Almost seven years after the tragic death of rapper / singer-songwriter Lisa Left Eye"" Lopes, she makes another appearance in the music world with the newly-released Eye Legacy. The compilation was put together by her family in her honor, brings back the hip-hop pioneer's honest, in-your-face lyrics as if she were still alive today. The album constitutes Left Eye's typically hopeful and inspiring messages meshed with raw backbeats, which are sure to keep her loyal listeners satisfied.
The album covers a combination of old and new. Remixes to some of Lopes' tracks from her 2001 solo album Supernova, which was only released overseas, join together with material that had never before been released. Several existing artists add their talent as well, including Bobby Valentino, Missy Elliot, Lil' Mama, Chamillionaire, Wanya Morris and the remaining members of TLC.
The best collaboration lies in the CD's first single, ""Let's Just Do It,"" featuring Missy Elliot and TLC. This party song is sure to leave its listeners head bopping to the funky sounds and snappy lyrics. The song has a hint of the past, but would fit right into current radio play with the innovative scratching and rhythms. This track, along with ""Block Party,"" ""Crank It"" and ""Bounce,"" which features mainstream mainstays Chamillionaire and Bone Crusher, are without a doubt, club beats.
The general reaction of listeners toward a posthumous album is one of wariness. After all, a collection of unfinished tidbits of old songs clashing with the occasional featured modern artist is not likely to be the most intriguing commodity on the new releases shelf. However, in the case of Eye Legacy, Lopes leaves behind material that is not only advanced in style, but contains timeless, universal lessons.
For example, in the first track off the album, ""Spread Your Wings,"" Left Eye wisely advises, ""Never suicide / That's the easy route / There's always another way out / Think about it / Think about it."" The song exemplifies how women need to stop feeling sorry for themselves and choose the path that makes them happy.
The song that is most likely to stick in listener's heads is the unique ""Neva Will Eye Eva."" Left Eye's flow matches the rhythm flawlessly. Lopes raps, ""Make up your mind, and while you do that / I will freak my own words to cover ground / Lisa wont stop no fu***ng way / What ever you feel / What ever you say."" These insanely clever and confident rhymes leave a bittersweet sentiment, contemplating the untold art she never had the chance to produce.
Left Eye is an artist that is truly missed, whether it is her understanding heart or the complex, fiery delivery that once emanated from this tiny woman. And any album we can use to celebrate someone like Lisa ""Left Eye"" Lopes is definitely CrazySexyCool.
