ALBUM REVIEW: Eve - Scorpion

 In the same years of Eurodance and Aaliyah comes an album that seemed forgotten in the mix. Scorpion was the anticipated sophomore album from Eve. It is often the sophomore album that can make or break an artist. There's a reason some call out artists for having "sophomore slumps". Eve's sophomore effort was actually a resounding success. It created her biggest chart topping track, along with earning accolades of replacing the missing spot of Lauryn Hill. 

Heavily collaborative, it includes DMX (her career mentor), Gwen Stefani, and even Teena Marie being featured. 

We are going to not really discuss the first track. It is an 18 second intro introducing you to the album, which from the only phrase in it, will definitely be flexing.

The first real track "Cowboy", definitely has some pop influence to the beats. Makes the beats an easier listen. It discusses her rise to fame and her own hard work.

"Who's That Girl" has some latin-beat influences mixed with the music. A melodic chorus mixed in while she lets people know she is back.

"Let Me Blow Ya Mind" is Eve's most recognizable track. I always think of Notorious B.I.G's "Hypnotize" as both seem to flex their ability as artists and also to get stuck in your head.

3 Way is an interlude skit impersonating a phone call. 

The transition to "You Had Me, You Lost Me" from the interlude was fantastic. Creates a transition to a new storyline, not just flexing her abilities but her own relationships. I think it has better flow than the first two tracks.

To be honest, "Got What You Need" is just annoying. This happens sometimes when you get a rather mismatched collaborator, which I think "Drag-On" is. His part definitely does what his name suggests.

"Frontin" is another skit, makes me wonder why this album now has 2 interludes.

We now get to something we don't always get modern wise: big name female rappers working together instead of fighting. "Gangsta Bitches" includes Trina and Da Brat. Of course Eve and Foxy Brown have had a long time feud, it is nice to see them not ALL feuding.

"That's What It Is" sounds good but the Styles drop is just not appealing. I think having someone else flex you in third person takes away from the ability for the listener to insert themselves into their own flexing story. 

I don't think I like the concept of "Scream Double R". Eve sounds like a feature on her own song. 

"Thug in the Street" has a better flow with the collaborators than other tracks. Stands up stronger.

"No, No, No" includes two Marley children. The song actually has a way nicer vibe to it. Very easy to listen to. I was expecting something worse.

"You Ain't Gettin None" has some nice melodic parts but the rap feels a little disjointed from the music.

"Life is So Hard" is a nice change of pace. Rather than flexing, it turns to God. It is a thank you for the blessings she has received.

The album closes with "Be Me", which almost reminds me of a Destiny's Child type of beat. Not bad track at all. Feels like a strange closer. I think the last track would've left a better closing impression.

LYRICS: 7/10 - If you like these sort of lyrics, they're not at all bad or off of brand. Some are even catchy.

MUSIC: 5/10 - I think the music is sometimes the downfall. I admire Eve's ambitious beats and some of them are very cool and different for rap artists, but sometimes she struggled to keep the flow together. 

Overall: 6/10 - By no means a bad rap album. Give it a listen if you like more hip-hop leaning rap. This would be great for parties and just jamming with your friends. It has just enough pop flare to it I think it is accessible to most. More comparable to what Megan Thee Stallion does today, with a little less attitude. Eve has a nice singing voice as well.