Paul Wall Albums (8)
What The Critics Say
Having launched his career with truck rumbling weekend numbers, Paul Wall learns on his third album that growing old gracefully is hard to do, especially when you're considered more a party starter than a wordsmith. Fast Life opens and closes with two epic and reflective numbers that are admirable enough, but they don't seem nearly as genuine as "Daddy Wasn't Home," the moving story of Wall's broken family and the one time the rapper's execution is right in step with his ambition. The drastic transition to the following bit of debauchery, "Pop One of These" with Too Short, points out the album's difficulty in blending Wall's good and bad sides, but the real problem here is with the plentiful B-plus material, which has no grand anchor of SwishaHouse perfection like "Sittin' Sidewayz" or "Break Em' Off" do. While the infectious "Lemon Drop" with Baby Bash would be better suited for Fergie, the tough "Bizzy Body" is close to being top shelf and ends up the "street" highlight of the album. Guest Z-Ro's cool tone is perfect for the ultra smooth "One Hundred," and there's little doubt "Got to Get It" will satisfy longtime Wall fans thanks to the gigantic bass production from producers Beanz & Kornbread. Even without the epic single, it is interesting to hear Wall's perspective shifting and his horizons expanding. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
'Get Money, Stay True'
Release Date 1/1/2007
Tracks 14
Label Asylum/Swishahouse/Atlantic
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What The Critics Say
By his 2007 album, Houston rapper Paul Wall became a multi-platinum punching bag through little fault of his own. While he occasionally lets the bragging and victory-speak get the best of him, he's never declared himself "the Freestyle King" or "the Greatest Rapper Alive." He also worships DJ Screw, Swishahouse, and other Texas legends and gives them massive props without ever earning any credit for his humility. Get Money, Stay True isn't the bulletproof ride Wall needs to turn the haters into fans, because it never tries to be. It follows the formula that made his breakthrough effort, The Peoples Champ, a success, never taking Wall out of his boast, brag, and party comfort zone and covering up a whole lot of redundancy with top-notch productions, trunk-rumbling beats, and easy-to-follow, solid raps that drop just enough stingers to keep things interesting. You can't argue with "I'm fresh like green bananas/I'm fly like Continental/'Cuz I stay up on my grind late night like Jimmy Kimmel" ("Everybody Know Me," also featuring a great guest shot from Snoop), especially when the delivery is expert and the beat is from Mr. Lee. Houston's great beat-maker handles a handful of other tracks, including the kickoff single, "Break Em' Off" -- an excellent weekend number with an instantly gripping, synthetic tuba-blasting hook -- and "Call Me What U Want," which contains Wall's credo, "Call me what you want/As long as you don't call me broke." Producer Russell Howard's work on "Bangin' Screw" gives Wall his definitive DJ Screw tribute, and superstar Jermaine Dupri works just fine on the street level with his convincingly hard work on "I'm Throwed." Even if there isn't filler and even if numerous guest stars are enlisted to help keep the album fresh, the album does try the patience if digested all at once, mostly because there are only so many ways Wall can convey his love of lean, grills, and success. Slice this worthy follow-up to The Peoples Champ in half and it's a different story, one that justifies Wall's place in the game. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Paul Wall is one of the more affable and accessible Houstonians. That's saying something. Don't forget: the city is also the home of Mike Jones, who wants you to call him at 281-330-8004 right now, not to mention the Astrodome, the temporary home to thousands of Hurricane Katrina survivors. He tirelessly refers to himself as a mere fan of hip-hop and constantly talks up his unsung heroes. Like most of his fellow H-Town MCs, Wall is a DJ Screw disciple, so he likes his tempos slow and syrupy -- he actually had to adjust to hearing hip-hop at a normal tempo, not the other way around! -- and he fills his rhymes with countless local slang terms (slabs, swangas, candy paint, tippin') that necessitate a glossary for many listeners. His thick but swift Southern drawl had its first spell of nationwide exposure on Jones' "Still Tippin'," one of the best rap singles released from any region in 2005. He's also the grille maker for many a Southern rap star (as boldly indicated on the front of The Peoples Champ) and gave the screwed-and-chopped treatment to T.I.'s Urban Legend. Years before all of this happened, Wall was kicking around, releasing the occasional independent album and mixtape. So, just like Houston itself, it has taken some time for Wall to get the spotlight. The Peoples Champ is a fine break out, led by first single "Sittin' Sideways." Not quite as magnificently woozy as "Still Tippin'," it's still another solid-gold production from Salih Williams, and Wall is as good over the beat as he is on anything else. Granted, Wall's no all-star lyricist -- he's rarely saying anything of deep substance (this is music for driving around and partying, after all), but his flow always fits into the fabric of the track. Titles like "So Many Diamonds," "Drive Slow," and "Sip-N-Get High" tip you off to the range of subject matter. Ever a gracious host, Three 6 Mafia, Bun B, Freeway, Big Pokey, T.I., and Kanye West are just some of the MCs who guest. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
'Controversy Sells'
Release Date 1/18/2005
Tracks 15
Label Paid in Full
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'The Chick Magnet'
Release Date 2/24/2004
Tracks 13
Label Paid in Full
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'Get Ya Mind Correct'
Release Date 6/25/2002
Tracks 17
Label Paid in Full
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