Lil’ Flip

“I Need Mine” (Sony)

Sounds like: T.I., Too Short

REVIEW: 1.5 / 5

In short: Lil’ Flip is the kind of drivel one can only appreciate if you’re in the club and/or severly hammered.

You should be concerned when someone who’s attempting to be menacing is prefaced with word “Lil’.” People who self-diminute themselves don’t earn much respect from me. It’s safe to assume that Lil’ Flip isn’t riding in a black-on-black Bentley, more like a tricked-out Barbie Super FunTime Extreme Princess Jeep.

What’s on the album is contrived but catchy. “I’m A Baller” is a standout, although standard fare, with lyrics taken from a “my first rap” book. In form with the rest of the album, however, it is infectious. I kept my mind open throughout all of “I Need Mine,” hoping that somewhere on the album there would be something more than what became – “Everything You’ve Ever Heard Before: The Album.”

One could argue Lil’ Flip isn’t to be enjoyed in sober state. It’s true: In some cases drinking your body weight in Colt 45 may gauge an album’s effectiveness. I, unfortunately, didn’t have the means to perform such a task – O’Douls is the only beer on tap here at the Daily. Lame.

“I Need Mine” isn’t god-awful, it’s just that there is so much more you could spend your time on. For those who already stay glued to every showing of 106 and Park, I’m not going to change your mind, and you probably already want Lil’ Flip’s babies (lil’ Lil’ Flip’s). Creativity is killing pop radio rap today, and “I Need Mine” isn’t its saving grace.

– Rob Lombardi