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Paid in Full (Black Shadow, 1998) This generic one-rhythm album revolves around a generic up-tempo dancehall beat that utilizes the classic bass line popularized in Eric B and Rakim's "Paid in Full" (It was also used in Shabba Ranks' hit "Mr. Loverman," although the beat I believe is originally from Dennis Edwards' '80s R&B classic "Don't Look Any Further" -- though it bares a resemblance to James Brown's "Blind Man Can See It."). Despite the mediocrity of the music and cheapness of the packaging, the Florida-based producers manage to secure an astoundingly high level of talent to perform on Paid in Full, headlined by early performances in the careers of Mr. Vegas, Elephant Man, Chuck Fender, and Sean Paul, plus the more established Ghost and Don Yute. Possibly the best track here, however, is from the only artist I had not previously heard of, the female singer Uneek. Her catchy "Dat Bwoy" best utilizes the rhythm and her delivery is comparable in style to Diana King. Mr. Vegas' "Under Mi Guiness," Chuck Fender's "If a War" -- er, I mean "War Dem Come Fi Start," and Ghost's "Bought and Sold" -- which usurps the melody from Janet Jackson's "Got Til It's Gone" (which itself borrows from Joni Mitchell) -- are all OK, but this entire album seems pointless; it starts with little and ends with less. |
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