Bad Ronald are three MCs and one DJ who yearn for celebrity and the carnal pleasures that are among the perks of wealth and fame. Judging by the cool melodies, funky grooves, and singalong raps on this debut disc, they're on the right track.
Bad Ronald's self-titled offering is a party album -- nothing more, nothing less. Though the lyrics frequently slip into the seven words that you still can't say on network television and they often champion the aphrodisiac healing powers of marijuana,
Bad Ronald is far from offensive. Similar to the early recordings of
the Red Hot Chili Peppers and
Parliament/
Funkadelic, from where the group derives its inspiration in attitude and pop song structure,
Bad Ronald's hormones are raging, the riffs are relentless, and the hooks are infectious. "Lost on Tour" is a humorous rap-ska romp that recalls the silliness of
Ian Dury & the Blockheads or
the English Beat. Though a young
Prince probably would have rendered "The 1st Time" with serious seductive overtones,
Bad Ronald handles the delicate topic of virginity with comic bravado. The biggest surprise on this danceable set is "Jamie," as these funksters take an ironic stab at alternative rock before kicking out the jams with a backbeat that will levitate you off your couch. These boys just wanna have fun. Mission accomplished. ~ Tom Semioli