Ruff Ryders Albums (4)
'The Redemption, Vol. 4'
Release Date 1/1/2005
Tracks 18
Label Rykodisc/Artemis
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Surprise! The fourth volume of Ruff Ryders' something-for-everyone, multi-genre, everybody-Ruff Ryder-and-their-brother series is uneven, but hardly as uneven as usual. The collective/production team has dropped the Ryde or Die title for this one, going instead with Redemption. Maybe it's a reference to the collective's three-year absence from the scene, a long time when you consider the first three volumes all came out within a year of each other. With more than their fair share of highlights, the first three volumes built a momentum other series couldn't, but take three years off in hip-hop and you might as well start at zero. Utilizing new blood and new genres, Redemption sort of does start at square one, but familiar names like DMX and Swizz Beatz bring reminders of the Double-R in their heyday, as does the urgent spirit and shoulder-rockin' beats. DMX and Jadakiss give "Get Wild" their best, but it's newcomer Flashy who breathes new life into the collective. The Ryders will go twice as far betting on Flashy than they did betting on Jin, "Stay Down" being the proof. As he's proved before, Akon can't go wrong when he plays it plaintive, but Flashy is the one to make the track come alive. His poignant discussion of the urban struggle should appeal to the most discerning backpacker, and it balances the album's numerous reckless moments. Reggae ("Ghetto Children") and reggaeton ("Dame Reggaeton") flavors broaden the sounds nicely, but the Lil Jon copping on "What They Want" sounds like a desperate and forced play for the Dirty South audience. It's the only whack track on the otherwise tight album, and if that ain't enough, there's some drama to talk about too. G-Unit/Aftermath associate Green Lantern handles "Keep the Gunz Cocked," and while it's not his greatest beat ever, that someone from 50 Cent and Tony Yayo's posse is on a rival's record should give the message boards plenty to discuss. The rest of the record gives you plenty to ride to, slide to, and pump your fist to, so much so you won't even notice superstar and Ruff Ryders regular Eve is MIA. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
'Ryde or Die, Vol. 3: In the "R" We Trust'
Release Date 12/4/2001
Tracks 17
Label Interscope
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What The Critics Say
Expanding their reach beyond their East Coast locale, the Ruff Ryders collective features a number of rappers from the South on their third Ryde or Die volume along with an array of new producers. Songs such as "Some South Shit" (featuring Ludacris, Fiend, and Yung Wun) and "They Ain't Ready" (featuring Bubba Sparxxx alongside Jadakiss over a Timbaland production) will probably surprise those accustomed to preceding Ruff Ryders releases, which tend to feature exclusively East Coast artists. These songs are deliberate attempts to appeal to the growing legions of listeners championing the Dirty South movement. Elsewhere, "Eastside Ryders" features tha Eastsidaz alongside Styles, functioning as the album's West Coast track. Besides these West- and South Coast-targeting tracks, the remaining songs are what you've come to expect from the Ruff Ryders camp. Eve offers one of her best moments yet on "U, Me & She," one of the album's singles, produced by Ja Rule collaborator Irv Gotti. There's also the obligatory DMX track, "Friend of Mine," and several songs featuring members of the LOX. Furthermore, there are several new producers on this volume in addition to staple Ruff Ryder producers Swizz Beatz and P.K. These newcomers remain consistent with the trademark synth-heavy Ruff Ryder sound but do bring a fresh approach to the album that was somewhat missing on the preceding volume. Chances are, if you enjoyed the previous volumes -- or if you simply enjoy the sound of commercial rap circa 2001 -- you'll find much to savor here. There's enough variety here to offer something for everyone, even if that means no one will enjoy everything. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
'Ryde or Die, Vol. 2'
Release Date 4/25/2000
Tracks 16
Label Interscope
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The far-ranging stable of rappers on the second Ryde or Die volume ensures a diversity album of rapping styles, while the patented Ruff Ryders style of production throughout makes it a surprisingly consistent listen. Once again, producer Swizz Beatz steals the spotlight with his garish synth-powered rhythms, while the other producers -- TJ Beatz, P. Killer Trackz, Teflon, and Mahogany -- second his signature style. There are moments when the music overshadows the rappers, reaffirming the reasons why Swizz Beatz became such a renowned producer ("Holiday" and "2 Tears in a Bucket" in particular come to mind), and there are moments when his fellow producers lay down equally stunning soundscapes, particularly "Weed, Hoes, Dough" and "Got It All" by Teflon and "Go Head" by TJ Beatz. Yet there are also moments when Beatz's music almost goes too far with its excessive synth use, like on "WW III" and "Friday Night." In addition to the noteworthy production on the album, there is also some stunning rapping by the album's superstars -- Method Man ("2 Years in a Bucket"), Snoop Dogg ("WW III"), and Busta Rhymes ("Friday Night") -- along with some impressive performances by up-and-coming rappers in the Ruff Ryders stable: Drag-On's "Weed, Hoes, Dough" and Jadakiss' "My Name Is Kiss." There are a few disappointing moments such as DMX's mediocre "The Great," the awkward chorus in "Friday Night," and the questionable synth gaudiness, but these moments are seldom. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
'Ryde or Die, Vol. 1'
Release Date 4/13/1999
Tracks 15
Label Interscope
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Ruff Ryders, the production team behind DMX's first two platinum-plus albums, made their bid for superstardom with Ryde or Die, Vol. 1. The trio appeared to be following the blueprint of No Limit's Master P: they've formed their own label, assembled a cast of wide-ranging acts under its umbrella, and surrounded them with a variety of productions by Ruff Ryders associates like Swizz Beatz and DJ Clue? Ryde or Die, Vol. 1 features tracks from established names like the LOX, Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Big Pun, Mase, and DMX himself, plus new signees to the label like Eve and Drag-On. Though several of the track productions are excellent (including the New Orleans horns of "Down Bottom," featuring native-born Juvenile, and the salsa rhythms on "What Ya Want"), the album suffers elsewhere by trying to be everything to everyone. It's got a few hardcore tracks, a few bounce tracks, and a few midtempo R&B tracks, but it's far too scattershot and never jells as it should (two complaints often lodged against No Limit albums). The team saves their best productions for DMX spotlights: the minute-long "Bugout" and the title track. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
