{mosimage}If there was any doubt to who was apart of the new generation leading the west coast you better include Prince Ali in that roster.
Prince Ali is something sort phenomenal. When “west coast hip hop” is mentioned the imagery of deep bass and less than par lyrics come up. Insert Prince Ali, a lyricist, repping the bay area. The result – well. you be the judge:
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Curb Side Service features guests such as Keith Murray, Pep-Love, Planet Asia, Tajai and A-Plus of Souls of Mischief, Rakkaa of Dilated Peoples, and more – so you know its going to be hot just from guest list.
Starting of with stand out track, “Way of the Warrior” gives reminisce to the hardcore west coast days of n.w.a. and ice-t but with a twist of superb lyricism. Running into “The Path (East Bay Remix)” keeps it moving and an excellent track to keep your head bopping to. While Curb Side Service has some tremendous music its tracks like “Slide Show” that slows it down and forces Ali to spit quickly. A combination that doesn’t go very well to say the least when compared to the storytelling in “Hug Daves” shows why. Thank God though for “3 Kings” and “The Majors” with Casual, Planet Asia and Keith Murray, both of which are easy favorites.
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Yet it’s the creativity that sets Ali apart from other artist. “Polyphonic Monarchs” shows this with fast tempo drums and scattered scratches. While there are certain low parts (see live band “Chopped”) you’ll find yourself hitting repeat A LOT more than skip. It is truly amazing how Ali crafts his cadence as that each line is put together precisely. The most ridiculous thing of it all is that this is not Ali’s first album and he’s not new to the game. Yet, if this is the introduction to the masses then we welcome it with open arms. Good music is good music and Prince Ali makes great music. You would be a fool to not have this in your catalogue
