Hmmm...where do I start with this album? After a few listens, the first few things to jump out at me was:
1) The fact that Rich Boy sounds like his retainer is falling out of his mouth when he's rapping. There are moments where he is simply uninteligible.
2) Polow is a better rapper than him and it really, really shows. The problem is, this isn't a Polow Da Don album (after hearing his work on the boards, I'd like to hear what that would sound like though).
The problem is, despite all the great production, Rich Boy is an average rapper at best and his topic range is more generic than Lil' Flip's -- and that's saying a lot. I mean, you can hear the potential on some songs, but the man simply can't put together a string of dope lines. Instead, you get the typical braggin', ballin', bit****, blingin', and bread. And even if that's the kind of thing you like, you've heard other rappers of the same ilk do it way better than he's doing it. You've also heard this story a million times and that's what makes this album nothing more than a showcase for Polow's production. I will admit that I've been hooked on "Throw Some D's" and it's remix, but that, again, is because the production is crazy.
Positive aspects? The title of this review says it all. I'm lovin' Polow's production right now (he also outraps Rich everytime he makes an appearance). Also, it's good to hear 3000 rappin' again -- he had me worried that he would never do it again for a minute there. Oh, and "Let's Get This Paper" is a banger. I'm really feelin' that track. Not only is the production top flight, but Rich Boy drops some heartfelt rhymes -- and you can understand every word (which is rare on this album). All the positive aspects end there. There's a ton of skip material on this LP. But I guess that's how much dope you get for only $7.99.
Rich Boy is one of the worst releases I've heard this year, but the production is pretty nice -- especially when you consider what passes for good in nowadays. I really can't make it any more plain than that. Artists like him are why no one thinks southern rappers are any good at, well, rapping. If you're one of those people that just listen to the beat whether the rapping is wack or not, then this album is for you. Everyone else should steer clear of this "album."
Standout Tracks: And I Love You feat. Pastor Troy & Big Boi, Throw Some D's [Remix] Feat. Andre 3000, Jim Jones, Nelly, Murphy Lee, & The Game, Let's Get This Paper (My Favorite), Touch That A**, Good Things feat. Polow Da Don & Keri, and Throw Some D's feat. Polow Da Don
