Besides the "Best of" album, Acid Rain, this is the first Esham CD that I've picked up. And I was pleasantly surprised!

True, not every song does it for me, but there are twenty songs, so I dealt with it. But this album truly shows why Esham has stayed strong in rap for 17 or more years. And don't listen to the people who try to say that he is just whining or doesn't have the right to claim acid rap as his own, because he was the first, way back in 1988. If it weren't for Esham, there would be no Eminem, Kid Rock, or more importantly, the Insane Clown Posse. This CD certainly shows why.

And while Esham is still rapping about killing, it is obvious that he has Repentance in mind. This is obviously the product of a man who has been doing what he's been doing for 17 years, and is looking back over his career, and has some regrets. As nearly everyone does once the glow of adolescence is gone, Esham is left wondering if what he has done is right, has complaints in regards to how the world has treated him, and questions for God concerning why this "world is so cold," as he says on Back in Da Day.

There are also some solid songs that would sound just right blaring out of your car speakers as you're rolling down the street. Like the two singles Woo Woo Woo Woo, and Pay w/the legendary Bone Thugs. As well as some good love songs like Mommy, or the R&B-sounding All Of My Life.

Also, it's true, there is a lot of bitterness implicitly and explicitly. It's understandable why Esham is angry at Eminem and Kid Rock, while they made money off of his ideas, as the industry just dumped on him, but there is more than one song that includes outright and subtle digs on either of them. Which could get old if you can't empathize with his complaints.

There are some interesting political comments, as well. On the first song he mentions George Bush in a not-so-friendly light, and has an inspirational anti-war-protest song called No War at the end. Which interestingly has Jumpsteady (Violent J of ICP's brother) telling a story about his time in Desert Storm. As someone who agrees with Esham, I enjoyed it, but some might be offended.

There's not much more to say. If you enjoy acid/horrorcore rap, or just plain old gangster rap, you'll most likely enjoy this CD. If you're easily offended, definitely, don't bother. If you like ICP, check this out. If you hate them, and like rap, try it anyway. Esham's Repentence is basically a flat out solid rap CD that any rap enthusiast should take a listen to.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving