Fat Joe and DJ Ton: “Welcome To New York”
Review by Jonathan Hailey
If hip hop music gave out superlatives, Joe Cartagena would never win most popular. He’s better suited for the most improved. Because over his career he is the one rapper that has constantly grown in leaps and bounds on every album he’s released. With his tenth album gearing up for a July 27th release, Joey Crack decided to give the world a taste of the type of product he’ll be flooding the block with. ‘Welcome To New York’ features four tracks from his upcoming album and six remixes to popular singles out now.
The songs from his upcoming album,’The Darkside’, are way grittier and street than his past efforts. They create and excitement and anticipation for the new record. “I’m Gone” and “Kilo” serve him the best. The production is superb and force Joe to step his game up lyrically. Having The Clipse on “Kilo” doesn’t hurt either. As for the tracks Joe dropped quick 16’s for, he adds more than detracts from the song. He makes Diddy-Dirty Money’s ear splitting single, “Angels” audible for the first minute and a half. Also, his verses on cuts like Drake’s “Over” and “Find Your Love” are great. What’s really surprising is he holds his own on Kanye’s “Power”.
Overall, ‘Welcome to New York’ serves its purpose well. Fat Joe created the buzz he was looking to receive for his new album. He might actually win new fans with this because he sounds fresh and reinvigorated. And if the whole album is like this, it will be an enjoyable listen.
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