Artist: Cam’RonTitle: Killa SeasonRating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Martin A. Berrios
Recently it seems that Cam’ron Giles’ name has been on the tip of everybody’s tongue (no h###). It’s kind of hard not to be considering all that’s happened with Harlem’s golden boy within the last calendar. Dude bounced from Def Jam, was shot during an attempted carjacking of his Lambo’, and called the king of New York ugly. Whoa. Fresh off from dropping his first feature movie, he comes back with his fifth album of the same name Killa Season (Diplomat/Asylum). While he sticks to his usual script to keep the movement moving, Cam fails to show any growth when all eyes are on him.
With money always on the mind, he opens up with “Killa Cam.” He showcases Dipset freshman 40 Cal with a couple of quick sixteens. The Fight Klub veteran gets a little shine with some strong mixtape style punch lines over some bouncy production. Cam follows up the brief intro over speedy high hats and gun claps. Honorary Queensbridge kicko Alchemist also checks in on the album’s first single “Wet Wipes.” Cam makes it look easy as he talks like sex on some synthesized keys.
In regards to lyrical content Cam’ doesn’t get deeper than his usual talk of wears, ones and weaves. He does find time to slickly address his ulcer problems on “I.B.S.” with bars like these: “Regurgitating, green, yellow, burgundy, boom/But what came of urgency soon/What, the emergency room.” Additionally, blow is personified on his hustler’s tribute “White Girls.” The Beat Firm chops up a funky soul sample to serve up the album’s stand out beat.
In past efforts Killa has been plagued with his share of misses. This time is no different. King Jaffe Joe drops the ball with the paltry “He Tried To Play Me.” Taking hints from the Cheers TV show theme for a hook isn’t that piff. Also the closer “Love My Life” falls into the generic let’s save the only introspective song for last spectrum.
The repetitive talk of his Harlem World hustle might be too much for those who aren’t down with the purple and pink, but overall die-hard Dipset fans shouldn’t be disappointed with Killa Season. Block favorites such as the “Get ‘Em Daddy” remix and the Jay-Z dis “You Gotta Love It” are also included on the disc. Cam reps his set the only way he knows how.
