Heavy D's third studio album, dedicated to his friend T-Roy, a backup dancer for Heavy D's group who died during their 1990 summer tour with Public Enemy. Taking turns at the keyboards are Heavy D's cousin Pete Rock, Marley Marl, DJ Eddie F, Howie Tee, Dave Hall, Nevelle Hodge and Teddy Riley. Guests include Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Q-Tip, Grand Puba, Pete Rock & CL Smooth.
Pete Rock produces almost half an album, but you might not notice, because his work is far from its peak. The same goes for Marley Marl, whose three beats aren't worth mentioning. Overall, no producer does a noteworthy job, providing subdued rhythms for the rapper's performance, which focuses on topics such as women and parties, with some variations in the socio-conscious and dedications to his late friend T-Roy.
Heavy D stays in his comfort zone by making a new pop rap album with a simple, soft and loose style that attracts part of the mainstream audience, also trying to catch some ears from the street with a posse track that is born destined to remain in history: "Don't Curse", inside there are absolute Legends, Grand Puba, Big Daddy Kane, Q-Tip, Kool G Rap, Pete Rock & CL Smooth. On a beat by Pete Rock. With this dream team it's easy for the piece to be a classic, but it's not: the production for some reason not only doesn't work, but also clashes. Pete Rock samples Booker T. & the M.G.'s "Hip Hug-Her" which on paper should work, the boys all kill the beat, but the posse is unmemorable.
Released by Uptown and MCA with a warm reception from critics and fans, the album reached #5 on the hip-hop charts, racked up copies in Australia and was one of the best-selling albums of the season, going platinum less than a year after its release. Messy, full of highs and lows, it's not essential listening. 5/10.
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