Fully Loaded

by Jo-Ann GreeneSpragga Benz pulls no punches, and Fully Loaded throws the listener against the wall, takes aim, and opens fire, peppering the air with almost two dozen cuts. The album kicks off with "Praise," a song of thanks to God and life; praise for his Mac 10 is saved for the following track, "Badman Anthem," a calvacade of bullets and the sweet vocals of Sugar Slick; later "Peace" receives homage. It's these seeming contradictions that make Benz' raps so fascinating, and as he explains on the CD's sleeve, the DJ is "attempting to maintain the balance that makes me human, not a Saint, nor a Devil." The balance is upset, though, by the album's heavy tilt towards sex. He seduces Lady Saw on "Buckshot," unites with Foxy Brown for "Too Stoosh," and proves himself such a "Pum Pum Conqueror" that the poor object of his affections can only shout out "Mur-Da-Rah." The lewdest cut of all, "Harder," is also the most infectious; equally catchy is "Wi Nuh Inna Dhat," a flagrant attack on homosexuals. It does seem that Benz deliberately saves his most controversial raps for the best rhythms. On a more politically acceptable note comes "Sex Abuse," a warning to men to make sure their bed partners are legally old enough to be there. That track and "Sleep With Angels" almost single handedly sere of the critics, the latter a gorgeous and atmospheric remembrance of the dead that effortlessly slips from personal friends to cultural icons, a masterful homage. Benz certainly has his critics, but no-one can fault his eloquence.