Full of references to cannibalism, 1994's controversial and unique
Season of Da Siccness sent shock waves through hip-hop's underground and gave
Brotha Lynch Hung a small cult following. But when the controversial Sacramento rapper's third album,
Loaded, soared to the top of the urban charts, it was clear that he had become a major star in rap, much more than a cult figure. Some hip-hoppers wondered if
Lynch would continue to portray "The Ripgut Cannibal" on CD, but
Loaded isn't nearly as gruesome or as shocking as its predecessor. Gone were the references to cannibalism, and the album's sexually explicit lyrics and references to inner-city violence and marijuana smoking aren't anything out of the ordinary by gangsta rap standards. What really makes this uneven but enjoyable CD noteworthy is
Lynch's impressive technique -- the
Spice 1-influenced rapper delivers one tricky, difficult tongue-twister after another.
Season of Da Siccness remains
Lynch's best album, but
Loaded definitely has its pleasures. ~ Alex Henderson