Dena Cali - Dena Cali (CD)

All Music Guide

Dena Cali exceeds all expectations on her self-titled debut album, where she not only sings but raps as well. Producers E-Smooth (Eric Hicks) and SYC (Dewayne Turrentine) contribute all the West Coast-style beats for the young and attractive vocalist while a number of recognizable rappers -- MC Lyte, Kurupt, Silkk the Shocker -- add to the album's luster. The singles "I'm Your Girl" and "I'll Provide It" certainly stand out, though there are a number of other excellent songs here as well. In particular, the MC Lyte team-up, "Flash the Cash," is a proud moment for all female MCs, while "Another Good Day" slows the album down for a few moments of tranquility. But the highlights don't stop there. There are many more for sure, some of which boast a somewhat hardcore sound typical of the West Coast, others being more in line with what you'd expect from a pretty young lady like Cali -- a smooth urban style. The album's diverse array of song styles showcases the talents of all involved -- not just Cali but the impressive beat-making of E-Smooth and SYC -- and points toward a bright future for all involved.

- Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide