1999 is the year of the rap compilation album. Proof front and center: Ryde Or Die Volume One. The Ruff Ryders have joined this quickly growing and somewhat successful trend. Until this release, the Ruff Ryders had gained mad success as producers of the beats that accompanied DMX's popularity. This album was to serve as an indicator as to just how great the Ruff Ryders are on their own. With experience on both DMX's albums and Jay-z's latest album, this album was expected to ripple the game and garner much praise. The only success found with this album, was falling flat on their faces. Okay, so I'm being a bit harsh. The beats were average, with a count-on-one-hand number of catchy beats. The Ruff Ryders, consisting of Eve, Jadakiss, Drag-On, Swizz, Sheek, Cross & Infa-Red, hauled in some big-name artists for this album, including co-horts, DMX & The Lox, as well as Big Pun, Jay-Z, Juvenile, Jermaine Dupri and Ma$e. But the barrage of artists didn't help very much.

The first single, "Ryde Or Die" features the Lox, DMX, Drag-On and Eve. It has a pretty catchy beat, sampled from EPMD and similar to Ghostface Killah's "Daytona 500". The Lox throw down some pretty impressive lines, but its not gonna be a big hit. The only slow jam, "I'm A Ruff Ryder" by Parle, is truly impressive. I'm not a big R&B guy, but this song has hit potential. Deep Lyrics and amazing vocals. "Bug Out" featuring DMX is the shortest track on the album, but it shows a creative style that is possible from the Ruff Ryders. But, DMX can't keep with the beat. Eve shines on "Pina Colada" providing a Lil Kim-ish chorus and Big Pun puts down his usual fluid flow. As well, the beats twist in and out, keeping the listener on their toes.

This album reeks of cheddar-greedy production. Ruff Ryders let so much potential go to waste by releasing this album, and quite possibly ruined their reputation as top-notch producers. It had its high points, fall below average. Eve was the highlight... she showed a supreme lyrical rhythm which so few artists seem to possess. She kept me in check on "What You Want" and "Do That Shit". But, she's no Foxy Brown. This album was missing a great song to ride to success. I am honestly baffled as to how it has maintained its first 3 weeks on the billboard top 100. Take your money and invest in Nas or Snoop Dogg, this album is headed for a belly flop.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written May 20, 1999