By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
After being released from prison, Saigon returned to the streets of New York. Before going to prison, he was one of the major street thugs. Once he returned to the streets, however, Saigon shifted his focus to being a positive influence.
Saigon rose to become one of the top mixtape rappers in the New York area. Along with 50 Cent, he was one of the most-hyped underground rappers in the game. Saigon and 50 Cent formed a friendship that almost landed him with G-Unit.
One year later, Saigon seemingly got his big break when Just Blaze signed him. Soon, Just Blaze helped him land a deal with Atlantic Records. At the time, it appeared to be a blessing, but it ended up being years of torture. His debut album, The Greatest Story Never Told, was due for release in 2005.
Following six years of frustration, Saigon and Just Blaze were able to leave the label. Soon, Saigon had another deal on the table with Suburban Noize Records. Back on the independent scene, Saigon had no trouble landing a secure release date. Six years of anticipation boiled down to days and, last month, Saigon finally released his album. Unlike most hardcore hip hop albums, Saigon is actually sending out a positive message.
On The Greatest Story Never Told, Saigon raps as a man who has actually been a gangbanger. He was one of the toughest of them all. However, Sai learned his lesson when he ended up behind bars. Now, his aim is to educate young men, and women for that matter. Saigon wants to show them there is so much more to life than living the street life. During his younger years, Saigon lived the street life and it got him nowhere, he tells his story without preaching, which makes it all the more better.
While giving a positive message, Saigon also has one of the wittiest flows hip hop has seen in years. Saigon is easily one of the best rappers in the game on a lyrical level. For years, he has been telling his story and it is finally official. The Greatest Story Never Told is the first album of its kind and will definitely go down in history as a classic. Most rappers are afraid to go out and do what Saigon has done, go out and rap about something positive.
Such songs as “The Color Purple” and “Better Way” are songs to check out from the album.
Hip Hop Vibe’s Review: 9/10
