From the belly of the beast, the valley of the shadow of death, and not
to mention a prolonged absence from the spotlight, Cassidy is back.
The rapper’s ups and downs have been documented [life threatening
injuries, murder raps, literally] as the Philadelphia young gun returns
with B.A.R.S: The Barry Adrian Reese Story (Full Surface/ J
Records). The album is a work reflecting those different varied
experiences from a period of his life when his very existence and
freedom were less likely than platinum. The “Intro” is set in
an arena with a boxing feel featuring Cassidy in a battle for split
personality supremacy between BARS and Da Hustler. The rugged low
speed track is bolstered by the crowd as backdrop. The first single “My
Drink N’ My 2 Step” is an anthem for all the Patron drinkers who can’t
really boogie. Swizz provides the beat and a very catchy hook, which
has already been knocking in the clubs for a long time. On a
more serious note, Cass addresses his situation with the law with
“Innocent.” He tells his side of the story behind his issues
facing prison and time served. Swizz is alive on the track as it’s no
simple loop. The keys and the drum pattern are active, changing the
mood and the pace of the song. The Hustla follows perfectly on this
great narrative. His reflective disposition is extended with “I
Pray.” Cassidy gets his God forgive a sinner on a la Tupac as he flows
over a mix of hard drums and flutes provided by Gold and Logic.We
get equal portions of Cass’ original street essence on “Where My Ni**’s
At?” Infused with plenty of gun cocking, and weed references; all the
tough talk is reminiscent of some mid 90’s Mobb Deep. His energy
doesn’t really match the heavy Neo Da Matrix beat but he flows fairly
well, albeit with the punchline setup delivery order. The joint does
have a few dope lines and not surprisingly a few predictable ones. Cass
does lose steam on a couple of tracks that just fall flat. “I Will
Never Tell (Uh Huh)” is your standard no snitch sentiment; as we have
heard before. The joint comes off as unnecessary especially in this
current climate while the chorus is annoying and the song is ordinary.
Basically, he’s better than this. Additionally his collaboration with
R&B crooner Mashonda on the obligatory “Take A Trip” doesn’t
connect for a knockout. This attempt at the ladies’ love seems forced
and could have been cut out all together.At the end of the day Cassidy doesn’t break any atoms with B.A.R.S.,
but he does show a clear progression in his artistry with this being
his most personal work. However, we still don’t get a classic.
Hardcore fans will show love but the casual onlookers might not sit
through this trip chapter and verse. SOUNDCHECK:Cassidy “Innocent”Cassidy f/ Angie Stone “Leanin’ On The Lord”
