Back in 1997, two young rappers named Capone and Noreaga from Queens, New York dropped a Hip-Hop classic called The War Report. From there, the story gets a little hazy due to the fact of Capone getting locked up, and Noreaga going solo, and then going on a Reggaeton binge.
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But in recent years, they’ve gotten their act back together with the release of their third album last year, Channel 10 and now the sequel to The War Report with The War Report 2: Report The War.
Trying to follow up a project that’s stood the test of time can always be a daunting task, but Capone-n-Noreaga do their best not to tarnish their legacy by recruiting colleagues like The LOX, Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, Faith Evans, and some guy named Nas.
The reporting begins with the Alchemist-produced ‘Pain’ where they use the piano sample and drum loop to talk about all the wrong in the world. Scram Jones then takes control the boards for ‘Bodega Stories’ (feat. The LOX).
The tandem keeps up the bodega momentum bodega with the Raekwon-featured ‘Dutches vs. Phillies vs. Bamboo,’ as they all break down their choice of rollers over Scram Jones’ melodic and calm backdrop.
Afterwards, the Faith Evans-assisted ‘Hood Pride’ takes center stage, and has the makings of a song that can actually be played on the radio. Raekwon then returns on the horn-heavy ‘The Reserves’ (prod. by Tha Bizness), as they continue to share their organic chemistry.
Nas gives his old buddies from Queens his blessing, and lets Capone-n-Noreaga use an old verse of his on ‘With Me,’ as all three MC’s take care of business, while Buckwild mans the boards.
Showing a great deal of generosity, Capone-n-Noreaga then invite Raekwon back on The War Report 2 for a third time, but they also recruit Busta Rhymes as well for ‘The Oath.’
Their commentary then concludes with the documentary of ‘Brother From Another,’ their tribute to Tragedy Khadafi in ‘Live On, Live Long pt. 2,’ and ‘The Corner’ (feat. Avery Storm).
In the end, The War Report 2: Report The War isn’t what the original was, but it’s still a solid listen and well worth checking out; especially for any fan of CNN. Even though it doesn’t capture the magic of the album that made CNN legends in this game, taking that trip back down memory lane with them is just as good.
