MUSIC REVIEWS
Paul Wall - The People's Champ
David Allun Jones
A respected Southern rapper and DJ as well as grill blinger to the stars (his clients include Lil’ Jon and TI), Paul Wall is already living the wealthy life that most young rappers rhyme fictitiously about. And now with his nationwide audience several times larger thanks to the “Still Tippin’” joint, many are calling him the highlight of the current Houston rap movement putting all kinds of pressure on his new album, The People’s Champ. But since Mike Jones’ and Slim Thug’s respective recent releases weren’t at all perfect, where will Paul Wall fall?
Paul sports more charisma than the sluggish Slim but spends just as much attention on paint dripping automobiles and diamond-encrusted teeth (he refers to it as a “disco ball” in his mouth) as Jones; still Champ trumps them both by being consistently entertaining. His flow is magnetically charming, constantly speeding up and slowing down, with the hard-hitting Southern rap soundtrack providing the perfect bump for your ride. He’s so engaging, with his strange language and laidback demeanor, that even when his rhymes go nowhere (as is often the case) he’s extremely likable.
The People’s Champ casts Paul as a sort of “Welcome To Houston” tour guide. He’s constantly teaching you about H-Town’s culture, introducing his clique and educating the listener on the screwed-and-chopped sound. The album lifts the trend of “screwing” a memorable line from an older song and then re-using it as a hook. It’s a trick that doesn’t sound all that appealing, but it hits the target every time, providing most of the album’s greater material (including the dizzying lead single “Sittin Sideways” and funny online pimping how-to “Internet Goin’ Nuts”).
What also keeps the album from ever getting dull is a strong guest list. TI, Three Six Mafia, Lil’ Wayne are just a few guest stars peppered throughout the album who keep things exciting. Even more so, because they bring their respective styles to the album which Paul easily adapts to. Three Six Mafia’s signature gruff sound bases “I’m A Playa” while the top notch Kanye West collaboration “Drive Slow” is slick and sophisticated. With all the help, though, Paul Wall still shines the best on his own, especially the obligatory romantic cut “Girl” and the final track, “Just Paul Wall” in which he offers a rare glimpse into the challenges he’s faced since childhood.
A well-done album that leaves Paul Wall room to continue to grow as an artist, The People’s Champ is definitely another highlight in the ever-so-amazing Southern rap catalogue.
