Subtract "Laffy Taffy," one of several outrageously sleazy dance-rap singles that inspired revelry as often as contempt during the early 2000s -- depending on listeners' tolerance for cleverly produced tracks with sharp hooks and crude sexual euphemisms -- and
D4L's
Down for Life wouldn't be much of a story. "Laffy Taffy" eventually became the most downloaded song, hit the top of the Billboard chart, and helped prove that the single was back (if not in the physical sense), especially since its success didn't translate to spectacular album sales. Most listeners heard it as a novelty track, as it came out of nowhere with freaky vocals and minimal backing à la
Ying Yang Twins' "Wait (The Whisper Song)." Though its rhymes are far lewder than those of
50 Cent's "Candy Shop," the song's simplistic hook is the real hook. A similar production sensibility holds throughout the remainder of this Atlanta group's Atlantic-distributed debut. Apart from a couple clever tracks where the MCing is of little consequence (generic rhymes about making money, busting caps, and busting other things), a lasting impression is not made.
T.I. and
Young Jeezy they are not; but give them some credit for coming up with one of the most enjoyed and talked-about singles of late 2005 and early 2006. ~ Andy Kellman