- reviewed by Nicole Mac

Welcome Back, just what exactly is the title referring to? The return of the slow-speaking, dimple faced crooked smiling man, a CD equipped with songs that say absolutely nothing, yet strangely enough have the same hooks as some old songs, or, Lord forbid, the shiny suit. I'm not sure as to which or any he was referring to, but I do know that all possibilities listed are valid. (Is it me, or does his latest track "Breathe, Stretch, Shake" remind you of a mildly handicapped version of Kanye West's "Workout Plan"?)

I must admit, the CD is versatile. It can be listened to by children of all ages. Throughout its entirety, there are no curse words used. To me, this is standard considering Ma$e is actually Pastor Mason Betha. It is expected for him to govern himself in a Christian light at all times, and not fall prey to the genre of music he has reverted back to. more..

- reviewed by Nicole Mac

Welcome Back, just what exactly is the title referring to? The return of the slow-speaking, dimple faced crooked smiling man, a CD equipped with songs that say absolutely nothing, yet strangely enough have the same hooks as some old songs, or, Lord forbid, the shiny suit. I'm not sure as to which or any he was referring to, but I do know that all possibilities listed are valid. (Is it me, or does his latest track "Breathe, Stretch, Shake" remind you of a mildly handicapped version of Kanye West's "Workout Plan"?)

I must admit, the CD is versatile. It can be listened to by children of all ages. Throughout its entirety, there are no curse words used. To me, this is standard considering Ma$e is actually Pastor Mason Betha. It is expected for him to govern himself in a Christian light at all times, and not fall prey to the genre of music he has reverted back to. Yet, what is puzzling to me is that, although he doesn't speak of scantily clad women running to embrace their past recipient of "groupie love", he does make mention to all the jewels and money that have also greeted him with open arms.

It is also ironic, that a man who speaks of God is on the remix to "Lean Back - stop it's the muthafuckin' remix." Telling folks that he'll make them bleed? The same man that has a prayer, inside the cover of his CD, and asks those who have spoken that prayer, or thought those thoughts to contact him. For what? So you can travel to Atlanta and allow Pastor Betha to allow his hand, laden with a diamond encrusted watch, to rest on your head?

It's been five long years, and Ma$e is right back where he started: making bubble gum rap for all you Bubblicious chewers.

I must admit, I thought the first single "Welcome Back" was cute, and could not, should not be compared with any other rapper in current rotation. Now, after listening to the CD, I believe it should not be put into anyone's current rotation, unless Barney or Scooby Doo need new intro music.

* My ratings are based primarily/ damn that..solely on beats..not content..the vocals make it even worse! *