Just for future reference, CCW will henceforth signify "Constructive Criticism Wanted". With that said, here is my 3rd review for the local school paper: Would you give somebody a few dollars to hear how badly they want to be rich? That's essentially what you'd be doing by purchasing All City's debut album, "Metropolis Gold". You'll hear them extensively convey for 72 minutes, just how important money is to them. I think I may have inadvertently gotten a little more materialistic just by listening to this CD. While they do provide us with a memory or two from their lackluster debut, All City severely fail to differentiate themselves from the scores of cream-driven New York City rap groups. What bothers me most about Greg Valentine and J. Mega is that they seem to have potential. They are obviously skilled lyricists that have been working on their flows for years. They don't really leave us with any memorable one-liners, but their lyrics are technically well executed. They also did an adequate job in choosing producers, as a good portion of the beats on Metropolis Gold are bass heavy head nodders. However, these attributes are completely negated by the content of the album, and their obvious monetary goals. Songs like "Live it Up", "Favorite Things", and "Get Paid" tell us that All City doesn't really give a damn about hip hop. It's merely a vehicle they're using to get a new vehicle. The God-awful chorus of "Get Paid" says it all: "I want money, lots and lots of money, I want it high as the sky...I want to be rich." Don't think that these songs are the only examples either, greed permeates the whole album. Add in four generic club joints with bad R∓B singers and Jermaine Dupreesqe beats, and the message becomes painfully clear. Don't get me wrong, they don't talk about money the WHOLE time. They unimaginatively re-hash messages of how hard hood life is on "Timez is hard" and "Metro theme". Then there is the completely displaced, "Daydreaming", which sounds like a bad Ashford and Simpson love ballad from 1982. Instead of coming across as a sincere expression of youthful infatuation, this song sounds about as corny as a Bob Saget punch line. "Afta Hourz" only slightly dwells on materialism, and is actually a pretty nice ode to the nighttime. The smooth piano loop even gives this track a 3-in-the-morning kind of feel. When it comes down to it, there are really only a couple twinkies in the garbage can that is Metropolis Gold. "The Actual" is vintage DJ Premier production, from the heavy and slow bassline, to the obscure rolling sound in the background. The All City kids come a little lyrically harder and the product is pretty raw. Then there is the excellent closing track, "Just Live". This one features some heavenly Bob James like keys, a well placed horn loop, and an optimistic message. Track 17 shows us what All City is capable of if they put their minds to it. Unfortunately, this is an exception rather than the rule. If you don't mind club songs, and don't pay much attention to lyrics, Metropolis Gold might just be for you. The production is very conventional, very East Coast, and guaranteed to rattle your trunk. If you're concerned with lyrical content, you'll have a hard time getting past the fact that All City are merely Biggie-wannabe-emcees, without the voice or personality. I'd bet a couple appendages we don't see a second LP from these cats. 2 out of 5 <end> This won't be a regular occurance as i don't feel my ego could take it, and i'm the one writing the column, not you all. I'm just trying to get some more initial feedback, as i'm still developing my own writing style (for reviews). Kari Orr, KSG, Others, I emplore you... respectfully, applesauce