The title of this album could refer to the fact that this is 29-year-old Detroit rapper Obie Trice’s second long-playing release. Alternatively, it might be a reference to the events of last December 31st, when he was shot twice while driving on the Lodge Expressway by Wyoming Avenue in Detroit (he was also one of the late Proof’s best mates). The second round actually entered his head – and there’s even a picture of the x-ray of his skull on the sleeve to prove it. Perhaps a better title would’ve been Second Round’s In Me.
While there are many gunshot samples echoing throughout the 18 tracks featured here, he directly addresses the subject of his shooting on the recent single ‘Cry Now’ (they shot him because he speaks “the facts”, apparently). On the same track, he also modestly sets out his stall regarding future career plans now that Eminem’s retired: “Rock City is my voice/ The white boy has stepped down/ So I will accept the crown.”
Eminem is actually executive producer here, but only contributes one guest vocal (on the excellent ‘There They Go’, alongside Big Herk and Trick Trick).
Having been given his break three years ago, when Eminem, Dr. Dre and co. produced his debut Cheers, Trice uses this outing to help promote other lesser-known local Detroit artists. Akon features on ‘Snitch’, Brick and Lace lay down some rhymes on ‘Jamaican Girl’. However, Trey Songz and 50 Cent also contribute so there’s still some heavy hitters. Al Pacino’s voice from Scarface (“Don’t fuck with me!”) is also effectively sampled on ‘Kill Me A Mutha’.
Not being especially familiar with the ins and outs of the Detroit rap scene, I’m sure a lot of the disses and in-jokes flew right over my head. Still, the boy Trice can definitely rap and rhyme, and the production is as fabulous as you’d expect – so if you’re looking to fill that Marshal Mathers-sized hole in your record collection, you’ll probably be well happy with this.