"Mostasteless", Twiztid album review

     Mostasteless! A review for one of my favorite albums of all time.
     Original release for this beauty was 1997, both of the presses I believe. It was too wicked for stores shelve, however, so it got pulled and re-issued in 1999, with some new tracks added and a couple from the OG press cut. The removed tracks would live on to be captured in some of the Cryptic Collections, so you can still find 'em around. There was also another version of the album, not meant for national release, and it had a fetus on the cover. I don't know what the hell the deal is with that one, if the track listing is different or anything like that. If any ninja wants to hit me up with some deets, I would be more than happy to have a brother fill me the fuck in.
     The main differences between the two (Or three, rather); and of course, there's different art for them both. To clarify, I have the re-issued version. If I ever run into a copy of the original, I might try an' grab it, but for now, here I am with the re-issued one. The third, however...I think that one's mad rare, and holds an aristocratic price tag. I hit it big one day - maybe I'll consider it. Likelihood, no; it ain't happening, and if it does - not anytime soon.

Graphics:
(Note that on the three different versions of the album, the art is different)
     On the real, these graphics are pretty fucking dope. You got these two clowns in their old-school paint, on the cover, beheadin' demons and generally looking badass. Then you open it up, you got their faces on the CD, and they're rocking out under the CD rest. Fold out the booklet, got some sweet-ass comic-book styled action going on on the back. It's not particularly coherent, but shit's messy, with lots of demons, lots of violence, bullets, and blood. It's nice.
     On the inside of the booklet you got some shout-outs from Jamie and Mono, credits for the production of the album, a painting of Jamie and Paul in paint, and some ads. The ads, oh boy. You've got an ad for Big Money Hustlas (Hot damn!) and...shit, a motherfucking ad for Tales from the Lotus Pod! This must be an old-ass print, because the only members listed are Twiz and ICP. Not even credits for Marz or Blaze Ya Dead Homie. Anyways, that's about it for the art. There's some sick heaven-and-hell shit going on on the back of the CD cover, that shit's always fresh. The graphics for this album, the version I have anyway, lemme tell ya. Fucking. Stellar.

Content:
     The track listing for the re-issue is different. It contains Spin the Bottle, Blink, and Bury Me Alive, all of which the original did not have. It lacks Smoke Break, Anotha Smoke Break, Meat Cleaver, Somebody Dissin' U, Murder, Murder, Murder, and She Ain't Afraid. Ninjas, you can find the cut tracks on Cryptic Collection CDs, so don't fret if you're trippin' on the price tag for the original. Lastly, some of the lyrics and content has been altered or censored.
On "Whatthefuck?!?!", Monoxide's verse "And I'mma be the first to tell; I gotcha family all hostage and they burnin' in hell!" has been censored. There are other minor edits on the CD, too.
     Mostasteless was very well-produced and as I understand it, is mostly produced by the two killas themselves. The beats are shuffling and wicked, heavy in a strange and morbid way. The noise almost seems to tell a tale all by itself, and there is some use of sampling throughout the CD which I appreciate very much. For being Twiztid's first CD both as a group and a Psychopathic artist, they did very well in stepping outside the box and bringing something different - but still wicked, to the table. Keep in mind that I'm speaking on the re-press and not the OG copy.
     I've said this before, and I will again. I'm not sure what way these guys were in, but they have an air of depression and anger that is filtered through this album. It's like I can feel their madness seeping off their lyrics as they spit about having nervous breakdowns, being forlorn, hating everybody and just wanting to murder them all...it's touching. It's amazing, how well they filtered their emotions into their music. That, right there, that fact, it's what keeps me coming back to the album time and time again. There is so much good to this album. Ninjas, I'm serious, this album is a must-have for all the Twiztid ninjas. It's heavy, so get your ass on it and grab a copy if you don't already have one! It'll split your wig wide-open. Whoop whoop!

Final Grade: "Mostasteless" by Twiztid recieves a: 5/5!!!
This album is mad dope ninjas, like I said, it's one of my favorite albums of all time. Check it the fuck out!

