The songs are listed in order of actual musical
content. The intro and skits were omitted because…well, the intro was good but
we won’t talk about the skits.
Track 2:
(Title track) "Death Before Dishonor"
There’s no way to introduce
2 Pistols other than
with both guns blazing and the title track does just that. This is up tempo;
aggressive “head-nodder” is an education in the code of the street. If you
didn’t know what happened to snitches before, there should be no question now.
Listen for:
The introduction to 2P
Track 3:
"She got it" (feat T-pain)
The kind of club banger that will get the ladies in
the mood to get a dub with even the most undesirable on the dance floor.
Vocals from fellow Floridian T-pain, and the
credibility he lends to the concept, are the perfect compliment to Pistols’
brand of defiant street romance.
Listen for:
Everything
Track 4:
"Been Throwin’ Money"
We’re still treated to the club, the strip club, as
2 Pistols is makin’ it rain and letting everyone know there’s plenty more where
that came from.
Every barely legal runaway with daddy issues who
has once found love in a rubber bound wad of singles will be making it clap to
this one for many strobe lit evenings to come.
Listen for:
A tutorial to making it rain
Track 5:
"Get Money Mane"
The title tells most of the story but 2P, after a
sub-par 1st verse, brings you into his world as only he can. Granted,
the idea is to never hit a rookie with more jargon than they can handle the
first time they lace ‘em up, but this is a different game and the view from 2P,
as cryptic as it is for those few bars, puts you right on the front lines (no
pun intended).
2P comes across as a charming street merchant who
takes no chances.
Listen for:
That “Vanna White”
Track 6:
"Let’s Ride"
Let the top down, get your drinks out and bump this
all the way to the spot! By this point we get the idea that 2P is ‘ballin’ but
that’s beside the point because, on this beat-driven hazy day lullaby, any
vocals other than the cascading ‘la la’s’ in the background are a bonus.
Listen for:
The beat
Track 7:
"Flexx 2008"
There are only but so many reactions one can have
to Flexx 2008. With the first you might rush to give the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
(spelled out because I don’t want to get sued either) team credit for having
both the courage and creative energy to bring this classic track into 2008. But
then, if you’re like me, you might be asking yourself, which grave robber
managed to dig this up, dust it off (slightly), and slip it into my cd player
like nothing happened? I’m a fan of sampling don’t get me wrong, but some
treasures need not be removed from the tomb if you get my drift. I’ll pass.
Listen for:
Nostalgia
Track 8:
"Eyes Closed"
A misfired rant about how much money 2P has or how
much ‘product’ he’s been able to move. The wordplay is simplistic and the flow
doesn’t add much. You’d be better off repeating track #5. I’ll go as far as to
say there may be a decent line here or there but taking anything from it is like
rejoicing over chemotherapy because you got a cool haircut.
Listen for:
Who knows why you’d listen to this
Track 9:
"You Know Me"
There’s a phrase that goes something like “what’s
my motivation?” That question was asked and answered in this introspective that
provides the truest example and insight into who 2 Pistols is and what defines
him. Ray J does a solid job with the chorus as this has ‘single’ written all
over it.
Listen for:
“I can’t leave the streets, I ain’t choose the
hustle, the hustle chose me”
Track 10:
"We Run It"
2P and company spark up beef under a sparkling club
anthem that makes you want to go grab Pacman Jones and hit up the Vegas strip.
Listen for:
A reason to get hyped
Track 11:
"That’s My Word"
This is best described as a summer groovin’, radio
friendly number in which we find the smooth youth-y vocals of Trey Songz backing
2P’s plea for love.
Listen for:
“I don’t mind if you need time, just as long as my
number gets dialed when you decide”
Track 12:
"Robbery"
Robbery starts by telling a story about how 2P got
caught up in a home invasion but lacks the direction to see it through to the
end. Comes out of the gate strong and hard, only to suddenly fall flat right
before the finish. It’s disappointing seeing as I had a good shoulder bounce
going to that point.
Listen for:
Strong 1st Verse and hook
Track 13:
"Lookin’ Down on ‘em"
BMU (Deca, Cebo and Young Skee) ride with 2P in a
twist on the conventional structure as we find our main artist on the hook and
his features leading the way. The variety of personalities and flows help this
one stand out for any fan.
Listen for:
Recreation
Track 14:
C"andy Coated Diamonds"
Despite the tasty title, Candy Coated Diamonds is
yet another boastful, lazy record about the lavish lifestyle of 2P. Quickly
refer to the review of ‘Eyes Closed’ or track # 5. *yawn*
Listen for:
Absolutely nothing
Track 15:
"From The Bottom"
From the Bottom is a celebration of 2P’s triumphant
rise from the slums. Fulfilled dreams and a outspoken refusal to ever go back
anoint 2 Pistols as the “Young Boss of the City.”
You won’t find yourself inspired but ‘tis a success
story nonetheless.
Listen for:
1st Verse
Synopsis:
Living by his own rules, being his own authority
and staying true to the ‘hood’ are the general themes on Death Before
Dishonor.
While produced almost entirely by J.U.S.T.I.C.E.
League, this album could have benefit from a variety of beat-makers simply, if
nothing else, to provide a wider range of elements and concepts.
Despite that, Death Before Dishonor is a
take it or leave it kind of release. Take it if you can’t get enough of the
south or you were impressed with “She Got it.” Otherwise it just might not be
your cup of tea. If studio releases are the best indication of an artist’s
promise, 2 Pistols, until we’ve heard more, is a couple shots shy of the mark.
Grade: C
Reviewed
by H. Lee
