I'm a Hustla

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Cassidy is not a "family show."
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this CD is loaded with strong language and sexual and violent content, to the point that the edited version sounds like nonsense.

  • Some good socio-political stuff and one condom, but also a lot of racist, sexist, and violent language.
  • Many violent images in lyrics, as well as gun sound effects.
  • A lot of explicit sexuality.

What's the story?

On I'M A HUSTLA, self-described "hustla" Cassidy takes on racism, politics, socio-economic issues, and the need for safe sex practices, all in songs filled with explicit sexuality, sexist and violent imagery, drug references, and gun-shot sound effects. There are some terrific guest appearances by the likes of Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne and Fabulous, Mashonda & Raekwon, Mario, Swizz Beatz, Nas, and Quan. The lovingly produced songs are mixed well, and boast terrific instrumental tracks and some irresistible, infectious, musical hooks and backup vocals. But the in-your-face message and explicit lyrics are sure to be offensive to many, and the fact that the artist himself has recently made news for walking like he talks (he's in prison facing charges of homicide, conspiracy, and weapons violations) may provide parents with some psychological ammunition that was never intended.


Is it any good?

 

Visceral and edgy, Cassidy's songs are powerful snapshots of his take on urban street life. This is definitely not a family show though, which is too bad. Cassidy has grown up a lot since his last album, and tackles some important issues; less posturing and fewer expletives would allow his powerful message to be heard more widely.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the sad fact that Cassidy is currently in prison, facing charges of homicide, conspiracy, and weapons violations. This presents an opportunity to talk about how important it is to make good choices.


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
AWSOME

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 17 years old
March 27, 2011
 
He hasn't been making music for a while but this album is a no go for your four year old its good don't get me wrong but not apporiate unless your my age and up or even just give in a little 15

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Cassidy
Release date:June 28, 2005
Label:J Records
Genre:Rap
Parental advisory:Yes
Edited version available:Yes

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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