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edo g
Edo G - My Own Worst Enemy
 (Fat Beats Records)

- reviewed by Chris G.

A Boston native, Edo G sparked the airwaves in 1991 with two songs called "I Got to Have It" and "Be a Father to Your Child." "I Got to Have It" was a certified spill your drink in the club banger. The difference between rap music during that time and now is demonstrated in "Be a Father to Your Child". The title alone speaks volumes. I doubt that record would blow in this day and age: a song talking about taking on the responsibilities of fathering a child? Yeah, that would be a hit. :T Whatever the case, those two records mark a place in time for many people who enjoyed the Golden Era of rap.

The other day I received a copy of Edo G's new album My Own Worst Enemy in the mail. The surprise wasn't in getting the package, but that Edo G had an album out at all. Who knew he was still making music? more..

- reviewed by Chris G.

A Boston native, Edo G sparked the airwaves in 1991 with two songs called "I Got to Have It" and "Be a Father to Your Child." "I Got to Have It" was a certified spill your drink in the club banger. The difference between rap music during that time and now is demonstrated in "Be a Father to Your Child". The title alone speaks volumes. I doubt that record would blow in this day and age: a song talking about taking on the responsibilities of fathering a child? Yeah, that would be a hit. :T Whatever the case, those two records mark a place in time for many people who enjoyed the Golden Era of rap.

The other day I received a copy of Edo G's new album My Own Worst Enemy in the mail. The surprise wasn't in getting the package, but that Edo G had an album out at all. Who knew he was still making music? Turns out that this his sixth album. He's been making music on independent labels for the past 10 years. Figured he might have 9-5 by now. Which he may, but people with music in their blood have to have an outlet for their creative jones. Which brings me to the second surprise.. seven of the ten tracks were produced by Pete Rock.

In the early 90's a Pete Rock beat was akin to Pharrell and Chad sitting behind the boards: an instant hit. So here you have two soul brothers teaming up for a project that's perfect for some Sunday afternoon easy listening. Sidebar: I do all the major madness on Saturday; Sunday is reserved for indies and reggae. Hah. What a combo.

I popped in the CD and was instantly attracted to a fat bottom bass line, a Pete Rock stamp that is most notable on "Just Call My Name". Edo G darts all in between and under the beat, sparking up thoughts of his Boston, Roxbury neighborhood with a nasty flow I didn't remember him having back in the day. On "Revolution" he delivers breathlessly with line after line of niceness.. only interrupted by a scratched chorus that takes a one second pause.. then it dips right back into the mix. Love that. In addition Ed brings in a draft pick by the name of Jaysaun, who shines best on the aforementioned "Just Call My Name." And Pete Rock, like P. Diddy, can't stay way from the mic, he checks in on "Right Now." That other great 90's producer/mc Diamond D did some work on "Streets is Callin."

This isn't a flawless album, there are some soft spots in the production area. A few tracks feel less polished than they could, for example.. "School'em" with drums that sound like they're ported from a lil keyboard you'd find under the Christmas tree. But overall this is quality product. I'm sure there some online spots you can find it at. This is the perfect joint for a downloadable album. you could have it in minutes and save postage and delivery time. As it is.. on indie label Fat Beats records, there may be some trouble finding it in retail stores. In some ways that's a good thing.. underground gems are the most precious.

While not quite gold, "My Own Worst Enemy" is worth a listen.



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Track By Track
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1.  Boston
2.  Just Call My Name
3.  Voices
4.  School'em
5.  Streets is Callin
6.  Pay the Price
7.  Wishing
8.  Right Now
9.  Stop Dat
10. Revolution
The Industry Says
allhiphop.com - 4 stars My Own Worst Enemy is a definite hidden treasure amongst the fourth quarter’s flashier releases. Best appreciated by those nostalgic for the sounds of mid 1990’s rap music, younger listeners with open ears should also quickly take to Edo. G’s latest disc. Hopefully, it will inspire digging for his past catalog items, which are deserving of attention as well.

mvremix.com - - If you love Hip Hop than there is no reason not to pick up "My Own Worst Enemy". Even if you have slept on Edo G all these years, the album is a perfect place to start and get familiar with the legendary Boston emcee. And as Edo puts it, "I'm a throwback from the 90's, whose return is timely, for Hip Hop consciousness that is grimy". Word!

epinions.com - 3 stars Bostoners who appreciate rap should be doubly happy right now. In addition to their Red Sox making it to the World Series, they also get to look forward to the comeback of Edo G, the man who put Boston Hip-Hop on the map.

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