Retaliation, Revenge & Get Back

Let's put the facts together. Song titles like “Gang Bangin Ass Criminal” and “O.G.” Lyrics that overflow with references to triggers, lead (we're not talking pencils here), and gunshots. A surname borrowed from one of America's most notorious criminals. A photo of Daz with a bandana over the lower half of his face, looking like a convenience store owner's worst nightmare. Spoken interludes exhorting African-Americans to work as dealers and pimps in order to make up for welfare cuts. Big fat (or, if you prefer, “phat”) beats and stentorian raps about the aforementioned subjects. This uncompromisingly titled album by Daz Dillinger is gangsta rap as straight up as straight up gets, and with guests like Snoop Doggy Dogg, Too Short and MC Eiht contributing their talents, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that it works.