This project is a hidden gem. Overshadowed by the popularity of other regions, the 805 often goes overlooked in its endowment to Chicano Rap. I know, I keep reiterating this, but I give these homies props where props are due. I've owned this copy for a number of years and never realized the force behind the production was Pocos Pero Locos' very own E-Dub. Familia outdid themselves on this piece. The cover has some elements that I like, the centered area code in the traditional gothic script paying homage to the tricolor Mexican flag above the word "Locos" is a nice touch. The cut outs of Madogg (top right, R.I.P.), Mr. Happs (bottom left) and whom I assume is Stilo (top left) is kinda outta place. The map outlining the county of Ventura is dope, though.
The intro is just an alarm clock going off and a female saying "it is 8:05". Clever. But it is the hypnotic funk samples like "Sweet Heart" by Chocolate Milk give life to "Why You Trippin'" by Mr. Happs and Madogg, however, the chorus was straight trash. Bad choice of words for a hook, "... why you tripping, placa/ people in my city talk a grip of caca..." is just not something I wanna bump. Quite frankly, I think it should have been a solo Madogg track. Cali Life Style has an appearance on here but it's one of those tracks that's just mehhh. Getting back on that funk groove, Stilo and Madogg do it again ("Spark A Leno When We Ride") over a Patrice Rushen loop of "Feel So Real". Time and time again, I wonder why Stilo never broke out into the limelight, his smooth and nonchalant style of rapping was superb.
The intro is just an alarm clock going off and a female saying "it is 8:05". Clever. But it is the hypnotic funk samples like "Sweet Heart" by Chocolate Milk give life to "Why You Trippin'" by Mr. Happs and Madogg, however, the chorus was straight trash. Bad choice of words for a hook, "... why you tripping, placa/ people in my city talk a grip of caca..." is just not something I wanna bump. Quite frankly, I think it should have been a solo Madogg track. Cali Life Style has an appearance on here but it's one of those tracks that's just mehhh. Getting back on that funk groove, Stilo and Madogg do it again ("Spark A Leno When We Ride") over a Patrice Rushen loop of "Feel So Real". Time and time again, I wonder why Stilo never broke out into the limelight, his smooth and nonchalant style of rapping was superb.
Stilo deserved a solo album more than Mr. Happs. The bass slaps on the Madogg rola, "Do What You Gotta Do" displays how good he was at weaving a story together through rhymes. He will be missed in the game. With the connections E-Dub had through radio and mainstream, I'm severely disappointed that this next jam never made it to the airwaves. "Summertime In The 805" is a perfect song made to get you in the groove. It's the perfect Southern California song, with a smooth sample of Stanley Clark and an incredible steady pimp-like flow. In other words, this banger should have been a single for radio.
The chemistry between Madogg and Stilo radiates, I like the sample (although I can't name it off the top of my head) and the hyped up flow is dope my only complaint is the less than stellar chorus, otherwise "Party In My Town" serves its intended purpose. Other than "Up In Smoke" I have only heard one other song by El D-Hablo, and quite frankly I'm glad he only had one appearance towards the end of the record. Wrapping this little project together, Madogg makes the final song. "Throwin' It Up" (judging by the name) you'd think it's gonna be a lively, upbeat song but you'd be wrong to think it packs momentum. It was a lackluster way of ending this.
After thoroughly listening to this, I must admit I wish E-Dub had done more in the game. Dude was as talented as (most of) the rappers on this project. My one critique boils down to the areas greatest strength: simplicity of the loops. Most of the samples are loops with not much altered, sometimes missing a synth to make it their own. With the exception of a few songs, this turned out to be pretty solid. It's fun to listen to from time to time. Classic? Umm, probably not. But definitely worthy of a spot in your collection.
01. Various - Intro
02. Mr. Happs - Why You Trippin' (feat. Madogg)
03. Cali Lifestyle - Below Zero
04. Mad Stilo - Spark A Leno When We Ride
05. Monteloco - Keep It Bangin'
06. Madogg - Jail Bait
07. Stilo - Swervin'
08. Mr. Happs - Sureno Down
09. Madogg - Do What You Gotta Do
10. Stilo - Summertime In The 805
11. Mr. Happs - Party In My Town (feat. Madogg, Stilo)
12. El D-Hablo - Up In Smoke
13. Madogg - Throwin' It Up
