As a hip-hop fan, when you think of Roc-A-Fella, besides Jay-Z and Kanye West, you think of all the wasted potential of M.O.P and what Beanie Sigel has become.  Your first thought when the label was mentioned wouldn’t necessarily be that “Young Gunz” had anything worthwhile to contribute to hip-hop.  On the contrary, these young kids from Philly have shown that being on a major label doesn’t mean you have to change your sound to fit the landscape of MTV and BET.  Their debut album “Tough Luv” was just ok, but with “Brothers from Another” they truly help exemplify what hip-hop is all about.

    Based on the cover art alone, you have good feelings about this album.  The Gunnaz rock adidas from head to toe poised in the b-boy stance obviously paying homage to Run DMC.  It brings you back to the simple drum patterns and deep bass lines of old.  It starts off rather slow with the Chad “Wes” produced “The Knock Is Here”, reintroducing Young Gunz to the public. After the initial offering it does nothing but improve, Swizz providing two of his dopest tracks to date with the radio hit “Set It Off” and the dark but lovely “Beef”.  Chad Hamilton (or Chad “Wes” as he as been dubbed by the industry) really shows some versatility in his tracks.  The R&B crooning of “Don’t Keep Me Waiting” feat 112 is still enjoyable, and the west coast vibe of “Tonight” feat Daz keeps your head nodding.  Young Gunz hold their own on the mic, but the album is riddled with unusual, yet banging beats.  New comers Bangledesh (“Same Shit Different Day”) and Boola (“What We Gotta Do”) both come through with flying colors on their debut tracks, with “Same Shit Different Day” being a standout.  No ROC album is complete without the token Kanye West track, which is dope but overshadowed by the assortment of solid joints.  Despite very few pitfalls the album is surprisingly good coming from the label that has signed a lot less talented artists. 

    For the people that are waiting for M.O.P. to drop a classic album, it probably isn’t going to happen on the ROC, but if you want a solid album with great production, go pick up “Brothers from Another” you won’t be disappointed.