Coolio's Soul

'My Soul', Coolio's third album was released on August 26th 1997 in USA and September 1st internationally. The album was first scheduled for release in early July, but Tommy Boy decided to move it to late August.

First some background on Coolio. His real name is Artis Ivey, Jr, and he was born in Compton, California. Coolio had his major breakthrough with Fantastic Voyage in 1993, but Coolio has been rapping since 1979. He used to be in different groups, the most famous one was 'WC and The MAAD Circle', from which WC is now part of 'Westside Connection' along with Ice Cube and Mack 10.

The 34-year-old father of seven kids sold more than 4 million copies of the Gangsta's Paradise single, which is considered to be one of the most successful singles of all time, and which ended up earning Coolio a Grammy award for "Best solo rap performance" in 1995. Coolio has totally sold more than 17 (!) million records.
The first single from 'My Soul' was C U When U Get There, which was the main soundtrack for the comedy 'Nothing To Lose', and which also featured Coolio's protegés the 40 Thevz. It is currently toping the charts worldwide. Coolio based the music on a classical piece (Cannon in D, by Johann Pachelbel), and that has positively surprised some people who thought hip-hop had already gone in all possible directions.

Track nr.2 is 2 minutes & 21 of funk, where Coolio seem to kick it freestyle and let all the player hater emcees around know "who's the rawest". I don't think it's much of a song, but the lyrics are tight.
One mo is the party song on this album, as "1,2,3,4 (Sumpin new)" was on G.P. This 3rd track features 40 Thevz and a talkbox hook. This song might probably be released as a single, since it's good.

The legendary The Dramatics appear on the background vocals of the 4th track The devil is dope. This is a great song where Coolio describes the hopeless situation of drug addicts. This is strictly and anti-drugs song, with a serious message explaining how the devil owns the junkie's soul. Coolio knows what he's rapping about since he was a crack addict himself 10 years ago.

Hit 'Em , track nr.5 features Coolio's homie Ras Kass, who's known for always delivering the phatest rhymes around. It's a good song, but not likely to be released as a single.

Coolio's upcoming single is track nr. 7, Ooh La La, based on a Grace Jones song (Pull up to my bumper?). It is the equivalent to 'Too Hot' from G.P. The video is pretty cool too, Coolio chasing girls but things does not work out for him. Also appearing in the backseat of the lowrider Coolio's driving in the video are 40 Thevz and Ras Kass. The video is directed by G. Thomas & Coolio. The song is pretty good.

Homeboy is the title of track nr. 10, featuring Montell Jordan on the hook. The song is about how hard it is to find new and keep true friends.

Track nr. 14, My Soul is my favorite track, it's simply the song with the best and smartest lyrics by Coolio since Gangsta's Paradise:
"In two decades, rap went from Planet Rock, to crack rock
Now everybody got a Glock
And it don't stop, Till another brother drop
That's why I poured out a little drink for the homie Pac (Rest In Peace)."
"My soul" just has to be released as a single, it's so good.

"Let's do it" , track nr. 15 has got the best song and hook on the album. This will be a hit! Lyrically it's similar to 'A Thing goin on' from G.P, and it's a love song.

The last track on the album is 'C U When U Get There', not much to say about it except that it's a different, longer version than the single version, with a less powerful hook.

Mr. Dominique De Romeo has produced 6 tracks on My Soul, and he seems to have done a good job. I would have gladly seen Brian Wino Dobbs, Coolio's original producer done more than 3 songs on My Soul, but Coolio seems to have wanted including new producers on the project.

Finally, I believe My Soul is an excellent album, where probably 6 or 7 tracks are pure hits, and might be released as singles. I give My Soul 4.5 points out of 5, mainly because Coolio has succeeded in the very difficult mission to make a worthy sequel to Gangsta's Paradise. Also because Coolio truely put his soul in My Soul.

This was a personal review of Coolio's new album "My Soul" by Karam Chammas.
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