ALBUM REVIEW: N.O.R.E aka P.A.P.I. - STUDENT OF THE GAME
Queens Lefrak City native Victor Santiago aka Noreaga aka N.O.R.E aka P.A.P.I has been in the rap game for quite some time now. With hits like SUPERTHUG and OH NO he has previously released stellar albums that has brough him gold plaques.
With a veteran like N.O.R.E it is difficult to fit in with todays trends in music. So N.O.R.E tries to please both older fans and trying to get some new ones.
In 2013 he brings us his latest project Student Of The Game.
Pharrell produces and appears on the rawkus THE PROBLEM (LAWWWDDD). N.O.R.E seems comfortable here but the track sounds a bit out of place for both artists.
The chocolate boy wonder Pete Rock produces and appears on the dark VITAMINS, complete with Pete's trademark "whoo" adlib in the beginning. A track that reminds me a lot of most 90's beats coming out of New York.
Check out the video below for TADOW featuring: French Montana, 2 Chainz and Pusha T
Lil Wayne appears on the predictable SHE TRIED. This is not the first time Wayne did a track with N.O.R.E incidentally. Predictable because Wayne does the singing in the hook.
CAMOUFLAGE UNICORNS features a slamming drum track and some tinkly keys that runs through the song which makes it a real pleasure to listen to. Havoc does the hook taking a you to the days of old and Tragedy Khadafi sparring verses with N.O.R.E over a nice beat provided by DJ Thoro and Scram Jones.
Extra P aka Large Professor hooked up the bouncy and funky BUILD PYRAMIDS. He also appears on this track which is different to all the other tracks on this project. A true Queens, New York anthem right here.
FACES OF DEATH is a remake of N.O.R.E.'s BANNED FROM TV. Produced by Jahlil Beats, the track does not come close to the original. The original tracks producer Swizz Beats appears on here with other guests, French Montana, Busta Rhymes and Raekwon.
With filler tracks and sub par tracks this one is a miss for N.O.R.E. This one is a disappointment.
- Remember its all about the beat!