Shyne - Godfather Buried Alive
 (Gangland/Def Jam Records)

For all the hype surrounding Shyne and his fifteen million dollar label venture with Def Jam, you'd expect immediate rewards for them and us. However this album is, to put it bluntly.. boring. From the first we heard of Shyne, the main criticism was his voice being so similar to Biggie's. For me that issue was blinded somewhat by the spectacular visuals in the "Bad Boys" video. Talent wise, he clearly wasn't Biggie, but he made the first step to becoming Shyne. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to further define himself. You know that story.. the streets have been talking though. Shyne's intention for this album was to take advantage of the chatter in the community. He and label execs took it to mean people were dying to hear some music from him. In reality it was more about wondering what he might have done if he hadn't got a ten year bid.

Asking that question doesn't mean he can mail in an album from the cell and expect extraordinary results at the register. And that's their main concern, we only care to get a fair return on our $14.99.

Granted the album consists of old tracks and things pieced together to sound in step with the times. There are moments like "Quasi OG," "More Less," (despite Foxy Brown's clenched teeth delivered chorus.. 'more less') the lyrics of "Martyr" and the West Coast thump of "Here With Me."

On the downside you have "Behind the Walls" which sounds.. more..

For all the hype surrounding Shyne and his fifteen million dollar label venture with Def Jam, you'd expect immediate rewards for them and us. However this album is, to put it bluntly.. boring. From the first we heard of Shyne, the main criticism was his voice being so similar to Biggie's. For me that issue was blinded somewhat by the spectacular visuals in the "Bad Boys" video. Talent wise, he clearly wasn't Biggie, but he made the first step to becoming Shyne. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to further define himself. You know that story.. the streets have been talking though. Shyne's intention for this album was to take advantage of the chatter in the community. He and label execs took it to mean people were dying to hear some music from him. In reality it was more about wondering what he might have done if he hadn't got a ten year bid.

Asking that question doesn't mean he can mail in an album from the cell and expect extraordinary results at the register. And that's their main concern, we only care to get a fair return on our $14.99.

Granted the album consists of old tracks and things pieced together to sound in step with the times. There are moments like "Quasi OG," "More Less," (despite Foxy Brown's clenched teeth delivered chorus.. 'more less') the lyrics of "Martyr" and the West Coast thump of "Here With Me."

On the downside you have "Behind the Walls" which sounds.. ten years too late, and "Jimmy Choo" which Ashanti absolutely trashes with her singing. This is pop rap at it's worst and seems to be a blatant attempt at product placement. What other reaons is there for him to name a song after a shoe company? Especially when he hasn't been on the street to even see any chick rocking Jimmy Choo shoes. The sad part is "Jimmy Choo" is slated to be the next single. Overall the results are similar to Slick Rick's albums released while he was in jail. A feeling of detachment, like it's not a real album. Just knowing that it's old material makes it staler than it might have been if he would have turned around and used it after his possible release at the end of the year.

Then there is the twenty ton weight that has been placed on his shoulders to be this dynamic force that will revitalize hip-hop. Pop in the CD and you'll hear nothing that is truly revolutionary. We've been hearing about keeping it gangsta till I die for about 15 years. Shyne takes it to extrems talking about shipping cocaine across the country in jets and all sorts of hustle man moves. Than he turns around and calls other rappers fake. The blurb we've read of Shyne's life says nothing about him being a major coke dealer. Exaggerations abound in hip-hop, it's used like special effects in movies - makes it more fun and entertaining. An artist can get away with the same ol story if it's told in a compelling way. There is no exciting story here. It's a bunch of songs that beg for the glue that binds a tight package - a clear identity.

It goes back to the days before his Bad Boy debut.. who is Shyne?

That question hasn't been answered on this CD. He says he has 9-10 albums in his head and once he hits the streets he'll basically live in the studio. It only makes sense that better material can result when standing in front of a microphone for the first time in 4 years. At that time maybe he will pour his heart out and craft the classic record that justifies the attention and money that he has received. Until then the jury's final verdict stands.. he remains buried alive.

back to the ratings..

Track By Track

-- Degrees --	10	20	30	40	50	60	70	80	90	100
1.  Buried Alive Intro
2.  Quasi O.G.
3.  More or Less
4.  Behind The Walls
5.  Shyne
6.  For The Record
7.  Martyr
8.  Jimmy Choo
9.  Godfather
10. The Gang
11. Edge
12. Here With Me
13. Diamonds & Mac 10s

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