State Property  (Audio CD) 

STATE PROPERTY, the soundtrack to the Beanie Sigel gangsta movie vehicle, follows in the tradition of such gritty collections as Bobby Womack's ACROSS 110TH STREET and Curtis Mayfield's SUPERFLY in its dissection of thug life as it is lived in 21st century urban America. In particular there are several self-conscious nods in the direction of Mayfield's masterpiece, especially on the wah-wah heavy "No Glory" and the heavily atmospheric "Bitch Niggas," while "Why Must I" features quotes from George Clinton's "Atomic Dog" in its no-frills exposition of thug motivation. Sigel is heavily featured throughout, lending his authentic thug persona to tracks such as the valedictory "Trouble Man" (not the Marvin Gaye song), and the autobiographical "Hood I Know," where, joined by fellow thugs Freeway, Young Chris, Sparks, and Oschino, he runs down his character's life in a chillingly matter-of-fact style. There's little relief in this unrelentingly bleak soundscape, though the '70s references in the musical backing win a few points for easing the general melancholy.