Strong points:
- Great production that can tell a story on its own
- Great lyricism
- Dope-ass art
- An ad for Tales From?!?! What is this?!?!
- Great track listing
- A unique entry for the hatchet
- This is that real wicked shit; that real madness

Ninjas, there it is! Second album to ever get a perfect score...Whoop whoop!

This is the re-release, and the one I have. Mad dope!

This is the original, "too wicked for store shelves" version.

The weird, rare version

"Duk Da Fuk Down!" album review

     Hello hello hello ninjas! A LOT of exciting shit is going down right now! Blaze is hosting a mixtape, Twiztid's dropping 4 The Fam EP Volume 2, and there are speculations, even, that the Lotus is now officially in bloom! That's fuckin' sick, ninjas! On top of that, it's motherfucking Juggalo Day!! 25% off on Hatchetgear, so go and support the wicked shit! Great fucking day to you all.
     Slappin' y'all with another one: Duk Da Fuk Down!
This album was originally released in 2007, so it's a bit old. Lil' Shank, Bullet, Full Clip, Cell Block, Yung Dirt, and Foe Foe are the Rydas featured on this CD (Jamie Madrox, Violent J, Shaggy 2 Dope, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Boondox, and Monoxide Child, respectively). I'mma jump right to it.

Graphics:
     Belligerent thugs stare at you from the cover of the CD. Open up past their pointed barrels, and you see 'em on the other side. "Duk Da Fuk Down!" is written in big letter on both sides, and they're posing on the back of the two-sided paper. Not a foldout or anything. The CD has a nice bandana-print on it, with Duk Da Fuk Down! written again in big letters.

Content:
     Duk Da Fuk Down! is not hard to digest; the name implies the nature of the CD. When purchasing this, you should already know what the content is going to consist of: OG gangsta shit. Drugs. Money. Murder. Women. That sort of thing. But even though you can consistently expect the same kind of music from the Psychopathic Rydas, every CD is different. Duk Da Fuk Down! is an older CD and selects some heavier, more shuffling instrumentals, but expect a nice variety of sound on this CD. It has a nice and crisp sound to it, and the variety of lyrical themes and beat selection from track-to-track makes it a very solid tracklist.
     Duk Da Fuk Down! is also the lead single for this album, and the only official video ever shot for the Psychopathic Rydas (Featured on the Psychopathic Videos DVD). It's also one of their more popular releases overall, despite being an older CD. And while the general message of the CD is understood, expect to be occasionally surprised. One of my favorite songs on the CD, "Lil Rydas", is a rap about little tykes running around thugging it up, with a part of the chorus being "And when they grow they gon' ride like us!". Duk Da Fuk Down! brings the thug shit in a fresh and original way that only Psychopathic could truly do, which is why it's so much fun to listen to. I definitely recommend this to any Juggalo, but it should also have appeal to a broader audience as well. If you like that OG gangsta shit, definitely check it out. You'll dig it for sure.

Final Grade: JRH gives "Duk Da Fuk Down by the Psychopathic Rydas a: 4/5!
(Muffled cheering and clapping)

Strong Points:
- Smash, once again
- Variety of lyrical themes and beat selections add a fresh and original take to a genre that is so often victim to monotony
- Great track listing, really
- Ryda lyricism is great

Weak Points:
- No foldout :(
- There are definitely one or two tracks don't add much to the album and feel a bit like filler

Look at them! Don't they just look happy to see you?

"Tales from the Lotus Pod", Dark Lotus album review

This album is from back in the day. Originally released in 2001, it was re-released in 2002 because of a dispute that Psychopathic Records was having with Marz, who is featured on the album. On the 2002 re-release, they replaced Marz verses with verses from Anybody Killa, who was then new to the label. The re-released version of this album is more recent than the OG print and is probably in better circulation, but they're both OoP (Out-of-print) so finding either one on physical will be a bit of legwork.
     There was a bunch of shit going on during the production of the album, and to sum it up this entire album is a trial-run for the Dark Lotus. The fact of that is pretty clear when you listen to it. Half of the album was produced by Mike E. Clark, and I don't truthfully know what they did to make the rest of the album work. But that bit doesn't stand out as much. It isn't terrible or underproduced, but it exudes a vibe that makes you feel like it was rushed out of production or something like that. It's off-putting...

