Posted on 09/02/2008
Perhaps the most interesting part about The Tonka Boyz is the story behind the album. Even though one-half of the duo, Husalah, is currently serving a five-year prison sentence, Husalah & B-Luv didn't call it quits. Husalah phoned in rhymes and B-Luv continued recording their album, which is dedicated to the late Mac Dre. But when it comes to the actual music on here, it's simply more of the same recycled raps and hyphy beats we have all come to expect from Bay Area hip-hop acts.

When it comes to their flows and rhyming styles, both Husalah & B-Luv are fully capable of riding the beat and throwing in some clever punchlines. But those moments of brilliance are few and far between. And they are mostly overshadowed by sophomoric clichés. Also, I have officially had my fill of the line "my rims is older than me," which is used plenty of times outside of the track "Rims Is Olda Than Me." Call me ignorant, but is there a reason this stale non-quotable is repeated ad nauseam? If so, perhaps it can get a pass. Otherwise, Husalah & B-Luv can stand to do much better.

Even though the music on The Tonka Boyz isn't meant to blow your mind with lyrical depth or innovative production, that doesn't mean it gets a pass for purposely being disposable. This duo's subject matter rarely varies from the stereotypical rap staples of bitches, money, cars and shit-talking. And this wouldn't necessarily be a negative if these emcees were offering a new twist on tired content. But we have all heard tracks like "Sittin' Tonka," "That Go," and "You Ain't Us" plenty of times before.

Yet, for all their weaknesses, Husalah & B-Luv aren't total failures. "Husalah Freestyle" features some of the best production on the album. It's a simplistic, haunting beat that sounds like something Havoc would create if he was from the Bay Area. And, thankfully, Husalah's rapping isn't totally contrived. Another strong beat plays through "Terrorist in da City," but it is unfortunately spoiled by weak and trite rhymes.

"Two-Door Mob" is another standout and easily The Tonka Boyz's best track. It has Husalah & B-Luv rapping with less intensity, a quality that makes their introspective rhymes hit with more potency. But it's the only glimpse at this duo's more intelligent side. "Bitch Dat's B-Luv" and "Laid Back Slap" might share the same feel, but they hardly reach the level of "Two-Door Mob." "Laid Back Slap" does have some excellent mellow production, though.

Besides these few highlights, however, The Tonka Boyz is simply not worth your time. Unless, of course, hyphy and snap music are your sort of thing. But for hip-hop heads looking for something fun, relevant, and entertaining, I suggest that you look elsewhere. Husalah & B-Luv might be capable of creating something solid, but this is not it.

- Andrew Martin