In the tradition of classic Bay Area rap, following the lineage of artists such as the Mack,
Mac Dre and
Mac Mall,
Ray Luv delivers funked-out "tales of triple beams and ice cream." With a lyrical style similar to that of
2Pac (during the late '80s the two emcees were in a group together called Strictly Dope),
Ray Luv chronicles his participation in the game with a flare that's much respected throughout Northern Cali and beyond. With
Khayree, the genius behind
Mac Mall's
Illegal Business, providing his trademarked production and beat changes,
Forever Hustlin' practically serves as a blueprint for Bay Area playa rap. In 1995 the album indeed battled with
the Luniz' Operation Stackola for regional supremacy. Sporting heavy, heavy bass and
Dr. Dre-influenced synths, songs such as "The Factor" and "Keep Ya Mask On" present mobbin' music at its finest. Frenzied collaborations with
Ant D.O.G. and Young Grinn on "Definition of Ah Hustla'" and "What U in It 4" up the ante even further, yet
Ray Luv also shows his smoother side on tracks including "I'd Rather Be a Pimp" and "We Do This Everyday." Very well rounded for a gangsta rap album,
Forever Hustlin' has earned underground classic status for good reason. ~ Robert Gabriel