Paul Wall – The People’s Champ

Artist: Paul Wall

Title: The People’s Champ

Label: Atlantic

Rating: 7/10

FILE UNDER: Houston Hip-hop.

CORPORATE LINE: Champions are usually crowned based on the number of times they emerge victorious in competition. Being the people’s champ, however, requires something entirely different, but equally tough – possessing the kind of personality that wins the hearts and minds of the public. With the release of his highly anticipated major label debut LP, The People’s Champ rapper Paul Wall affirms his status as one of the most appealing and charismatic young voices to emerge from hip hop’s Southern hemisphere.

“My music is about hustling, not just hustling in terms of the block,” explains the 24-year-old Houston, Texan. “It’s music that inspires you to go out there and get it – doing whatever you gotta do. As far as being the people’s champ, I’ve always treated people with respect whether you work in the mailroom or you’re the president of the company. And the people in general have really just embraced me for that. ”

THE GREAT:
“Smooth Operator” – It’s not Big Daddy Kane but it still come off smooth and never deviates.
“Sittin’ Sidewayz” – Wall could release a bunch of filler and this track would make it all worth it.
“They Don’t Know” – Wall hits it hot and doesn’t stop.
“Drive Slow” – Instead of saying this features Kanye West we should say it features Paul Wall as the song is owned by Kanye.

THE AVERAGE:
“I’m A Playa” f/Bun B and BG – A repeating chorus that doesn’t progress combined with rhymes that don’t stretch Paul Wall. “An ice tray up in my mouth/I’m looking something like a chandelier” – not poetry but still a lot of fun.
“Ridin’ Dirty” – Slow is the way but the hook is what gets you.
“Internet Going Nutz” – Cool sample, not such great lyrics.

THE BAD:
“Girl” – Every artist wants to do a ballad—this doesn’t work.

FRANKLY: Paul Wall has skills. It might be better to hear him doing it solo instead of bringing along so many guests to feature. This is his fifth album, first on a major label, and its obvious when you hear the mature rhymes how he rocks the mic.

+ CC Morris