Posted on 05/15/2008
Foxy Brown stormed out of the gate with the Hip Hop equivalent of a silver spoon in her mouth. The talented teen debuted on LL Cool J's “I Shot Ya Remix” and was later co-signed by Jay-Z and Nas separately; two ghostwriters an artist can flaunt rather than conceal. Unfortunately Foxy's post-2000 career has been marred by a series of trials and tribulations, with emphasis on the “trials.” Brown's sudden hearing loss was compounded by court cases, probation and a lengthy prison sentence rendering the diva out of action. These hard times should provide plenty of lyrical fodder and perhaps even a bit of elusive “street cred,” but Brooklyn Don Diva suggests Foxy may have been at her peak when surrounded by the best.

With a seven-year hiatus under Foxy's belt, perhaps 2001's Broken Silence was prematurely titled. As for her latest offering, it's hard to breakdown an album that plays it so by the book. Brown's delivery is still precise and there are flashes of the young lady with a penchant for standing toe-to-toe with legends. Conversely, the self-promoting content mostly lacks while the production and hooks invoke a less than impressive sense of deja vu. Despite boasting guest appearances on two thirds of the tracks, one of the only standouts is “Too Real” where Foxy reunites with AZ for some unfinished Firm Biz. Queens' native Grafh also brings a little heat to the party on “We Don't Surrender” and “How He Get Down.” Even the Reggae touch never quite hits full stride on “We're On Fire”, “She Wanna Rude Bwoy”, “The Quan” or “We Set the Pace.”

Artistically speaking, Brooklyn Don Diva is an attempt to recreate music already in the airwaves rather than to showcase a personally crafted sound. With the title track, Brown addresses the recent arrests by painting herself as an unfair target that can't be phased. “Star Cry” is one of the lone tracks baring a sense of vulnerability. “I'm just like ya'll but I probably hurt more, after thirteen years I feel I deserve more.” Given the turmoil Fox Boogie has suffered over the past few years and her emotional personality, one would expect more reflection and less boasting. Besides, Hip-Hop heads won't listen to your words if the production ain't right.

- Andrew Jones