CNN's debut offers a heavy, dark glimpse into life in Lefrak, Queens (Or Iraq as they like to call it). While the group mainly talks about dealing drugs and jail, the specificity of the lyrics prove the authenticity of the rapper's involved. The creepy, often lo-key beats are reminiscent of a bleaker Wu-Tang Clan, and the bass is powerful. The group uses the "Iraq" theme constantly, and many of the rappers also follow Islam, albeit a radical, urban version (not the DtA type). There are Middle Eastern elements to some of the beats as well. These guys would have definitely been put on some kind of watch list had it been released just a few years later. Capone was in jail during most of the recording, so Noreaga is the main star of this album, with other Queens rappers (Tradegy and a bunch of no-names) filling in the blanks. It's a rare case of the headliners homeboys actually matching the stars, with them all delivering aggressive, lyrical verses. While some of the beats can bore, the subject matter can grow stale, and a couple throw away skits and like 1 or 2 bad songs, this is one of the most unique albums to come out of the 90's.
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