Release date- October 4, 1988
All songs produced by the Ultramagnetic MCs, Ced Gee, and Paul C
1. Watch Me Now
Watch and listen as Keith and Ced Gee bring the goods on this hype opener. Already Ced Gee's energy can't be denied.
Grade- A
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Oh man, this bangin' classic has aged so well! After telling you to "watch them" in the opener, now they demand you "ease back" on this one. I also feel this was one of Kool Keith's best performances on the mic.
Grade- A+
3. Ego Trippin (MC's Ultra Mix)
Sample check
The crew were the first to sample Melvin Bliss' "Synthetic Substitution," and while other artists would use this same sample in later years, the MC's arguably utilized it the best. Not only is this another classic, but they also come right out the gate with a shot at Run-DMC ("Peter Piper, to hell wit childish rhymes!"). That line right there, directly or indirectly depending on your point of view, was another confirmation of the changing of the guard in hip hop.
Grade- A+
4. Moe Luv's Theme
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This was a showcase for Moe Luv behind the boards, with Keith showing love on the mic as well.
Grade- A
5. Kool Keith Housing Things
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Lyrically Keith was housing things on this solo spot, another one of his best performances on the mic. On a sidenote, I miss that term, "housin."
Grade- A+
6. Traveling At The Speed of Thought (Remix)
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This was a brief, but still dope, remix of the original.
Grade- B
7. Feelin It
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Keith and Ced Gee were definitely feelin' it on this classic banger. Truly energetic.
Grade- A+
8. One Minute Less
Man, Ced Gee delivers one of the dopest one minute raps you'll ever hear. That, along with ANOTHER DOPE beat, justifies its rating, even though it's brief.
Grade- A+
9. Ain't It Good To You
How can this NOT be good to you, lol?! Again, another classic right here. Keith and Gee have lyrically been on fire throughout this album.
Grade- A+
10. Funky (Remix)
From the lyrics to the beat, this is funky all around.
Grade- A+
11. Give the Drummer Some
"Give the drummer some of this funky soul we got here!" Yes indeed, truer words were never spoken when it came to this track.
Grade- A+
12. Break North
This one was good, nothing more or less.
Grade- B
13. Critical Beatdown
This is one energetic title track right here. Straight dope.
Grade- A+
14. When I Burn
Keith pulls no lyrical punches on this one. More dopeness as we head towards the end of the album.
Grade- A
15. Ced-Gee (Delta Force One)
Even this closer leaves you wanting more! Cee Gee gets another solo spot and doesn't disappoint.
Grade- A+
Another incredible album from 1988 and it has definitely aged well in all areas. Today's generation may not appreciate the simple (yet dope) rhymes, but this was the style back in the day and it was embraced deservedly so. This album had classic production (breaking new ground at the time), well placed samples, and dope, energetic lyrics across the board, three makings of a classic album. Job WELL done.
[Sidenote: Although I own the original version released in 88, this album was reissued in 2004 with 6 bonus tracks.]
Final grade- A+
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