Album: Birdman & Lil’ Wayne – Like Father, Like Son

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Despite the previous rumours of dissention between Lil’ Wayne and Ca$h Money Records, similar to the other former members of the Hot Boys collective, everything seems to have resumed as usual at the hit-making label. Birdman & Lil’ Wayne stand triumphant with their first joint release using their father-son like relationship for the premise of this album. The phenomenal rise of hip-hop from down south is reflected upon the sights and sounds of this album are demonstrated on the stand out cuts, namely the anthemic U.G.K.-sampling 1^st Key and the rousing title track.

The duo also link up with NY’s own Fat Joe for the hard-hitting collabo About All That. The acoustic guitar-driven Don’t Die is a good change of pace and does provide some variation. It is either an example of being well rounded or a thought out marketing plan, which explains the guest appearances from all over the map. While the Fat Joe collaboration works, The Daz Dillinger & Kurupt featuring Cali Dro is a messy mix of styles which doesn’t really come off all that well. The overcrowded Know What I’m Doin’, featuring Rick Ross and T-Pain, has that trademark southern sound, but it sounds clunky and doesn’t really achieve much. While the beat is funky enough, Leather So Soft sounds like an obvious crossover attempt.

Wayne’s much publicised growth and maturity as a lyricist is evident throughout and carries much of the musical stylings, however the albums lack of depth and originality as far as subject matter leaves it behind more progressive releases. If you want an entertaining listen for a car ride or party then go with this it’s very listenable, but if you want a ranging display of emotions and topics you should probably look elsewhere.