A significant step up from their debut,
the Playaz Circle's sophomore release,
Flight 360: The Takeoff, finds the longstanding -- although only recently recorded -- crew trading lines like they've been together for years, something missing the first time out. There's a long guest list -- ranging from
OJ da Juiceman to
Ludacris -- which is a good thing since members
Tity Boi and
Dolla Boy aren't the most riveting rappers, but they're strong enough to avoid any hostile takeover. Even when an Auto-Tuned
Lil Wayne appears on the highlight "Big Dawg," the duo is in command, and with "duffle bag" references being dropped frequently, there's no mistaking who's behind this players ball. The "like" punch lines may be in overabundance -- "I need cheese like nacho" arguably the worst -- and the production from Hurt, Aktual, the Casey Boys, and others doesn't flex the duo's Southern side like fans of the DTP label might hope, but it's hard to deny that this simple, entertaining album has highlights well into the fourth quarter. Actually,
the Playaz often sound very East Coast, and seeing how they love "Z"s and keep their swagger chilled and smooth,
Flight 360 suggests they are a 21st century update of the likeminded
Sporty Thievz, which for most hip-hop fans is a very good thing. ~ David Jeffries