Ma$e has made his move to remove himself from the dying Bad Boy clique. Unfortunately, Ma$e's group Harlem World nearly falls flat on its face. This group which signed with So So Def to get away from Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Entertainment is saved only by Ma$e's twin sister, Baby Stase's lyrics. Harlem World, which is also part of Ma$e's record label, All Out, consists of rappers Baby Stase, Loon, Meeno, Blinky Blink, Huddy Combs and Cardan. This album daftly lacks in lyrical content. With the exception of Baby Stase, these rappers can't hold a thought for more than two to three lines. It makes for rhyming without reason, and unless the song has a good beat then its crap. This album is reminiscent of The Firm's self-titled album put forth by heavyweight rappers, Foxy Brown, Nas, AZ and Nature. The production is semi-good, there are five songs with better than average beats. Then there are "I REally Like It" and "Across The Border" whose beats are better suited for Sesame Street than mainstream hip hop.

I have to give credit, where credit is due though. Harlem World puts forth an extremely amazing song on "Cali Chronic", which sounds like something you'd expect from Dre. It takes the cake as most bumpin' song of the year. The beat'll leave you awestruck. Other songs worth taking a listen to are "One Big Fiesta", "Minute Man" and "We Both Frontin'".

Throughout the whole album, I wanted to hear more Baby Stase. She requires a little more maturity, hopefully this album will help her gain the experience. I look forward to her solo release, if she should choose to go that route. Overall this album was average. It's misses the mark, but manages to salvage points. If you're in love with Ma$e, then maybe you should pick up this album. Although I'm tempted to say that "Cali Chronic" is worth buying this album, I suggest that you expand your horizons and invest your money elsewhere.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written April 2, 1999