No Security

Although it may look like the return of the Lox, No Security truly is a D-Block album. Lox/D-Block members Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, and Styles P are primarily labelheads or crew leaders here, something that might disappoint those thinking this is a proper group effort. Seeing as how the D-Block crew has over 30 affiliates, the too-much-posse problem is an issue, but on a compilation level, there's an unexpected, unified feel with street life and victory being the main themes. "Get That Paper" is the album's motivational thug message in a nutshell, and like most tracks, it's more pimp than player (major exception being "Get Ya Bounce On" featuring "Chicken Noodle Soup" man Webstar). Fans finding Jadakiss' solo career a bit too slick will find these cold, hard surroundings welcome, but he's only on a handful of tracks, leaving much of the dirty work to Louch and P. Important names to mention off the long list of credits include Beanie Sigel — a welcome addition to the opening "So Much Trouble" — and producer Pete Rock who helms the ominous remix of "Like That Y'All." Even if the trio takes over much more of the album's artwork than they do the album's music, this fringe, almost-mixtape release is an easy recommendation for the D-Block faithful.