 |
CROWN ROYAL
RUN DMC
(Arista/BMG)
All rappers boast. But with Run DMC, the old adage, 'It ain't bragging if you can back it up,' used to be true. In the rap world, this Hollis, Queens trio did it all, and for the most part, did it first. How big is their impact? Put it this way: No Run DMC, no Beastie Boys. No Beastie Boys, no rap-metal. Simple as that. How sad, then, that this long-awaited and often-delayed album -- their first in seven years, it was originally due to come out in 1999 -- is less a comeback than a come-down. Problem 1: Darryl (DMC) McDaniels barely shows up -- reportedly, he's had it with rap and only continues to participate for the paycheque. He's sorely missed, but was wise to stay away. Why? Problem 2: Run and Jam Master Jay seem to have lost their direction. On these 12 cuts, they repeatedly abandon their distinctive old-school sound for a mish-mash of contemporary styles, allowing a lengthy list of guest stars (Fred Durst, Kid Rock, Everlast, Sugar Ray, Method Man, Jermaine Dupri and others) to commandeer these cuts. Sure, the guys get their props from the young bucks. But once they're finished basking in the glow, they better wise up and get back in the game. Otherwise, all they're doing is bragging. (More on: RUN-DMC).
Track Listing
1. It's Over
2. Queens Day
3. Crown Royal
4. Them Girls
5. The School Of Old
6. Take The Money And Run
7. Rock Show
8. Here We Go 2001
9. Ahhh
10. Let's Stay Together
11. Ay Papi
12. Simmons Incorporated