Royce Da 5’9″ – “Boom” b/w “We Live”
Royce is always referred to as Eminem’s “protege” on mainstream television like MTV and BET, especially since this 12″‘s A-side video, “Boom” has gotten a little bit of airplay lately. However, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that those same networks probably misunderstand that D12 is Eminem’s project, as well. Regardless of how much airplay “Boom” gets, either on TV or radio, it’s an ill track. Aside from the explosive beat by DJ Premier, Royce busts through with unprecedented lyrical fidelity, and drops a line to let you know that he’s no one’s pet project. The B-side is a different story, though. He’s still not hiding in Em’s shadow at all, but, for lack of better words, hiding behind an image that Columbia must be trying to give him. “We Live” is a track that everyone hoped that Royce wouldn’t resort to doing now that he’s in the hands of a major label. The song carries that one element that most underground heads say is the root of all evil: an “R&B bitch” on the hook. In addition, the beat is slow-paced and fully-supported by a sample. Royce can still rhyme on this, but it’s not up to the standard that was set with “Boom.” Why? Royce is rhyming for the ladies, as said in the line, “This is for the ladies. Fellas, follow my lead.” I wouldn’t call Royce Da 5’9″ doomed, not by a long shot. Hopefully he’ll have a lot of freedom with his LP to create more joints like “Boom”, and if we’re really lucky, he’ll drop something with Eminem that will bring us back to the Bad Meets Evil days.
Reviewed By RhymeLife.Com for HipHopHotSpot.Com
