Review by Steven Levine, Grade 11

Obie Trice was brought up like many rappers: in the ghetto of an industrial city, in this case, Detroit.  His hard knocks life taught him at a young age that hard work and determination could lift him out of his struggle. Marshall Mathers, a.k.a. Eminem, inspired Trice. Eminem's success in the underground scenes of Detroit encouraged Trice to meet and impress his role model. It didn't take long. Obie's career skyrocketed after a personal introduction to the Detroit rap legend himself. Eminem was so impressed by Obie's sampler, as well as his work ethic, that he signed him on the spot. Three years later, Obie released his first album, "Cheers," which received highly regarded praise around the world.  Trice just released his second album "Second Round's On Me," which clearly demonstrates the maturation and professional talents that Obie has at the microphone.

Obie Trice has a presence and style all his own. Plain and simple. Nobody with any experience with rap music could ever mistake Obie for another rapper. His incomparable voice has the ability to take center stage, but not overshadow the music. He can also blend into the music for a good boost. All rap sounds the same. No it doesn't. Obie Trice has proved that in 2003 and now again in 2006. 

Since 2003, Obie has matured as a lyricist as well as in production. As a boy, Trice always wanted to connect with his icons. Unsurprisingly, a goal he had on this album was to connect with his listeners.  He has successfully achieved this goal through unparalleled lyrics and song structure. His great flow and rhythm complement the beats of Eminem and his other qualified producers. Not only that, this album can stimulate anyone to feel all types of emotions. For example, "Lay Down" is a song designed to amp up the listener as Obie displays well his quick skills as well as his rhymes. The chorus contrasts Obie's quickness with a slower power-punched feature that can bring anybody's heart rate up. 

Trice brings down the curtain on his sophomore album with "Obie Story." The tone of this song goes from upbeat, to depressed, and then it tops off with an optimistic feeling.  What makes this song is how the mood changes when the lyrics and beats change, accurately showing how the music can affect a listener's perception of meaning just as easily as lyrics can.

Obie Trice was determined to avoid the curse of the sophomore slump with the release of his second album, and he has succeeded in style.  "Second Round's On Me" shows all the fine qualities that Trice possesses in the rap business. If you enjoyed "Cheers" then you are bound to love this album. Even if you have never heard the work of Trice, you should give this album a listen because it is truly phenomenal.