Graphics:
     The graphics are pretty nice. The CD is just a pyramid design with some words on it - the album title, I think. The front has the cross-design pictured below and the packet that displays the album cover is a fold-out. When fully extended it displays some hieroglyphics and on the other side are some pyramids in different states of condition. There's some instructions for raising the dead written underneath the CD rest, which is nice. The cool thing I want to note is that there's no CD track listing anywhere to be found within the case or on the CD. Just nothing. Juggalos created a tracklist, which seems to differ a bit depending on the print you're looking at. Depending on your disposition, you could say that it adds to the fact that the CD feels like it was rushed out of production. But to me, it adds more of a cryptic nature to the CD and adds a bit of a haze over the CD that makes you entertain existential thoughts on the nature of a CD. I approve. Graphics are great.

Content:
     But let me delve. Tales from the Lotus Pod is mediocre. And while it does have a few gems on it that catch the eye, beyond those few gems there is nothing but uncomfortable and awkward music. You could get a list of the good tracks on this album, you could go find and listen to them, and you wouldn't really need to listen to the rest of the album. That's because the rest of the album is filler, just reiterations of the same messages. "I Hurt Myself", "Gimme Dat Blood", "Swarm". Okay: you don't like other people or yourself, but I'd rather not hear six songs about it. On top of that, the songs themselves aren't especially executed well at all.
     The production is uncomfortably dark, with shuffling beats and lyricism that is very archetypal of the Lotus: Fucking dead bitches, being possessed by demons, wanting to die, etcetera. While some of the music is well-executed, it really brings you down. It doesn't bestow anything positive on you, doesn't make you think about or question your own morals. TftLP is morbid for the sake of being morbid and nothing more. Whether it's Violent J slamming a fragment of skull into his brain or Jamie Madrox vomiting due to excess meds, you can't help but shiver at some of the verses. While it's possible to appreciate the pure shock value of the CD, it mostly just makes you uncomfortable.
     Yes, this is a part of the Dark Lotus's history. It won't be forgotten. I like this album because now I know more about the Lotus's history, and I own a piece of it. I also have access to those few gems that rise above the rest of the funk on this album.
     You don't really need this. Unless you're like me and you want to own that piece of history, this album really isn't amazing and you can find a lot of the good tracks elsewhere. Look into the other works by Lotus, because they have better CDs out there. The whole deal with the two versions of the album - it doesn't even matter. Just get whatever you can get.
     Even Violent J has said that he doesn't like the album, so that right there should make you balk just a bit. If you wanna cop this, look into it, but don't just throw your money at it.

Final Grade: "Tales from the Lotus Pod" by Dark Lotus receives a: 2.5/5
(Awwwww!)

Weak Points:
- TftLP feels like it was rushed out of production; it could have used more time
- The fact that there are two versions of the album. It adds to the feeling of it being rushed out of production, like they released the album without having a definite vision of what they wanted it to be.
- Lots of stuff that feels like filler.

Strong Points:
- There are some gems on this CD
- Bad or not, this album is still a piece of the Lotus's history that should be remembered.
- There is some really good production on some of the tracks. Not all, but some.

Album cover for the re-release. Pretty and simple, huh? I like it. Usually I'd post both the original and re-issue, but in this case the two albums aren't really that different so I'm not even going to bother. You could find it easily if you were interested.

