Notes & Personnel Info |  | Personnel includes: Noreaga, Missy Elliot, Juvenile, Maze, Musalini, Lil Wayne, Goldfingaz, Scarlet O'Harlem, Final Chapter, Troy Outlaw (rap vocals); Kelis (vocals). | | Producers include: EZ Elpee, SPK, Trackmasters, The Neptunes, Swizzbeats, Shuga Bear, Mannie Fresh. | | Engineers include: Scott Kieklak, Pacman, Joe Quinde, Kevin Crouse. | | Recorded at Criteria Recording Studio, Miami, Florida, Sound On Sound Recording Studio and The Hit Factory, New York, New York. | | In the grand tradition of rappers from Ice Cube to Nas, Noreaga's second album comes complete with an alternate identity, Melvin Flynt. As the cover portrays, Noreaga is struggling between himself and what the music industry wants him to become to sell more records. The record begins with a death that creates his alternate identity, and the rapper does in fact seem reborn on street-level tracks like "Gangsta's Watch," "Da Hustla," and "Wethuggedout." It's more than just an easy way to revel in gangsta imagery and themes without having to worry about criticism; Melvin Flynt - Da Hustler works because Noreaga puts feeling into the tracks. Though the production is a bit off compared to 1998's N.O.R.E., the album is an interesting addition to gangsta lore. ~ Keith Farley | | Hip-hop fans know Noreaga as having one of rap's most distinct voices. His trademark "what, what" has now been coined as one of hip-hop's most popular phrases, and while he is still an active member of the hardcore hip-hop duo Capone-N-Noreaga, Noreaga is not yet done with his solo career. The success of his debut solo album, N.O.R.E., demanded more from this unique character and he answers that with his second album, Melvyn Flynt: Tha Hustler. | | "Oh No," produced by The Neptunes, is very reminiscent of the hip-hop anthem "Superthug," from Noreaga's first album. Of course, the track is complete with all the attendant Norebonics. He collaborates with some of hip-hop's most unique performers, teaming up with Missy Elliott to bring the heat on "We Thugged Out," which is produced by the year's most sought-out producer, Swizzbeats of the Ruff Ryders camp. On "Sometimes," Noreaga's tribute to his 'hood, he proclaims on the chorus: "Sometimes I wanna go back around the way." And though he may be headed for the big time, it shows that he hasn't forgotten where he's from. |
Musical Guests | | Missy Elliott | | Juvenile | | Maze | | Musalini | | Kelis | | Final Chapter | | Scarlet O'Harlem | | Troy Outlaw | | Goldfingaz | | Lil Wayne |
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