Following
Big Tymers'
Hood Rich on up the charts,
Lil Wayne's third album tries to trump the big Cash Money hit by ex-labelmate
Juvenile (
400 Degreez). With the smooth, laid-back productions of
Mannie Fresh leading the way for
Wayne's drawling delivery,
500 Degreez does just that. Yes, it's a little top-heavy, but the highlights come quickly, with the leadoff (after the intro) "Look at Me" sporting a freakfest vibe along with
Fresh's top-flight beats. The whole album's powered by the infectious party hit "Way of Life," building on the rocksteady rhythm of
Eric B. & Rakim's "Paid in Full." Even better is "Gangsta Shit," a synth-heavy roller with
Petey Pablo besting even
Wayne himself on the mic. ~ John Bush