Sittin' Fat Down South

Album Review

With its singsong chorus, melodic synth, and reverb-laden 808, "Wanna Be a Baller" became a regional hit in Texas, the South, and the Midwest. This track exemplifies the best aspects of Sittin' Fat Down South: heartfelt flows, crisp production influenced by classic Houston rap and Oaktown funk, and a slew of guest appearances. These elements make Sittin' Fat a commendable effort, but the release lacks lyrically. None of the cast ever step beyond retread gangsta themes; the sincerity with which they rhyme makes this palatable at first but cannot pull the listener through all 14 tracks. Additionally, Lil' Troy and crew are missing that almost intangible factor that takes rappers like Too Short and 2pac, of whom the Short Stop camp are conclusively fans, to that other level. This "X Factor" probably has something to do with where charisma, technical skill, and creativity meet. Sittin Fat Down South still shows potential, though, and at many points is prone to get the head noddin'. As a note to Geto Boys fans, both Scarface and Willie D. represent with appearances. [Sittin' Fat Down South was also released in a "clean" edition, containing no profanities or vulgarities.]