Mediocre beats make NAAM bomb

With songs titles such as "Fo Sheezy," "Gangsta" and "Thugs," we know what to expect without opening the CD -- thugged-out street rap. NAAM Brigade certainly delivers. This is not always a good thing in today's music industry. Everyone and their brothers are trying to "make it big in the rap game," flooding the rap market with too many mediocre albums. But having never heard of NAAM Brigade, it's only right to give these guys a chance. \nFrom the streets of Philadelphia, this four-member group was originally called Task Force. Having never released an album under that name, the group changed its name to NAAM Brigade and was discovered by the independent label ArtistDIRECT. \nThe title track of the CD, and highlight of the album, is a song with a catchy hook and even catchier rhymes. Jay-Z's protégé, Freeway, appears as a guest but ends up controlling the track and creating a quality hit. The aforementioned "Gangsta" is a little reminiscent of P. Diddy's "Bad Boy for Life" as far as the beat goes, and a guest appearance by Lil' Mo gives "Can't Let It Go" a pretty standard sound.\nLooking past the generic beats, it would not be out of the question to say these guys have potential. Apparently a law was made that makes it illegal to do a song about asses without our favorite, "Back Your Ass Up" rapper Juvenile, who graciously adds his thoughts about asses on "What You Doin' Wit Dat." Early In The Game has only one outstanding track, but it could easily be played through at a party without complaints. \nThere is definitely nothing wrong with NAAM Brigade -- the MCs flow and rhyme well, and they have a good deal of character and energy. But some very average beats and hooks hold them back from making a memorable album. My advice to NAAM Brigade: get the Neptunes to produce your next album. My advice to you: save your money and download the "Early In The Game" single.