For his first true solo album,
Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live,
Lil Scrappy works not only with
Lil Jon, who'd produced him previously, but also with
50 Cent, who is listed as co-executive producer. There are surprisingly few
G-Unit features on
Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live, though, as
50 himself only raps on one song, "Nigga, What's Up," while
Young Buck and
Olivia are featured on "Money in the Bank (Remix)" and "G-Shit," respectively. On the other hand,
Lil Jon leaves a noticeable impression, producing several of the album's best songs, including the raucous lead single, "Gangsta, Gangsta," and the unlisted bonus track, featuring
E-40. Other highlights are productions by
Eminem ("Lord Have Mercy"),
Three 6 Mafia ("Posted in the Club"), and
Jazze Pha ("Touching Everything").
Lil Scrappy hasn't mellowed out too much since his debut two years prior, but on a few songs, namely "Livin in the Projects" and "Lord Have Mercy," he reveals a thoughtful, heartfelt side of his persona. These moments are refreshing amid all of the crunk. They're also glimmers of maturity that bode well for
Scrappy's future. Granted, his rhymes aren't as dexterous or complex as one might hope, but
Scrappy is undoubtedly a gifted young man with a good head on his shoulders. It's exciting to hear this prospective superstar grow into his own on
Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live, which is a respectable step forward from his 2004 split album with
Trillville. ~ Jason Birchmeier