Cheers [PA] - Trice, Obie (CD 2003)

This is the first release from Eminems' young prodigy, Obie Trice. Eminem has high hopes for the fella' and is backing him all of the way. This album is released on Eminems' own label, Shady Records. Much of the album is produced by Eminem and also Doctor Dre, so you can expect a stunning project.


Track 1 - Average Man

Any album needs a good opening track to keep you interested and want to carry on listening. It starts very slowly, with a heavy hip hop base line. It is a very uncomplicated track to start with, some very powerful lyrics. He portrays himself as just a man off the street, the 'average man'. This portrays him as not being too cocky and that I like. There is nothing too over the top about it and I very much like it.
(8/10)
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Track 2 - Cheers

The title track of the album, is always good. It is somewhat surprising that is so early on in the record, as many other artists leave it lower down the track listing. It is a very 'lively' track that makes you want to nod your head to the beat.
(9/10)
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Track 3 - Got Some Teeth

This is the debut track released by Obie, the first to be lifted from the album. After hearing it played on the radio a couple of times, I was like 'wow, who is this guy'. Yet again it has a lively base line and it's a party sort of song. He's referring to the lady he wakes up in the morning with and he hopes she has, 'got some teeth'. Read into that what you will. This is super track, definetely the right track to provide the launch pad for your album.
(9/10)
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Track 4 - Lady

Eminem is eager to get into the action and does so on this track. Straight away he is adding his own little bit of magic and his verse acts to break the Obie's Lyrics up a bit. Eminem's touch on the track shines through and contributes to a super little track. The chorus is very catchy in its own right and you can sing along.
(7/10)
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Track 5 - Don't Come Down

This begins like a Scooter track! There is a high pitched womens voice singing the chorus. This does echo Eminems' super track, 'Stan'. The chorus is a superb touch on the track. Obie is at his bet on this track and he seems to be really 'feeling' the words. The chorus is very, very catchy and you find yourself humming along without even knowing it.
(10/10)
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Track 6 - The Set Up

This track features Nate Dogg, who seems to be popping up on every major hip hop track of late. You know to be ready for a stunning track. That is exactly what you get. It takes a much slower rhythm than the previous track, but the lyrics are still very thoughtful. The gentle base line is all that's needed and it complements the mood and lyrics perfectly.
(7/10)
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Track 7 - Bad B***h

Immediately, the start of the track signifies a change in direction from the previous track. The rapping is much faster and the song moves along nicely. It is very catchy and recognisable. The chorus, as ever, is very catchy and exciting. Each verse offers something a bit different and this really shakes up the album.
(6.5/10)
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Track 8 - S**t Hits The Fan

The title of this track is one of my favourite sayings for some unknown reason. It seems like a song that will be full of drama just from that title. The introduction is ominous and you can already detect the influence of Dre, who features on the track. His opening verse is super and gives food for thought. It's so good to hear his voice on the track. The beat is well suited to lyrics and the track is well, amazing.
(7/10)
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Track 9 - Follow My Life

The introduction is very heavy and pounding. Some effing and blinding on an unmeasurable scale breaks out. It soon gathers pace and morphs into another incerdible and lively track. This track must have the most swearing on it, but it isn't out of place on a record like this. Yet again a better than average tune.
(6.5/10)
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Track 10 - We All Die One Day

This is a star studded track, with Eminem, 50 Cent and Lloyd banks all chipping in. The title is very powerful in itself, but so is the song. It has the best base line on the whole album and you are instantly captivated. Every artist chips in with their own unique styles and this all comes together to produce a track of high quality. To really appreciate the thoughts of the various rappers, you have look at the lyrics in depth. The best track on the album by a country mile.
(10/10)
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Track 11 - Spread Yo S**t

It is always difficult to follw up such a great track, but with the able help of D12's Kon Artis, Obie pulls it off. The track starts off with a radio presenter talking, then introducing the track. This is another lively track and is a bit less serious than other tracks. It is a 'bouncy' track that lifts you up if your down.
(8/10)
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Track 12 - Look In My Eyes

I don't want people to think I'm copying them, but Nate Dogg is seriously hot property. He gives tracks that something extra, that makes them excellent rather than just very good. Yet again a lot of swearing but what can you do. This is probably the most catchy song that will stay in your head. I think it's great because it isn't too much, everything is balanced very well.
(9/10)
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Track 13 - Hands On you

Another great offerring from Obie, althought the track gets off to an indifferent start. The Eminem influence soon kicks in and you really start to feel the track. This very much an unserious record, there is no real message in the lyrics, just a load of gangsta' talk.
(7.5/10)
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Track 14 - Hoodrats

The track starts off with a scene from the 'hood. The tune soon takes centre stage and it's a very lively track that moves fast. There's nothing special here but it's worthy of its position on the album. As others have said, it does show that Obie can work the magic on his own, as well as with guest artists.
(9/10)
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Track 15 - Oh!

You can bet that with Busta Rhymes guesting, that a great track is on the way. This is my favourite introduction on the album. He really bigs himself up and says his piece. Over the mellow 'strings' in the background his rapping is second to none. Busta Rhymes adds a welcome twist to proceedings and does act to break up Obie's rapping a little bit. The song moves along well, not dwelling for too long on one particular area.
(9.5/10)
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Track 16 - Never Forget Ya

A really thoughtful track as the album draws to a close. Obie will want to go out on a high and he certainly does. Obie gets it all out in this one and his quality shines through. The song doesn't really go places but that isn't required here. Obie just enjoys it and just reflects in things.
(7/10)
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Track 17 - Outro

Bang! What a superb track to round off a quality album. Eminem does what he does from the start and propells the track into musical orbit. It represents power and strength. I enjoy just sitting back and enjoying this one. D12 chip in with a valuable contribution that moves the track on well. A great song.
(7.5/10)
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For a debut album, this is a very long one. Although Obie has a great deal of help from Eminem and Dre, it is still a great effort. It's difficult to retain quality, when dealing in such high quantity, but Obie certainly does this. There are no really awful tracks that you think I should have been left off the album. This album is evidence that Eminem is the greatest hip hop artist and producer of all time and that he has the ability to find some great new talent. I'm almost certain that Eminem will introduce many more young hip hop stars in the future.

No matter how hard I have tried, I have struggled to find any faults with this album. The great team that put the record together, certainly don't want to make any flops. The only thing that I would say, is that the CD cover isn't very gangsta' like. Never mind that, it's the music that counts.

I would recommend this joint to any young people listening, but not to you older folk. A lot of young people, like me, will be able to relate to some aspects of this album in our own ways. Do be aware that this album does carry a parental advisory tag, as it contains some explicit lyrics. If you love hip hop, but don't have 'Cheers' somewhere in your CD rack, you should ashamed of yourself. A splendid album from a world famous recording institutuion. Go out there and get this record!