Album Review: Bow Wow - "New Jack City II"

(Picture from: Bow Wow's Official Myspace)

Mr. Lamborghini Moss himself, better known as Bow Wow, released his sixth studio album, New Jack City II (Part Two), on March 31st 2009. The title stems from the orginal movie New Jack City, which if you haven't seen it, was about the negative effects of the drug game on two close friends. Unfortunately, they let the turmoil and stress get to them, and one of them ends up killing the other. JD took from the movie and named the album basically stating that Bow and himself were once separated due to the business, but they have settled their differences since then and have collaborated on Bow's latest album, just as they had in the past.

I was personally excited about this album especially with him constantly amping the album up on his personal YouTube page, Prince Bow Wow. The album features the singles, "Roc The Mic" and "You Can Get It all", which is currently topping the charts on 106 and Park. The album consists of 11 tracks, which is disappointing because I was expecting more music this time around. There are three versions available: the Standard edition (red cover) which includes a poster, the Walmart edition which includes three bonus tracks, and the Deluxe edition with a dvd of live performances and footage of Bow Wow himself.

THE REVIEW: 3.5 Stars
The first track is "Get That Paper", a real head bumper. Basically Bow talks about what he does best, and proves why he is 'Lamborghini Moss'. Real fresh beat on this one too, produced by Nitti. An okay starter. Then it goes into "What They Call Me" feat. Ron Browz & Nelly. It's a typical Bow Wow song (upbeat & catchy). Very radio friendly, and it has a catchy hook. You'll be saying "Big Time" right along with the track before you know it. It could be a solid single but, I personally think Bow needs to go in a different direction for the next one. The third track is one of my favorites, "Roc The Mic" , feat. JD (of course) which samples Slick Rick's "La Di Da Di". I must admit this one is a DOPE song. Basically, Bow and JD rap about their similarites, as people often compare them to one another, and their reunited friendship. To me, this is the core song of the album, as it explains the title of the album perfectly. The next song,"Been Doin This", features T.I. (I swear T.I. is EVERYWHERE this year!) and is exactly what it means. Both rappers prove that their rap sheet is legendary as both are veterans in the game, but it's nothing special. Shawty..."You Can Get It All" featuring Johnta' Austin is the fifth track, which I'm loving at this point. The beat sounds very familiar. The beat is sampled from TLC's "Baby Baby Baby", which originated from Taana Gardner's classic "Heartbeat". (Remember Musiq Soulchild's song "Buddy"? Same sample.) I love this song and this side of Bow Wow. He talks about his feelings for that special girl and how she's always on his mind. Very sweet. Next is "Like This" in which Bow raps with JD's new signed artist Dondria. JD killed this beat and I admit, I wear this song out! The beat is chill, and the chorus sort of reminds me of the song "Like You" that Bow Wow did with Ciara. Nevertheless, it's a great track, and I think it would be a great third single. The worst effort on the album, is "Sunshine". I'ts hard to get into and doesn't really flow well with the other songs on the album. The album is definitely star studded with T-Pain on "She's My", "I Ain't Playing" with Trey Songz, and "Shake It" with Swizz Beats! But my guilty pleasure is none other than "Pole In My Basement" in which Bow attempts the voice machine which made artists T-Pain and Lil Wayne real famous. Bow is just simply letting all the ladies out there know, that he has equipment in his basement, so there is NO need to hit up the club. According to him, he and the LB DUB gang has all the (How do i say this?) funds to make it precipitate. I'm sure the fellas will be lovin this one. And if it weren't for the kiddies, this would be a bomb single too.

Overall, the album was alright. I was expecting so much more being that he is in his twenties and his raps are getting better (as seen on his YouTube page). But, to be honest 11 tracks is not enough to grasp the full potential of what this album could have been. But, it does have the two solid singles which have been successful. So, I give this album a 3.5.

[FYI: According to Bow, this might be his last album so if you are a die hard fan, you should definitely cop!]

Pictures of Bow Wow promoting New Jack City II at Live at J&R:


[Bow posing for a picture.]


[Bow holding his latest album in hand.]


[The fans show their love & come out for Bow's album release.]

(Pictures above (3) from: Live at J&R)