Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. has often favored live instrumentation over loops and samples. Angry Samoans, their first album since 2003's West Koastra Nostra, is entirely reliant on drums and guitars, yet it's equally grounded in metal (whereas their earlier albums were more in line with the kind of loose funk occasionally heard on other West Coast albums by Above the Law, N.W.A, and Kid Frost). While a natural reaction to hearing the likes of "Skared for Lyfe," "Kill for the Family," and "Boogie Man" would be comparisons to Rage Against the Machine, BYT was doing the same exact thing as early as 1990 -- as heard on New Funky Nation's "Pickin' Up Metal." Backed by a competent, hard-hitting quartet, the Devoux brothers lay into each track with as much ferocity as expected. The arrangements are rudimentary at times and could've been laid down at any point during the last 15 years, but they're more than enough to get the Devouxs worked up. In the ears of most fans of the group, it's all that's truly necessary. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
It'd been far too long since Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. reared their collective menacing heads around the scene. After disappearing for several years, the clan regrouped with a monster of a record in West Koasta Nostra. It's a welcome return for the group, whose production skills and lyrical delivery are as fierce as ever. However, it all seems as if something is missing. What makes this album as strong as it is can't really be contributed to the production or Boo-Yaa's rhymes, but the unbelievable quality of the guest appearances that carry the album through start to finish. Aside from having an average of three guests per track, Mack 10, Kurupt, and Knoc-Turn'al all make strong appearances that rival deliveries on their own respective albums, but it's Cypress Hill's B Real and Eminem's appearance on "911" that unquestionably makes the track the crown jewel of West Koasta Nostra. It's not a classic on par with 1990's New Funky Nation, but for those longtime diehards who had been awaiting a return to form, West Koasta is welcome relief. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
'Mafia Lifestyle'
Release Date 10/31/2000
Tracks 16
Label S.m. Records
See Album Tracklist and Review
'New Funky Nation'
Release Date 3/6/1990
Tracks 11
Label 4th & Broadway
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
While most rappers have been very reliant on technology, L.A.'s Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. insisted on using "real instruments" both on stage and in the studio. On stage, they definitely strived for the type of spontaneity that funk bands generated in the 1970s. The Samoan-American gangster rappers and their associates use plenty of actual horns, bass, guitar, drums and percussion on New Funky Nation -- an enjoyable debut album clearly influenced by WAR, Parliament/Funkadelic, Tower of Power and other '70s bands. Their reflections on gang violence in L.A. aren't all that memorable, but the T.R.I.B.E.'s knack for strong hooks and a blend of rap and old-school soul/funk instrumentation make this CD well worth hearing. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
