Trina: Still Da Baddest

Respect is a hard thing to come by for a female M.C. but Trina makes for a worthy exception to the rule. Not only does she ooze sex appeal but her prowess for microphone seduction is only rivaled by that of Lil’ Kim. However, three albums in, Trina has yet to reach the pinnacle of success and after once being the flagship of Slip-n-Slide records, other artists (via joint ventures) like Rick Ross and Plies have, seemingly, moved to the forefront. Albeit personal matters have played a role in her departure from the rap game, Trina is back with a new album and one thing’s for sure. Not only is she back but she’s out to prove, once and for all, that she’s Still Da Baddest.

Now, I’m not one for reading into things but a lot can be said about a CD when a label puts it out there with little to no promotion behind it. Maybe they feel that because the artist is a brand name that it will sell? Or, maybe they just don’t have faith in it do well at all? Whatever the case, labels like Def Jam have come under fire for not supporting their artists and with this recent release from Trina, I think other labels are starting to follow that trend. Don’t get me wrong, Trina is very marketable as an artist because her reliance on raunchy raps is what sells records. Point blank, sex sells and in this vast media market of ours, sex on wax has become a norm. Does it make it ok? No, I wouldn’t argue for or against it because of the fact that we’re all entitled to free speech but my whole problem is centered around quality. If the music is bullshit, then you can say all the nasty stuff you want but who’s gonna care? You see my point? Unfortunately, Trina probably would not but I wouldn’t blame her either. This image of hers would not allow her to but turnabout is only fair play. That being said, Still Da Baddest is a pathetic, crossover attempt at still being relevant so instead of wasting your hard earned money, save yourself the headache and download the shit if you want it that bad.

I realize I may come off a little harsh with this review but I’m just fed up with people recording a bunch of bullshit and calling it hip-hop. Not to take anything away from Trina because, deep down, I’ve loved Trina from day one but there comes a point where an artist has to grow and, unfortunately, Trina has been the same SINCE day one. Again, it all goes back to image but you would think an artist would show a little bit a growth from project to project. Maybe Trina has some characteristic flaw that doesn’t allow her to, I don’t know, but there’s not one good thing to say about this CD. By far, I would estimate that it will be a commercial disappointment but you never know. People respond to ignorant shit like this but, luckily, we all don’t think the same way. …And thank God for that.

Rating: 2.0 headphones out of 10