Section 8 Review

07/13/2005 6:43 AM, AMG


By the time MC Eiht released Section 8 in 1999, he was five years removed from the success of his chart-topping We Come Strapped album and struggling to revive that success. Section 8 then is certainly a pleasant surprise following the rote We Come Strapped follow-ups, Death Threatz (1996) and Last Man Standing (1997), particularly when Eiht makes a sincere effort to conjure the same laid-back summer-evening vibe of his big hit "All for the Money" on "My Life," a similar gangsta ballad built around sampled '70s soul motifs. This song stands among Eiht's career highlights, but the same unfortunately cannot be said for much else on Section 8. Amid the many by-the-numbers West Coast gangsta rap tracks here, two other songs stand out: "Automatic," which boasts a remarkable Fredwreck Nassar production, and "Days of 89'," a heartfelt collaboration with longtime producer DJ Slip. The spotty nature of Section 8 can be frustrating, particularly the guest-laden second half. Even so, it should be a worthwhile listen for fans, even if only for the few highlights. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide