Sadat & Jamar held it DOWN for the UNDERGROUND. This record has a little of everything when it comes to topics. Both MC's really out did themselves from beginning to end. All the songs hold your attention and keep your head noddin the whole way through. Easily considered a HIP HOP CLASSIC. Highly recommended!
September 17, 2006 |  | their best album and their darkest, plus pass the muthaf***in' gat |  |
this album came out in 1992,2 years after their 1990 one for all album,this is their first time making a album without grand puba, puba wanted to make a solo album so he came out with his first album reel to reel,which came out the same year,but anyways back to the album, they really stepped their game up lyrical-wise,production wise,etc.and this is the first time you hear them curse on a record,my only concern with this album is that they don't have the video version of Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down,i like the original which is produced by diamond but i like the remix better,standout tracks are allah u akbar,pass the gat,the godz...,and love me or leave me alone,this is recommended for fans of brand nubian and real hip hop fans,
p.s. if u don't cop this album then remember this,''pumks jump up to get beat down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
February 4, 2006After lead man Grand Puba left, it was skeptical that Brand Nubian could do it again. In God We Trust is their sophomore effort that surprised all non-believers of their strength. This album is composed of beliefs, religion, street smarts, upliftment, positivity, lyricism, love, injustice and just raw talent when most rap / hip-hop doesn't contain even partial of the ingredients of this LP. Twelve of the fourteen songs on this album were produced by Brand Nubian themselves as the created a formula that would identify them as a whole. "Allah U Akbar" is more like a praise or acknowledgement of a superior being to begin this album off. "...put your Bible in the attic / cause I didn't come for static..." taken from Sadat X as they profess their beliefs that the black man is the true and living God on "Ain't No Mystery". They take us on a heist and back to the streets on "Pass The Gat". Leading us to the promise land or back to Africa as they navigate us on this trip on the "Black Star Line" featuring Red Foxx. The short and sweet "Allah And Justice" is a song featuring all three members 'singing' a four bar verse each and sharing the last as this song is almost like an up-beat prayer. They prove how they can adapt to any climate on "The Godz..." with lyrics by Sadat X as such "...some days I wake up mad and I don't feel like hearing sh*t, what you are talking to the curb jack, you don't even know me..." If you still didn't believe that they can hold it down missing a member, "Brand Nubian Rock The Set" will prove otherwise. They get a little personal with the relationship tune, "Love Me Or Leave Me Alone" and quickly turn to how after performing they'll "Steal Ya 'Ho". They tackle problems and question the industry of bootleggers on "Steady Bootleggin'". "Black And Blue" is a story about bad black cops that believe they are above the law. Last but not least, "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down" produced by Diamond D ended this album off on the note it began and the only thing here missing is the remix to it. Sadat X, Lord Jamar and Sincere offered more than just the sweets, they offered a healthy alternative to what we are used to.
November 5, 2005| | | I would rate there First three all 5 Mics | |
Brand Nubian had a nice run of three CD's that are all 5 Mic territory. It is a shame they are not bigger now because the music and the lyrics on this CD are top of the line. From Political to religious to there styles. It's all very good.
May 4, 2005| | | Thanx Jamar and Sadat for carrying on the name | |
The Brand Nubian 'movement' could have folded after Grand Puba opted out after their first album(the classic "All For One"). Thankfully, just two years after the debut, Lord Jamar and Sadat X returned, along with DJ Sincere, carrying on the Brand Nubian name and the teachings of the 5% of Islam. Here, you get to know Sadat and Jamar much better, since Puba had so much solo time on the debut album. Sadat X's nasaly, high-pitched voice and fluctuating quick flow is a perfect contrast to Lord Jamar's strong and steady flow. Yes, this album is much darker than "All For One." They do reference guns and physical violence often throughout, and the swearing increases ten-fold. I'm not complaining, just addressing the differences.
This is such are different cd than "All For One," so one listen will not be enough to judge and comprehend. The biggest hits back in its day from this album were "Love Me or Leave Me Alone" and "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down," both memorable. There are a couple worthwhile inclusions here, like "Meaning of the 5%," just a recording of a powerful speech on the topic(Farrakan?), and "Allah and Justice," which has just singing and praising. They kick up the intensity on bangers like "Travel Jam" and "Brand Nubian Rock The Set," both pretty good. "Pass The Gat" is an angry jam, one I don't mind too much. "Steal Ya Ho" seemed like just filler to me(they get freaky here), and "Steady Bootleggin'" wasn't too interesting, but at least they try a different topic. "Black Star Line" contains some really solid lyrics from Sadat and Jamar, but Red Foxx's reggae style just goes on and on and on and nearly ruins the song.
"Ain't No Mystery" was easily the strongest song, I thought. Also "Black and Blue" was noteworthy: a dark, telltale track about cop and black-on-black violence. I really liked the music on this one! The other two standouts were "Allah U Akbar" and "The Godz(Must Be Crazy)." The cd is more mellow than "All For One," although some jams were included. I found that pretty much all the tracks had something good about them in their own ways. Brand Nubian began to get very militant about their religious beliefs. I'm wondering if their religion really supports excessive swearing, radical physical violence, smoking ganja, and sleeping with whomever, whenever, like Brand Nubain offers. Oh well, I like this cd a lot and at least they are MC's dedicated to something.
While I didn't miss Grand Puba's presence on "In God We Trust," I will agree that something seemed to be missing in the Brand Nubian vibe and chemistry here. I think that this was a new Brand Nubian, and they still excelled given the circumstances. Hard to say which of them tear it up more, both Sadat and Jamar have their shining moments. This shouldn't be one of the first albums to start your old-school Hiphop collection, but keep your eye out for it every time you go to the store. I had much trouble trying to find this! Definitely a worthwhile listen.
December 23, 2004More reviews at Amazon.com ...
