Harlem World - Movement

While Mase is perhaps better known for his monotone lisp than his rhyme skills, he shepherds through a surprisingly likable pop project with his Harlem World protégés. Don't expect the Harlem World crew to deviate much from the standard litany of ass, cash, and gun blasts, but even if the album doesn't break new ground, the Trackmasterz production crew keeps the ear-candy jar full of tasty treats. In particular, the steel-drum melodies on "Across the Border" and "100 Shiesty's" add a festive Caribbean touch, while "Cali Chronic" resurrects the familiar slinkiness of the Ohio Players' "Funky Worm" for a superior thugged-out track. Humor plays a strong role, too, including the self-parody "We Both Frontin'" and the unintentionally corny "Mamasita Interlude." --Oliver Wang Amazon.com

I like it

This one of my fav back in the day cd. I know about every song on the album. Too bad this cd did get slept on. January 23, 2007

Dont let the Featured Artist fool you

You got Nas and Kelly Price but this album isnt really all that I like that song I really like it and Were both Frontin but the other stuff isnt all that but ok to listen to out of curiosity but if you like Mase and Loon you'll probably enjoy this. November 28, 2005

A Change Never Did Come - Same Bad Boy Sound

A frequently asked question, "What is Hip-Hop?" Hip-Hop usually refers to the culture - graffiti-spraying, breakdancing, and turntablism in addition to rapping itself - surrounding the music. As a style however, hip-hop refers to music created with those values in mind. Mase is not reminiscent to the Golden Age (the six best years in hip-hop history) era of Hip-Hop, but his style harks back to the "Old School Rap" era - identified by it's relatively simple raps. The main emphasis is not lyrical technique, but simply on good times and Mase is all about good times.

The production on "Movement" is simply fun and playful on numbers such as "I Really Like It" and "We Both Frontin'" - the first is based around the biting sample of Debarge's "I Like It." Kelly Price provides vocals to the catchy instrumentation, while Jermaine Dupri controls most the action from behind the mixx board. The Neptunes supply The Movement with two-cuts in "One Big Fiesta" and "Not the Kids" - which the duo's notable sound is in the process of developing, but clearly evident to the pairs distinguishable sound. "You Made Me" features Carl Thomas, who shows-off his Stevie Wonder inflections and Luther Vandross ability to turn any slow song into a love song and this number is not a love song. The track is bitterly emceed by Huddy Comb, Meeno and Nas - it's a distressing number.

The album ends on an interesting note, the great rendition of Sam Cooke's legendary "A Change Is Gonna Come" - which is performed by the Harlem Boys Choir. The track is beautifully arranged, harmonized and sung. The emcee's play their part and from a production standpoint it hurdles retro beat making and the NYC party rap sound. The release shockingly tanked, but Movement shouldn't be overlooked because of it's lack of success. Though not the "crew of the year," the majority of the album is well-crafted, but far from extraordinary. July 8, 2004

Mase Gumble

This cd was hyped to be really something. Ma at the time was on top of the rap game and had everyone on his side. His debut cd, "Harlem World" went 4x's platinum and he became a crossover success making way for future acts like Nelly, Ludacris and Chingy. Harlem World's very own debut cd was predicted to be really successful by analyst and fans alike, especially with its pop driven first single, "I Really Like It" featuring Mase's brother Blinky Blink and the rest of the gang. It however was a commercial failure and didnt reach platinum status. As of today Harlem World has not returned and given us a new album. Mase left the rap game in the summer of 1999 for God & opened his own church, named "S.A.N.E ministries" in Atlanta, Georgia. There was never word on whether or not Harlem World (the group) departed, but they are certainly quiet today. This album is a party anthemed cd and is in no fashion gangster or street. My advice is to buy this used for your own safety. Definetely dont pay seventeen bucks for it at virgin records/tower records, you'll be wasting your money.

P.S. Ma has returned to the rap game & has made airwaves on New York's Hot97, LA's POWER106 and other radio stations alike with his new song, "Welcome Back". He says hes back to make music, but hes going to disclude cussing or any foul language. Hes here to "Preach" to us clean music, not vulgar raps! :) June 17, 2004

ok

this CD is not all that, but I give it 3 stars because it's worth it for about 3 to 4 tracks alone, especially I Really Like It, that song takes me back to the 80's because of the New Edition sample and it gives me a blissful feeling. May 2, 2003

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