By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
The third album from Ace Hood is hands-down the most emotionally-driven album of his career. During the time between Gutta and his latest album, Ace Hood nearly lost everything. It was then when he questioned even staying in the rap game.
Following a conversation with DJ Khaled, late in 2010, Ace Hood decided it was time to re-enter the game. Early in 2011, Ace Hood proclaimed he was the Derek Jeter of hip hop. Many scoffed at those claims, but no one is mocking Mr. Hood now.
Ace Hood officially returned in February of this year with “Hustle Hard.” The song quickly became a minor hit, but the “Hustle Hard (remix)” with Rick Ross and Lil Wayne went on to become one of the biggest anthems of the year. Fans were eagerly waiting for Blood, Sweat, & Tears. The album is full of twelve, very entertaining tracks.
The downfall of Blood, Sweat, & Tears is the “Go N Get It” single. The song is definitely a good song, but it is a cheap imitation of “Hustle Hard.” Given the music Ace Hood has delivered in the past, he is much better than that. Still, the album is very entertaining, as Ace Hood did not forget his softer side with such songs on the album, such as “Body 2 Body,” “Letter to My Ex’s,” “Beautiful,” and “Spoke to My Momma.”
While it is not the best album of the year, Ace Hood’s emBlood, Sweat, amp; Tears/em is far from the worst album of the year. More than anything, the album shows Ace Hood’s growth, as a man, as opposed to his growth as a lyricist. Given the profile of his singles, this album is expected to fare better, commercially, than his previous albums.
Hip Hop Vibe’s Rating: 6/10
