Trick Daddy - Thug Matrimony [CD]

Considering that he's a thug rapper, it's pretty amazing that Trick Daddy has established himself so well into the hip-hop mainstream and maintained every bit of street credibility he had since his debut. Perhaps this is because behind is gruff appearance and aggressive lyrics there is a guy who is quite likeable, a family man who raps about community, uplifting family life and other positives as much as he talks about the street life. In other words, Trick isn't into the facades and masquerades that most gangsta rappers adopt; he's a real person who speaks on any issue that is personal to him.

That is a part of the reason why Thug Matrimony: Married to the Streets is such an entertaining album: whatever Trick raps about, he keeps his audience's attention. With every album, Trick has become a more precise and likeable figure. Thug Matrimony is another big step for him, with his ever-amusing lyrics backed by quality production from beginning to end.

The first single from the album, "Let's Go," has become the most popular sports anthem of the year. With loud, arena-rock guitars from an Ozzy Osbourne sample, acerbic verses from Trick and Twista, and a typically catchy chorus from Lil Jon, this jam has been in rotation at every NFL game this season. "F**kin' Around," featuring Young Jeezy, Kase 1 and T.I., also has wicked verses.

Cee-Lo and Ludacris appear on "Sugar (Gimme Some)," another song that has serious hit potential. Following the formula from Trick's previous hit with Cee-Lo, "In Da Wind" from the Thug Holiday, "Sugar" brings in smoothed-out bass thumps and light guitars in the production alongside Cee-Lo's mellow crooning on the chorus. "4 Eva," produced by Jazze Pha, offers a reworking of Smokey Robinson's "Cruisin,'" and "Ain't A Thug" gives an interpolation of New Edition's "If It Isn't Love."

One familiar quote for Trick Daddy fans is his catch phrase, "Trick love da kids." His love shows here in his two inspirational songs directed at the youth. While "The Children's Song" may be a bit overboard, "I Wanna Sang" is commendable for its encouraging message about hard work and ambition.

Love him or hate him for being the thug he is, Trick Daddy is not going anywhere. Thug Matrimony proves that he's not just married to the streets, but also to the rap game. With albums like Thug Matrimony to his credit, Trick will always be welcomed in both areas.

By Aaron Ellis