Obie Trice
Second Round's On Me
Shady/Interscope/Universal

Many of us would have been introduced to Detroit's own Obie Trice in Eminem's chart-topping Without Me (where Eminem had him famously stomping on Moby) as well as through his debut release, the infectiously funny, Got Some Teeth. With that in mind, along with Eminem producing many of the tracks, you would expect many of the same successful formulas that Trice used for his debut album 'Cheers' in this new long play. But surprisingly and, in my view, thankfully Trice chooses to extend himself artistically in this new album, having a much more hands-on and proactive approach to producing it; and it shows with a polished product sure to avoid the sophomore jitters that many artists, particularly in hip-hop, seem to fall prey to.

Much has happened in the three years between Trice's album releases. Joining Eminem's Anger Management Tour has given him an opportunity to develop lyrically, which particularly shows in the bravado of such tracks as Ghetto, the personal narrative of Obie Story (check out the brilliant beat progression) and Wanna Know, which effectively samples Van Halen. But perhaps the most significant event that has influenced Trice's approach has been his recovery from a near-fatal gun wound in the head. Cry Now was the by-product of this event and the subsequent emotions that he felt after such a seemingly unprovoked attack.

Trice also does well when incorporating the cameo appearances in the album. Akon, Brick And Lace, Nate Dogg, Trey Songz, Big Herk, Eminem, Trick Trick and 50 Cent all make a contribution to the album, but apart from Big Herk and Eminem in There They Go, the others only provide the hook for the tracks, leaving Trice to be centre-stage and take ownership of the songs.

Many fans will appreciate the artistic growth that Trice has gone through and the polished album that has resulted from it. Eminem will always have a part in much of Trice's work, but this album shows that he can hold his own and is not willing to ride on Eminem's coat tails for the rest of his career.

Leo Varona