Obie Trice

First, Cheers, then Second Round's on Me and now Special Reserve, Obie Trice's latest album lives up to its name, comprised of previously unreleased music he composed prior to being signed to Shady Records, a label he recently departed. The tracks, produced by Toronto, ON's MoSS, were created between 1997 and 2000. There are a wide variety of emotions and sentiments expressed on Special Reserve. Examples are frustration in "Dope, Jobs, Homeless" and "Got Hungry," and brashness in "On and On" and "I Am." These tracks in particular demonstrate the core ideal of the album, which is essentially providing listeners a glimpse into when rap was a passion that would hopefully lead to the added bonus of a paycheque for the Michigander. MoSS is at his best on "Welcome" and "Roughnecks," which provide the unyielding street sound from which Obie is able to unleash his lyrical lacerations.