Arts & Entertainment

Rap's 702 fails to shine in latest 'Star'

By Katrina Esco
The Daily Cougar

Before there was DC3 from H-town, there was 702 from "Sin City," otherwise known as Las Vegas.

The three singers from the city of lights are back with their third album, Star, putting an end to the rumors of a breakup that circulated in 2001.

Photo courtesy of Universal Records

While group member Irish Grinstead says Star is the album 702 is most proud of, others may feel it is a step down from the groupis former recordings.

The first single from the 2003 release, the title track "Star," features new rap duo The Clipse. The vocals are decent, but the lyrics are mediocre. However, itis one of the best tracks on the album, in part because of the featured guests, but mostly because of the absolutely banging beats, compliments of the ever-popular Neptunes.

Unfortunately for 702, the Neptunes, todayis most successful hip-hop production team, laid down the track for only one more song, titled"I Still Love You."

Another song, "Places," is an exotic, hypnotic slow jam, reminiscent of 702is "Get it Together" days. Everything on the song is in sync: the vocals, the music and even the lyrics. A spoken monologue marks the beginning, and the songis midsection isnit unbearably cheesy.

This sexed-up ballad comes complete with Janet Jackson moans, purring and a thunderstorm. Itis definitely miles away from the sweet "All I Want" from the movie soundtrack to Nickelodeonis Good Burger. The song lasts about eight minutes, and thatis more than long enough.

The 16-track disc eventually takes a dive around track number 12 with the song "Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah" and never quite recovers. The name of the song speaks for itself.

Although the albumis beats strive for a comeback, itis pretty much all downhill from number 12 as far as the lyrics are concerned.

Given that Star is the triois first attempt at exercising some creative control over an album, itis not bad. However, it is a good idea to wait for more songs to be released on the radio before deciding to buy this one.

Star

702

The verdict: 702 definitely needs to work on its lyrics and overall sound to completely utilize its membersi talents.

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