Rugged N' Raw - Truth Serum

"Truth Serum" is an excellent underground release from 08' that comes to us courtesy of the multi-talented Rugged N' Raw. A cat that is a renowned beatsmith, a versatile, conscious emcee and a focused song maker.....Highly known for winning a plethora of different beat and emcee battles Rugged is a clutch performer and due to his natural abilities he's had the opportunity of sharing the stage with some of the underground's undisputed royalty, the likes of Pharoahe Monch, Immortal Technique, Grandmaster Caz, C Rayz Walz, Eyedea & Abilities, Akir, 5 Ft. of Black Moon, Poison Pen and Mr. Lif just to name a few.

Rugged's raw delivery and uncut boasting style of lyricism harkens back to the glory days of rap and he's a unique mixture of elements....his personal style says rap nerd while his lyrical posturings exclaim the street. I found his best work to be "Drama", where he sort of morphs in and out of sounding like Joell Ortiz. "Truth Serum" is an engaging oratory listen, but doesn't spare or insulate you from of the rawer musings of Hip-Hop that so many of us love. This is a great effort from an acomplished and worthy double threat artist.

Be sure to peep the hardcore braggadocio of "The Ultimate", the ill beat workings of "Life's Purpose" and the man needs woman ballad of "Love Man".

-BIG D O









01. Truth Serum Preface
02. Smashmouth Music
03. Drama
04. I'm Broke & Proud feat. Hasan Salaam
05. All The Way
06. What A Night
07. That's What It Is feat. HiCoup
08. Life's Purpose
09. New Life
10. The Ultimate
11. Love Man
12. NY To NC feat. URL
13. Locked Away feat. Homeboy Sandman
14. I'll Stay
15. I Can't Take It

http://rapidshare.com/files/165825246/Rugged_N_Raw-Truth_Serum-2008-FTD.rar