E-40 - Loyalty and Betrayal (CD)

All Music Guide

Never one to repeat himself, E-40 has always pushed the boundaries, and Loyalty and Betrayal exemplifies that well. The unconventional Bay Area game-spitter comes with a different style on every track, and sometimes it's consequently questionable whether he's pushing the boundaries of rap itself or those of good taste. The album-opening intro and title track definitely start Loyalty and Betrayal off rather oddly, as it seems like 40 is more interested in showing off all his latest slang, delivery styles, and studio tricks than delivering a good old-fashioned rhyme that gets the party started properly. Not every track here is questionable, though. The Eightball and Jazze Pha collaboration, "Ya Blind," ranks among 40's best, as does the laid-back Nate Dogg and Battlecat collabo, "Nah Nah," and the above-average Click collabo, "Pop Ya Collar." There are a few other notable collaborations here, though they're not always the best songs. As with practically every 40 album, Loyalty and Betray...al is spotty -- at times downright brilliant but at other times plodding. And if anything, following his prolific and celebrated late-'90s run, 40 seems intent on trying new styles, as if he doesn't want to repeat himself. That makes for a surprising, unique listen, but it also means Loyalty and Betrayal isn't going to be a hallmark release like Tha Hall of Game was five years earlier, when 40 was first establishing the style he inches away from here. - Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide Read more Less