Mack 10 Delivers, With Attitude to Spare

On most of the songs on his first three albums, as well as in his work with the group Westside Connection, this Inglewood-based rapper sounded assured and confident as he delivered his street tales about the drug culture and the violence that surrounds it.

But on his fourth album, Mack 10 sounds at times as though he’s trying too hard to convince you that he’s credible. In place of the calm, calculating delivery of his earlier work, Mack seems to be manufacturing an attitude.

Still, a number of strong selections make the collection worthwhile. “Spousal Abuse,” the explanatory “Hustle Game” and the sublime “Gangsta [Expletive]” are standout tracks that highlight Mack’s stronger writing moments, as he documents dealings with drugs, women and the streets.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.