Here is my review of Dead Prez's latest album, Pulse Of The People. Mos Def's is coming soon.

Runnin' Wild: While it will not blow you away, the first song off of the album is the same content and messages that Dead Prez has always delivered. The second verse specifically touches on the subject of the stuggles of a young black male in school wanting to do the right thing, but feels pressure and may end up going astray. It was a nice way to open up the album. This is a 3.

Don't Hate My Grind: With the focus of this song the hard times that we are facing right now, Dead Prez, with the help of Bun B, manage to still give a different perspective although this topic has been covered a number of times lately. They are somehow able to talk about the present while still showing that this is actually nothing new. People have been dealing with these types of issues pre-Recession and explain the way they handle them. This gets a 4.

Warpath: This song was alright, but it didn't do a whole lot for me. There is of course always a message in Dead Prez's music, but the problem is that it is a little difficult for them to reinvent themselves. I have to give this a 3.

Gangsta, Gangster: This is my favorite song on the album. As Dead Prez has mentioned on past albums, the term "gangsta" is much more than somebody that grew up in the hood. There are certain morals and even knowledge that you must possess before you can be considered a gangsta. Styles P also does a great job on this track. The beat is pretty nice, as well. I give it a 5.

Afrika Hot!: Dead Prez once again professes their African roots and loyalty to the Mother Land on this track. The track seems to come together very well. Another beat that is a little edgier and brings out the best in the duo. This is a 4.5.

Nydp: Although this is supposed to be an ode to NYC, Dead Prez can't refrain from still questioining the system. This is the reason we love them, though. No matter how many issues we may have with our government or what goes on in our neighborhoods, all of us will still rep them proud. That is definitely what this song is about. Another 4.5.

Summer Time: This seems like a revisitation to "Happiniess" on Let's Get Free, just because of what is supposed to be a good feel and making the best of what you have. This is a track you can just hop in the car, roll down the windows, and just cruise to. You can really feel summer when listening this song. A 3.5.

Refuse to Lose: The flow on this song by both MCs is excellent. And you guys/gals know I love samples, so this sample of Chuck D is great, to me. I thought this song was excellent. This deserves a 5.

Life Goes On: This song is supposed to act as inspiration for those that may be struggling with different issues in life and let them know that "life goes on." We all face trials throughout life, but we need to know that if we keep living, we wil be able to deal with certain situations and learn from out mistakes. This gets a 4.

Helpful: This is a message we don't hear enough in hip hop. Dead Prez explains all different types of way that we can each help out and show people that we care. It is our duty as citizens, and African Americans, to lend a helping hand when somebody is in need. As proven by the examples in the song, it doesn't have to be anything big, but just do what you can. I give it a 4.5.

$timulus Plan: The group tries to help listeners realize how corrupt the dollar can be and how our whole society is based upon and founded on the principles of making money and becoming rich. This can be seen from the hustler on the street corner to the roots of slavery, everything that is done is in order to obtain that green paper that everybody loves. This is a 5.

My Dirty Valentine: Not really a track that you would expect from Dead Prez. Originally they were talking "Mind Sex" on their first album, and while this is not a complete 360, it is a little out of the ordinary for them. Personally I wasn't feeling it that much, but it's not a horrible song. Still, I'll only give it a 2.5.

Overall, I think Dead Prez fans will probably enjoy the album. There is not much new content, but once again, the topics they touch on is the reason we love Dead Prez, and to expect anything different would not be logical. I have to say that this album is as straight forward as some of their previous work and will not come across as raw and in-your-face and some of their projects from the past, but there are still many highlights and it is much better than most of what we are receiving nowadays. Overall, I give it a 3.5.

Let me know how you feel about the album. What is your favorite song? Howe does this compare to their other albums? Let me hear it all. You know the drill; either comment or email at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com. And remember I'm on twitter @HER_Lover.


Peace.