When a rap CD is co-produced by Chris Stokes (known for his work with
Shanice Wilson and
Bell Biv DeVoe, among others), features members of IMx (formerly Immature), and lists
Randy Jackson as one of its executive producers, you tend to assume that it's a rap CD with a lot of R&B/pop appeal. And, to be sure, Los Angeles rapper
RaRa's debut album,
Holla at Me, does make R&B/pop elements a high priority. Although
RaRa's rapping dominates the tunes, urban contemporary singing is often used as an embellishment. But for all its slickness and R&B/pop appeal,
Holla at Me is far from lightweight.
RaRa has solid rhyming skills, and his rapid-fire performances on tracks like "Feel RaRa" and "Playaz & Hustlaz" make it clear that the Angelino has a lot of technique. The guests that
RaRa features range from the members of IMx to female rapper Mila J, who was only 16 when this album came out in 2000 and demonstrates that she has a knack for quirky tongue twisters. None of the material is fantastic, but all of it is catchy and competent and lets you know that
RaRa has potential. ~ Alex Henderson