It has been a decade since these two east coast rapper collaborated on 1999's Blackout! And in the time since they have released a movie (How High), starred in a sitcom (thanks Fox), and dropped other albums individually along the way. Now, they are back together and have released Blackout! 2 (catchy title, huh). And although ten years have passed, the two still play off each other in the same manner: lots of cultural references (even Zohan is name checked), jokes and puns, and songs about their favorite (ahem) plant (the excellent "Dis Iz 4 All My Smokers"). Redman's efforts on this release were to be expected as he has stayed the same (more or less) rapper throughout his career but Method Man was coming off a very impressive showing (Wu Tang's 8 Diagrams) that reminded listeners of the Meth of yesteryear. And together the two don't disappoint. But they don't really impress either. This release is little more than a nice party album which showcases the two charismatic rappers. What is upsetting is their attempts to "update" their sound with the use of T-Pain-esque hooks (provided by Poo Bear (?!) on "I Know Sumptn") as well as tunes which seemed produced for no other reason than single/club use ("A-Yo"). But when the two are on, they are indeed on (just check the short but braggadocious "Dangerous MCees") and prove how they have been able to stay around an ever-changing genre for the past two decades. The album's true highlight comes in the form of the southern-rap inspired "City Lights". With a beat provided by Norwegian DJ Nasty Kutt (that's right, Norwegian infused southern rap) and the appearance of UGK's Bun B, the song comes together flawlessly and hits on all cylinders (with Bun B outshining the two stars as he flows in and out of the beat like a true southern rap legend). Even Wu legends Raekwon and Ghostface guest ("Four Minutes to Lock Down") but the song sounds like a unused track from the W era (with Redman, as usual, sounding completely out of place amongst Wu-Tang). Ten years might have elapsed but listening to Blackout! 2 wouldn't suggest that. Although not going to set any new standards for either of the album's stars (as the album is very up and down), it is nonetheless worth checking out for fans new and old alike.
3.3/5.0
Standout tracks: "City Lights" "Dangerous MCees" "Dis Iz 4 All My Smokers"
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