The album really left me expecting more from a number of people who appeared on it due to previous work I had heard from them, however, it must be kept in perspective that music is an art form and what one person creates in a certain piece is not what you can expect out of every single other. To be blunt, I felt 6/10 were worthy of attention, with 3 out of 4 of my least favorites placed in the middle of the album- meaning I enjoyed the beginning and the end of the album much in a way as how a movie or a book can have a great beginning and end (even if it drags in the middle) and still be considered memorable. Even though I didn’t enjoy 3 or 4 songs out of the 10- that is still better than 99% of mainstream artists who usually only have 3 or 4 decent ones (and that is sometimes out of a 20 cut album).
The strongest tracks of the album in my opinion were the following:
Blowin’ Up (JustUS, Deonte, Mellanin) is a great introduction track with sound production behind it. It begins with a B.I.G. sample for the hook “I’m blowin up like you thought I would/ Call the crib same number same hood…” which may actually be the weakest part on the track (depending on where the late Christopher Wallace ranks on your rap radar) - none-the-less it fits. I got an almost “this is why I’m hot” type vibe from the beat but I would have to rate Blowin’ Up higher in comparison.
My Bottle (JustUS, Tash, Knoc-turn’al, J.Beam) is almost reminiscent of Tash’s Alkaholiks days but this time it’s a CTL album. I could see this playing in a club atmosphere being chanted by a room full of drunks so it is what it is and a solid addition (and I don’t even drink alcohol anymore).
Her Thang (D.Scott, Deonte) is a great fusion of an R&B hook and rap bars that’s relatable for those of us who have had a woman in our lives that is memorable in most every way from the time shared with them.
TAF (JustUS, KRS-1, Deonte) features JustUS & Deonte raising their bars up on a song with a HIP HOP Godfather/Legend, the one and only KRS-One. The phrase, Today and Forever, really goes hand in hand for those that get what HIP HOP is- a culture. This is by far one of the strongest cuts out of the ten.
Smiles and Cries (JustUS, Deonte, RoKnowledge) is an incredible reminiscing track and a great ending to an album. RoKnowledge takes us out of the musical ride- wondering why this was the only song he collaborated on…..?
In my opinion (which probably seems outdated to today's youth) anyone who can get KRS-One on a track is not only HIP HOP, but is also relevant- from a group that’s been in the game for a decade and a half? That’s like 30 rap years in today's rapworld. Are you going to feel cheated by grabbing a compilation album that only has ten songs? Do Tash, Knoc-turn’al, and KRS-One appearances not mean anything in your rap world? Not only are all the CTL members talented but so are the rest of the guest appearances (do your history if you don’t believe me). Oh- by the way, the best part of this album- download it FREE at http://ctlmusic.com/download/ So, don’t take my word for it- download the album for yourself and/or a friend and make your own opinion.
Watch Today & Forever f. KRS-One:
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