Cuban Link: 24-K

      I have been waiting for this CD since I heard Cuban Link do Flowers for the Dead, in memoriam of Big Pun. I finally got my hands on an advanced copy and I was not disappointed. Cuban Link is a force to be reckoned with, and he is the man to carry on the legacy started by the late Big Pun.

      Ninety Miles and Swimming kicks the CD off right. The song was great, even though I laughed a little when because I started to think about Elian Gonzales. I mean, if you listen to the lyrics and start picturing what little Elian was thinking this on his three hour tour (a three hour tour), you have to laugh.

      That was cool. Little Elian was thinking about making dough and hooking up. On the serious tip, I really enjoyed the song and Cuban Link had his mind on the right track, cause he will be making more money and he is getting girls because he has the talent to do so.

      For My Real Niggaz is a killer track that examines the relationships we have with our friends. Can we really trust them, and which ones are the punks? Which one of our friends will be ready to kill for us if need be and which ones will run away and let us get killed. This song just makes really good sense, and it is worth thinking about.

      Project Party kicks ass. It is a killer dance party track. The song is very upbeat and sexy. This is the type of song that you listen to when you are drinking 40's with your friends and there are girls around.

      Freak Out was one of the best songs on the CD and the one I listened to the most. Angie Martinez (A DJ with New York's Hot 97 Radio Station) really rips shit up and entices the listener with great lyrics. This woman is going to make it in the rap business. But, where is her damn album?

      While Angie kicks ass on this track, there are a number of guests appearances on the album including Pink, Big Pun, plus a variety of other guests that make their presence felt, but no matter what Cuban Link still shines through on every song. He is the man, and no other guest takes away from his lyrical talent.

      The two best songs on the CD have to be the ode to Cuban Link's mother and the farewell song to Big Pun. Hey Mama is a beautiful sad song that Cuban Link uses to tell his mother he is sorry for the things he has done and that she will always be number 1. He apologizes to her and then the song goes into Spanish. His raps are soft and heartfelt, while Tony Sunshine does the vocals that are really worthy of playing for your own mom. This is a true song that lets you know what Cuban Link is all about.

      But nothing is perfect, including this CD. I didn't like the little skits in between songs. They seemed pointless and had no place. The only one worth listening to is Dedication, which comes before Flowers for the Dead. Despite the skits, every song is worth listening to, again and again, which is what my co-worker and me were doing all day long.

      The best song is the last song and it was what made me want to get this CD. Flowers for the Dead, featuring D'Mingo is just a sad song that makes you think of the ones you lost. Sometimes you just have to save the best for last and Big Pun was the best. This tribute was a great way to close out a great CD that everyone should be purchasing. Don't even think otherwise. There is no other rap CD worth buying.

      Send your comments and questions about this article to Jminners@ybfree.com.

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