When most people think about the south’s dominance today they fail to realize the significance of Pastor Troy’s input on things. Back in 1999 when he dropped the hit “We Ready” Troy was one of the first people outside of the Dungeon Family to actually go nationwide from the ATL, and he was also one of the first new rappers from below the Mason Dixon line to garner any attention outside of Master P’s camp. The fact that he sent heavy shots at the colonel only made for a more interesting scenario. Over the ensuing years Troy would witness his mainstream access catapult with is second and third albums, but by the time his fourth release By Any Means Necessary hit shelves Troy was a no show on both MTV and BET. Since reverting back to the indie grind not once have we heard Troy grumble any dissatisfaction through his last three collections or his latest gem Tool Muziq.

Troy opens his eighth solo collection spitting machine gun rounds over DJ Squeeky’s rough edged bass layout on the album’s title track. On the title’s second offering Troy reverts to his menaced alter ego over producer Shawty Redd’s antagonizing banger on “Saddam”. Gangsta Boo offers her blessings as she and Troy rework Three 6 Mafia’s classic “Late Nite Tip” on “Wanting You”. Troy opts out of the Tool Muziq on stripper influenced disappointments “Hard For The Money” and “Digital”. The album’s highlight comes when Troy’s once arch nemeses Hitman Sammy Sam comes through on the combustive Shawty Redd production “In My Truck Wit Me”. Troy himself laces one of the album’s premier beats on the over harassing “I’m Down”. Tool Muziq sees its most sobering point reached when Troy borrows the backdrop from Pac’s “Until The End Of Time” on “Hey Mama” where he disgracefully communicates with his moms from within the pen.

With just eight years in the game Pastor Troy is an undeniable veteran and with his eighth solo attempt he proves that point by sticking to his guns. Though you won’t find any ground breaking or thought provoking material here fans of Troy will definitely be satisfied with his latest serving. Troy who usually always comes with some of the hardest hitting production manages to beef up the beats a little more this time around which speaks in dividends in the end. Mainstream or independent one thing you can count on for years to come will be the Pastor’s presence at the pulpit for years to come.

VERDICT – 12 / 20
LYRICS: 2
PRODUCTION: 4
DELIVERY: 3
CONSISTENCY: 3