Bashtown

Recording information: Cold Chamber Studios, Houston, TX; The Beachwood Bangers; The Cold Chamber Studio, Houston, TX.
Photographer: Adrian Sydney.
Getting his game tight after the disappointing Cyclone, Bashtown finds rapper Baby Bash delivering the same ultra-smooth swagger music that characterizes his best work, with rock-solid hooks and clever boasting ruling the show. Jump right to the simple highlight "Hit Me If You Miss Me" ("She sent me smiley faces/'Bout the time we spent in Vegas") for a taste of Bash rapping the "ladies number" like he's a cool breeze, then stick around for the dramatic "Kick Rocks" as he convincingly performs a cut from outside his comfort zone, thanks to some strong second-line support. In this case, it's crooner Michaël and beatmaker Steve Dang, while elsewhere it's everyone from horrorcore hero Krizz Kaliko to the Bay Area's slang king E-40, with the latter shining on the hyphy hit "Go Girl." As far as production, Dang is joined by C-Ballin and Bash's frequent collaborator, Happy Perez. With all the elements in place, Bash shines, making Bashtown his best effort since his major-label debut, Tha Smokin' Nephew. ~ David Jeffries