5th Ward Boyz Albums (6)
'P.W.A. The Album: Keep It Poppin''
Release Date 8/31/1999
Tracks 18
Label Priority
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Usual Suspects, the 5th Ward Boyz's third album, isn't dramatically different than Rated G or Ghetto Dope -- it's a collection of straightahead gangsta-funk, with rolling beats, deep bass grooves and cliched lyrics. The 5th Ward Boyz do have charisma, which compensates for the lack of imagination in the music, and a few moments -- like "I Know," a duet with Scarface -- are dynamic, exciting hip-hop, yet Usual Suspects is the kind of rap record that will primarily appeal to devoted followers of gangsta rap. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
As the title indicates, the 5th Ward Boyz's second album, Rated G, is nothing but straight-up G-funk. The group works the standard booming bass and slinky keyboards for all they're worth, and they occasionally come up with first-class tracks like "Concrete Hell," which comes through with a subdued, muscular force. However, the group can't sustain that power throughout the course of the album. Frequently, Rated G is simply competent -- it's well done, but delivered without much style or originality. None of the members is a particularly distinctive rapper, nor is the music exceptionally produced and arranged. Even with these drawbacks, Rated G remains enjoyable. It is the work of talented, but not inspired, imitators and will do if The Chronic and Doggystyle are sounding stale. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
