Black Rob - Black Rob Report (CD)

All Music Guide

Spending five years on the shelf collecting dust, gruff and mushmouthed rapper Black Rob returned with The Black Rob Report, a satisfying album even without a "Whoa." The sparse banger "Ready" is nearly as infectious as Black Rob's breakout hit, but like most of the album, it's more gutter than glitz, pleasingly more Black Rob than Bad Boy. Kudos to executive producer Sean "Diddy" Combs for giving the rapper the right kind of respect and support by enlisting complimentary producers (Mr. Porter, Scram Jones, and Buckwild) and saving the pop music samples for his glitzier artists. Smart move since Black Rob brings the label plenty of street cred, something that's been missing for wouldn't you know it the last five years. Even more genuine is that the album doesn't care about the five years that have past and Bad Boy drama, save for the tight sample of Biggie used in "Y'all Know Who Killed Him." "Star in da Hood" rolls along convincingly, "Watch Your Movements" is another successful Ako...n guest appearance, and "Warrior" is the best GUnit track they haven't recorded. A little too long and slowed down by skits and interludes that are forgettable, The Black Rob Report still comes out on top courtesy of its freewheeling attitude, sharp beats, and charismatic rapper. - David Jeffries, All Music Guide Read more Less