Game Tested, Streets Approved

Last updated
Game Tested, Streets Approved
Game Tested Streets Approved.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 26, 2011
Recorded2010–11
Genre Hip hop
Length50:05
Label Duck Down Music
Producer
Black Rob chronology
The Black Rob Report
(2005)
Game Tested, Streets Approved
(2011)
Life Story 2
(2023)

Game Tested, Streets Approved is the third and final studio album by American rapper Black Rob. It was released on July 26, 2011, through Duck Down Music. The album was produced by Coptic, Buckwild, David Shapiro, DJ Pain 1, D'Mile, Gerald "Soul G." Stevens, Jermaine Washington, Self, Spank, Young McFly, and Black Rob, who also served as executive producer with Jemal Mosley. It features a lone guest appearance from Sean Price. The album peaked at number 44 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in the United States.

Contents

Background

The album was his first since The Black Rob Report , which was released six year earlier in 2005. Shortly after the release of that album, Black Rob was sentenced to seven years in prison for grand larceny and served four years of that sentence before being released in 2010. After his release from prison, Rob cut ties with his previous label Bad Boy Records and signed a deal with independent rap label, Duck Down Music Inc. and began work on Game Tested, Streets Approved.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 62/100 [1]
Review scores
SourceRating
HipHopDX 2/5 [2]
PopMatters 6/10 [3]
RapReviews6.5/10 [4]
XXL 3/5 [5]

Game Tested, Streets Approved was met with generally favorable reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 62, based on five reviews. [1]

Daniel Oh of RapReviews found "no visible rust on Game Tested, Streets Approved, Rob's first album in six years". [4] In his mixed review, David Amidon of PopMatters wrote: "ultimately, Game Tested & Street Approved is all about tracks three through eight, with the rest of it meandering through various forms of decent and straight up awful". [3] Mark Lelinwalla of XXL wrote: "with his gruff tone and no-nonsense flow, Rob holds down 14 tracks with only one guest appearance without any problems". [5] Amanda Bass of HipHopDX resumed: "there is more to Black Rob than "Whoa," but there is nothing that quite lives up to it on Game Tested, Streets Approved". [2]

Track listing

No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Welcome Back" Anthony "Buckwild" Best 3:04
2."Boiling Water" Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II 4:02
3."Bumpin'"Edward "Self Service" Hinson2:40
4."Can't Make It in NY"Jermaine "O.Z.10037" Washington2:57
5."Showin Up"Nicholas "Young McFly" Greer3:52
6."Celebration"David Shapiro3:41
7."Wanna Get Dough"Eric "Coptic" Matlock4:07
8."Get Involved"Spank4:11
9."Sand to the Beach"Gerald "Soul G." Stevens4:04
10."Made Me a Man"Anthony "Buckwild" Best4:14
11."Fuck Em'"Eric "Coptic" Matlock2:47
12."This is What It Is" Black Rob 3:16
13."Up North - This is What It Is"Black Rob3:54
14."No Fear" (featuring Sean Price)
3:16
Total length:50:05

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2011)Peak
position
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [6] 44

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Rob</span> American rapper (1968–2021)

Robert Ross, known professionally as Black Rob, was an American rapper who was signed to Sean "Puffy" Combs' Bad Boy Entertainment. He was best known for his 2000 single "Whoa!", which peaked at number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Anthony Best professionally known as Buckwild, is an American hip hop producer. Hailing from The Bronx borough of New York City, he is a member of Diggin' in the Crates Crew, along with Lord Finesse, Showbiz and A.G., Diamond D, Fat Joe, Big L, and O.C. He has produced a number of tracks for prominent rappers in the music industry, including The Notorious B.I.G.'s "I Got a Story to Tell" and Black Rob's "Whoa!". In 2013, he was described by HipHopDX as "one of Hip Hop's most prolific and acclaimed producers".

<i>Get Money, Stay True</i> 2007 studio album by Paul Wall

Get Money, Stay True is the third solo studio album by American rapper Paul Wall. It was released on April 3, 2007, via Swishahouse, Asylum Records and Atlantic Records. Production was handled by Mr. Lee, Drumma Boy, Jermaine Dupri, KLC, Russel "Aaddict" Howard and Zach Burke, with LRoc serving as co-producer. It features guest appearances from Crys Wall, Yung Redd, E Class, Freeway, Jermaine Dupri, Jon B., Juelz Santana, Lil' Keke, Snoop Dogg and Trina, as well as Paul Wall's short-lived hip hop supergroup Expensive Taste.

<i>Foundation</i> (Brand Nubian album) 1998 studio album by Brand Nubian

Foundation is the fourth studio album by American hip hop group Brand Nubian. It was released on September 29, 1998, via Arista Records. The album marked the reunion of the four original members, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Lord Jamar and DJ Alamo, who hadn't released an album together since their 1990 debut One for All.

