If the West Coast style is what you are down with, then you'll be calling Eiht's new CD the bomb.
Heavy handed rhymes with laid back vocals are a West-side trademark (a la Dre, Snoop, etc.). Eiht carries that torch and comes correct with a fluid style of rap that he says "tells tales of life on the streets of Compton". Backed up by Da Foe (Eiht's younger brother), Chill (from N.O.T.R.) and Young Prod, Eiht actually raps about the reality of life in any American 'hood.
Eiht's true standout quality is the strength of his street-fables. "Thuggin It Up" (the first single) puts the dangers of comin' up the wrong way above the homeboy-posturing and brings the message across in words anyone can understand. "Thuggin..."'s beats glide along on the keyboard driven, jazzy background that has become popular in more current rap.
"Collect My Stripez" brings to light Eiht's gangsta side, and shows either the influence of, or the similarity to Dr. Dre's Chronic. Not one to be played, Eiht lays down the law with his show of lyrical strength. "...Stripez" turns out as one of the more bumpin tracks on the CD.
Rightfully called the 'Shakespeare of the streets', MC Eiht tells the stories that rap fans expect to hear, in a style that is not overpowering but is head-bobbingly listenable.