"Riddlebox", Insane Clown Posse album review

     "I certainly hope you're enjoying yourselves here at our three ring exhibit, but to be honest, I really don't see what's so fucking funny about it - these fucking people are real!"
     Hello ninjas! What the fuck is up? I'll tell you what's up; shitty, motherfucking, incessant snow. That's what up. What else is up? "Riddlebox", by Insane Clown Posse, that's also what's up. There's a bit of a correlation between them two; snow causing me to stay inside and listen to "Riddlebox". Enough about that, however, let's jump right into it, shall we?
     Riddlebox is one of Insane Clown Posse's earlier albums, and is the third Joker's Card in the original deck of six. Riddlebox itself was released in 1995 nearly two decades ago, after the Ringmaster, and before The Great Milenko. It was re-released in 2008 in vinyl double LP format (don't ask me what that means) and has seen a few different pressings since its 1995 debut. It's even said to spawned Insane Clown Posse's fandom, the Juggalos. There's quite a bit of history behind this CD, but that isn't really the point of this review, so I'll leave you to your devices if you want to read more about that. As a final note, I'm pretty positive I have the 2008 press, so that's the one I'll be speaking on. There are some minor differences to be noted among the other presses, but I won't be speaking on them.

Graphics:
     The front of this cover features the Riddlebox, which you can see in more detail below. On the back of the cover you got track listing (Which doesn't include the intro; helpful to know that when you're scanning the CD and the track list comes out fucky) and a picture of old-school Shags and J. The CD's got the Riddlebox character fit to it, and looks nice and glossy. The cover doubles as booklet, and has another old school Shags and J picture on it. Inside the booklet there's a shit-ton of shout-outs to mad people, and on the right side there's credits for the production on the album. Instructions on how to join the "ICP fan-club" and a candid illustrative allusion to the next three Joker's cards. There's also a picture of the Riddlebox character on the back of the unfolded booklet that details what it is exactly that the Riddlebox is, and what it will do upon opening.

Content:
     Riddlebox remains to be one of the favorites among Juggalos, and that's for a reason. ICP nails down their goofy, yet still relatable lyrics down with consistent production and entertaining skits. For being only their fourth album, Riddlebox was able to define what the wicked clowns are all about: the fun, the murder, and the reality of the world filtered through a fine lens of insanity. It outlined what made them unique, and that, combined with consistent production from Mike E. Clark, is what made this CD so special that it is still revered today.
     My bet is that if you're a Juggalo, you've already listened to this CD, or at least heard of it. If you're not sure about copping it, just listen to Headless Boogie or Dead Body Man. You'll hear that crazy, goofy and excitable carny vibe that makes Insane Clown Posse unique. This album hits hard, to the point where I'd definitely list it as one of their best CDs.
     This album is absolutely exemplary, maybe even quintessential. In other words, it's really fucking good. Mike E. Clark did an incredible job producing this album, and combined with the talent of ICP, this disc is far from stale. Even if it isn't your cup of tea, you should be able to find something to appreciate amid the silly carny theme and impressive production.
 If you're a Juggalo, you will love this CD. You can find it pretty cheap too, especially online.

Final Grade: JRH gives "Riddlebox" by Insane Clown Posse a...5/5!!!!
*Thunderous clapping*
*I wrestled with this for a while...Even with my marginal complaints, it was just so hard to give this album anything but a perfect score. It seemed wrong to give such an amazing album anything but an absolutely perfect score...First album on JRH to get a perfect score! Congrats to "Riddlebox"!

Weak Points:
- The album is a little slow to pick up at first
- The intro track isn't listed on the track listing of the case, which can get confusing when scanning them onto a PC

Strong Points:
- Excellent producing by Mike E. Clark
- Entertaining skits add to the grim humor of the CD
- ICP's zany and goofy style remains relatable is many ways
- Fresh-ass graphics
- Mike does a great job creating the slapstick carny theme on the CD, adding on to the craziness present in the lyricism

*Don't forget to drop by the page!
https://www.facebook.com/JuggaloReviewHole

Dope-ass album cover!

"Cryptic Collection 1", Twiztid album review

     Here it is, ninjas! The long anticipated second album review, right here, right now! This time we'll be reviewing "Cryptic Collection 1" by Twiztid.
The original release date of this CD is in late 2000. It's been re-issued as well, for whatever reason. The only difference between the original and the re-issue as far as I know is that they have different album covers (I will post both below so that you can see the difference, personally I like the original better). I have the reissued version, so that is the one I will be speaking on.
     This album is a part of the Cryptic Collection, a series of albums Twiztid has been putting out that are re-released and re-engineered or remixed "rare" tracks that are usually from past entries or projects throughout their career. If the idea of buying anything that has already been released makes you turn your nose up in the air, don't fret, because there's also the addition of unreleased tracks to add something new to the disc. It's kind of like the Forgotten Freshness series by ICP, but you know, for Twiztid.

