Bad Meets Evil

Hell: The Sequel

BY Mark BozzerPublished Jun 15, 2011

A couple of quick facts: Em's back to stay ― Recovery was a monster. Royce has always been dope and underrated, plus he's been ripping it for a minute with Slaughterhouse. Em and Royce together again on wax, stretched out on a gang of tracks? Dope. It's pretty much what you'd expect: double-time, jaw-dropping bars (pick a track!), homophobic jabs and violent fantasies ("Loud Noises"), the requisite goofy drug track ("I'm On Everything") and radio-friendly smash single "Lighters," featuring Bruno Mars. Yes, that Bruno Mars. Don't worry, it's not a bad tune, plus it will make your girl forget about all the rape, murder and drug talk. Those unfamiliar with Royce (give your head a shake) will be pleased to hear how well he complements Em's hyperactive, high-pitched style, with his gruff baritone matching Marshall bar for bar over the course of the album. It gives Hell: The Sequel the feeling of a battle where each MC is trying to outdo one another, thus bringing the best out of each other. Plain and simple, this shit bangs. Hard.
(Universal)

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