This is the fourth and final solo record released after the death of Chisholm, Minnesota emcee Saint Dog. Along with D-Loc and Johnny Richter, he became a member of the PTB trio, who later formed the Kottonmouth Kings with Daddy X in 1996, leaving three years later. Despite this, he remained with Suburban Noize Records and debuted with Ghetto Guide, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in February. This will be followed by USA (Unconformable Social Amputees) and Bozo, the latter in partnership with Force 5 Records. In honor of OG King’s 49th birthday, Funky Soul will always be around.
The title track, which features Chucky Chuck, The DRP, and Obnoxious, starts with the four of them laying out hardcore bars over funky instrumentals, while “Ms. Chuck” starts with the four of them belting out beats. The Fiasco Andretti-produced “Demeanor” is full of grown-up funk, with Saint talking about a chick he considers to be the freak of the year. “Love Affair” is presented in acoustic form thanks to DRP, making it clear that no good intentions were intended, but then we hear a remix of “1 More,” the highlight of KMK’s 14th and final group album to date, Kingdom Come Sound version.
“Rock & Roll Gangsta” recreates some classic vibes about being sent on a mission, and “Trap Jaw” starring Danny Diablo and Son of Saint brings the trio together for a psychedelic G- Funk beats make fun of everyone who wants to rap. “Rydaz” brings the entire Force 5 roster together, cut by rap-rock label posse, while another Kingdom Come standout, “Loyalty is Royal,” enters the tracklist via US@’s song “Backlash.” Keeping the rap-rock sound bringing the raucousness, “I Know” ends with another stripped-down acoustic joint.
Funky Soul captures the essence of West Coast hip-hop, blending gritty g-funk, hard-hitting beats and Saint Dog’s signature hypnotic flows that marked his career by evoking the spirit of his early years in Placentia, California. Return to roots. Many of the artists featured in Subnoize and Force 5 were influenced by Saint Vicious, which I think is a well-presented attribute worth mentioning.
Score: 8/10
