All City's entrance to the hip hop scene should have sparked more interest than I've heard. With executive production by Onyx, All City's style barely came close to bordering on Onyx' grindin' in your face style. All City definitely permeates two different styles on this album. The first half of this album is a modern rap style which is at times bland, but provides a couple great songs. The second half however, is just blazing! All of a sudden, All City's songs are funk-laden, upbeat and R&B tracks that are tight. It's like taking a trip back in time. If I didn't know better I'd swear that these were remixes of 70's funk/disco hits. I love this style, deep lyrics, untouchable flow and reverbating backbeats. This album has to be taking the underground by storm, cause it doesn't seem to have hit the mainstream with a splash.

All City put forth their NY style on their first single "The Actual", an upbeat track with great backbeats and mixing. It provides lyrics by most of the All City crew. Putting down a line that exemplifies All City's intentions: '...write hot shit to leave you dancin as we advance on through - All City Crew'. Their second single, "The Hot Joint" is amazing! An upbeat disco-tinged song that samples straight from disco's Silver Convention. It is indeed hot enough to spark a remix by DJ Clark Kent. "Live It Up" is yet another upbeat song, that teems with yet again with a 70's sound. The chorus of 'Let's Celebrate' will get stuck in your head. "Timez Iz Hard" is laid back song, with cutting edge lyrics and beats.

This was a great album. Onyx has definitely proved that their more than just artists - they're diamond-laced producers. This solo album should make a splash in the rap/funk/R&B scene soon. If you enjoy funk-tinged rap and R&B, then this album is a must get.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written January 26, 1999