With
Big Pun's unfortunate passing,
Cuban Link's debut,
24-K, shoulders a considerable burden, as it will play a major role in determining how future
Terror Squad endeavors unfold. Dependant upon its level of success,
Link's solo-bow will either lead to a renewed anticipation in the Latino based crew or a retreated interest; the enigmatic album does a little of both. As expected, the commercial formula that came so easily to the charismatic
Pun is emulated here, as
Link's infectiously naughty "Project Party," featuring
Sunkiss, and the sweat-inducing drum patterns of the
Neptune produced "Still Telling Lies" beg for heavy rotation. While a slew of less redeeming crossover reaches exemplify the carefree existence
Link frequently portrays. Frivolous collaborations of this sort stand in stark contrast to the depth he exudes on touching odes to his mom ("Hey Mama"), and
Pun ("Flowers for the Dead"). On "90 Miles and Running" he laments "don't let the pretty face fool ya" and, true to his words, the fortunes of
24-K evolves dramatically when
Link places a premium on the facets he is most adept in; taking it to the streets. A more focused artist surfaces on "Murda Murda," which features
Ja Rule, and the high-impact "Men of Business," with Noreaga,
Kool G. Rap, Lord Tarik, and M.O.P. Yet, the LP's most essential cuts are highlighted by the obvious chemistry between
Link and his T-Squad brethren;
Fat Joe on the paranoid "Why Me" and a posthumous appearance from
Pun on "Toe to Toe," where both MCs trade powerful verses over the Roots' "Clones" and
Mobb Deep's "G.O.D. Pt 3."
24-K is a diverse debut, but it is one that settles, rather then stirs. Clocking in at a laborious 73 minutes, this longwinded effort, much like
Link himself, harbors over-ambitious tendencies, as the artist's appeasing nature prevents
24-K from achieving a lasting identity. ~ Matt Conaway