Paris's second studio album was initially to be released the day before the 1992 presidential election, however Time Warner decides not to release the material, delaying the release of the disc. Paris manages to release the album through his label Scarface Records.
The production is entirely performed by the rapper himself, who brings a sound similar to that of the Bomb Squad: the rhythms are funky hard, dark and energetic, based on excellent samples (some provided by DJ Shadow) and on a robust and dynamic drum. It's the lyrics that convinced Time Warner and Tommy Boy to take a step back: Paris deals with pro-black themes, pro-black women, violence, abuse of power and physical, against institutions and against white devils, bringing arguments personal and intelligent.
The San Francisco emcee interprets his lyrics with a fantastic rapping style, his flow is perpetually smoothness and he delivers with an aggressive hardcore style and fit with his own beats. His controversial political bars pushed the album to the top 25 of rap records, before the record was censored by radio and TV. It's lethal and devastating, with that healthy homicidal touch that gives it a different flavor than your typical political album: it's a great record, at the height of the debut, and despite the skits that threaten the smoothness of the project, it's one of the best hip-hop LPs of the period, full of excellent and burning cuts.
"Make Way for a Panther" is among the greatest tracks of the effort: Bomb Squad style production, dark and tense, heavy rhythm, regular drum and taut lines in the background, beat left to breathe, then Paris kills the cut delivering with syncopated and naughty hardcore sliding style, classic cut. "The Days of Old" has a light jazzy boom bap, gorgeous tight looped sax sample in background perfect slow drum, MC's hardcore syncopated slow delivery, uncut chorus with sample dope. "Conspiracy of Silence" presents a great soundscape, dope rapping.
Other highlights: "Bush Killa", "Thinka 'Bout It", "Funky Lil' Party", "Check It Out Ch'All", "Assata's Song".
Rating: 8/10.
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