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After "The Testament" was shelved by Def Jam, Cormega released "The Realness" in 2001 as his official debut and it was an immediate classic. While it might not be a classic on the level of "Ready To Die", "Illmatic" or "Reasonable Doubt", in 2001, this is still a classic album. He has the ability to tell vivid stories of the street as well as other songs which contain amazing lyrical content. His rhymes are amazing and the way he can lay out such articulate lyrics is something to admire. If one thing is evident through this album, it's that Cormega actually has a love for what he's doing and every rhyme is letting you know how much he loves hip hop. Not many people can match Mega's deep lyricism.
1. Dramatic Entrance - A great introduction for Cormega. A song with a good beat that just allows Mega to introduce his skills as a lyricist. He just introduces himself to the game. "I'm gifted, my only fear is death or prison. What other lyricist conveys such sincereness?" 10/10
2. American Beauty - An amazing song in which Mega describes his love for hip hop as if it were a woman. He explains "her" journey until where rap is today. He details everyone who has passed "her" path and whether or not they "treated her well." "My pens begging me to write rhymes. Stories of felonies despite time. I embrace the urge, on the tip of my tongue I taste the words, a story is born." 10/10
3. Thun and Kicko - Features Prodigy of Mobb Deep. A nice song produced by Havoc with a pretty good menacing beat and some great lyrics from Mega and Prodigy who are pretty much dissing Nas and Jay-Z, respectfully. "It's clever when you write it. Spoken well for a dude who never been indicted." 8/10
4. The Saga - An extremely powerful and deep track about how life really is. A gripping tale of how tough life is and Mega displays his impressive narrative skills on this track. Every rhyme is great and the lyrics are terrific. "My sleep is interrupted by food on the stove. Not gun shots, we're immune to those." 10/10
5. R U My ***** - A good song with Cormega detailing his paranoia about his friends and whether or not they're real. It seems to be indirectly aimed at Nas but his rhymes simply are about whether or not people are really friends. "Ask yourself, am I your man? Would I die for you or by your hand?" 9/10
6. Unforgiven - The beat is kind of weird with some noises in the background that sound like they're from a Western movie but the lyrics are excellent. Mega rips up this short track with excellent rhymes. "I'm contemplatin'. My soul is in a custody fight with God and Satan." 8/10
7. Fallen Soldiers - One of the best songs on this album. Cormega lays out some very deep rhymes about missing his friends who have died. Mega really displays his emotions well on here with some great lyrics and a very nice, sad beat also. "Never think I forgot you, you my heart and even death can't keep the two of us apart." 10/10
8. Glory Days - A very nice, laid-back song in which Mega rhymes about how life was. Cormega rhymes over this real nice, slow beat and vividly describes his life before rap. "Yo, the mind of an analyst is mine so handle it. The way I write rhymes, considered a gift." 10/10
9. Rap's A Hustle - This is probably my least favorite track but it's still good. The content with Mega like a pimp is kind of weak compared to the lyrics of the rest of the songs but he still lays out some nice rhymes. The beat is alright but gets a little old. "My rhyme's a felony, yours never seen a trial date. You need a legal aid, my pen got the DA's paid." 7/10
10. Get Out My Way - One of the best songs. The beat is outstanding and really gets you going. The horns are great in the background and Mega completely tears the song up with his unmatchable lyrics. "That Jay-Z and Nas beef doesn't involve me, I'm sorry. Legal Hustle, Infamous affiliated. Last rapper to test me, I humiliated." 10/10
11. You Don't Want It - Really nice piano on the track and the beat is nice. Mega's lyrics are also good as usual and he talking about how real he is and how nobody should want to test him because he's the best. "You ain't real, ill, or prepared to kill. Man you better chill, you could get it for real." 9/10
12. 5 For 40 - A short 47 second freestyle that's acapella and pretty tight. "I'm condemned yet exulted for words spoken cautious. Seen some of the biggest drug dealers blow fortunes."
13. They Forced My Hand - Features Tragedy Khadafi. This is another amazing song. The beat is outstanding and really gets the song going. Mega's lyrics are great as usual as are Tragedy's and they are sort of explaining to God that what they've done, they had to do. "Yo, Trag, we been down for years. From rapping in the hood to promising careers." 10/10
14. Fallen Soldiers (Remix) - Pretty much just as good as the original. I like the beat on the original better (this one sounds like they're rolling dice in the background) but the lyrics are just as good (but different). "I need you to point me in the right direction. I'm still learnin life's lessons, your my inner essence."
Condition:NEW. Slashed case
TRACK LISTINGS
1. Dramatic Entrance
2. American Beauty
3. Thun & Kicko
4. The Saga
5. R U My Nigga?
6. Unforgiven
7. Fallen Soldiers
8. Glory Days
9. Rap's A Hustle
10. Get Out My Way
11. You Don't Want It
12. 5 For 40
13. They Forced My Hand
14. Fallen Soldiers (Remix)
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