State Property [Clean] [Edited] by Original Soundtrack/State Property (CD - 01/29/2002)

Description

"State Property [Clean] [Edited]" (01/29/2002) R&B Original Soundtrack, Roc-A-Fella Records (USA)Personnel: Andy Wright (guitar). Audio Mixers: Jason Goldstein; Kamel Abdo; Patrick Viala; Shane "Bermy" Woodley. Recording information: Baseline Studios, New York, NY; Circle House, FL. STATE PROPERTY, the soundtrack to the Beanie Sigel gangsta movie vehicle, follows in the tradition of such gritty collections as Bobby Womack's ACROSS 110TH STREET and Curtis Mayfield's SUPERFLY in its dissection of thug life as it is lived in 21st century urban America. In particular there are several self-conscious nods in the direction of Mayfield's masterpiece, especially on the wah-wah heavy "No Glory" and the heavily atmospheric "Bitch Niggas," while "Why Must I" features quotes from George Clinton's "Atomic Dog" in its no-frills exposition of thug motivation. Sigel is heavily featured throughout, lending his authentic thug persona to tracks such as the valedictory "Trouble Man" (not the Marvin Gaye song), and the autobiographical "Hood I Know," where, joined by fellow thugs Freeway, Young Chris, Sparks, and Oschino, he runs down his character's life in a chillingly matter-of-fact style. There's little relief in this unrelentingly bleak soundscape, though the '70s references in the musical backing win a few points for easing the general melancholy. Roc-a-Fella Records co-CEOs Jay-Z and Damon Dash executive produced this soundtrack to the feature film of the same name. The film and soundtrack chronicle the lives of a tight-knit band of Philadelphia hustlers trying to come up in the rap game/drug game. While the territory of the soundtrack is well-trodden, Roc-a-Fella heavyweight (and Philadelphia native) Beanie Sigel headlines the project, lending his bruising and dexterous lyrical styles throughout. The album also gives a good sneak peak at the Roc's on-deck project (and fellow Philadelphian), Freeway. Freeway, he of the high-pitch pimp chatter, is on the next level of intelligent hoodlumism. Sigel and Freeway certainly carry this project, appearing on nine and six tracks respectively (the album boasts a total of 13 cuts). The production here is heavy and flossed out, but not without dashes of Philly soul ? la the O'Jays/Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes; the catchy feel of the Philly soul era is re-buffed and transposed to mesh with the "hard-knock life" tone of the album. The album has tremendous crossover appeal, having been released in an era in which gangsta rap had fully reached the MTV masses. The single "Roc the Mic" was proof positive of this, as it became a smash hit with rap's die-hard fans and weekend hip-hop listeners alike. ~ M.F. DiBella

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