Putting aside their production roles for a bit, Brian "Baby" Williams and
Mannie Fresh pick up the microphone for
How You Luv That? and with much outside assistance deliver an album highlighted by a few standout songs early in the proceedings. As with most Cash Money releases, the highlights come immediately -- "Playboy (Don't Hate Me)," "Stun'n," "Tear It Up," and "How U Luv That?" -- followed by a sizable drop-off, which signals the turn toward guest-laden semi-promotional filler. These latter tracks, featuring performances by
Hot Boys Lil Wayne,
B.G., and
Juvenile among others, are somewhat hit-and-miss, often dependent upon whether or not the hooks catch you. Despite its sometimes weak moments,
How You Luv That? remains one of the best early releases by Cash Money and will give you a great taste of how the successful label began. [Cash Money re-released
How You Luv That? as
How You Luv That?, Vol. 2 in late 1998 after signing its distribution deal with Universal Records. This re-release substitutes a remix of "Stun'n" for the original version and adds "Big Ballin'," "Money & Power," and "Drop It Like It's Hot."] ~ Jason Birchmeier