'Black Rob's posthumous album, 'Life Story 2,' is a fitting and worthy final curtain call for the one-time "Bad Boy for life." Released after his untimely passing on April 17, 2021, Black Rob's album showcases his enduring talent despite years of battling serious health problems. HipHopDX gives the album a rating of 4.1 out of 5, highlighting its strong quality. The community has also shown appreciation, with many giving it a perfect 5/5 rating. 'Life Story 2' stands as a testament to Black Rob's resilience and leaves a lasting impression on listeners, solidifying his legacy in the hip-hop world.'
The music industry mourns the sudden loss of Black Rob, once known as the "Bad Boy for life," whose journey concluded on April 17, 2021. The rapper's passing was attributed to cardiac arrest, which he experienced after battling serious health complications for years. Since 2013, when Black Rob suffered a stroke, his health had been a constant challenge, marked by multiple subsequent strokes leading up to his untimely death. This news serves as a reminder of the personal struggles endured by artists behind the music, and it shines a light on the importance of addressing and supporting overall health and well-being in the entertainment industry. Black Rob's legacy as a talented artist will undoubtedly live on even as his physical journey has come to a close.
Overall, the project carries a beautiful sense of nostalgia, taking listeners back to the golden era of Bad Boy Entertainment. It successfully captures the essence of what made their previous works so captivating. Fans of Black Rob will be delighted by the clever callbacks throughout the album, including a sequel to the beloved track "I Love You Baby." Additionally, the surprise appearance of D-Dot's alter ego, The Mad Rapper, brings a welcomed and unexpectedly powerful collaboration. While it may not include any of the iconic skits that defined their earlier releases, "Come One, Come All" still resonates deeply with older hip-hop enthusiasts and die-hard fans who were immersed in the '90s mixtape circuit. It is a testament to the timeless appeal of Black Rob's artistry and serves as a reminder of the influential era in which he thrived
.As expected from a project handled by The Hitmen, there are some tracks on the album that veer towards aimless party jams. Examples include "Shake It" featuring Rhea with its Kleeer sample, as well as "On My Own" featuring Nakkia Gold, which has a dancehall vibe. Similarly, "Bacardi" featuring Kali Ranks and "Get It, Get It" featuring Kid Capri border between filler and potential hits, lacking the strong impact that the standout tracks possess. While these songs are not necessarily bad, they may not have the lasting appeal that the album's standout tracks command. After the initial listen, it becomes evident that there is a distinction between the stronger and weaker parts of the album.
Despite Bad Boy's reputation for expert album sequencing under D-Dot's guidance, the label was primarily known for producing hit songs. While Black Rob's debut is undeniably a great album, it is often the case that younger or casual fans unfairly reduce his career to his association with Diddy, the hit single "Whoa," or his memorable feature on Diddy's "Bad Boys For Life." However, Black Rob's artistry goes beyond these associations, and his final release serves as an emphatic statement to solidify his discography. His closest collaborators have done a remarkable job in ensuring that his talent and legacy are showcased in the best possible way, giving his fans an exceptional culmination of his musical journey.
