Album: 2 Pistols – Death Before Dishonor

advertisement

“Oh, you ain’t heard?/fourth generation, my grand daddy used to sell birds.” With that one line, from the stuntin’ anthem Eyes Closed, you pretty much get the picture of what newcomer 2 Pistols is all about.

Coming from the same sun-soaked capital (Florida), which has also produced the likes of Plies and Flo-Rida, 2 Pistols rides the wave created by his massive T-Pain assisted hit She Got It, all the way to a full length album, Death Before Dishonor.

With the hit-making squad J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League on production, Pistols is given mostly first class backdrops on which to deliver his uninspired tales of lavish living, female conquering and past criminal deeds.

The pinnacle of this musical union is the irresistibly smooth Let’s Ride, as the League give the regional 808 drums and synths a rest to indulge in a bi-coastal concoction. It is here that the braggadocios drawl of 2 Pistols is pepped up, momentarily bristling with enthusiasm and charm as he spits: “(What you done to that?) that’s candy paint/ mixed with South Florida sunshine, makes the hoes gravitate.”

Along with Been Throwin’ Money and Robbery, the lady-baiting You Know Me is another album highlight, with Pistols this time being assisted by a 80s pop flavoured beat and the high-pitched tones of Ray J on the hook.

The rest of Death Before Dishonor, however, is a mixed bag of hood anthems and club-aimed excursions all distinctly lacking passion and originality. The snails-pace checklist of material items that is Gettin’ Money Mane will either inspire you to bob your head or scratch it before pressing ‘skip’. If by chance you’re still listening towards the album's end, the unintelligible posse cut Lookin’ Down On ‘Em, featuring fellow knuckleheads BMU, will make sure you check out early like it was a cheap roach-infested motel.

Integrating modern trends into your music may help improve its relevance to the current market, but Mr. Pistols proves with his debut that it certainly doesn’t make for an entertaining listening experience.

With the exception of some stellar production and the occasional moment of inspiration, Death Before Dishonor is almost like a get-rich-quick guide for modern day rap success; mix simplistic lyrics about women and drug peddling with ringtone ready beats and quicker than you can say “bitch I got money” you’ll be living in the lap of luxury. Well that is until the next batch of ex-dealer rappers come along and take your spot.

If the sounds of Soulja Boy or Gucci Mane are what dreams are made of for you, then 2 Pistols may be right up your alley. For the remainder of listeners though it will make you wonder how 2 Pistols could shoot so many blanks. Straight off the block blandness.

Available through Universal Republic Music