Obie Trice has released a new 16-track album; ‘Bottoms Up’ that will be the first since 2006 and the first since leaving Shady Records in 2008. He will be releasing it from his independent label Black Market Entertainment. Many people will remember Obie Trice from his cameo on Eminem’s single ‘Without Me,’ and his two album releases on Shady Records, ‘Cheers,’ and ‘Second Round’s On Me,’ which featured 50 Cent, Akon, Trey Songz and Nate Dogg.
The album will represent a fresh start for Obie, but that doesn’t mean he is leaving his roots in the past. Dr. Dre produces the intro ‘Bottoms Up,’ with heavy keys and thanks from Obie to Shady Records and Eminem for backing him. The beat is one of the best on the album, and personally I think should have not have been the intro. The second track ‘Going No Where,’ is produced by Eminem, and shows the intensity the MC is known for. The fifth track ‘Richard’ produced by Statik Selektah shows Eminem lending a verse, and from this we can see he is still one of the best wordsmiths.
The first single set for release is ‘Battle Cry,’ with marching solider beats and the smooth vocals of Adrian Reeza, it exemplifies the resilience Trice has exposed throughout his life. The second single lined up is ‘Spend The Day,’ which is a funky West Coast sounding beat with sensual vocals from Drey Skoni, providing an ultimate backdrop for the track where Trice gives the ladies a glimpse into what spending a day with him would be like. This album is not single heavy, where only his single releases are worth a listen. Every track on this album is.
Thematically Trice talks about his personal ups and downs, the block and women. Overall the album is definitely a good listen with melancholy keys, thumping beats with some West Coast and old school hip hop bump to it. Stand out tracks include ‘Richard,’ ‘Going Nowhere,’ and ‘Crazy.’ ‘Bottoms Up,’ proves Trice has the same wit, force and delivery to his lyrics.