Noreaga Hits the Mark in Gritty Solo Outing

*** 1/2 NOREAGA

“N.O.R.E.”

Penalty/Tommy Boy

Capone-N-Noreaga received instant respect in New York hip-hop circles after releasing 1996’s “L.A., L.A.,” an answer to Tha Dogg Pound’s dis to the East Coast, “New York, New York.” Although C-N-N’s gritty song didn’t make major waves across the country, it set the stage for the Queens duo’s scorching debut, “The War Report.” The set, filled with uncompromising tales of the Big Apple’s ultra-violent thug lifestyle and punishing instrumentation, made them one of New York’s hottest tandems.

But Capone was incarcerated on a parole violation during the recording of that album, and with the rapper still in prison, Noreaga sets out on his own with this splendid solo debut. Less sinister than his effort with Capone, the collection still hits with magnum force. His painstakingly precise descriptions of the drug-selling lifestyle ring with authenticity. Using his signature stop-and-go delivery, Noreaga includes biting self-examination as well as a few tracks with lighter lyrical fare, which add balance to a mostly bleak collection. Noreaga’s minimalist beats remain in the background, allowing the rapper to captivate with his engaging delivery and exciting story lines.

*

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