When it comes to Prodigy’s solo discography, it can be considered a mixed bag. His 2000 debut, “HNIC,” was an excellent 4.5 star album, parts 2 and 3 were complete step-downs from their predecessor. The slept on, but very good, “Return of the Mac,” was produced largely by Alchemist. Speaking of which, that’s what we have here in terms of Prodigy’s 5th solo album, titled “Albert Einstein,” which is also produced solely by Alchemist. In addition to Havoc behind the boards, Prodigy has very good chemistry with Alchemist, so with all that being said, let’s dive right into the review!!
1. Intro
2. LMDKV
After a very brief intro to start things off, P comes right out the gate with a BANGER. It’s short, clocking in at about 2:35, but it gets the job done over a slammin Alchemist track. A hell of a start. 4 out of 5
3. Give Em Hell
You try to stop P, you’ll receive hell, and that is made completely clear over another nice Alchemist track. Two songs in, P definitely sounds inspired and lyrically is very good shape. I’m very anxious/curious to see how the rest of the album turns out. 4 out of 5
4. Stay Dope
Stay dope, that’s all you gotta do. More dopeness, pun intended. 4 out of 5
5. Curb Ya Dog
This is another very good song. Curb ya dog/tell your homeboy to chill/control your dog! 3.5 out of 5
6. Death Sentence (featuring Roc Marciano)
This is quite the dope collaboration between P and Marciano. Both deliver tight verses, with Marciano almost stealing the show. I may revisit his discography just for that. 4 out of 5
7. Bear Meat
“You sweet like bear meat.” Wow, now that’s quite the interesting line right there, but nonetheless, this is tight. 4 out of 5
8. Y.N.T. (featuring Domo Genesis)
Things slow down for a bit here. It’s a good song, but not a standout in my view. 3 out of 5
9. R.I.P. (featuring Havoc & Raekwon)
The dopeness continues with this collaboration, somewhat of a throwback, all star track. Hav and P show they haven’t lost a step when they’re rocking the mic beside each other, and Raekwon continues to deliver on guest appearances. 4.5 out of 5
10. Dough Pildin
Although this is your somewhat standard song about money, I feel what makes this stand out, a little if not a lot, is Alchemist’s beat. Very good. 3.5 out of 5
11. Confessions
This is not your traditional confessions track, if you will, but it’s still decent. P’s storytelling vibe here is the best I’ve heard in a LONG time. 3.5 out of 5
12. Bible Paper (featuring Alchemist)
I like this one right here. P does his thing, but man, Alchemist drops a completely tight verse. The chemistry is not only there when P is flowing over his production, but sharing the mic, it’s something there. 4 out of 5
13. The One (featuring Action Bronson, Co-Produced By: Adrian Younge)
Man, this one is tight as all hell. P and Bronson serious does this banger some justice. IF only Ghostface Killah was on this one too. 4.5 out of 5
14. Breeze
I’ll tell you one thing, this song is apply titled, because I was enjoying it so much while listening to it, it did breeze right on by, and I like the way Alchemist switches up the beat a little, complimented nicely by P. 4 out of 5
15. Raw Forever
I almost considered this an indirect sequel to “Stay Dope,” but not quite. Still good for the most part. 3.5 out of 5
16. Say My Name
This was a very good way to close this album, just when you think some bonus tracks were on the way. 4 out of 5
Man, this was the album that “HNIC3” SHOULD’VE been, no question about that. While it’s not Prodigy circa 1995–2000, in my view, he stepped up his lyrical game in a sharp way on this album, and all it took was some fine production from Alchemist to get it done, as well as dope assistance from the guests. It’s his best album since 2000’s “HNIC” (and I haven’t forgotten how good “Return of the Mac” is either) and I recommend you check this out, you won’t be sorry. A VERY solid 4 star rating for this album, and chances are, this may make my Best Albums of 2013 list. Dope indeed!
Original post-June 12, 2013
