Bad Azz comes out hard, swinging haymakers and connecting to the mid-section with Money Run, his fourth release. He drops his lyrics with the soulful assistance of Sene, who adds a little seasoning to the chorus. “Checkin’ All The Spots” is a decent offering, but it sounds so much like something Fabolous would do instead of Bad Azz. The only way you’re able to recognize it’s a west coast track is because Big Hollis is on the chorus. “Do The Damn Thing” does the damn thing as well. If you like the left coast, bounce style this one is for you. It’s a cool song, but it sounds a little bit like he’s trying to be Snoop.
“N 2Gether Now” brings about visions of rolling in Los Angeles with friends and ends. Whether you’re in a hoopty or pushing something fierce is a moot point. It’s one of those songs that can transport you to a place and time. Can you feel the sun on your face? Do you see the package good store on Vermont? Yeah, it’s a real cool joint. By the time I was listening to “Ghetto” I’m thinking, ‘why isn’t this dude larger than this.’ Really, he’s got an album out, but it’s not getting any major backing. By the way, “Ghetto” is signature west coast as well. Though the texture is from the left, it talks about how coming up around the way really is. The good and the bad and Marcel adds his touch on the chorus. Damn, what would a LA rapper be without a dope chorus anyway? The story telling continues on “My Street.” It’s an eerie, mournful selection whose rhythms bring to mine Jay-Z’s song cries. Using samples from “I Miss You” by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, it would easily be a classic if his label had the money to push it. It’s dope. Lil’ Tiptoe, Conflict, and Terrell Carter are a more than capable supporting cast. Things get back gangsta with the title track “Money Run,” plenty of bouncing, bitches and bangin’ on this song. “Come and Get It” successfully gets it going with a smooth vocal offering from Bonnie.
Do you know who LaToiya Williams is? Perhaps you should. She’s an Aretha Franklin vocal clone who, along with Doggystyle affiliate Soopafly, helps Bad Azz bring yet another quality selection. On “Groupie” he talks about the snakes in females clothing who follow artists around, looking for affection. “California Sunshine,” which borrows a beat similar to “You Blow My Mind” and Dre’s “Act Right,” brings the pains as well. Released on Out Of Bounds Records, which distribution from Bayside Entertainment, this may be one of the hottest joints out of L.A. to up to this point in 2003. But, if it weren’t for us, you probably wouldn’t know it because they won’t give it no props anywhere else. But we will.
