This is the 15th full-length studio LP from Hayward, California-based emcee Spice 1. 187 He Wrote) played an important role in consolidating his position. In addition to showcasing the “This is Thug World” mixtape, which he signed to his own label Thug World Music Group, there is no doubt that Spice’s previous work “Platinum OG” released through Elder Entertainment is his most popular work since nearly 20 years ago. The best work since The Last Dance.
“Since the Day” featuring CL Smooth begins with a sample-laden intro that takes us through an ordinary day on the streets, knowing they’re going to be tough right from the jump, while “Gangsta Shit” featuring Rick Ross, Q Bosilini and Snoop Dogg ” then transitions into talking about the pitfalls of being a G. Following the “Sway Speaks Bay Area History” skit, “Projects” featuring K-Rino and Treach brings a funkier loop, before the sublime “Crumbs with Bums” featuring Conway the Machine, hi-hat telling The Pajama Man is a story about a hypocritical rich cat.
Following the “Sway Speaks Impact” skit, “How Long” featuring Nawfside works some organ work asking how long exactly they’ll be mourning each other before segueing into second single “Deuces in the Sky,” featuring MC Eiht & Worldwide Serves as the theme song. “Not Easy” starring Devin the Dude, Lee Royal and Nawfside makes everyday fear a little twisted, but after the “Sway Speaks Importance” skit, Nawfside talks menacingly with “Thriller” starring Q Bosilini and Tela How to become a straight-up killer.
“Come Out with Me,” a collaboration between the late Bushwick Bill and Q Bosilini, once again samples Bobby Caldwell’s “My Flame,” showing the trio’s sensual side, while “Houston to the Bay” featuring Lil’ Flip and Paul Wall by sending this powerful ode to both cities. Following the “Sway Speaks Industry Influence” skit, “Real G’s 2” featuring B-Legit and Domino & KXNG CROOKED was a sequel to the previous track on OG Platinum, before the party started with “Henny Out the Bottle” featuring C- Starring Bo, the late Hussein Fatal and Nawfside. After the “Sway Speaks Spice 1 the Legend” skit, the final song “Yesterday” featuring Fiend, Mac, Mr. Serv-On and Q Bosilini neatly wraps up Platinum OG 2’s memories.
Kind of hoping we get a new set of less feature-rich pieces from him, as I do have my doubts about project after project being overloaded with features, though I’d still like to see this happen sooner rather than later, and I’m very thankful for Spice 1 , as it features a landmark collaboration with some of hip-hop’s most elite MCs. I’d even go as far as to say that I happen to prefer the sequel to the original record he returned to in the summer before the COVID-19 pandemic. NO Joe and Ryan Elder’s production improves on its predecessor, so the Bay Area veteran and company tell listeners stories that pulse with the lifeblood of the streets.
Score: 7/10
