Gangsta Blues [PA] - Tanya Stephens

Advantages: A different take on comedy, great social commentary
Disadvantages: Some tracks can be a little basic or short

...Stephen Lynch is an American stand-up comedian and musician from Pennsylvania and he specialises is jokey songs mocking everyday life and plying on social stereotypes and clichés. He has four albums out, two studio relases and the other two are live performances. He also has his own Comedy Central specials and starred as the lead character in the Broadway adaptation of 'The Wedding Singer,' a performance which he recieved an award nomination for. Stephen moved to New York to pursue his career and from starting in comedy clubs, he is now well known in the US, a regular on TV and radio and is expanding his global fanbase rapidly. When I first heard his music I thought it was a bit cheesy and camp, but I have now come to realise that this is part of its appeal. I had been shown him by a couple of people (one of whom is a ciao member... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Lots of bangers
Disadvantages: Nothing specific

...After years of hosting mixtapes in the Gangsta Grillz series with some of the best (predominantly southern) rappers in the game, DJ Drama decided in 2007 to release his first official album entitled, "Gangsta Grillz: The Album", which just as his other work, finds him simply hosting a CD which finds all the biggest and best (mostly) southern rappers and producers coming together on an all-star compilation release. 1. "The Setup" (Intro) 2. "Gangsta Grillz" (Lude) 3. "Takin' Pictures" (feat. Young Jeezy, T.I., Willie The Kid, Jim Jones, Rick Ross and Young Buck) This particular track was one of the first to leak from it, and it made a huge impact as you get pretty much all of the biggest names in southern Gangsta Rap coming together in one which has them rapping about typical things which they have to deal with as a result... Read review

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Advantages: Great lyricism and production
Disadvantages: Some collaborations let it down

..."Blue Collar" is the debut album from the Chicagan rapper, Rhymefest. It came out in 2006 after he broke out of being simply an underground freestyle rapper around Chicago by collaborating with Kanye West on a track named "Brand New", which gain him much attention and got him some mainstream attention. 1. "Feel Free" (Intro) 2. "Dynomite" Just Blaze gets things going as he comes out with a strong composition to get you ready for Rhymefest's raps on this album. On it, you get 'Fest display why he was able to attract so much attention when MCing on the underground circuit. **Three Stars** 3. "Brand New" This was the banger which launched Rhymefest's career as a recording artist, and it has him coming out with some amazing flow. He works off Kanye brilliantly, and the funky beat which Ye provides ensures that Rhymefest is... Read review

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