Review By: MJ AKA Marissa J. Lonardo



Artist: Belo (From the rap group Do or Die)
Genre: Hip-Hop
Album Title: The TRUTH

Artists Stats: A Chicago native that is a member of the rap trio Do or Die. Been in the game for over 10 years and is known for his precise and quick flow. With his group to date their biggest song success is “Po Pimp", released in 1996 featuring fellow Chi-town affiliate Twista, which received platinum status. Belo has released seven albums with his group and has recorded songs with Scarface, Kanye West, and Crucial Conflict among others. The TRUTH is Belo’s first solo venture and he is signed to Asylum/The Legion Records. Belo was charged with first-
degree Murder in 2002 and is currently out on bail.

Album Assessment:
The 12 track album is definitely an eclectic sound that most Do or Die fans will not be used to. You will either love or hate the fact that even though this album is a solo effort it really should be called a collaboration album, because every track has a feature. With an evident contrast between God and his always present gangster mentality, the album doesn’t come off as even tempered, but very varied from song to song, and without an intro, the album takes flight right from jump. Considering all that and the fact that the album coincides with his pending murder trial, THE TRUTH does have its ups and downs. Some good songs are, the first track “Outlaws” featuring Outlaws a highly energetic song, which is straight Chi-town.

But on a serious note the song “God’s Wrath” addresses Belo’s personal and world issues, which include his misguided religion, the American government, and the war in Iraq. “How We Roll" is another tight track, featuring Crucial Conflict, but Belo falls short because his guests on the track out do him as he brags about his money and his style. Some low points include not one song by himself, no skits, intro, or outro, and going back and forth with being a preacher to a sinner. The Album overall is worth checking out after you get over the contradictory songs.