Royal Flush - Ghetto Millionaire

Two words: CUBAN LINX

The moment I finished the album, all I could think of was this: Ghetto Millionaire is as close to a spiritual sequel to Only Built 4 Cuban Linx as you're gonna get. The feel of this album is very reminiscent of that album and Royal Flush spits similarly to Raekwon, only with less slang. This is easily one of the best albums to come out of the DITC camp... it's a damn shame that it got slept on. Royal flush has a flow that while for the most part unchanging, is smooth and nice enough for it not to matter. Fortunately, unlike other emcees who have this attribute, his tracks do not mesh together and sound like the one before it; all the songs have their own spin, and are bound to get a lot of spin from me.

Don't sleep on this along with Mic Geronimo's album (The Natural)... you'd be doing yourself a disservice November 27, 2008

"If you live this life, you gotta love it"

Queens rapper Royal Flush's debut arrived in 1997 at a time when New York's swiftly evolving hip hop sound had reached a distinct point. "Ghetto Millionaire" perfectly captures the mid- to late-90s borough sound. Flush's thick accent and tales of paper chases and project life, backed by quintissential New York production, proved a winning formula on this notably consistent 22-track effort. Guests are limited to similarly-minded Queens rappers Mic Geronimo, Noreaga, and his Wastlanz crew, each of whom appear extensively and contribute to the album's consistency. There is no weak point during the hourlong tracklist, and the rhymes and beats remain totally up to par.

Flush has a nice flow and delivery, and he shows charm and swagger as he recounts stories concerning the Queens lifestyle, even venturing into mafioso and reality rap. He is engaging and imaginative, although he does not break any new ground as a streets MC. The strong production features rolling basslines, horns and pianos for a very East Coast sound, with some beats sparklier than others. It's always smooth and clean. There aren't many flaws. The songs are a bit formulaic, because each follows the format of a looped beat, three verses, and rapalong chorus, so it can grow a bit monotonous. However, it's hard to fault Flush, because he has a style and executes it well. Even still, two of the best tracks, the classy party cut "N...s Night Out" (check for a young uncredited Ja Rule on the hook) and the heartfelt yet familiar "Dead Letter," with a similarly gorgeous musical backing, are those that break the formula. The album also lacks a surefire anthem or posse cut critical in Flush's brand of rap, but this may just be a byproduct of the LP's consistency.

Highlights are frequent. The exciting Noreaga collaboration "Iced Down Medallions" utilizes an effective horn fanfare, while the smooth "Can't Help It" is well-polished. Flush trades lines with pal Mic Geronimo on the rugged "Illiodic Shines" and again on the excellent Beatminerz-produced "Movin' on Your Weak Productions." The breezy "Shines" is immediately catchy and appealing with a strong hook, and "What a Shame" is a lyrical and musical standout. The bass-heavy Mic Geronimo duet "Regulate" is a streets anthem, and "Worldwide"'s verses hit especially hard. "Makin' Moves" is a late highlight, with a phenomenal beat anchored by muted trumpets and xylophone.

Even if you missed it the first time around, listeners will find nostalgia in "Ghetto Millionaire" because it so accurately portrays the New York sound of its time. In '97 so much great music was coming from the city that albums this good sadly went relatively unnoticed by the masses. Flush's name may not be well known, but like his buddy Mic Geronimo he delivered quality no-frills hip hop without exploring much new territory. This album still sounds great over ten years later, and it has an awesome feel. I highly recommend "Ghetto Millionaire" to fans of East Coast rap. August 12, 2008

Bonafide classic...

The music is as good as Reasonable Doubt's music. The lyrics are solid. There are 8-10 songs that you'll fall in love with, if you love hip-hop. You can't go wrong, with this purchase. February 9, 2008

STRAIGHT EAST COAST BOOM-BAP!!!!!!!!!

AFTER ONE LISTEN IT WOULD BE EASY TO DRAW COMPARISONS TO ANOTHER TALENTED QUEENS MC......NAS. THOUGH THE ALBUM CAME OUT IN 97, IT WILL SURELY HAVE HEADS NODDIN IN 07. STRAIGHT MAN TALK(ALBEIT A LITTLE GANGSTA AT TIMES) AND VIVID LYRICAL CONTENT, MAKES THIS A MUST HAVE FOR THOSE APPRECIATE THAT UNCUT & RAW HIP HOP. October 23, 2007

One of the most slept on albums of all time

HANDS DOWN THIS WAS THE MOST SLEPT ALBUM OF 1997!!!!! Illiodic Shines with Mic Geronimo was crazy!!! Except for showing up on a few mix tapes and a late night hip- hop radio shows here and there. Royal Flush deserves his props. Just about every track is a certified BANGA!!!Its a shame he didn't come out with anything else!!! December 6, 2006

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