Saturday, April 19, 2008

ALBUM REVIEW - Flo Rida - Mail on Sunday (2008)



Say what you will about this choice for my first album review -- you can't deny that Flo Rida is riding (no pun intended) a huge wave of success right now. His first single, "Low," was a HUGE Billboard hit, thanks in part to a catchy hook by T-Pain (who I absolutely HATE, by the way). His second single, "Elevator," was what really caught my attention, however. This collaboration with super-producer Timbaland is indicative of how a relative unknown like Tramar Dillard got his stage name to begin with. Flo Rida's layered vocals and rapidfire delivery perfectly complement the beat and he neither dominates nor is dominated by the music.

In fact, the majority of the album is such, where beat-riding and delivery carries each song rather than lyrical prowess. Admittedly, Flo Rida isn't exactly the best lyricist out; in fact, he's not even at the point of being average. But, it can't be denied that his album is just plain ENTERTAINING.

I'm tired of getting on the soapbox and preaching about how hip-hop is dead and whatnot. To me, that catchphrase has BEEN played-out for over a year now, and it's every "smart" hip-hop head's excuse for why the music industry at-large has been slacking lately. Blaming it on Southern rappers is simply generalizing (and irresponsible, at that), and blaming it on an artist like Flo Rida that has immense pop appeal is like putting a bulls-eye on the easiest kill there is.

Frankly, unlike the post office, Flo Rida's MAIL ON SUNDAY just-plain delivers. OK, I'll stop with the puns now, even though that last one WAS intended.

Recommended tracks:
"Elevator" (ft. Timbaland)
"Me & U"
"Freaky Deaky" (ft. Trey Songz)
"Ms. Hangover"
"Make a Wish" [Bonus Track]
"Gotta Eat" [Bonus Track]

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