Posted on 04/16/2009
The pressure of having released what many listeners have deemed a hip-hop classic debut can be daunting to even the most resilient of rap artists. Some artists thrive under this manner of pressure, but many others fold. There is no denying that Capone-N-Noreaga, the Queens N.Y.-based duo, earned the classic designation with their first release The War Report. To this day, many laud this as an essential addition to any hip-hop fan’s collection. Over time, Nore has enjoyed measurable fame as a solo rap (and Reggaeton) artist while his partner Capone has had earnest solo attempts since his release from jail. The duo reconvenes once again on their third album Channel 10. It’s not quite a return to classic form, but there are a few bright spots throughout.

After a cleverly done intro mimicking a certain cable news station, which shares a name similar to the group’s initials, things get started with “United We Stand.” The slow rolling track from Hazard Sounds provides just enough space to display some formidable lyrics from the duo. Next is “Rotate” from producer Ron Browz and featuring Busta Rhymes. The track is busy, loud, club-friendly as expected, and Nore is in “Superthug” mode on this one. However, Browz’s auto-tuned hook distracts quite a bit. Thankfully, Busta Rhyme’s anchor verse is amazing; the listener can forgive Browz’s unimaginative warbling. With a solid video and radio play, this could definitely be a hit single. “Talk to Me Big Time” from the production team The Inkredibles is an average, keyboard-heavy snore. It aims to be dramatic but fails miserably. To their credit, CNN sound fine and it’s a shame the beat is so mediocre. The bad taste of that track is removed quickly with “Grand Royal,” produced by the legendary DJ Premier of Gang Starr fame. Premo’s hard drums and precise scratches enhance the forceful rhymes from ‘Pone and Nore. In fact, Capone may be the star of the song with some of his best lyrics yet.

A rather embarrassing number is “Wobble” featuring the production of Havoc and Mobb Deep on vocals. Havoc’s beat is decent enough, but the lyrics take a serious nosedive. Havoc’s verse and hook have nothing to do with what CNN is bringing to the song. Prodigy saves the song by actually focusing his rhyme style to fit the theme of the beat. The title track continues the latest trend in hip-hop, to overuse tinny keyboards and handclap drum sounds. SPK’s beat is uninspired, flat, and just plain boring. “My Life” from production team Hangmen 3 pairs the duo with an up-tempo track amicably. The hook is a little flat but lyrically, CNN are in great form – especially Capone. “My Hood” featuring the Clipse, Uncle Murda, The Dogg Pound and Maino isn’t terribly exciting due in part to SPK’s understated production but the excellent features bolster the track to an enjoyable level. The Alchemist provides one of his more interesting tracks to date with “Follow the Dollar.” A potential single in the making, the eerie combination of CNN’s dark lyrics and Alchemist’s production is a perfect match.

CNN definitely did well enough to remain on the minds of today’s listeners. Capone has stepped up his verses tenfold and Nore’s still one of hip-hop’s greatest personalities. Some tracks suffer greatly from a severe lack of innovation but lyrically, there is plenty to enjoy here. With the next release, one would hope that CNN enlists a stronger crop of production to match their wordplay.

- D.L. Chandler