On their 2nd LP, the juvenile hell crew went on a fat lady make-over and came out the Queensbridge Murderers. What a little seasoning can add. A production takeover as Havoc and Q-Tip combine the rough and smooth tracks to form the Queensbridge defense. Rougher than rough on "Shook Ones pt2" and "Eye For an Eye." Smoother than smooth on "Drink Away the Pain" and "Give Up the Goods." 3 solid collaborations: Dream Team of Nas, Raekwon, and Mobb on "Eye," Q-Tip dropping the flyest verse about rocking labels on "Drink," and the unrealized potential of Big Noyd on "Give Up the Goods." Also includes: the singles "Survival of the Fittest" and "Temperature Rising," b-side mixtape track "Right Back at You," "Up North Trip," "Trife Life," "Q.U. Hectic," "Cradle to the Grave," and "Party Over." Mobb Deep spelled backwards is Peed B-bom. Coincidence or conspiracy?

• black double vinyl pressing
• die-cut promo sleeve
• music label: Loud 1995

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2005