<i>The Greatest Story Never Told</i> 2011 studio album by Saigon

The Greatest Story Never Told is the debut studio album by American rapper Saigon, released February 15, 2011 on Suburban Noize Records. The album was initially scheduled to be released in 2007, but experienced numerous delays due to issues with Saigon's previous label Atlantic Records. Although primarily produced by Just Blaze, The Greatest Story Never Told features additional production from several renowned producers, such as Buckwild, Scram Jones and Kanye West, with guest appearances from Black Thought, Bun B, Faith Evans, Jay-Z and Q-Tip, among others.

<i>Landing Gear</i> 2008 studio album by Devin the Dude

Landing Gear is the fifth solo studio album by American rapper Devin the Dude. It was released on October 7, 2008 via Razor & Tie. Recording sessions took place at the Coughee Pot in Houston. Production was handled by Rockstar, Cozmo, Domo, C-Ray Sullivan, Destrukshon, D. Hatter, D. Washington, Chuck Heat, Luster Baker, Rob Quest, and Devin himself. It features guest appearances from 14K, Dee-Rail, G Monee, Joseph Edwards Jr., L.C., Snoop Dogg, Tony Mack and Young Malice. The album peaked at number 47 on the Billboard 200, number 9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 5 on the Top Rap Albums in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skyzoo</span> American rapper (born 1982)

Gregory Skyler Taylor, known professionally as Skyzoo, is an American rapper and songwriter. He has released a number of notable solo and collaborative albums, including Cloud 9: The 3 Day High with 9th Wonder in 2006, The Salvation in 2009, A Dream Deferred in 2012, Music For My Friends in 2015, and his most recent solo album All the Brilliant Things. Skyzoo has also released a plethora of non-commercial mixtapes including Corner Store Classic and The Great Debater throughout his career, and has worked with artists such as Jill Scott, Wale, Lloyd Banks, Tyrese, Dr. Dre, Raheem Devaughn, Black Thought, Jadakiss, Talib Kweli, Spike Lee, John Legend, and others. Skyzoo has headlined or co-headlined often-yearly tours throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia, and Asia, and he owns and operates the independent record label First Generation Rich.

<i>The R.E.D. Album</i> 2011 studio album by Game

The R.E.D. Album is the fourth studio album by American rapper Game. It was released on August 23, 2011, by DGC Records and Interscope Records, which serves as Game's first release under DGC and his first album for Interscope since 2005's The Documentary. His previous two, Doctor's Advocate (2006) and LAX (2008), were released under Interscope's subsidiary imprint, Geffen Records.

<i>Random Axe</i> 2011 studio album by Random Axe (Black Milk, Guilty Simpson and Sean Price)

Random Axe is the only studio album from the American hip hop group Random Axe, released June 14, 2011, on Duck Down Music Inc. The group was composed of hip hop producer Black Milk and rappers Guilty Simpson and the late Sean Price. The album was produced entirely by Black Milk and features guest contributions from Roc Marciano, Danny Brown, Fat Ray, Melanie Rutherford, Rock, Trick Trick, and Fatt Father.

<i>Careless World: Rise of the Last King</i> 2012 studio album by Tyga

Careless World: Rise of the Last King is the second studio album by American rapper Tyga, released on February 21, 2012, by Cash Money Records, Universal Republic Records and Young Money Entertainment. It is his first album under a major label after his independent release, No Introduction. Production for the album took place during 2009 to 2011 and was handled by Jess Jackson, Arthur McArthur, Pharrell Williams, Boi-1da, and Noah "40" Shebib, among others. The album endured several release dates due to sampling credits, and experienced a limited release in retail stores due to an uncredited use of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I've Been to the Mountaintop", which was his last speech before he was assassinated on April 4th, 1968. Despite the limited release, the album received strong digital downloads, and debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 61,000 copies in its first week. The album has received generally positive reviews from music critics upon release.

<i>Gutter Rainbows</i> 2011 studio album by Talib Kweli

Gutter Rainbows is the fourth solo studio album by American rapper Talib Kweli. Originally intended to be released in only digital format, it was announced that Duck Down Music would step in to see the album got a CD release, including an import edition and a special edition with extras. The album was released on January 25, 2011, through Javotti Media and 3D.

<i>We the Best Forever</i> 2011 studio album by DJ Khaled

We the Best Forever is the fifth studio album by American disc jockey and record producer DJ Khaled. It was released on July 19, 2011, by Cash Money Records, We the Best Music Group and Universal Motown Records. It is his first album to be released on a major label, his first four albums being released on the independent label Koch Records, which later changed its name to E1 Music.

