pitched voice member.

Meko shines the most on the slow-paced Rise Above Emotions. Dr. No, better known for his sound engineering prowess, provides a smooth beat that fits very well the whole concept of the song. But ike Grab The Microphone on Masta Killa's No Said Date, this track may have been more enjoyable if it would not have been the first track, since it lacks the necessary energy to start an album.

With the first notes of Coming Up, Coming Up you know that this is ChristBearer's time to shine. Terry is responsible for the most up tempo track of the album that is sure to make your head bop for almost 4 minutes.

You may be familiar with the third track, but no matter what, it's impossible to get tired of such a Wu-banga. First of all, the amazing Warcloud gives one of his best performances ever with clever lines like: "At my weapon factory I am the new prototype/If you're like me you're at the repair facility" and "Bank heist at Kathmandu it was a slaughter/The day Buddha was born it rained tea instead of water". Second, Royal Fam's reggae singer Mikey Jarrett provides the chorus and the last verse. Third, Christ Bearer and Meko show once again their lyrical abilities. Finally, producer Skarekrow drops the first of his six spectacular beats on the album. He also did Super Star, Tell Mary, Bust Ya Guns, Crazy and Up Town, Down Town.

Terry shows he can also create mellow beats on Sunny. The keys really sound like sun rays and CB emotional hook fits the track's mood really well. Meko and guest Lil' Dise drops nice verses as well.

The energy level goes up a notch on the aggressive Drama. Melo drops a hard beat with a lovely piano part. He also spits a verse along with ChristBearer, Concept and Suave, but Meko is absent on this track.

CB, Meko and guests Midnight and Coco are very energetic on Super Star. Behind the materialistic lyrics the four MC's send a positive message saying that you better be a star, no matter who you are.

Things slow down again on Tell Mary where ChristBearer and Meko are lyrically at the top of their game dropping knowledge-filled lyrics. A highly motivated Timbo King ad his revolutionary rhymes on this one to make it even better.

I Am is produced by Suave and features him on the mic swell. It's another smooth track with very nice lyrics about the infinite possibilities we have as individuals. GI's make a lovely featuring on this track too. Peep a daring ChristBearer on the skit at end with The Juks playing in the background.

CB asked for it, now it's time to Bust Ya Gunz. Skarekrow created a real classic beat with a crazy horn sample and on top of that Warcloud blessed it with a very aggressive hook and the first verse. Northstar and an unknown rapper come up after the mysterious MC and holds the rest of the track down.

With Wanna Bang it can't really get more West Coast than that. Terry brings the Long Beach flavor and to make it even more gangsta Meko's uncle Tone Bone sings a hook that's as good as any of Nate Dogg's.

Terry shows once again he can make all types of beats with the sinister Break Bread. You all know that every self-respected West Coast group need their pimped out track. Meko really shines on hook while CB, Madam Scheez and Midnight spit some hot 16's.

We heard it on Bobby Digital Presents..., but this different mix of Crazy is even better. More vocals from Tone Bone and the keys are a little different. Sho Shot's catchy verse is the highlight of this track.

Like on Rise Above Emotions Tone Bone sings a lovely chorus on Up Town, Down Town. It's the perfect track to end the album since it calms things down and gives a nice positive message for you to think about.

As a bonus, we get to hear a remix of Drama featuring the late Doc Doom. The Black Knights member shows he was one of the best out in the West with a very powerful verse. RIP.

West Coast Killa Beez is more of a real Northstar album compared to Bobby Digital Presents... which had a lot of guest appearances. Also, the local producers that blessed the album showcase more the West Coast style of ChristBearer and Meko. The contrast between the two members' style along with their mix of gangsta and knowledge lyrics make this album a very solid one.

"