Sadly no bigger album art exists, at least that I found. Many people know Stu Stone from different things, such as his roles in movies like Donnie Darko, and for being around his buddy Jamie Kennedy a lot. I know him from his role on the weekly prank call show Friday Night Cranks, sometimes appearing with Jared and Kristin Rose as his character Ralphie, a little Jewish boy, so when he put out an album, I just knew I had to hear it, and what happened? Well, let's find out, or you can just scroll down and see my score, but that would be, in the words of Ralphie the Jew, "not hella cool."The first thing that came to mind when I actually got a hold of this album was that it was going to be one I hardly enjoy due to it probably not being much at all, almost like a gimmick album, like "Remember me, guys? I made an album!" But I can tell you right now that I was wrong.
This is a hip-hop album, and unlike the majority of the current state of the genre, this has some real heart, charm, humor, and heartbreak behind it, fueled by the fact that everyone knows a guy like Stu. A guy handling problems with a smile on his face, given to him by the beauty and stupidity of life itself.
"I'mma take a shot, and I shoot to win."Stu Stone has a great sense of humor, reminiscent of Bloodhound Gang, and a surprisingly sensitive side that recalls great memories, missed chances, and hope. He'll be rapping and singing about telling a girl off, shooting down her thoughts of being special by telling her how ordinary she is, and on another, him delivering one of the most genuine love songs I've ever heard in my entire life, appropriately titled 'Love Song' about lost love, and being unable to move on from a girl. Sure, these song contrasts are at ends, but it shows two sides of Stu Stone, the funny side, and the emotional side.
His rapping voice is unique, I can't even describe it, but it just hooks you in, like you want to hear him keep rapping, like it's addictive, and when he sings, it's actually really good. It's not like he's hitting tons of notes, but the way he sings is a way you can sing along to, and that's perfect, given how happy some of the songs are. The only problem is that sometimes on a few tracks he doesn't rap as much as I want him to, and he just launches into the chorus. Still, small smudge on a golden trophy, and it's just a personal preference.
The album has a great mixture of hip-hop, electronic dance music, and simple feel-good summer songs. Great collaborations to be found with him on songs, including an actual tolerable collaboration with Joel Madden of Good Charlotte singing the chorus on a song. These beats are great, and Stu Stone doesn't disappoint with them.
He has a great natural ability to just make you smile and keep you entertained, making his songs accessible enough to be fully enjoyed on even the first listen, instead of making songs that take a while to 'click' with you. His personality fully shines on this album, and just makes himself sound like an awesome person to hang out with.
I listed a small problem a bit up there, but the biggest problem with this album doesn't even have to do with the album itself, it has to do with Stu Stone. It's a great album, not exactly perfect but great all the same, but Stu will probably take a while to record another album, if he does make another one, that is. Stu, you have to make at least one more great album. We know you have it in you after this. Don't retreat and focus on movies, focus on albums.
Whether it's serious or funny songs, this is a hidden gem, even for people who don't normally like hip-hop, because it isn't 'gangster', it isn't 'hardcore', it's a guy rapping and singing enjoyable, often humorous songs with a great charm. You shouldn't take it completely serious, he's not exactly here to change the hip-hop scene or to impress you with clever wordplay, metaphors, or anything of the sort, he's just here to entertain, and if you're not some elitist hipster douchebag, he'll do it effortlessly.
A solid 8/10
Recommended tracks: I'd Like To Know, Ordinary Girl, Phake Wit Da Phunk
