Send "Hercules and Love Affair " Ringtones to your Cell 
| Pitchfork |
 Last year was a weird one for albums by rap duos. We had Jay-Z and Kanye, Eminem and Royce Da 5'9", and of course Gucci Mane, who released two major label duo albums-- the disappointing Ferrari Boyz with Waka Flocka Flame and the bizarre BAYTL with Kreayshawn associate V-Nasty. This time out, Waka pairs with French Montana, who has worked extensively with the currently imprisoned Max B, formally of the Harlem based Byrdgang.Coming from Atlanta by way of New York City, Waka's energetic and aggressive style has endured longer than most probably would have suspected. When he released his first single, "O Let's Do It", he was mostly known as the guy standing in the shadows of old Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman videos. French Montana has been around for a few more years than Waka in the New York mixtape circuit, but last year's "Choppa Choppa Down" and his most recent single, "Shot Caller", got him signed to Bad Boy Records and got his name out there nationwide. Given the players, you might expect Lock Out to be an East Coast rap affair, but with a couple of exceptions (the bouncy seriousness of "Dat All" and the triumphant finale of "Promise"), the tape sounds well-grounded in the streets of Atlanta. The production on Lock Out is handled mostly by two producers with whom Waka has worked extensively (Southside and Lex Luger), alongside other lesser-knowns who share an appreciation for dark, brooding beats that are, ultimately, pretty hard to distinguish from one another. The first half of the tape finds French Montana struggling to find his footing as his flow reduces songs to a slow creak, while Waka affirms his ability to rip any rap instrumental he comes across. "1230" has a great opening verse by Waka, and he delivers one of the strongest hooks on the mixtape, but the momentum that track builds is lost as soon as French appears, as he just cannot keep up with Waka's pace....full text |
| Complex |
| It's a North-meets-South affair here as French Montana and Waka Flocka Flame have joined forces to record the Lock Out mixtape. The uber-hype, cocaine-laced project features a total of 16 tracks from the like-minded duo, who certainly done their part this past year in terms of providing free music. Expect some big things from both rappers following this release, because Montana recently signed with Bad Boy and Waka still needs to drop Triple F Life. Stream the full mixtape in its entirety below....full text |
| Bangstyle |
| Ever since I saw Waka Flocka Flame shaking his dreads and proceeding to jump off stage and beat up some fans at a concert for the first time, I’ve been a fan. Amongst the educated music listening population, I seem to be alone in this category. Whether it’s the simple but head bob inducing beats he uses or his drug and violence infested lyrics, something about Waka Flocka has brought me back time and time again. So naturally, when I heard Waka was collaborating with French Montana, self proclaimed member of the Cocaine Mafia hailing from NYC, I was intrigued. Waka’s previous mixtape, Lebron Flocka James 3 was a collaborative effort with fellow Bricksquad members Slim Dunkin and Wooh Da Kid, a mixtape which I enjoyed. Naturally, I thought another collaborative project would produce similar feelings. Instead, I’ve been left with a headache and the guilt that I chose to waste an hour of my life listening to this horrible mess. Along with Waka and French, the mixtape is hosted by Green Lantern and DJ Drama, two of the premier mixtape DJ’s in the rap game today. However, I can’t help but wonder what either of these DJ’s are doing hosting this mixtape. Obviously, it’s all about money in this situation, and I’m sure both gentlemen were paid handsomely to slap their name on this mixtape, but I can’t help being disappointed by the final outcome. Before I began listening, I saw a brief video on WorldstarHiphop.com of Waka and French in studio with full time Bricksquad producer Southside, listening to a few of Southside’s new beats. The beats featured in the video are your typical Pro Tools 808 and high hat assortment that have always worked for Waka and I don’t mind saying I enjoy them as well. However, only one of the beats in the video is featured in the actual mixtape (in the song “12:30″), and the beats they did pick (with the exception of “We Mobb”) are bland and forgettable. Although I’m familiar with the standard content of a Waka Flocka verse, this was my first full length encounter with French Montana, and I can defiantly say that I am not a fan. Besides talking about cocaine, cars, jewels and having sex, French Montana talks about nothing. It seems that now-a-days, the cocaine, cars, jewels and sex approach is a popular one amongst rappers. However, I’ve never witnessed it done in such a boring fashion. After the first two songs, I was already fed up with French Montana which made for a disastrous listening experience due to the fact that he takes up 50% of the mixtape. While Waka’s time on the mixtape saves it a bit, French Montana is the sole reason this mixtape didn’t work for me. If you’re a fan of French, you’ll probably like the album. If not, stay away....full text |
| Stacks Mag |
| Alley Boy is that street cat that many rappers think they are, but truly are not. Alley and his Duct Tape Entertainment crew have been making noise for their music and their “street issues”. Not one for holding his tongue or resisting his urges, Alley Boy expresses himself. The end result will either be positive or negative. With Nigganati, you get a mixture of what truly makes him click. The mixtape starts off with the “Intro”, a song that truly gives some introspection to the revolutionary ability that he has. He has an understanding of what contributes to hood madness. Yet, he doesn’t always deter himself from it, as seen on “I Say”. “Dry” comments on things that can be “dry” in the hood, while “Cops On The Block” bounces with its despising of the constables. “Guilty” and “Loyal” goes in about loyalty, being real, and the lack thereof. So, it is safe to say that this is a street oriented mixtape to the fullest....full text |
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