Ali and Gipp, Kinfolk: Early Album Review

On their collaborative album rappers Ali and Gipp show off a top notch selection of producers and guest artists. Ali is a member of the St. Lunatics which is headed by rap superstar Nelly while Gipp is a member of the Goodie Mob. Coming from such a legacy their album should have been a hit but sadly it is not. On "Kinfolk", Ali and Gipp drop the ball.

The first single released back in 2006 was "Go Head" featuring Chocolate Thai. The song was produced by Trife and features a minimalist beat and unimaginative lyrics. The song never really took off and delayed the album.

The second single was "Hard In Da Paint" featuring rapper Nelly. The song is produced by Nitti who is known for Yung Joc's "It's Goin' Down." The song is not really catchy. The lead in the song musically just annoys the listener and the "bling bling" lyrics are played out.

The surefire hit on the album is "Almost Made Ya" featuring Letoya. The song was produced by Jermaine Dupri. It features a sample of Brandy's 1999 hit single "Almost Doesn't Count." The song has incredible crossover potential and features the best verse Ali has ever delivered. The single was originally supposed to feature R&B singer Amerie but instead features R&B singer Letoya who is a star in her own right. The song features the classic Jermaine Dupri formula of having a commercial single featuring a classic recognizable sample.

On "If We F" featuring Lloyd and Big Jasper, it seems as if Lloyd phoned in the vocal performance as it seems completely uninspired. The song is not unmemorable and the verses by Ali and Gipp mix in with that concept.

On the posse cut "All Night (Excuse Me)" produced by Track Starz, Ali and Gipp are joined by Nelly, Avery Storm and Juvenile. The song is another disappointment. It just doesn't stand out.

On "Get By" featuring actress Tamala Jones Kjuan, the song actually works. Gipp has an old school sound and sounds out of place on most of the more modern songs on the album. But with this old school vibe he fits perfectly. The singing by actress Tamala Jones is passable at best but not much more is expected.