Graphics:
     Paul and Jamie on the cover, throwing signs. A strange cave bat on the back with the group name and album title. CD cover doubles as a booklet; it's got Jamie and Paul on the back, with Paul smoking. The booklet mostly contains information about the history of each track, which is dope because a lot of the information is genuinely interesting. Halfway through you get Madrox and Mono staring at you, with what looks like Mostasteless-era makeup sheening on their beautiful faces. At the back is an ad for the other CCs, which probably only exists because this is the later pressing that came out way after the original one. On the CD art you got Paul and Jamie again, same as the cover but fit to a disc. Nothing in the CD rest.

Content:
     If you like Twiztid, you will most certainly like this CD. It might not be as big a project like a full-length album, but still contains a level of sweet freshness and added novelty, because of the rare and unreleased material. If you're just getting into Twiztid and haven't listened to older work from the HoK era, then this CD should be especially fresh. Some of the older fans will recognize a fair amount of content, but not all of it, because of the previously unreleased material on the CD. Cryptic Collection is an opportunity to listen to their old work without having to pay out the ass for it, in a cleaner format, and with the addition of music you will not find anywhere else. Between the old and fresh content, it's all Twiztid and it's all good.
     The music itself is pretty good, but not amazing. When buying a CD like this, I don't usually set my standards too high, because they aren't meant to be groundbreaking projects. But regardless of that, Cryptic Collection is pretty good musically. Some of these tracks are not impressive or memorable at all for sure, but remember that some of the songs are here just to be here. To satisfy the collectors who want the rare audio, and to let the regular fans get into some new shit. Regardless of what you think about vault CDs, if you're a fan of Twiztid, you will find something to appreciate about this disc. In terms of production, it's got the familiar underground sound, and the older tracks have been scrubbed up so that they sound a lot better than the OG presses. It's not off the beaten path, and in this case, that's probably a good thing.
     Cryptic Collection is not a must-have. It isn't a Mostasteless or W.I.C.K.E.D., it's much simpler and humble, and I like that. If you're a fan of Twiztid, then consider this CD. If you're a collector, scoop it for sure, and if you're the average listener, you'll probably dig it too. It's good and fun to listen to, but nothing compared to their full-length albums.

Final Grade: JRH gives "Cryptic Collection 1" by Twiztid a: 3.6/5

Weak points:
- Not impressive or memorable, especially
- A few stale tracks here and there

Strong points:
- Older tracks allow you to listen to their past work without the hassle of trying to get the OG presses
- Previously unreleased tracks create a sense of novelty, especially for the older fans familiar with their past work
- The extra effort of having tracks re-engineered and remixed makes the album have a clean and professional sound

There it is, ninjas, JRH's second review! Peep it, spread it, keep it locked and while it you're at it, visit the page and drop a like! (https://www.facebook.com/JuggaloReviewHole)
I greatly appreciate any support you show, whether you drop a comment, like the page, or just fucking stare at the blog page. I love it all! Thank you fam and anyone who is reading this right now, you're what keep the reviews coming. JRH out.

Re-Issued Album cover; contemporary version
Not sure what year it was re-issued

Ye Olde Album cover, from the 2000 release

"Backdoor Rydas", Psychopathic Rydas EP review

     What's up ninjas? Today I'll be doing my first review: "Backdoor Rydas", by the Psychopathic Rydas. This album was released in 2011 alongside EatShitNDie at the Gathering that year, but unlike EatShitNDie, Backdoor Rydas is an EP and not a full album. Standing six tracks tall, this is one of the few EPs that the Rydas have done throughout their career. Since this album is shorter than most of the other CDs I will be reviewing, I'm going to endeavor to go into a bit of detail on every track instead of reviewing the album as a whole.
      Musically, all Ryda CDs are composed of stolen beats from popular contemporary rap artists and songs. In the case of Backdoor Rydas, this gives the album a much more modern and popular sound because the beats are also very modern and popular. The wandering listener will definitely be able to recognize some of the beats featured on this EP because of their popularity. Like all the Ryda CDs, this album houses the familiar lyrical themes of Money, Murder, and the Muff. The Psychopathic Rydas take these beats and put a wicked Rydas twist on it, and it works very well.
     Backdoor Rydas is an excellent CD and a nice tangent from the usual murderous and underground music the label normally puts out. Not only would I recommend this to most any Juggalo, I'd also recommend it to anyone into rap, especially that hardcore gangsta shit.

