When Lunatic released their first and only album "Mauvais Oeil" on 45 Scientific records in 2000, it became an instant classic. Artistic differences and business decisions led to a break up, and when Booba left the label to start his own business venture, Ali showed loyalty to the label which skyrocketed them into legendstatus in the French rap scene.
Booba did however release another solo album for the label before leaving, while it was remarkable quiet around Ali. Booba released his second solo album earlier this year and did a 180 degrees from his former style. While he still showed definite skills on the album, it wasn't the same MC we heard with Lunatic.
Ali still is the same introspective, well spoken MC we heard on Mauvais Oeil. He still is the same MC who drops gems on grimey and dark beats, and this album proves he still is one of the most skilled rappers. On 'Golden Boy' Ali raps "Golden Boy veut briller quitte à briser ses potes, le soleil ne suffit plus sous la lumière des spots, Golden Boy a oublié que l'air et l'eau plus que l'or sont précieux, la Terre n'est qu'une étape, l áu-delà pour cap."
The whole album is stacked with lyrical tour de forces like this. With half of the beats delivered by 45 Scientific in-house producer Géraldo, and the other half by Fred Dudouet this albums sound breathes the atmosphere Ali speaks on. It's a great piece of work and altough it won't gather the same commercial succes Booba's last album has, it will be a critical acclaimed album which should please most of the Lunatic fans of old.
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