11:11 [PA] by Mac Lethal (CD, Oct-2007, Rhymesayers Entertainment)

I was really, really excited about this CD when I first popped it into my car, because the first two tracks were really enjoyable. The music has catchy hooks with enough creative variation, and the lyrics had a great mix of the snarky and the serious. Mac Lethal's voice and style will also go over well if you like your rappers with extra inflection range and an almost actor-like approach to delivering lyrics. There are several memorable lyrical moments, such as "anti-mall, anti-hero, pro eating Captain Crunch cereal for dinner," but after these first two songs, most of the album goes downhill.

Although most of the music and production remains solid, and I do like the tone and delivery of Mac's voice, the lyrics seem a bit juvenile to me. When listening to some of the songs, I picture them being rapped by an emo 17-year-old. I mean, there is a whole song "Make Out Bandit" that makes me feel embarassed when it comes on. What twenty-something in their right mind is this concerned by making out? Are we 13 again?? "Pound That Beer" is similarly juvenile, which Mac Lethal himself acknowledges by saying "This is one of those ignorant anthems."

Overall, I would have to say this is a great album for people who don't listen to a lot of rap. Some of the songs are cool and fun, and I don't regret buying the album. But, look to artists/groups like Glue, Cage, the Streets, or Aesop Rock for a similar idea done better.