ALBUM REVIEW: WAKA FLOCKA FLAME/ FLOCKAVELI/ 1017 BRICK SQUAD/ ASYLUM/ WARNER BROS.

Sometimes all you need is the right beat, and a catchy hook to propel you to stardom. Waka Flocka Flame is a prime example of what happens when you use the correct formula to make a name for yourself, oh yeah, and being cool with Gucci Mane, doesn't hurt either. When Waka released his keyboard-driven first single "O' Lets Do It" last spring, the song got so much buzz even rap vets Diddy and Rick Ro$$ jumped aboard to add their bravado to the young upstart from Atlanta, for the remix to the catchy single. Fast forward to October and Flocka is still i the driver's seat, ready to run down any nay-sayers that think his 15 minutes is up. The Pac-inspired title to his debut, Flockaveli, has already got the industry and fans attention since the title was annouced over the summer. Unfortunately, after a few spins of Flockaveli, the listener will be hit with a barrage of filler tracks and unispired rhymes. Flocka Flame's subject matter sticks to the script (i.e. Guns, Drugs, and Women) and in return, that's what hurts this album the most. The majority of the production is helmed by up- and -coming-producer, Lex Luger (Rick Ro$$' "B.M.F." and "MC Hammer") While the 808's are sure to blow the trunk off your car, the lyrics that are placed on top of them just makes a waste of a good beat. The only gems on this ablum is the singles. The second single-"Hard In Da Paint" and the Roscoe Dash and Wale-assisted "No Hands" are the only strong points. The somber "Fuck Dis Industry" is a departure from the tough-guy-persona that Waka displays throughout, but even that song sounds forced. Hopefully next go 'round, Waka can expand his subject matter and stop being so one-dimensional when it comes to lyrics. The right beat and catchy hook maybe good enough to get your foot in the door, but the right album maybe the difference between getting one foot in the door and getting both feet in. I rate this 2.5/5