MC Ren Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Working with a new producer and enlisting an impressive roster of guest artists (including Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, 8Ball & MJG, and RBX), MC Ren reconfigures himself as a latter-day gangsta rapper, complete with stoned beats and loping basslines. It's sort of disconcerting to hear a former N.W.A rapper trying to position himself as a member of the No Limit posse, but Ren does this fairly well. There are a few weak tracks on Ruthless for Life and all of his ideas are a little shopworn, but it does sound better than another collection of hardcore post-N.W.A hip-hop would have. So, Ruthless for Life does revitalize Ren -- it gives the opportunity to sound like a contemporary rather than a washed-up veteran. And that, in a way, makes it one of his better solo records. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Da Da Villain in Black'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 11
Label Relativity
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
M.C. Ren's debut LP is uneven, but at least presents a lyrical vision when it's not spewing out familiar, tired, sexist cliches about women. Ren highlights American hyprocisy with a vengeance, and the title track foresees the nation's fiery end in an apocalyptic fury enabling black people to finally achieve justice. Both this tune and "Attack On Babylon" come closest to presenting a coherent, effective philosophy. Another provocative track is "Same Old S," a song that strips away any pretense of glamour around the gangsta lifestyle and outlines the brutality, paranoia and violence at its core. These tracks display M.C. Ren's potential as a hip-hop theorist; the others just fill out the CD. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
