Notes & Personnel Info |  | Personnel: Eightball, MJG, Ludacris, 112, Bun B. | | Producers: Lil Jon, D Dot, Nashiem, Red Spyda, Yogi, Cool N Dre, Drum Majorz, Stevie J., Big Boi. | | Personnel: 8Ball & MJG (rap vocals); Corte Ellis, 112, SK, Rhea Dummett, Rashida Rohan, John Dean, Elizabeth Collins, Karen Anderson, Mechalie Jamison, Anthony Walker, Shannon Jones (vocals); A.L. Lloyd, Ludacris, Diddy, T.I., Twista, Bun B (rap vocals); Craig Love, Tony Love (guitar); Jonathon "Lil' Jon" Smith, L-Roc (keyboards). | | Audio Mixers: Shondrae; John Frye; Ed Raso; Ray Seay; Rich Keller. | | Recording information: Bangladesh Studios, Atlanta, GA; Circle House Studios, Miami, FL; Daddy's House Recording Studios, NY; Long Walk Recording Studios, Houston; Ludaplex Recording Studios, Atlanta, GA. | | Photographer: Jonathan Mannion. | | P. Diddy claims that his Bad Boy record label and 8ball & MJG are a perfect match. It's really just strange, but kudos to Diddy for having the smarts to sign the duo. These "Legends of the South" still have their skills, but can they blend their sparse and hard Southern sound with the N.Y.C. glitz of Bad Boy? For the most part, the album works extremely well, except when Diddy interrupts the slow flow with a trite voice-over or any of his numerous reminders that this is a Bad Boy record. Hit the skip button early to avoid his corny toughness at the end of the otherwise excellent "When It's On" and you're better off. On the other hand, sticking Bad Boy's resident crooners 112 on "Trying to Get at You" is a smooth move that enlivens the track, and almost all the other bits of showiness work. It makes Living Legends one of the duo's more well-rounded albums, and there's no evidence the rappers themselves have gone soft. "Don't Make" is a thug creeper that Lil Jon would call "nasty," and both "You Don't Want Drama" and "Straight Cadillac Pimpin'" were already street-level mixtape endorsed before Living Legends' release. Diddy has gone home by the album's great, down-low fourth quarter and replaced with more complimentary guests like Lloyd and an extravicious Twista. The slow jam "Confessions" ends the album on high note, and even the interludes and skits are worth hearing more than once. Despite having nearly as many producers as songs, it all hangs together and the duo gets an album that's up to the level they deserve. Executive producing 8ball & MJG's strongest full-length in quite a while is something Diddy should crow about, but maybe not so much on the actual album. ~ David Jeffries | | Though unlikely, the marriage of Dirty South forefathers Eightball & MJG and Bad Boy Records--including its resident impresario/superstar P. Diddy--is undeniably appealing. It's intriguing to see what one of the most successful NYC producers can do for a pair whose influence is woefully underestimated outside the South. If there's any shift from the gritty, distinctly Southern sound the duo has embodied in the past, it's imperceptible. Outside of P. Diddy's occasional interjected reminders that LIVING LEGENDS is a Bad Boy production, and the welcome smooth-R&B presence of 112 on the brilliantly funky "Trying to Get At You," the record appears to be largely on Eightball & MJG's own terms. | | Despite a three-year absence, the Memphis duo, who have traded rhymes since childhood, play off each other effortlessly. On tracks such as "When It's On," the twosome finish each other's thoughts like a lyrical relay team. Most of the record is packed with unyielding fury, making the final track, the ethereal and jazzy "Confessions," all the more starkly beautiful for its wistful reflection. | | Though unlikely, the marriage of Dirty South forefathers Eightball & MJG and Bad Boy Records--including its resident impresario/superstar P. Diddy--is undeniably appealing. It's intriguing to see what one of the most successful NYC producers can do for a pair whose influence is woefully underestimated outside the South. If there's any shift from the gritty, distinctly Southern sound the duo has embodied in the past, it's imperceptible. Outside of P. Diddy's occasional interjected reminders that LIVING LEGENDS is a Bad Boy production, and the welcome smooth-R&B presence of 112 on the brilliantly funky "Trying to Get At You," the record appears to be largely on Eightball & MJG's own terms. | | Despite a three-year absence, the Memphis duo, who have traded rhymes since childhood, play off each other effortlessly. On tracks such as "When It's On," the twosome finish each other's thoughts like a lyrical relay team. Most of the record is packed with unyielding fury, making the final track, the ethereal and jazzy "Confessions," all the more starkly beautiful for its wistful reflection. |
Engineer: Shondrae; Anthony Walker; Niko Marzouca; Dale Ramsey; Steve Pageot; Alexis Seton; Mark Vinten; Ariel Borujow; Frankie Harley Jr.; Elizabeth Collins; Stephen Dent; Shannon Lawrence |
Musical Guests | | Ludacris | | 112 | | P. Diddy | | Bun B | | A.L. Lloyd | | T.I. | | Twista | | Poo Bear |
|
CD
