Control Freek has Tash up to his same old tricks.  He’s still the wise cracking emcee with a pungent sense for weed and alcohol.  The album starts with “The Book Chapter 1” which is a reintroduction of sorts to the life and times of Rico Smith.  Did you know his mom worked for Al Greene?  Neither did we.  Not to abandon his roots, i.e. the West Coast or the Likwit Family, Tash enlists E-Swift for “Go West”.  Producer Josh G’s synth trenched production is fitting for the Liks.  Other notable guest appearances are Del’s on “Get It” and B-Real’s ode to the sticky icky on “How Hi Can U Get”.  Newcomer J Beam out does himself on the latter, with bass that would make DJ Magic Mike’s speakers pop.  J Beam’s production is dripping in west coast vibe, as Tash rips “Pull It Outcha Pocket” as well as the Alkoholik anthem “We Do This” assisted by King T, Knoc’Turnal (where the hell has he been?) and even J Beam himself on the mic.

“A Penny for Your Thoughts”, produced by Kurupt collaborator J Wells, is Tash at his best; something to ride to, while still saying something. Samuel Christian does his best Pharrell impression for the hook, which we could have done without.  “Closer” is another stand out joint produced by Emmaculate (same guy who worked with Juice?) lifting an interpretation of Whodini’s “Friends” for the Chorus.  What would a Tash album be without a call for some weed from the President?  Clinton gave Rico a call on “Rap Life” this time President Obama gives him a shout for the good green. Results? Hilarious.

The album is not without its faults “Wet Paint” enlisted the tired flow of Kokane over a lackluster E-Swift beat, while the sad attempt at southern bounce “Push the Button” missed the mark after a few listens.  The main issue with the album is the subject matter and lackluster production.  Though there is some shining moments the album fell short of expectations.  21 and Over, Coast II Coast, and Rap Life set such a high standard for non-gangsta west coast hip-hop in the mid-90’s, it’s going to be hard to top.  Control Freek won’t garner a new fan base, however nor will it turn off long time fans.  Let’s just hope this isn’t the last we hear from Tash or the Alkaholiks. - DG

So you got your solo album coming on Loud. Why did you feel it necessary to do a solo project?

“Rap Life”  I didn’t feel it was a necessity, but when me and J-Ro first met, we were both solo artists. We then became a group and I never got a chance to do my own thing. It’s just a goal I set more for myself.

What kind of sound can we expect from the album?

It’s like a Tash sound, same Tash the rapper, over different beats you never heard me rap over before. East coast, west coast hip-hop. It’s got all kinds of different flavors, like a pack of Now and Laters.

Who is doing production?

E-Swift did three joints, Rocwilder, who does stuff with Redman and EPMD did two joints, Younglord from Bad Boy, Battlecat, Fred Wreck, a lot different producers.

Do you have anyone guest appearing on the album?

I got Outkast, B-Real , Xzibit, of course the Likwit Crew, Raekwon from Wu-Tang, J-Ro’s on a few joints.

Are their plans for a new Alkaholiks LP?

Yeah, we started working on it soon as we finished my album.

What do you think about when people say the west coast is falling off?

That’s their opinion and they are entitled that, but if they don’t feel my stuff, they don’t know what up It ain’t about where you at east or west, it’s just more about hip-hop.

How do you feel about the new east coast thug sound, and the southern bounce sound that is dominating right now?

I feel like music is here for all people to listen to. I don’t judge it by whether you are from the east or west. I don’t say “I can’t listen to Nore cause it’s is east coast thug shit” All that labeling doesn’t make sense to me. If you are a dope emcee, I listen to you. If you’re wack, I don’t fuck with it. As far as the South, I think it’s dope that young blacks in the south are getting a chance to express themselves.

What other outside projects are you working on?

I did a song with Rah Digga for the Beatminerz album on Rawkus…. I did a song for De La Soul for their album. I just did some stuff for Xzibit’s new album. I did song with Scritti Politti overseas…. I’ll work with anybody that I feel is dope…

Do you think that there will ever be a full length project from The Likwit Crew as a whole?

Yeah, we got a deal on the table right now for that. We want to put out ourselves, but we are still thinkin about it. Plus, Me, Xzibit, and Soopafly who used to do stuff with the Dogg Pound are starting a group. We’ve already recorded a few tracks, but we still don’t have a name yet…

What artists are the most influential to you?

Ice-T, who put the sound the west coast got on the map. I also have to give it up to Freeestyle Fellowship.

What emcees are you feeling right now?

Cappadonna from Wu-Tang, DMX, I like Outkast, Goodie Mob, Trick Daddy’s hard, Mack 10, Ice Cube….

What albums are you listening to now?

I’m bumpin’ the Whoiridaz, Brand Nubian, Kurupt, Gang Starr, Big Pun, Ghostface, and Mobb Deep.

Anything you would like to add?

Tash has been in the game for a minute. I need peeps to support me, like they support the other top notch emcees. This isn’t another Alkaholik album. As a solo artist I need ya’ll to support the new sounds.