Bossalinie

03/09/1999 3:00 AM, Yahoo! Music
Billy Johnson Jr

C-Murder's subdued rhyme style and humble perspective on inner-city struggles make Bossalinie a gem in the No Limit collection.

Sure, C-Murder gets braggadocio on a few tracks: "Gangsta Walk," "Ghetto Millionaire" and "Ride On Dem Bustas." But the true essence of this No Limit vet shines on more meaningful songs.

He puts a twist on Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five's "The Message" on "Like A Jungle." "Street Keep Callin'" addresses his struggles to shake the hustling life. "I Remember" offers reflections of a more stress-free youth. "Nasty Chick" and "Don't Wanna Be Alone" provide introspective lyrics about heartache.

Musically, Bossalinie breaks ground for the New Orleans-based label by featuring production outside of the ensemble's in-house production team Beats By The Pound. The result is a fuller sound that travels the hard-hitting New Orleans bounce, as well as more in-your-face thumping electronic instrumentation.