Skull Gang (5-5-2009)

Posted on May 20 in Reviewsby adminPrint

While the Dipset continues to deteriorate Juelz Santana seems intent on paving the way for a crew of his very own. Skull Gang proves to be Santana’s crutch while he weaves through setbacks, lies, and loopholes by his label superiors over at the ailing Def Jam. With members Un Kasa, Richmond Rabb, John Depp, and Starr standing firmly behind him Juelz Santana seems destined to claim his stake once and for all in the hip-hop world this year.

The album’s intro, “Take Over” serves as more of an extra-convincing preceding commercial for what’s about to happen. Un Kasa and Richmond Raab deliver a hot track’s worth of lethal assistance on the well-served “Aggy.” The track’s title turns out to be a major understatement as Juelz Sanatana, Un Kasa, and Richmond Rabb spit flames from the depths of hell on the standout “Fire.”

Unfortunately the helium hyped mood is quickly deflated as Juelz shows he can still be a victim of the times with the very forced club attempt, “I Am The Club.” “Mazi” starts out with some potential but by the time you reach the end of the first verse you’ll be a little disappointed at the lackluster production and lyrical delivery by the random members of the Skull Gang. Skull Gang at least manages to cut themselves down for two minutes straight on the enjoyable “Who Said That (Skit).”

Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana prove to be the saving graces on the almost failed “Problems.” Jim Jones spits some questionable thug shit on the otherwise delightful blaxopolitan inspired “Birds Flyin’ In.” The Skull Gang proves to be a bi-polar bunch as they dismiss random chicks on the nicely R&B spiced “Don’t Want You Back” then turn around and beg for the little chizikes to come back on the Lil Wayne assisted “Rockstar.”

When its all said and done Skull Gang proves to have at least a few upsides as a collective. The main story here proves to be Juelz Santana’s staying power. Since he managed to command all attention on each track he spit on his ability to maintain his career shouldn’t really be up for discussion after this effort. A few of his assistants also prove that they can hold water but as a collective things don’t look so good for the Harlem crew.

VERDICT – 11 / 12
LYRICS: 3
PRODUCTION: 3
DELIVERY: 3
CONSISTENCY: 2