The Southern Classic That Defined an Era

Master P's "Ghetto D" forever changed the way the world would perceive independent and, most of all, southern Rap. Hate Percy Miller or love Percy Miller, you have to give him credit for releasing not one fantastic album ("Ice Cream Man" [1996]) but two fantastic albums (in a row) that completely redefined not only the independent Rap scene, but the ever-growing southern movement as well.

Beats by the Pound, P's in-house production team, created some of their most memorable work here. Although very cheap and inexpensive; it works. A large reliance on synths and deep, pulsating bass, this was what would define most of No Limit's later albums and with good reason. It WAS inexpensive, it WAS cheap, but, above all else, it was catchy. And even though P may not be the most exciting or even the most versatile of rappers, he manages to get the job done. There's only one solo track from P throughout the album's 19 track duration (there are no interludes, either), but if anyone is familiar with P's rhyming (in)abilities, they know that these guest spots I alluded to can only help him.

Many of P's ex-No Limit soldiers appear numerous times throughout, including Fiend, Mystikal, Mia X, Mr. Serv-On, Kane & Abel, Big Ed and the Prime Suspects. That small list is simply scratching the surface, but all of these artists mentioned are much better rappers than P is and probably ever will be. And that alone is what makes this such a compelling album. P isn't the star here; rather, it is the production team and the guests.

Anyone familiar with the early No Limit formula will feel more than comfortable with "Ghetto D." Moreover, those who actually ENJOY the early No Limit formula should seek out the re-release of this album or, if you're a collector, the original or 10th Anniversary releases of this classic record. "Ghetto D" did for independent southern Rap what "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..." did for Mafioso Rap. P was RUNNING the Rap world for some three years after this record, and with an album this strong, it's not hard to see why.

10/10