Crunk ain't dead. At least that's what Atlanta's Crime Mob would have you believe on their latest record, Hated on Mostly. A more modest example of current Southern hip-hop, Crime Mob makes no attempt to challenge the listener and instead focuses on letting your new sound system bump.
A subdued (even dark) album, Hated on Mostly stays true to the dominant model of Atlanta crunk, while throwing in a little mix of mid-tempo joints akin to Memphis's Three 6 Mafia. All the trademarks are evident: 808 kits, hand claps, finger snaps and simple yet hypnotic synth lines over chants and shouts. The biggest difference between this album and the self-titled debut is a much cleaner sound, aided by six different producers from Doc Jam on "Circles" and Lil' Jay on "Rock Yo Hips" to the Crunk Ambassador himself, Lil' Jon.
As expected, not much is explored lyrically. On "2nd Look", MCs MIG, CycoBlack, Princess and Diamond challenge the listener to give them a double take in the club, claiming they can "read you like a comic book." If you're looking for groundbreaking material, you're in the wrong place. Crime Mob holds no reservations in making music strictly for throwing 'bows, snapping fingers and walking it out.
