Twiztid Album: “Cryptic Collection”

I love this cd. The "Cryptic Collection" is the cd that introduced me to Twiztid. Although I've made many earnest attempts to find value in their music, I can't stand ICP and because of that I honestly haven't given any of their proteges half a chance. A friend of mine left this at my house and I put it in my player. I'm very surprised. I understand that having the ICP/juggalo affiliation provides a de facto loyal audience, but I wonder if this group wouldn't have been better off without the Juggalos, because their audience is limited because of their affiliation.

When I listen to songs like "Aint a Damn Thing Changed," "Something Weird," "I Could," and "Put it Down," I can't help but wonder why this group didn't have commercial/radio success. The beats are resonating and the lyrics are interesting, which make for a great listen. There's not a single dud on here, nothing you have to skip over (well for me there's one because ICP is on Meatcleaver - but a verse or two don't ruin the whole cd by any means). The more I listen to this, the more I appreciate it. Its quickly becoming one of my favorite rap cds. I'd recommend this to any juggalo and any casual rap fan as well.

If you're a newer Juggalo, you may not have this gem yet, or maybe you're just now lucky enough to be hearing about the dynamic duo. Either way, Cryptic Collection is something you should definitely add to your music collection. When I first became down with Psychopathic Records, I saw Twiztid live with ICP...and I must say that Twiztid impressed me even more than the clowns. Their beats are wicked and entrancing, and I believe their lyrical skills are doper - which is important to me in the rap game. This CD is a collection of rare tracks, remixes, and other stuff you won't find on the debut album (Mostasteless).

With only one album under their belt so far, did Twiztid really need to release such a collection already? Is this collection worth having if you already have the Mostasteless album? Will you appreciate it if you're not a Juggalo? The answer to these questions is, 'Yes!' If you're ready for the horrorcore...

The alternate versions of songs are well done, and are welcome additions to the ones on the Mostasteless album. There are only a few though. My favorite is 'Renditions of Reality' for sure. I like it even better than the one used on Mostasteless! Some of the tracks are from what was to be a Mr. Bones release(Jamie Madrox). His lyrical skills are showcased here, and the look into the history of Twiztid is cool for fans. For those that don't know, Twiztid were 2/3 of House of Krazees.

Blaze spits fire on 'Somebody's Dissin' U,' and then 'Put It Down' from his debut e.p. is on the disc as well. The inclusion of the latter was to help promote the e.p., as Twiztid were the ones to introduce Blaze to Psychopathic Records. (If you're into the gangsta side of horrorcore, be sure to check out Blaze Ya Dead Homie's catalog!)

If you're a die-hard Juggalo, you may already have a couple of these songs from other Psychopathic and 'Joe & Joey' releases, but then you probably already have this too! Only a few are otherwise available though, and the other tracks on here you really owe it to yourself to get. This selection stands well on it's own, whether you're into Twiztid, horrorcore, or hip-hop and rap in general. If you want to hear some skills on something besides bragging about being rich or selling drugs, then open your mind and grab yourself some TWIZTID!! Start with Mostasteless, and then this would be your second selection. Welcome to the Dark Carnival!

Twiztids First Cryptic Collection and its my fav of the 3. its got so many rare amazing songs from them. its great from start to finish but my fav is somebodys dissin you. if youre a juggalo then you gotta check this out if havent already. support real music and buy this album and any psychopathic album. they are the masters of the game. Much clown love to all the juggalo family. Psychopathic 4 life!!!!. Down with the clown till im dead in the ground. later

This is the first of 3 cc's and it is a very good cd. alot of nr. bonez solo tracks but thats cool

Intro-Awesome alternate version of the intro to MoStAsTeLeSs

WhAtThEf*cK (extra crispy mix)-pretty good remix to a great song but the original is better mainly becaue of Blaze.

I Could-Old school track from way back in the days of HoUsE oF kRaZeEs

AiN't A dAmN tHiNg ChAnGeD-great song with a good beat

BaD dReAm-awesome mr. bonez solo song

Sombody Dissin u-Alright song not the best ive heard on the cd

BLAM!!!-another great Mr Bonez solo song

SoMeThInG wEiRd-The Title track for what would have been a great Mr bonez solo EP

Meat Cleaver-A good song featuring the entire hatchet fam of the time

Dr Jekyl & Mr. Bonez-My Favorite of the mr bonez solo songs

ReNdAtIoNs Of ReAlItY-The Better of The 2 versions in my oppinion

Put it down-A great Blaze Song

Thats all i gotta say about This cd

Note*Mr Bonez is jamie madroxs name from HOK