Still awaiting 'the day'

One of hip-hop's most in-demand rappers, Twista, is back with a fresh beat and a new album to show for it. The multi-platinum rapper teamed up with award-winning producers Scott Scorch, David Banner, Timbaland, the Neptunes, Toxic and Cuzo to create The Day After.\nFor those who think the Twista we are used to from previous albums is gone, I have one thing to tell them: they're wrong. This album is incomparable to the rapper's best-selling album, Adrenaline Rush. Although one thing is for sure, Twista's explicit lyrics are back. Even though The Day After carries a slower beat than most of Twista's tracks, the rapper keeps to his renowned, fast-paced and hard to keep up with lyrics. \nThe album's slow beat takes some time to adjust to -- at first listen, no songs stood out to me and I have to say I was a bit disappointed. As I continued to listen to the album over and over, some of the track's beats began to grow on me. But, if you ask me, a fan, listener or even a critic shouldn't have to listen to an album continuously in order to determine whether it's a hit. Upon first listen, most people decide at that moment whether they like it or not. \nBut when I listen to a song, I like to pay attention to the lyrics and hopefully draw together a meaning. Twista's lyrics are straightforward; containing a substantial amount of profanity, a majority of the lyrics are also demeaning towards women. Aside from the profanity, Twista raps about real-life situations including war and the "high life" of a celebrity. \nIf you are familiar with the saying, "never judge a book by its cover," you should acknowledge that the same goes for albums. The Day After is appealing because of the numerous tracks it features with performers such as Mariah Carey, Pharrell, Snoop Dogg, actor-turned-musician Jamie Foxx and many more. Yet, I was not the least bit impressed by all the guest appearances made on this album. All those talented artists could have collaborated to make better hits. \nAs a whole, I don't know whether I would completely agree with the title of Twista's 14th track, "I'm a Winner"; at the same time I would not label him a loser. Twista has such an incredible gift and a lot more talent then he is putting out. This album has come a long way from Twista's Adrenaline Rush. It seems Twista's rapping is more directed by his producers than what he, himself, likes. As a Twista fan, I wouldn't hesitate to continue buying future albums he might put out. But for your own sake, Twista, rap from the heart.