Firewater [Clean] [Edited]

Performer: Tha Alkaholiks
Producer: Keezo Kane; E-Swift; Danger Mouse; Evidence of Dilated Peoples
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Tha Alkaholiks: E-Swift, J-Ro, Cash. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here--FIREWATER is the grand finale for hip-hop partiers par excellence Tha Alkaholiks, who have been torching the candle from both ends since their 1993 debut, THA TRIFLIN' ALBUM. The infectious "The Flute Song" mixes a seductive Eastern motif with typical 'Liks drinking, smoking, and partying themes, while "Party Ya Ass Off" explains the group's decision to split and continue separate careers against a predictable background of mayhem. There's an attempt at a conventional vocal on "Poverty's Paradise," but the trio sound best on the more familiar territory of "Drink Wit Us," which runs down a comprehensive list of legendary hip-hop names who hang out with them, because "making funky music is a must"--and you can't argue with that. Apparently a going-away party and a prelude to solo flights, tha Alkaholiks' fifth album -- their first since 2001's X.O. Experience -- is their weakest, but it's still a good time. With a title like Firewater, it's apparent that the trio won't be doing the unexpected, which is exactly what the fans expect. What prevents the album from being on par with the likes of 21 & Over and Coast II Coast is that the MCs have slowed a little with age, so neither the productions nor the lyrics are as fresh or as wildly hedonistic as favorites like "Make Room," "Hip Hop Drunkies," and "The Next Level." Tha Alkaholiks could be faulted for taking roughly 15 years to release their five albums, but the trio could also be rewarded for consistency. (They never released a mediocre album.) Bound to the expectations owed to their group name and first singles, J-Ro, E-Swift, and Tash should all benefit creatively from the split. Craziest boast on the album: "I'm the black Bryant Gumbel." [A clean version of the album was also released.] ~ Andy Kellman

After moving to L.A. in the early 1990s, Cincinnati DJ/MC duo E-Swift and Tash recruited South Central rapper J-Ro and formed Tha Alkaholiks. After guesting on King Tee's THE TRIFLIN ALBUM (1992), the trio released 21 & OVER (1993), introducing an irreverent rhyme style--lyrically intricate, rife with drinking references, and even incorporating occasional mock belches and slurred speech--over upbeat party-oriented production. The clever, booze-obsessed gimmicks exemplified in tracks like "Only When I'm Drunk" and "Last Call" enhanced a fun-loving, back-and-forth rhyme chemistry reminiscent of old school acts like Cold Crush and EPMD. Throughout the 1990s, Tha Liks held a reputation as the West's anti-G-Funk crew, collaborating with prominent East Coast producers and MCs and introducing alternative West Coast acts (Lootpack, Declaime, Defari, Xzibit). With five tight albums under their belts, the crew disbanded on good terms following 2006's FIRE WATER.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25