 Graphics:
     The album art is rather lewd. Ass, everywhere. Ass on the cover, ass on the back of the cover-paper, and when you take the cover and fold it out, guess what? Rydas posing, but with some ass-cheeks on either side of them. Ass on the CD too, and then on the back of the CD case there's more ass, except this time there's an arm too, tatted with a Hatchetman and holding a glock. The tracklist consists of more booty, and that's about it for graphics.

From here I will break it down into what my thoughts are on the tracks themselves:

Track #1, "Backdoor Rydas"
     Okay ninjas, I can't lie. When I first heard this song, I thought, "Oh, nevermind that shit. Skip!" I judged it harshly because of the content of the song, which is as it sounds. The Rydas rapping about getting skin and messing around with the ladies. I'm not sure why, but after a while this track kind of grew onto me, and now I can't help but get into it whenever I bump this track.

Track #2, "You Scared"
     This song starts off with some Ryda banter about how to properly dump on a busta, before coalescing into a song about how they're in the place, and you're scared. Like you should be, because they're the Rydas. I love the beat from this song; I remember it from back when, but I forget the original track it's from. This song is a great set-up for the mood the rest of the album exudes.

Track #3, "Here They Come"
     If I had a system of any sort, it would be thumping hard when this started playing. This track is exemplary of the Ryda message, "Fuck you, I'm a Ryda, and I play to win." Every single verse on this track is dope, and it might just split your wig if you let it. Definitely one of my favorite tracks off the entire EP, hands-down.

Track #4, "Chalk Lines & Caution Tape"
     Again, another track that kicks and smashes the entire time it plays. It starts off with a drumroll that leads into the opening verse by Lil' Shank, and it continues with freshness dropped by the rest of the crew. I bumped this track a whole lot back when I first heard this album. As you may infer, the track is about the Rydas doing their thing and lining 'em out in chalk for all to see, and there really isn't much more to it then that. A really good track with great beat selection.

Track #5, "Car Jack"
     One of the songs that made me want the EP. This track is absolutely incredible, with skillful verses from every single Ryda, and a simple lyrical message. If you need a track to sample before you cop this album, this is the track you want to listen to. Amazing beat, amazing verses, and an great way to end an awesome EP.

Final Grade: JRH gives "Backdoor Rydas" by the Psychopathic Rydas a: 4.3/5Weak points:
- Concludes almost without warning, very abrupt

Strong points:
- Smash as fuck
- Relatively inexpensive
- Nice beat selection
- Short and sweet

     That's it ninjas! There is is, my first full review. Keep it locked for further reviews, and please feel more than welcome to drop a comment with any thoughts you have on my review.
     You can also feel free to subscribe to the blog if you want to be e-mailed when JRH updates, there's a little gadget on the right-hand side if you feel so inclined. Thanks for reading, and for giving me your time. JRH out.

Annotations:

• I will always try to put an album cover at the bottom of the post, so that you have an image to refer to if you want to look into the piece
• JRH is the abbreiviation for the name of the page
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Intro

Hello! Ninjas, friends, passerbys, whoever you may be, hello. As you can see, I plan to make this page a home for album reviews. Not entirely or specifically music by Juggalo artists; but being a ninja myself I will likely tend to post reviews of releases by Juggalo artists. Keep it posted, keep your eye on it, I plan to be doing plenty with this page very soon. Stay tuned, ninjas!
*Note: I am taking recommendations! Any rap artist or album is fine, as long as I can find it in a store, I can take it as a recommendation!