<i>Vodka & Ayahuasca</i> 2012 studio album by Gangrene

Vodka & Ayahuasca is the second full-length studio album by American hip hop duo Gangrene. It was released on January 1, 2012, through Decon. Production was handled by members Oh No and Alchemist. It features guest appearances from Evidence, Kool G Rap, Prodigy, Roc C and Roc Marciano.

<i>H.N.I.C. 3</i> 2012 studio album by Prodigy

H.N.I.C. 3 is the fourth solo studio album by American hip hop recording artist Prodigy. It was released on July 3, 2012, via Infamous Records, serving as the third and final instalment of the rapper's H.N.I.C. series. Recording sessions took place at Plain Truth Ent Studio. Production was handled by The Alchemist, Beat Butcha, S.C., Ty Fyffe, Young L, Sid Roams, The Colombians, T.I., Valentino, and Zam, with Oh No and Mobetta producing the deluxe edition bonus tracks. It features guest appearances from Esther, Boogz Boogetz, T.I., Vaughn Anthony, Willie Taylor, Wiz Khalifa, and his Mobb Deep cohort Havoc.

<i>A Dream Deferred</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Skyzoo

A Dream Deferred is the second studio album of Brooklyn rapper Skyzoo. The album was released on October 23, 2012. The album met with a largely positive critical response, earning 86/100 from Metacritic. It is one of Skyzoo's best charting albums, reaching No. 7 on the Top Heatseekers chart, No. 191 on the Billboard 200, No. 25 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, No. 18 on Top Rap Albums, and No. 40 on the Independent Albums chart.

<i>This Time</i> (Beanie Sigel album) 2012 studio album by Beanie Sigel

This Time is the sixth studio album by American rapper Beanie Sigel. It was released on August 28, 2012 through State Property/Ruffhouse Records. Production was handled by Don Cheegro, Shawn Kuiper, "Dirty Harry" Zelnick, Cardiac, Chad "Wes" Hamilton, Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, Jay & PI. It features guest appearances from Akon, Corey Latif Williams, JT Roach, Junior Reid, Oliver Laing, Sean Anthony Francis, The Game, and Sigel's State Property groupmates Young Chris, Freeway, Omillio Sparks and Peedi Crakk.

<i>Float</i> (Styles P album) 2013 studio album by Styles P

Float is the sixth solo studio album by American rapper Styles P. It was released on April 16, 2013, through High Times Records. Recording sessions took place at Beast Music Studios in New Rochelle. Production was handled entirely by Scram Jones. It features guest appearances from Bullpen, N.O.R.E., Raekwon and Scram Jones, as well as his The Lox groupmates Jadakiss and Sheek Louch.

<i>Beach House EP</i> 2014 EP by Ty Dolla Sign

Beach House EP is the debut extended play (EP) by American singer Ty Dolla Sign. It was released on January 21, 2014, by Atlantic Records. Ty mostly produced through the entirety of this EP, alongside the variety of the other record producers such as DJ Mustard, D'Mile and Young Chop, among others. The EP features guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, B.o.B, French Montana, Trey Songz, Twista, Jay Rock, Travis Scott and Fredo Santana, among others. The EP was supported by three singles: "Paranoid" featuring B.o.B, "Or Nah" featuring Wiz Khalifa and DJ Mustard, and the remix to the first single entitled "Paranoid (Remix)".

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2018.

<i>Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind</i> 2022 studio album by the Game

Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind is the tenth studio album by American rapper the Game, released on August 12, 2022, by 100 Entertainment and Virgin Music Label & Artist Services. It consists of collaborations with Kanye West, Big Sean, Drake, Ice-T, Fivio Foreign, Roddy Ricch, YG, Ty Dolla Sign, Moneybagg Yo, ASAP Rocky, Jeremih, Pusha T, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz and Meek Mill, among others. Across its other 30 tracks, production was done by high-profile producers, such as Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, Mike Dean and Hit-Boy, among others.

References

  1. 1 2 "Critic Reviews for Game Tested Streets Approved - Metacritic". Metacritic . Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Bassa, Amanda (August 5, 2011). "Black Rob - Game Tested, Streets Approved". HipHopDX . Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  3. 1 2 Amidon, David (August 14, 2011). "Black Rob: Game Tested, Streets Approved, PopMatters". PopMatters . Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  4. 1 2 Oh, Daniel (July 19, 2011). "Black Rob Game Tested, Street Approved". RapReviews. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  5. 1 2 Lelinwalla, Mark (July 25, 2011). "Black Rob, Game Tested, Streets Approved - XXL". XXL . Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  6. "Black Rob Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 18, 2023.