Review by Loose Cannonz

DJ Whoo Kid/Chamillionaire - The Truth

Luda, T.I., Flip, Wayne and Buck may all presently run the Southern Billboards with they raps but there's a whole slew of dogs just waitin' for they bark to be heard from across the fence. Former Swishahouse rep Chamillionaire is one of them, following in the footsteps of archenemies Paul Wall, Mike Jones, and (semi-friend) Slim Thugga, as well as other up-and-comers Stat Quo and Young Jeezy gazing into the limelight of mainstream stardom. What these cats bring are actual skill to the often overwhelming crunk sounds and stereotypes of the dirty south, with Houston's sections delivering more lyrical aspect to the game. The Truth is a mere back-to-the-BBQ-grill-again selection of older, random Koopa (as Chamillionaire fans dub him) joints that come off as a nice preview to the future from the highly talented yet little known emcee. The title track "The Truth," even at under a minute long, proves that biographical narrative skill is in the Koop's artillery. The southern snarl Chamillionaire shreds words with gives him that authoritative command to go along with the effortless change-up flows he dishes, highlighted on cuts such as the sonically-electric sounding "I'm a Bad Man," and the cheery loops of "Platinum Allstars," to which Koop has no problem holding his own in the double-time alongside heavyweights Bun B and Lil' Flip. Chamillionaire's deep monotone comes off as intriguing as the details he sprays over laid-back joints as well, joining the Flipster again on the creepy, reality-based "Come Down." The gritty depictions and metaphoric brilliance alone will make you believe man is a certified G. The sound quality to olddd banger "Bitch Ass Nigga" is quite horrible, and loaded with way too many Whoo Kid gunshots. Too bad, cuz UGK's Bun B and Koop shred 8Ball and MJG's instrumental with authority.

"Switch Styles" brings more of those haunting, swarming loops that compliment Chamillionaire's sinister vocals to a bullet. The flipping between flows and the chanting, even "Game Over"-ish, vocals in the background add atmosphere to the almighty lyrical diligence. It's as if Cham's flows are almost too natural that rewinding becomes a must. While not awkward, Koop does become somewhat of an acquired listen-then again, every Southern rapper to NY heads or otherwise is an acquired listen. If heads dig deep behind the drawls, they'll realize Koop is tighter than their favorite rapper's rapper, exposed by such lines as,"…If she sippin' that's a plus, but not that Cris cuz that's for us / Took her to the hotel, wonderin' if she' strippin' that's a must / Make a meal out of my nuts and open a can of sucks…" and "Sup to ATL with that Killa Kill, Status Quo and that Lil' Scrappy / I don't wear no throwbacks cuz the trend is gettin' really tacky." The rest of the song is lyrically intact, yet hard to keep up with. Peep game. The following interlude "Dike Jones" contains acapella heat against, guess who. "You Gotta Love Me" displays Cham's ability to flow over Kanye-ish tracks while "Oh No" presents a louder, more menacing track that actually displays mainstream appeal in that C-Murder vibe with its catchy crooned hook and thumping bass. Koop also joins the ranks of South Beach flossin' with Sly Cat and Dirt Bag on the bubbling "Come Down"; covers Twista with rapid-fire ease on the one-minute "Adrenaline Rush"; and astonishes with perfect-flowing to the jazzy effervescence of "Ain't Gotta Go Home." As much as Whoo Kid comes off as a marketing clown, tracks like the classically hypnotic "Back Up Plan" with Devin the Dude make this tape a must for all those new to the Koop.

- Straight Crack

RATING SYSTEM
	Trash
	Step Ya Game Up
	Diehards only
	In the Deck
	Straight Crack
	Among Year's Best
	Mixtape Classic