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The Rice Thresher
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Todd Makse Mack 10 has managed to release three albums without distinguishing himself from other West Coast rappers in any significant way, lyrically or otherwise. With the release of his new album Paper Route, he brings that dubious total to four. That is not to say, however, that Paper Route is a terrible album. The first single, "From Tha Streetz" is clearly the best song on the album and makes good use of the synthesized-voice style made famous by songs like Dr. Dre and Tupac's collaboration "California Love." Another song that works well is "I'm Dope," which is enjoyable despite the simple braggadocio of its lyrics. Appearances by Ice Cube and WC on "Nobody" and Xzibit on "Pop X" contribute positively to the album, although the latter song would be forgettable without Xzibit's verse. Mack 10 even takes the surprising step of inviting Atlanta rappers Big Gipp and the Youngbloodz to join him on "For Sale," not a great song, but it shows more creativity than one would expect from Mack 10. Mack 10's problem is that, for the most part, he cannot hold a song down by himself, and some of his guest artists are horrible. Guest Techniec appears on five songs and is lyrically repetitive and annoying. Too Short, who seems to have participated in every song ever written with the word "pimp" in it, makes a forgettable appearance on "Pimp or Die." Despite a promising start, Paper Route becomes tiresome after five or six tracks. The album is a very short 11 tracks long, and even so it drags in the second half. Mack 10 may be a decent rapper, but he's never had much to say. After four albums, I think it's safe to say he never will. - Todd Makse
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