Boyz N da Hood Albums (2)
What The Critics Say
The only major change for Boyz N da Hood on their second album, Back Up N da Chevy, is the departure of Young Jeezy, who didn't hesitate to jump ship after his solo debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005), catapulted him to star status. Gorilla Zoe is Young Jeezy's replacement, and while he lacks much of his predecessor's craft, the resemblance in voice between the two -- both of them raspy and slow -- is remarkable. And so Back Up N da Chevy is essentially a reprise of Boyz N da Hood (2005), with more dark-hued raps about violence, drugs, money, sex, cars, and other stock hardcore Southern rap subjects. The productions are big -- bass-heavy and driven by synthesizers -- and sometimes overpowering, particularly on the propulsive album-opener (and album standout), "Everybody Know Me." In terms of notable guest features, Bad Boy labelmate and fellow slow-flowed Southern rapper Yung Joc shows up on a few songs ("Nothing Is Promised," "We Ready," "Block Boyz"); Ice Cube, one of the original "Boyz N da Hood," shows up for "Choppa's," and T-Pain brings a hypnotic R&B lilt to "Table Dance" ("something for the hoes," as one of the Boyz bluntly declares during the song's intro). Back Up N da Chevy is also a reprise of Boyz N da Hood in the sense that neither album is especially memorable beyond the few highlights (which also include "Bite Down"). [The CD was also released in a clean version.] ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Named after the Eazy-E song and the Ice Cube film of the same name, Boyz N da Hood help represent the South for P. Diddy's Bad Boy label, just as Eightball & MJG did in 2004. The Atlanta group's admiration for N.W.A members goes beyond the name; they've clearly picked up some of their ultra-violent, foul-mouthed tendencies from the pioneering group, and the late Eazy-E even "drops in" for a guest spot on "Gangstas." (Producer Erick Sermon actually recycled it from a Def Squad track.) Despite the nearly Game-like N.W.A fixation, Boyz N da Hood sound Southern through and through, and they're definitely one of the hardest groups to come out of their region (wives are seduced, brains are splattered, bodily fluids land all over the place, etc.). Despite some beneficial beats (delivered by Jazze Pha, Nitti, and Drumma Boy) and seasoned verses from the MCs (a couple of which already have solo careers in motion), the album isn't all that memorable. At least the Bad Boy boss doesn't make a fool out of himself with too many of his infamous interjections. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
