Golden Grain

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Like Eminem and Busta Rhymes before him, Ludacris with Golden Grain uses his popularity to kick-start the careers of his Hot 'Lanta homies. While this a noble gesture, emcees like the gruff-voiced I-20, Tity Boi, or Lil' Fate are much less talented than their potty-mouthed leader. Certainly, the "Growing Pains" remix, featuring Def Jam South shot-caller Scarface and his profound coming-of-age observations about growing up down South, demonstrates the lyrical chemistry the crew is capable of (although the utilization of that overused Staple Singers "Let's Do It Again" sample is questionable). Still, on "Break Sumthin'" the crew touts the merits of their riotous upbringing over minimalist bass-driven beats (Ludacris notes that "it's so shady / my ol' lady gotta keep a couple guns"), making you crave more seasoned meditations on country living from groups such as Nappy Roots. Sure, this compilation boasts a wider range of subject matter than your typical Ludacris album (where tales of ho's and alcohol join tales of carnage and weed), but perhaps he should have left the homies at home. --Dalton Higgins