It’s a shame when artists become more famous for their real-life drama than their recorded material. This is a situation that promising young spitter Cassidy experienced after several run-ins with the law. The Philadelphia resident was savvy enough to capitalize on this newfound infamy however, keeping his name hot on the streets with several mixtape appearances. Being signed to super-producer Swizz Beatz’s Full Surface label sure doesn’t hurt either.
With the momentum on his side, now is the perfect opportunity to prove himself as an artist and outdo his previous patchy albums with the autobiographical B.A.R.S (The Barry Adrian Reese Story).
While it is a well trodden on path, already covered by T.I. and Fabolous this year alone, the renowned freestyle MC battles himself on the entertaining opener B.A.R.S Vs Da Hustla.
Partly being a tale of redemption and getting back, B.A.R.S also serves as a showing of gratitude to his family, friends and religious beliefs. Overall though it is a celebration of life, something he was deprived during his recent trials and tribulations. This celebratory side is displayed on the red-hot club anthem My Drink ‘N My 2 Step, which serves to announce that the kid is back!
The aptly-titled Celebrate matches Cassidy’s matured flow with a smooth piano and gritty guitar combo, with John Legend contributing a raw performance on the hook. You can hear the change in his demeanor as he talks about putting his old punchline-driven style to rest in exchange for becoming a more complete artist. This new found steez can also be heard on the fantastic narrative Innocent and the Gospel-tinged Leanin’ On The Lord, featuring a strong guest shot from Angie Stone.
Despite the somewhat tepid by-the-numbers soundscape, Cash Rulez gives Cass and fellow Full Surface labelmates Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Eve (who continues her lyrical downward spiral here) the chance to strut their stuff, as Cassidy states that he will “Bring the whole East Coast back into it/I’m the cat to do it”.
The presence of some watered down production and occasionally weak lyrics, particularly on Where My N****s, hold the 14-track album back from reaching its full potential, however it is otherwise solid all the way through. Transitioning adeptly from his first two less mature albums, the hard-headed kid has grown up before our eyes and ears. Hopefully he can stay out of trouble long enough to enjoy it.
Available Through Full Surface/J Records
