Review By: Marissa J. Lonardo AKA MJ

Artist: Bugsy
Genre: Hip-Hop
Album Title: Black Sheep

Artists Stats: This Cali native isn’t a stranger to struggles; he grew up in a hard section of Los Angeles. But through his sheer talent Bugsy was able to attend the famed L.A Performing Arts School where he studied music and piano. However he was unable to continue with his training due to unforseen issues. Bugsy ended up spending almost two years in a Juvenile Detention Center. He used that time to develop his craft, always thinking, writing and dreaming up his plans. Some of Bugsy’s influences include Eazy-E, Tupac Shakur, E-40, Biggie, Mack 10, Heavy-D, Slick Rick, and MC Lyte. Bugsy says he will continue to pay his dues before he can truly succeed in his own eyes and hopes people learn something from his music, whether its love, politics or expression. Bugsy named his album “Black Sheep” because he always felt like the outcast in his family.

Album Assessment: This 12 track album is really an enjoyable piece of Cali Hip-Hop art at its finest. A fresh concise work that is steady the whole way through. Bugsy’s has a gritty voice that does remind you a bit of Tupac, really because of his flow. Every song on the album does have a good beat with a sped up sample or a nice flow, either way this offering won’t disappoint. Stand out songs include, “It’s Going Down Tonight,” a charming track that the ladies will definitely enjoy. “The End” is a chilling fictional story track of the demise of Bugsy, which will have you tripping about your own life. Songs like “A Soldiers Life” and “You Fly” are both filled with honest story portrayals. The song “S.A.M” the introduction track has a great message coupled with Bugsy’s flair to use his flow and voice in a unique unfaltering way. This album is truly better than good and an added bonus is the tracks were all written by Bugsy and he even shares Producer or Co-Producer Credits on almost every song. Another great touch is that every song is written out in the CD booklet, so you can rap along, and trust me you will. Overall, there aren’t really any bad songs on the album.