The past few years have not been easy for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based rapper Cassidy. In early 2006, he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated assault. After his subsequent release from prison, Cassidy looked to have a bright future, which is not to say the least. Only months after his release he was involved in a serious car accident that fractured his skull. Fortunately, not even a year later, Cassidy’s third solo album, B.A.R.S. Barry Adrian Reese Story. Will Cassidy’s story help propel him into the limelight?
The first one is the deposition of the B.A.R.S. Barry Adrian Reese Story is an infectious bachelor staff My Drink N My 2 Step. The song is produced and features guest appearances by Swizz Beatz. The song is undeniably catchy and the score is quite infectious and repetitive. Cassidy just brought the finished song to the urban market.
The second single off the album is the up-tempo Cash Rulez produced by Hi-Tek and Eva and Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony. The song is based on the famous BIG single Notorious Strikers and the classic line from Wu-Tang Clan C.R.E.A.M. The song is a mid-tempo track featuring crazy fast lyrics. It’s not exactly easy to keep up with Os-Thugs-N-Harmony’s vocal speed but Cassidy holds his own. The song is solid, but not overpowering.
On the day of Innocent Man, Cassidy joined R&B; singer Mark Morrison. The song borrows heavily from the single Innocent Man by Mark Morrison that features DMX. In the song, he talks about his time in prison and what he plans to do at this point in his life. Mark Morrison adds a lot of solid which makes for a very solid track overall.
On Celebrate, Cassidy joined John Legend on the Kanye West and Devo Springsteen-produced track. The song is a solid mid tempo soul inspired track. The song features strong verses from Cassidy and a solid chorus from John Legend. He tries to emphasize himself in the song, but it just falls a little flat in that category.
Damn I Miss Game is a strong slightly up-tempo track. The song features very solid verses from Cassidy’s early memories of hip hop. Cassidy shows the song in a different light than you might expect from him. The song is definitely one of the strongest tracks on the album.
Take the Threesome features R&B; vocalist Mashonda and production by her husband Swizz Beatz. The track is one of the most commercially viable tracks on the album. A very solid song.
Cassidy came up with the track all by himself. The song shows that Cassidy has the potential to be a solid producer as well as a solid rapper.
B.A.R.S. The Barry Adrian Reese Story is a mixed album. The album features some standout tracks, the rest of the album just isn’t up to par. Cassidy is a very talented rapper, but it just seems like he hasn’t found an angle other than being an expert at punch lines. Overall, B.A.R.S. The Barry Adrian Reese Story gets 7 out of 10 stars. If you’re a Cassidy fan, make sure to check out B.A.R.S. The Barry Adrian Reese Storyis in stores on November 6th.
